COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Commission on Aging Board of Directors is recommending to the Board of Commissioners that they approve a proposal from Milestone Senior Services of Battle Creek to be the caterer of meals for the home-delivered and congregate programs at the Burnside Center starting on January 1, 2023.
Commission on Aging Executive Director Amy Duff said during Thursday’s Commissioner work session that the C.O.A. board selected Milestone’s proposal last Thursday out of three that were submitted.
They felt Milestone’s fee proposal of $6 for each home delivered meals and $7 for the congregate meals was significantly lower. The fees would be paid by the Commission on Aging.
There would be no fees for the persons receiving the meals but donations will be suggested.
Duff said the contract will be for one year and will end when the Burnside Center kitchen is ready.
The board also pointed out Milestone is able to start this contract immediately and do not need additional staff or equipment.
The other proposals were from Hillsdale County Senior Services Center and the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging.
Milestone Senior Services was established in 1963. They have locations in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. They currently are providing 400 congregate and 1,000 home delivered meals every day in Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Allegan Counties.
The Community Action Agency will continue to distribute Home Delivered Meals and Congregate Meals programs through December 31, 2022, when the Commission on Aging will be fully staffed to take over the program.
Formal action by the Board of Commissioners is expected during their regular meeting next week after the request was brought forward on Thursday.
In addition, the Commissioners brought forward and are scheduled to take action next week on a request from the Commission on Aging to replace the walk-in cooler/freezer for the nutrition program at the Burnside Center.
It was recommended a quote of just under $72,000 from LaPine Mechanical Contractors of Kalamazoo be accepted. The money would come out of the C.O.A.’s building fund balance.
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