TOWN OF SIMSBURY
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
May 15, 2006
Special Meeting
Minutes
Chairperson, Edward LaMontagne called the special meeting to order in the Auditorium at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street, at 4:35 p.m.
Present: Peg Bergethon, Ricki Bergquist (Staff Consultant), Grace Comeau, Kathie Fallon, Mike Jennings, Mary Ellen Long, Gloria Knierim, Carrie Kramer, Ed LaMontagne, Mona Martinik, John Romano (Board of Selectman Liaison), Charlotte Steptoe, Lynn Veith
Not Present: Lorraine Piurowski
Guest: John Hampton (Board of Selectman)
Mr. LaMontagne introduced Selectman John Romano, John Hampton and Moira Wortheimer. He then went on to explain that there is an effort currently being undertaken by a small committee to investigate senior tax relief. He thanked all of those in attendance.
Mr. Romano explained the tax relief programs currently available for seniors – a copy of which was distributed to those in attendance. Ms. Wertheimer, (Board of Selectman) clarified for the audience that all financial information collected by the town to determine eligibility for current tax relief programs is confidential.
Public Audience:
A representative from The Simsbury Post was in attendance.
Members of the audience were invited to speak. Excerpts of their comments are listed below:
Dave Allen: Mr. Allen stated the seniors are being forced to move out of Simsbury due to high taxes. He urged Selectman Romano and Hampton to continue to pursue their evaluations and develop a plan to reduce the tax burden on seniors.
Ken Jackson: Mr. Jackson presented financial figures he compiled showing the financial impact on the town when a senior moves from their home out of town and a family with children moves into the home and the impact on the school system. He also noted that in Otis, MA, any senior who has lived in the town for 10 or more years and is over the age of 70, receives a 50% reduction in their taxes.
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Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2006
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Ray Casavant: Mr. Casavant recommended treating seniors as a small business with benefits from the town.
Barry Lucas: Mr. Barry proposed several suggestions including eliminating automobile taxes for seniors and prorating tax reductions based upon residency.
Mr. Martinek: Mr. Martinek proposed a freeze on taxes at the time of retirement regardless of income.
Additional comments from audience members:
Start a petition to gather signatures in support of tax relief for seniors.
Conduct a telephone campaign to gain interest and support for tax relief.
Encouraging seniors to support tax relief through voting in elections.
Be supportive of tax relief without pitting one faction of the town population against another (school budget vs. seniors)
Mr. Hampton polled the audience for suggestions regarding appropriate income and asset limits and residency requirements. No consensus was voiced.
Mr. Hampton and Mr. Romano thanked the Aging and Disability Commission members for sponsoring the forum and thanked all who attended for their input.
The public audience portion of the meeting concluded at 5:45 p.m.
After a short break the meeting reconvened at 6:00 p.m. The following agenda items were discussed:
New Member:
Mr. LaMontagne introduced Mike Jennings as a new member of the Commission
Previous Meeting Minutes:
The following are revisions to be made to the minutes of April 2006:
Ways and Means: section F: Ms. Martinik also recommended targeting religious groups as possible funding sources for commission activities.
Additional Correspondence: A letter from a town resident was brought to the attention of a commission member. Mr. LaMontagne will review the letter and present relevant issues to commission members at a later meeting.
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Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2006
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Ms. Fallon made a motion to approve previous meeting minutes with the above noted corrections. Ms. Steptoe seconded the motion.
REPORTS:
A. Disability Issues:
The Connecticut Disability Advocacy Collaborative will be holding a Disability Convention on September 16th at the Connecticut Expo Center from 10-4. A flyer was distributed to Commission members. Session information will be available mid summer.
Mr. LaMontagne e-mailed Brandon Robertson, Town of Simsbury ADA Compliance Officer and invited Mr. Robertson to the Commission’s June meeting. Mr. Robertson has indicated he will attend the meeting.
245 people attended the screening of the CPTV program entitled “Able Lives”. One episode a month will be aired on CPTV.
Ms. Martinik reported on the Commissions latest open forum following the most recent Souper Tuesday event. Twenty-four people attended the forum. They expressed concerns about transportation assistance, affordable housing and tax relief. Ms. Martinik encouraged those in attendance to write letters regarding their concerns.
B. Aging Issues:
Mr. LaMontagne read an e-mail from Selectperson Moira Wertheimer indicating that Nancy Johnson’s office would be open until 10 p.m. tonight to assist with last minute Medicare D applications and questions.
Mr. LaMontagne shared a package of information on The Connecticut Partnership For Long-Term Care insurance options. Ms. Veith explained the details of the program, including residency requirements in order to access the asset protection portion of the policy.
C. Legislative Issues:
The Autism Spectrum Disorder bill has passed, effective July 1. One million dollars has been allocated.
An Act concerning disabled veterans’ property tax exemptions has also passed, effective October 1, 2006.
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May 15, 2006
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An Act concerning the establishment of an accessibility advisory board has passed and will become effective October 1, 2006.
The Department of Mental Retardation proposed name change has been placed on hold pending a year long study to determine the most appropriate name for the organization.
The State Department of Transportation will hold a meeting on May 22 at 7 p.m. at Eno Hall on the West Street/Route 10 intersection.
D. Housing Issues:
Ms. Martinik will visit Virginia Connelly Assisted Living and bring a report back to the Commission members.
E. Souper Tuesday:
The April event was a huge success. Over 100 people attended. The next two Souper Tuesday events will be: October 24th Fashion Show, and November 28th. Mr. LaMontagne expressed a thank you on behalf of the Commission members to Ms. Comeau for coordinating the Souper Tuesday events. The 4th and 5th grade students from Tariffville School have invited seniors to a musical social at the school on May 26th from 1:15 to 2:00.
F. Ways and Means:
Mr. LaMontagne sent a letter of thanks to the Simsbury Woman’s Club for their donation of $200.00
Mr. LaMontagne received a $400.00 donation for Souper Tuesday events from the Civitan Club. A thank you letter has been sent.
Mr. LaMontagne is awaiting a $400.00 donation from the Rotary Club.
A reconciliation of Souper Tuesday donations and expenses was shared with Commission members.
G. Senior Center Report:
A Senior Prom sponsored by the Teen Center will be held on May 19th at the Teen Center.
Ms. Bergquist is a member of the Connecticut Parks and Recreation Association. An Act has been passed stating that Parks and Recreation Departments be active in promoting physical fitness for children. Ms.
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Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2006
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Bergquist is exploring the involvement of seniors at the senior center and in school settings to enhance this program.
Ms. Bergquist asked Commission members what they though the Senior Center’s role should be in tax relief. The Commission members requested the Senior Center serve as a place for people to send letters, etc, have a suggestion box and provide information to seniors as it becomes available.
OLD BUSINESS:
A: Proposed Ordinance Language:
Further discussion tabled until the June Meeting. Mr. LaMontagne is pursuing additional information.
B. Picnic In The Park
Ms. Bergethon has procured the band, Sponge Pummels, for the event. Mr. LaMontagne will send a letter to the First Church of Christ to elicit a donation for the event.
NEW BUSINESS:
A: Commission Nomination and Resignation Forms:
Mr. LaMontagne informed the Commission members that he has received correspondence from Ms. Mazurski, Secretary to the First Selectman. The Town has developed forms for nomination and resignation of Commission members.
B. Hold Harmless Agreement
Ms. Bergquist gave Mr. LaMontagne the Hold Harmless Agreement for the use of Eno Hall by the Commission for its meetings.
CORRESPONDANCE:
A. None
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Bergethon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Comeau seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk
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