Marshfield Council on Aging                                                                                   SENIOR CENTER BUILDING USAGE POLICY 

Adoption Date: 9/21/11                                                                                                                                             Last Revision Date:  04/16/2025 

PURPOSE:                                                                                                                                                                           The Senior Center Building Usage Policy provides guidelines consistent with the Mission and Goals of the Council on Aging. This policy informs and assists staff, patrons, individuals, and groups to maximize usage and maintain the integrity and safety of the facility while meeting the needs of senior citizens.

POLICY:    

1. The Senior Center, 230 Webster Street, Marshfield, MA is managed by the Director and assisted by the Council on Aging (COA) Board in a policy making/advisory capacity. 

2. The COA Board establishes the conditions under which use of the building and grounds may be granted.  The Senior Center Building Usage Policy includes rules and regulations and an application. The Director accepts, amends or rejects applications and may require a security deposit.

3. Users will respect our Campus neighbors: Marshfield Youth Baseball, the Daniel Webster Estate, the Conservation Commission, and the residents of the immediate neighborhood.

4. The Center is a town-owned facility. The Board recognizes the need of town government, departments and non-profit organizations to use as a meeting place subject to limitations of hours of operation, staffing, budget, security, cleaning and maintenance.  

5. The Senior Center serves as a temporary short-term Emergency Reception Center to the community. An emergency will be defined in accordance with current town policy by the Board of Selectmen who will inform the Director. (Official emergencies shall take precedence over activities in the building and may require their cancellation.) (see the Emergency Reception M.O.U.)

6. The Director, and the COA Board have the authority to interpret this policy.                                                                                                                                                        

(see attached Rules and Regulations)  

PROCEDURES:

SENIOR CENTER BUILDING RULES ®GULATIONS Rev. 4/16/25

1. The Center is a public facility managed by the COA staff.  Senior programs and services will take precedence for scheduling and use of the center.  Use of the Senior Center Facility is restricted to non-profit organizations and community groups, commercial groups, private functions and personal use are not permitted.

2. No alcohol is permitted, per Marshfield General Bylaw Article 7, Section 10 accept by advanced written consent of the Select Board and pursuant to a special license issued under MGL c.138 14. (voted on STM 12/16/2024)

3. The Center is a smoke-free facility. No person can smoke inside or within 25 feet of the building. Smoking is not permitted in COA vehicles. (Town of Marshfield Smoking Policy adopted April 27, 2009 per Article 10). 

4. Permission to use the Center outside of regular operating hours, for eligible groups and organizations, may be granted upon receipt of an application at least thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the requested date. Organizations proposing regular use may apply once a year for an annual permit. The use of all property and equipment is subject to the restrictions and regulations of the Council on Aging, which reserves the right to deny the use of the facility when it is in the best interests of the Center to do so.

5. Outside organizations or groups applying for building use will designate one representative who shall: will be personally present during the function and insure that all furniture and equipment is returned to its original position; be familiar with emergency evacuation procedures including the floor plan, how to contact the police or fire departments and follow the Fire Safety and Evacuation Policy.  The Director reserves the right to require the presence of a custodian and/or a police detail at the applicant’s expense. Organizations using the building or grounds shall be responsible for the conduct of the people whom they admit any infraction of the rules.  Organizations will pay the cost of any damage or uncleanliness caused by them during the period of their use as determined by the Director.  

6. Organizations, groups, and permit holders are responsible for removing all trash from the property and restoring the facility, furniture and equipment to its original location. 

7. Use of the Center is confined to the areas specified in the application. All other areas of the building are strictly off-limits.

8. All food and/or beverages will be restricted to the kitchen and dining room unless other arrangements are made

9. Parking of vehicles is restricted to the designated lined parking spaces on pavement.

10. Animals are prohibited from being in the Center except for service animals performing their duties or with permission from the Director. Dogs and other animals cannot be left unattended, fastened to stationary objects, including trees and shrubs outside the building.  

