Fallon County Council on Aging – August 2025
Fallon County Council on Aging
Regular Meeting – August 26, 2025 – Baker Senior Center
The August meeting of Fallon County Council on Aging was called to order by President Susan Newell. Eight members were present: Rose Straub, Nikki Verke, Susan Newell, Erna Greenlee, JoAnn Parini, Gary Lang, Debbie Klos, and Lyle Neary. Also present was Carla Brown, Council on Aging Director and Marci Breitbach, Council on Aging Administrative Assistant. Absent: Tom Kendall, Bonnie Newberry, and Alice Kay Schweigert.
There being no additions or corrections noted for the May 20, 2025 meeting, minutes stand approved as mailed.
ACTING AS THE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITIEE . . .
Carla and Paula recently attended a meeting in Miles City about an innovative floor system for the buses. Made of aluminum, the floor facilitates a quick and flexible design for the vehicle interior, with individual seats and wheelchairs. The smart floor is individually designed to meet specific requirements and consists of different aluminum profiles that are bonded into the vehicle. In this way, a minibus with an empty passenger compartment turns into a customized vehicle with countless variations for the seating and positioning of wheelchairs. Along with the smart floor system, the company also offers an easier/quicker method of wheelchair securement and securement of the wheelchair passenger.
Carla spoke regarding the need to apply for additional transportation vehicles during the 2027 grant cycle. Vehicles under discussion are an AWD non-ADA minivan with the ability to hold seven passengers as well as a high-top extended van or a small ADA 13 passenger cutaway.
The Fallon County County Commissioners recently offered us the use of a Chevrolet Traverse they no longer needed. We have added it to our fleet .
Carla shared that in the last three months, our fleet vehicles have cumulatively put on 12,000 miles providing out-of-town medical trips.
Carla plans on attending the Fall Transportation Manager’s Workshop in Helena September 2-5.
Setting aside their duties as the Transportation Advisory Committee . . .
OLD BUSINESS
Terms have been extended for the following board members: Gary Lang, Bonnie Newberry, Tom Kendall, and Debbie Klos.
David Espeland has signed the FY 2026 contract for the provision of both home delivered and congregate meals. The contract has been forwarded to the commissioners for their signature. The meal bid remained the same as last year at $15.00.
Carla shared that efforts continue to be made to increase senior center activities. The discussion about having a game day at the Baker Senior Center has been put on hold at this time. Movie of the month has been brought back and will be held on the fourth Thursday of each month.
NEW BUSINESS
Long-term Council on Aging Board member, Alice Kay Schweigert, has resigned from her position. Board members were encouraged to come up with names of prospective members to be presented at the next board meeting. Following the review of submitted names by the Council on Aging board, the Fallon County Commissioners are tasked with final approval and appointment of a new member.
Marci shared that the next SAIL Fitness Program session is scheduled to begin on September 2, 2025.
The monthly activity logs for May, June, and July 2025 were discussed.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Carla is planning to participate in the annual SHIP and I&A recertification in September. This will again be a virtual event.
Medicare Part D Annual Open Enrollment Period is October 15 through December 7. This is the one time a year to change an individual’s prescription drug plan. Office staff will be extremely busy during the OEP.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
A delicious lunch was served by Erna Greenlee.
-s-SUSAN NEWELL
Susan Newell, President
-s-MARCI BREITBACH
Marci Breitbach, Secretary
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Baker Senior Center, 2:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – Baker Senior Center, 2:00 p.m.
Hostess: Rose Straub
