Council on Aging appoints representatives to building FF&E working group after debate over single delegate

The Redding Council on Aging voted Sept. 14 to nominate representatives to the town’s permanent building/FF&E working group, a step officials said is intended to give older residents a voice in selecting furniture and equipment for the new Pleasant Street Center.

Members debated how many delegates should represent the council. Marilyn Chaplin, a COA member, argued one delegate could leave the council underrepresented: "I think if we had 2 or even 3 people from council on aging, we'd have a much more balanced view from the perspective of those who are really gonna use the building," she said. Several others pressed for a primary representative plus an alternate to ensure continuity if the primary delegate cannot attend vendor visits.

The motion to nominate a COA representative/team was moved, seconded and carried by roll call. The chair said the town would lead scheduling and that COA representatives must coordinate closely with staff to solicit and relay feedback from the full council. The nomination was positioned as a way to make the council’s collective feedback part of the permanent building committee’s decision-making on accessibility and furnishings.

Members emphasized that the representative is expected to communicate broadly with the COA and bring consolidated input rather than act unilaterally. The council asked staff to inform members of meeting dates and to allow alternates to be listed as contacts so they can stay informed even if only one member attends vendor sessions.