11. Political activities will be consistent with policies of the town of Marshfield and with the mission of the COA and the programs and services at the Center.  The COA supports activities that will educate seniors on issues, ballot items, political topics, and candidates which are relevant within our community. This activity will take the form of a pre-scheduled debate, forum, discussion or similar activity where both/all sides of the issue or both/all candidates are invited to participate.  The Council on Aging restricts any political activity including campaigning, petitions and or the distribution of materials within the Senior Center

12. Posters, decorations, petitions or signs may not be put up in the building unless there is express permission from the  

       Director. The Council on Aging does not allow memorial events and or items such as plaques or pictures to be displayed   

       at the Senior Center. 

13. The Senior Center along with furnishings, supplies and equipment are to be used for authorized/official use only and are not to be used for commercial or contract work. 

                                                        Marshfield Council on Aging

                                                CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

                                                Adoption Date:   October 16, 2013

                                                        Revision Date:    April 16, 2025

PURPOSE

To establish guidelines for all Council on Aging (COA) Board members, staff and volunteers, to respect the personal and financial privacy of COA clients.

CONFIDENTIALITY

It is the policy of the COA that the aforementioned individuals not disclose, divulge or make accessible confidential information to any person, including relatives, friends, business and professional associates, other than persons who have a legitimate need for such information and to whom the COA authorizes disclosure. This policy is not intended to prevent disclosure where it is required by law. Board members, staff and volunteers are to use confidential information solely for the purpose of performing services for the COA. In order to avoid improper disclosures of confidential or sensitive information good judgment and care are needed at all times. Conversations in public places must be limited to matters that do not pertain to sensitive or confidential information. Board members, staff and volunteers must be aware of the risk of inadvertent disclosure.  

In order to insure that proper precautions and protections are in place you must: 

• Refrain from leaving confidential information, including official documents in plain view 

• Refrain from the use of speaker phones if confidential information can be heard by unauthorized persons 

• Exercise care when using two way radios, personal computers and other electronic devices. 

RESPONSIBILITY

Failure to adhere to the confidentiality policy will result in discipline or action, up to and including, termination of employment or service. 

At the end of a Board member’s term in office, or the termination of staff, volunteers or contractor’s relationships with the COA, all documents and other materials which may contain or be derived from confidential information must be returned to the Director.

I have received and read a copy of the COA’s policy on Confidentiality and understand that, as a Board member, staff or volunteer, I am bound by this policy. 

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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------                    ---------------------------------           Printed Name                                                                                                             Date        

MARSHFIELD COUNCIL ON AGING

FIRE, SAFETY AND EVACUATION POLICY

Adoption Date:    5/20/15

Last Revision Date:    3/20/24 

PURPOSE   

To ensure the safety of all people present at the Senior Center in case of fire or other emergencies by posting critical information about evacuating the building and other protective measures.

POLICY 

The Director or designee, and or Fire or Police Department personnel if appropriate, is responsible for all decisions and directions during any emergency.  The Director will coordinate and communicate with bus drivers, and other affected people or organizations.  Fire Drills in conjunction with the Fire Department will be conducted semi-annually.  All COA staff will be trained to assist in emergencies.  

PROCEDURES:

1. Fire Emergency

When an individual observes fire or smoke anywhere in the building, he/she will immediately call 911 from an in-house phone, located in every room, and/or activate a fire alarm located adjacent to all outside doors, notify the office staff and exit the building.  Do NOT attempt to use fire extinguishers without knowledge of operation. 

2. Evacuation 

• When the fire alarm sounds, all building occupants must exit immediately in a safe and orderly fashion.  Outside doors are located at the front and the back of the building and in the dining room. Then on the second floor there is an emergency exit off the billiards room, or a stairway. During a fire the elevator is not operational. Staff members will provide assistance where necessary and ensure that no person has been left behind.  (See “Staff Team Assignments”)

• Evacuation diagrams are located in every room adjacent to the door. When leaving the building, help anyone needing assistance or notify a staff member if unable to help.  Do NOT lift anyone unless specifically trained to do so.    

