TOWN OF SIMSBURY
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
DATE February 21, 2006
Meeting Minutes
Chairperson, Edward LaMontagne called the meeting to order in the Blue Room at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 at 7:07 p.m.
Present: Ricki Berquist (Staff Consultant), Grace Comeau, Kathy Fallon, Mary Ellen Long, Gloria Knierim, Carrie Kramer, Ed LaMontagne, Mona Martinik, John Romano (Board of Selectman liaison), Charlotte Steptoe, Lynn Veith
Not Present: Peg Bergethon, Lorraine Piurwski
Public Audience:
Helen Peterson: Ms. Peterson discussed the issue that the Senior Center attendance has increased, and usage of space in Eno. She raised the issue of potential need for expansion of Eno Hall and the Senior Center. Ms. Peterson passed out a copy of the Simsbury Center Design Charette indicating a proposal to expand Eno Hall out over the parking lot. This would provide additional space in Eno as well as covered parking. She requested this option be considered if expansion of Eno Hall is planned.
Guests: Peter Ingvertsen, Chief of Police
Kevin Kowalski, Fire Marshall
Re: Town of Simsbury Emergency Preparedness for Persons with disability and aging issues.
Mr. Kowalski: Every group/agency in Simsbury has developed a plan for the community. The plan has been exercised in a full-scale basis. Full-scale exercises have been conducted, including the testing of transportation with those with disabilities. Current shelters do not have the capacity to accommodate people with special needs. There have been arrangements with McLean, Governor’s House and Virginia Connelly for those individuals with special needs. The American Red Cross would then assist for long-term shelter. The Town of Simsbury’s plan is to provide shelter for the first 24 hours. Then the Red Cross would take over. The current plan is being reviewed and revised to review issues identified since Katrina. The fire department staff
will check smoke detectors for those residents that might benefit from this service.
People with special needs may contact Town Social Services or the Senior Center to register with emergency services if they have special needs (oxygen, wheelchair bound, etc). Ms. Kramer discussed potential collaboration between Commission members and the Fire Department to identify people with special needs. This information can be registered on the 911 system. This list need to updated on a regular basis as the person’s status changes and/they move from their current home.
Mr. Ingvertsen: People with pets may refuse to go to shelters if they cannot bring their pets. The only pets allowed in shelters are service animals. The police department staff is working with animal control to try to have pets placed in animal shelters to be cared for. John Romano, John Hampton and Micki are members of the Public Safety Commission.
Minutes, Previous Meeting:
Ms. Knierim made a motion to approve previous meeting minutes. Ms. Comeau seconded the motion.
REPORTS:
A. Disability Issues:
Mr. LaMontagne provided the following report:
Save the Date: Statewide forum on Issues for People with Disabilities will be held April 5, 2006 at the Crowne Plaza, Cromwell.
The Real Choice Team is planning a follow-up meeting in the spring. No date has been set. Carrie provided an update the commission on the FAVAH project.
There are several Simsbury residents will be participating in the Special Olympics this summer.
Mr. LaMontagne distributed article on those with autism and lack of services after age 21.
John Romano was contacted by a resident regarding Alzheimer’s issues and requested status report from Ricki as he had referred the resident to the Senior Center. Ms. Berquist reported that she had been in discussion with the resident and had provided resource options.
B. Aging Issues:
Mr. LaMontagne distributed an article on a study on ill spouses and risk factors for the health of the remaining spouse. On January 31st a forum was held regarding a pilot program in Portland, ME on transportation issues.
Ms. Veith provided and update on the Medicare D pharmacy coverage program and Outpatient therapy caps. Exceptions to the cap are in the process of federal approval. Facilities hope to have the new guidelines and processes’ in the near future.
C. Legislative Issues:
The legislative session will be dealing with accessibility requirements of the state building code, CBS services and supports for people with psychiatric disabilities, senior-disabled housing issues, provision of services to people with developmental/intellectual disabilities.
DMR is proposing a bill to rename the department.
Aging legislation pending:
Mr. LaMontagne distributed information on aging issues to be addressed this session. Among these are tax relief and tax breaks for those who provide transportation for people.
John Romano and John Hampton have combined their efforts to conduct a 90- day study on Senior and veteran’s property tax relief. This is a bi-partisan effort and public hearings will be planned. No dates have been set at this time
D. Housing Issues: Ms. Knierim provided information accessibility of public housing in Simsbury. Virginia Connelly is fully accessible. Owen Murphy is not fully accessible as it was built many years ago
E. Souper Tuesday: The Lions will serve and Governor’s House will provide sheet cake.
F. Ways and Means: Reviewed reconciliation sheet. $1,015.82. Letters sent to Lions Club as a thank you for Donation. Have not received donation from Civitan Club. Retired Men’s Club has been approached for donation. Mr. LaMontagne will be speaking to Simsbury/Granby Rotary club.
G. Senior Center Report: Ricki provided a monthly report on Senior Center activities and numbers of participants for services.
Ms. Berquist spoke with a VNA rep. Senior Center will coordinate dates for flu shots to reduce congestion and therefore the number of flu shot dates will increase again.
She is in the process of conducting surveys of Senior Center events.
H. Other:
Ms. Kramer updated members on person centered, people first language for all publications, etc. She distributed literature on People First Language to the Commission members.
OLD BUSINESS:
A: A&D Brochure: Mr. LaMontagne distributed the new Aging and Disability brochure for distribution
B. Simsbury Life Article: Aging and Disability article will be in next issue of Simsbury Life
C: Ordinance Discussion/Action: The current Commission exists as an ordinance. Mr. LaMontagne proposed and distributed additional language to add to the existing ordinance. Extensive discussed pursued. Mr. LaMontagne will obtain a copy of the current ordinance for further review.
NEW BUSINESS:
A: Dial-A-Ride Program: Simsbury will receive $33,000 starting in July and Simsbury will coordinate services with Town Of Canton.
B. Town Budget: 5.27% cap budget.
McLean Home Care: Mr. LaMontagne distributed McLean Home Care postcard and mentioned that McLean has been recognized as the best of any area VNA on three key measures of quality.
Ms. Knierim made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Comeau
seconded the motion to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk
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