TOWN OF SIMSBURY
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
June 20, 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 7:10 p.m.
Present: Peg Bergethon, Ricki Berquist (Staff Consultant), Grace Comeau, Kathie Fallon, Mike Jennings, Gloria Knierim, Carrie Kramer, Ed LaMontagne, Mary Ellen Long, Mona Martinik , John Romano (Board of Selectman liaison), Charlotte Steptoe, Lynn Veith
Not Present: Lorraine Piurwski
Public Audience: None
Guest: Brandon Robertson, Town of Simsbury ADA Coordinator
Mr. Robertson shared a history of the ADA Legislation dating back to 1990. He outlined the impact on states and municipalities and the oversight by the Department of Justice. Mr. Robertson is the person responsible for ADA compliance, including the reporting of concerns for the Town of Simsbury.
Minutes, Previous Meeting:
The meeting minutes from May 15th were reviewed and approved without revisions. Approved by Ms. Fallon, seconded by Ms. Bergethon
REPORTS:
A. Disability Issues:
A flyer regarding the Disability Convention on September 16 was distributed. The event is sponsored by the Connecticut Disability Advocacy Collaborative. Additional details will be available closer to the date of the event.
B. Aging Issues:
A Public Policy Fact Sheet, prepared by ARP on Home and Community-Based Long-Term Services and Supports for Older People
was distributed. This Fact Sheet provides information on community based services across the country through Medicaid waivers.
Ms. Veith informed the members of a new Healthy Living Program unavailable through McLean. The program provides supervised exercise evaluations and individualized programs to enhance well being.
Aging and Disability Commission
Meeting Minutes
June 20, 2006
Page Two
A brochure on the Hartford Hospital Senior Health Services at Duncaster was distributed. The brochure outlines a series of seminars by Geriatric Medicine Specialists free to the public.
A brochure on the Life Changes seminar series being offered through McLean was distributed. These free seminars are designed to help seniors and their families plan for the future.
C. Legislative Issues:
Disability: Ms. Kramer distributed a copy of the NASHIA Capitol News
Report with updates on the status of Congressional and Federal
activities, legislation and policies.
D. Housing Issues:
Ms. Martinik, Steptoe and Knierim visited the Virginia Connelly Residence and Owen Murphy Apartments on June 6. They met with the staff and toured both facilities. Ms. Knierim will attempt to have a member of the staff come to a fall Commission meeting to present information to commission members.
A discussion ensued regarding The Corporation For Independent Living Eno Farms program. Mr. Robertson and Selectman Romano provided history of the program and its current status.
E. Souper Tuesday:
Ms. Comeau reported that the Tariffville School program at the last Souper Tuesday event was very well attended by seniors.
F. Ways and Means:
Mr. LaMontagne spoke at the June 3rd Civitan meeting on behalf of the Commission thanking the Civitan Club for its generous donations to the Souper Tuesday programs.
Ms. Martinik has e-mailed Mr. LaMontague a list of contacts at six local
banks to contact for potential donations to support Commission activities.
G. Senior Center Report:
The Senior Center will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2007. The Senior Center Program Committee has coordinated a fund raising project to assist in supporting programs and renovations to Eno Hall. The project is a 2007 “Sirens of Simsbury” calendar.
Senior Center embers also participated in the 10th Annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life event.
Aging and Disability Commission
Meeting Minutes
June 20, 2006
Page Three
Lemonade concerts will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in July on the lawn at Eno Hall. The concerts are free and open to the public.
OLD BUSINESS:
A: Proposed Ordinance Language:
The process for approving a change in the ordinance language was discussed. The process would include an approval by the Commission membership, review by the town attorney, review by the Board of Selectman and newspaper publication with opportunity for public comment.
Mr. LaMontagne distributed proposed ordinance language modifications. A motion to accept was presented by Ms. Bergethon and seconded by Ms. Comeau. The proposed changes were approved by the following vote: 5 in favor, 3 opposed, 1 abstained
B: Picnic In The Park:
Mr. LaMontagne has sent letters to potential supporters requesting financial contributions to support the Picnic In The Park event. The event will be held on Sunday 24 September at Eno Memorial Hall.
C: Senior Tax Relief Update:
Flyers are posted at the Senior Center and library and a petition form is located at the Senior Center. Selectman Romano and Hampton will be presenting their findings at the next Board of Selectman’s meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
A: DOT Public Hearing:
Mr. LaMontagne reported that the DOT held a public hearing on June 25
on the subject of Route 10. He sent in written comments to the DOT.
B: Correspondence:
None
Ms. Kramer made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Fallon seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk
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