• Once outside, meet away from the building at the Daniel Webster Bridge or the Upper Parking Lot.  Do NOT drive away as your car may block access to fire trucks or other emergency vehicles.  

3. Medical Emergency

Stay with the person requiring help. Immediately call for assistance from the office staff and/or dial 911 from an in-house phone, located in every room, to report any serious emergency.  First Aid supplies including gloves are located in both the kitchen and health room. A defibrillator is located on the wall next to the Men’s Room. A second defibrillator is located next to the elevator on second floor. Do NOT attempt to lift or move a person who has fallen unless specifically trained.

4. Other Disruptive Events 

• Suspicious Behavior

Immediately report to the office staff concerns about any person’s suspicious, strange, or upsetting behavior.  Staff will immediately notify the Director or designee who will implement appropriate action. 

• Dangerous Intruder

Escape if possible:   In case of an armed and/or dangerous intruder, notify a staff person if possible.  If there is an escape path, exit when safe to do so and call 911.  Leave all personal belongings behind.  Help others escape if possible.  Follow directions of police when they arrive.  

• Shelter in place:  If there is shooting or other extreme violence and safe evacuation is impossible, shelter in place.  Find a room to hide in and lock the door, block with furniture and draw shades.  Silence cell phones and any TV or radio.  Hide behind large items such as cabinets or desks.  Dial 911 to alert police to the intruder’s location.  If speaking is impossible, leave the line open for the dispatcher to listen.  Be quiet and remain calm.  Staff should use the emergency channel on the radio to call police. 

5.   Critique

• Immediately following any evacuation resulting from the fire alarm sounding or an intruder incident, staff members and any board members present will note any problems that occurred.  The Director or designee will document this discussion and transfer information to the Emergency Critique Form (ECF).

• The Board of Directors will review the ECF at the next meeting and discuss the emergency along with any suggestions that would improve safety.  

• After the Board Meeting, all information will be referred to the Governance Committee who will amend this policy if necessary.  If there are any changes, the policy will be returned to the Board of Directors for approval.

Attachments: 

Sample Evacuation Diagram

Staff Team Assignments

Emergency Critique Form (ECF)

Marshfield Council on Aging –                                                                                          Fitness Room Policy                                                                                                        Adoption Date:      05/15/2024    

PURPOSE: The Fitness Room has been specifically designed to serve the needs of “seniors age sixty and over”. The space has equipment that is safe and accessible with a low impact lifestyle in mind. The purpose is to provide opportunities for “seniors” to maintain and improve their overall well-being in a comfortable and affordable way.

PROCEDURES: 

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

· All users must have a signed Fitness Activity/Health Wellness Service/Activities Permission, Release of Liability and Medical Release form on file.

· All users of the Fitness Room must register at one of the kiosks before using the fitness room.

· All new or returning fitness members are required to attend an orientation. (1-3 appt. suggested)

· Proper attire and dry footwear is required.

· During peak times there will be a time limit for strength equipment of 10 minutes and a time limit for cardio equipment of 20 minutes. Sitting on machines without using them is prohibited.

· Users must wipe down all machines after use and between sets if alternating sets with someone else.

· Minimum of (2) two people in the room at all times for safety reasons. Maximum of 8 people in the room at any one time. A Fitness Room monitor will be in the room during peak hours.

· If you need a workout partner you can join *TeamReach “Marshfield Senior Center Fitness Room” use code 8344451 (Instructions available in the Fitness Room)

· You must be able to work the fitness machines independently.

· NOTICE: USE OF EXERCISE EQUIPMENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.  

MARSHFIELD council on aging

MISSION STATEMENT

The Council on Aging provides

an inclusive and welcoming

environment of dignity and

respect for seniors.  Through

opportunities and resources,

seniors connect and share

experiences, explore new

interests, expand knowledge

and preserve independence.

VISION STATEMENT

“To promote healthy aging with

meaning and purpose”

VALUES STATEMENT

We believe that our mission and vision are supported by the following values:

Fostering an environment of

empathy and acceptance

Promoting a safe and secure community

Encouraging an inclusive and diverse culture

Supporting self-determination

and independence

                                           Marshfield Council on Aging

                                                       PET POLICY

                                                     Adoption Date:  May 2, 2012

                                                     Reviewed Date: April 16, 2025

PURPOSE

To ensure the safety of all people in the building or on the grounds of the Senior Center and to comply with Town Bylaw, Article Twenty Seven—Animal Control.

INTERIOR / EXTERIOR

Animals are prohibited inside the Council on Aging (COA) Senior Center except for registered service animals performing their duties.  They shall be restrained by chain or leash in accordance with (Article 27, Section 1 of the Town Bylaw).  Animals are permitted inside the building only by invitation of the Director. Dogs and other animals may not be left unattended or fastened to stationary objects, including trees and shrubs on the Senior Center grounds. An owner or individual walker of the dog is responsible for the collection and proper disposal of all animal excrement.  Any violation of this policy will be reported to the Police and the Animal Control Officer.

This policy is also incorporated into the Building Rules and Regulations Policy. 

TOWN BYLAW  

ARTICLE TWENTY SEVEN-ANIMAL CONTROL

No dog shall be allowed in any public place or any lands, beaches or ways within the town unless it is effectively restrained by a chain or leash and under the direct positive control of its owner or handler.

SECTION 1:  It shall be the duty of the Animal Control Officer to enforce this article of the General Bylaws of the town. All dogs found running at large within the town may be impounded, and thereafter, the Animal Control Officer shall make a complete registry of the dog including its breed if discernible, color, sex and identification tag or marks. If the dog is licensed the officer shall note the name and address of the owner and shall send notice by mail that the dog has been impounded. If the owner of the dog is unknown or if the owner of the dog does not respond to said notice within two days, written notice of the impounding of the dog shall be posted in one or more public buildings of the town, in a conspicuous place. The provisions of the bylaw shall not prohibit the use of hunting dogs for hunting purposes during the appropriate hunting season.  It shall not prohibit the training of hunting or working dogs and shall not prohibit field trials for hunting and working dogs when conducted by a responsible person. 

The penalty for breaking this bylaw shall be $25.00 for each offense. The penalty for each ensuing offense shall be as follows:  2nd offense $50.00—3rd offense $75.00—4th and each additional offense $100.00.

The penalty for allowing dogs to run at large and who are deemed to be vicious (either through a previous dog bite or by determination of the Animal Control Officer) will be $200.00. All penalties shall be imposed on the owner or keeper and shall be cumulative as they relate to the individual rather than to any specific dog.     

Marshfield Council on Aging 

PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Adoption Date:  June 16, 2010 

 Revision Date: July 16, 2025

POLICY

To provide guidance and procedures to staff, volunteers and passengers regarding utilization of the transportation services and programs offered by the Council on Aging.  

PURPOSE

The Council on Aging (COA) has two (2) transportation programs, one “Dial a Ride” utilizing COA vehicles and the other using volunteers in their private vehicles. The purpose of the transportation program is to assist elders 60 and over and or disabled to receive essential services allowing them to remain independent in the community. The program customarily runs Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The COA vans and or the Volunteer Transportation Program may be cancelled due to inclement weather. This may be determined by the COA Director, the Project Coordinator or by cancellation of the Select Board. Cancelation announcements will be made on WATD (95.9 FM) and other media outlets. 

PROCEDURES

PROGRAM 1 SHUTTLE VANS/BUSES

General Information

The COA’s lift-equipped shuttle vans/buses provide door-to-door transportation on a 5-day per week basis. The COA provides trips for shopping, drug stores, hairdressers, banks, voting, medical appointments, the hot lunch program and Senior Center as scheduled. 

Bundles should be limited to 3 per person on the bus, but should not exceed 4 bundles. The driver or designated escort will assist passengers onto the bus with their bundles and, upon arrival at their home will provide assistance only to their door. 

Items left in the van will be returned to the Senior Center Lost and Found. Passengers will be responsible for arranging to have the items returned to them.  

Eligibility

Transportation is available to Marshfield residents 60 and over, disabled persons or non-ambulatory persons of any age. Our service area is within Marshfield and bordering communities that fall within a 15-mile radius of the Senior Center. At the discretion of the COA Director, the bus may occasionally be used for longer distances such as cultural trips and special events. 

Transportation is door-to-door and passengers are expected to be able to travel independently. If the COA or the driver determines that a passengers is unable to travel independently due to physical conditions or health reasons then an escort, such as a personal care attendant, family member or friend will be required to accompany the passenger.   If a companion is to accompany the passenger he/she must notify the COA to insure there is ample seating. If any specialized accommodations are needed, the passenger should notify the COA at least one day in advance. Drivers are not currently certified or equipped to assist wheelchair or non-ambulatory persons on stairs; or to assist with transfers from a seated to a standing position; or from a seat to a wheelchair. If there is concern regarding a person’s need for specialized assistance, a COA staff member will assess the situation and make a determination. If deemed ineligible to travel, the client will be referred to an appropriate agency which may provide transportation. 

Van/Bus Donation Policy

Although there is no set charge for shuttle van/bus services, passengers are encouraged to make donations consistent with the “GATRA Fee Schedule”. The suggested donation is based on destination and is voluntary and confidential. Passengers will not be denied because of their inability to pay.  Copies of the current shuttle van/bus schedule and van/bus donation policy are available on request.  

Van/Bus Scheduling

The COA office is open 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday thru Friday. The telephone number is 781-834-5581. Appointments should be made at least one day in advance but can be made up until 8:45 AM the day of travel. However, rides will be provided on a first come first serve basis. The COA makes every attempt to fill requests for transportation but if unable to do so, the COA will try to make alternative arrangements. 

Passengers are expected to be ready at the scheduled pick-up time. While every attempt will be made to arrive at pick-ups in a timely manner there is no guarantee due to circumstances beyond control of the COA.  Upon arrival at the destination, passengers will be delivered back to their home, unless a different location is requested. This should be arranged with the COA ahead of time. If passengers are unable to keep their appointment they should notify the office to cancel the ride as soon as possible. Notification will allow other passengers on the waiting list to ride the bus. Early notification also prevents the driver from making unnecessary trips. 

Requests for Outside Usage

The Council on Aging uses their buses for the purpose of transporting seniors and the disabled for local appointments and programs consistent with our mission. Under rare circumstances we may grant permission to an “official” town entity to use the bus locally. The town entity must comply with criteria that the Council on Aging sets forth such as insurance, using trained and qualified drivers, staying within local destinations and any other required documentation. The COA does not rent or loan out our bus to private entities. 

PROGRAM 2 VOLUNTEER DRIVER PROGRAM

The second aspect of the transportation uses volunteers to provide transportation, with their own private vehicles, for medical and other necessary appointments outside of Marshfield The purpose of this program is to assist elders who have no other means of transportation, to receive essential services. Allowable trips are medical appointments, treatments, mental health, adult day health/social day care, legal services, Social Security Office, congregate lunch, visiting a spouse in a hospital or nursing home, local shopping for prescriptions up to twice per month and beauty parlor or barber once per month. This program serves Marshfield ambulatory elder residents who are 60 and older and or disabled. Passengers may arrange for an escort of their choosing to accompany them. Any incident or accident that occurs in or out of the car during the trip must be reported by the Volunteer Driver to the Project Coordinator for Volunteers or the Director, as soon as possible. 

Volunteer medical drivers from the Council on Aging may not be available to drive clients to appointments during severe weather or threats of such weather. The Director in conjunction with the Volunteer Coordinator will have the authority to cancel the volunteer transportation program when necessary. 

Patients with medically necessary appointments, including dialysis treatments must have a back-up plan to the Volunteer Transportation Program. 

Volunteer medical drivers from the Council on Aging are not permitted to drive clients to appointments that are having certain diagnostic or surgical procedures done.  

FUNDING AND DONATION POLICY

This Program is funded by the Older American’s Act of 1965 and requires agencies to extend an opportunity to contribute to the cost of the program. This program is voluntary and confidential.  These volunteers are reimbursed for mileage at the current federal reimbursement rate, through Old Colony Planning Council Area Agency on Aging. Those utilizing the service are provided with the opportunity to make donations toward the cost of the program. These donations are made directly to Old Colony Planning Council. The COA is responsible for the recruitment and coordination of the program, authorization of trips, processing mileage reimbursement for volunteers and sending donation letters to those who utilize the program. If you would like additional information about this transportation program, a more specific Old Colony Planning Council policy guide is available upon request to the Council on Aging.

PRE-REQUISITES FOR SHUTTLE VAN/BUS AND VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION

Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency each passenger must provide the name, phone number and relationship to a contact person. This will be kept in a confidential file at the COA office. 

Escorts

When deemed appropriate by the COA staff, escorts may accompany passengers on either the COA vehicles or with volunteer transportation. Escorts are required for people in wheelchairs on COA vehicles. 

Seat Belts

All passengers must fasten their seat belts on the COA Bus/Van or when being transported by a volunteer. This is a town policy and a Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 Section 13A. 

Proper Attire

Proper attire, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times. 

Weapons

Weapons, firearms, knives, illegal drugs and other dangerous items are not allowed on the COA vehicles or in volunteer’s private cars. 

COUNCIL ON AGING CONDUCT/ BEHAVIOR POLICY

Passengers shall respect the rights of other passengers and staff. Participants shall not harass, annoy, or disrupt others through noisy, boisterous, demeaning, intimidating, or harassing language, and behavior. Participants should make every effort to demonstrate respect for the COA vehicles, bus drivers, passengers and personal property of others. 

DENIAL OF SERVICE

1. Unsafe Conditions -When it is deemed unsafe to transport for health or safety or mobility reasons,            the Director reserves the right to deny transportation service to any individual.  

2. Mental Health Episode - If a patron experiences a mental health episode, but is otherwise capable of conforming to these standards, then exceptions will be considered. Otherwise, permanent suspension may result.

3. Not Following the COA Standards of Independence and Behavior Policy– Those individuals who do not abide by these rules of conduct as stated. If a participant cannot comply, staff will be available to share resources, discuss options and make referrals. The staff is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for the riders. 

DUE PROCESS:

If inappropriate behavior is witnessed or reported, the staff shall use discretion to take corrective action. Participants who violate the conduct behavior policy will be advised that such behavior is unacceptable and the behavior must cease at once. Staff will ask the participant to abstain from the inappropriate behavior. If the behavior continues the COA Director or designee will meet with this person to discuss the situation and try to resolve it. If a participant then refuses to abide by the policy, the police may be summoned or the person’s caregiver may be contacted. If medically necessary, the ambulance and or person’s doctor may be contacted. 

In the event that a participant abuses or continues to abuse the foregoing policy the  COA will notify the violator in writing of the policy, by certified mail, return receipt requested, The participant will further be notified that transportation privileges may be suspended in the event such conduct occurs in the future. The term of suspension shall be determined by the Council on Aging on a case-by-case basis. 

POLICY ADMINISTRATION 

The COA Board delegates the implementation of this policy to the COA Director or his/her designee.  

                                               Marshfield Council on Aging

                                                   & Town of Marshfield

                                                      SMOKING POLICY

                                                 Adoption Date:   July 18, 2012

                                                 Reviewed Date: April 16, 2025 

PURPOSE

To maintain a healthy, smoke free environment for Marshfield Senior Center participants.

PROCEDURE

This Senior Center is a smoke free facility.  No person shall smoke, use smokeless tobacco products or electronic smoking devices nor shall any employer or other person having control of the premises upon which smoking is prohibited by this regulation, or the agent or designee of such person, permit a person to smoke in any of the following places as defined herein: health care facilities, enclosed public places and within 25 feet of any enclosed public building (including the Senior Center), public transportation (includes COA shuttle buses and vans), restaurants, retail stores, town property, town vehicles and work places except as otherwise provided in Section V of this Bylaw (Town of Marshfield Smoking Policy adopted April 27, 2009, Division 6, Section 670. 

                                                          Marshfield Council on Aging

                       STANDARDS OF INDEPENDENCE AND BEHAVIOR POLICY 

                                                 Adoption Date:   April 9, 2012

                                                 Revision Date:   June 18 2025

PURPOSE

To ensure that Council on Aging participants are safe and comfortable when visiting the Marshfield Senior Center.

PARTICIPATION AT THE SENIOR CENTER

Participants at the Senior Center:

1. Must provide the staff with the name and telephone number of a person to contact in case of emergency. 

2. Must be reasonably oriented, capable of reasonable independent decision making and capable of 

planning their activities (such as transportation, lunch, financial activities, etc.).

3. Must take responsibility for their personal care, including feeding, hygiene, toilet continence, personal health and medical care, including medication, special diets, etc. Senior Center staff is not responsible for providing medication or other personal health and medical care. The staff is not trained or authorized to do so.

4. Must practice common decency towards one another. Must respect the rights of other participants and staff, must not harass, annoy or disrupt others through noisy, boisterous, demeaning, intimidating or harassing language, action and/or behavior, must not cause disturbances or disruptions and must show respect for building facilities and personal property of others.

5. Must wear proper non-offensive attire, including shirts, hats and shoes.

6. Must refrain from smoking, drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while on the premises.

WEAPONS AND VIOLENCE

Visitors are not allowed to carry weapons, firearms, knives and/or other similar items under any circumstances.

Violence or threats of violence are not permitted under any circumstances and will result in the participant being asked to leave and possible permanent suspension of Senior Center privileges may result. 

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

If inappropriate behavior is witnessed or reported, the staff shall use discretion to take corrective action. Participants who violate the conduct behavior policy will be advised that such behavior is unacceptable and must cease at once. Staff will ask participant to abstain from the inappropriate behavior. If behavior continues the COA Director or designee will discuss the situation and try to resolve it. If participant then refuses to abide by the policy, and if necessary, the person’s caregiver will be contacted or, if behavior warrants it, the police or an ambulance will be summoned.

If such conduct continues future privileges may be suspended. The length of suspension will be determined by the COA Director on a case-by-case basis.

In the event that a participant abuses or continues to abuse the foregoing policy, the COA Director will notify the violator of the policy by certified mail, return receipt requested.

If a participant experiences a mental health episode, but is otherwise capable of conforming to COA standards, exceptions will be considered. 

If a participant cannot meet COA standards staff is available to share resources, discuss options and make referrals. The staff is committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all community seniors.

DUE PROCESS FOR PARTICIPANTS

When a problem or situation arises the COA Director will:

1. Discuss the problem with the participant and document the discussion.

2. A written warning will be issued to the participant and/or the caregiver stating that the participant does not comply with this COA policy and will be asked to leave.

3. If further action is needed, it will be taken at the discretion of the COA Director.

(Attachments: Please see the attached “General Guidelines for Teachers and Facilitators at the Senior Center”)