TOWN OF SIMSBURY
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
September 19, 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), Kathy Fallon, Mike Jennings, Gloria Knierim, Carrie Kramer, Ed LaMontagne, Mary Ellen Long, Charlotte Steptoe, Lynn Veith
Guest: John Hampton (Board of Selectman)
Excused: Grace Comeau, Mona Martinick, John Romano
Absent: Lorraine Piurwski
Public Audience: None
Minutes, Previous Meeting: The meeting minutes from June 20, 2006 were reviewed without revisions. Approved by Ms. Steptoe, seconded by Ms. Knierim.
REPORTS:
A. Disability:
Over 1,000 people attended the Disability Awareness Convention on September 20th.
A discussion was held regarding the current evaluation of changing the name of DMR. The decision will go the legislature this year.
B. Aging Issues:
Ms. Veith shared the results of the Aging Services Division three-year plan. Information was also shared on fuel assistance programs.
C. Legislative Issues:
Ms. Veith shared information regarding Medicare D open enrollment and status of current program.
D. Housing Issues:
Ms. Knierim stated that Lorraine and Joe from the Simsbury Housing Authority would be guest speakers at the October Commission meeting.
Discussions were held on Hopmeadow Place and the Powder Forest.
E. Souper Tuesday:
Mora Wertheimer has offered to assist with Souper Tuesday. The Fashion Show will be held at the October Souper Tuesday program. Souper Tuesday funds reconciliation was conducted.
F. Ways and Means:
Mr. LaMontagne received a donation of $200.00 for Picnic in the Park from The First Church of Christ. Ms. Martinik has forwarded a list of financial institutions to Mr. LaMontagne for ways and means solicitation letters. Mr. LaMontagne will develop a plan of how to expand ways and means for fundraising. He will present at next meeting. Ms. Kramer asked to add other religious entities to the solicitation list.
G. Senior Center Report:
The 2007 Senior Center calendar is available. The Senior Center made 1500.00 in their tag sale, the most ever. Ms. Berquist reported on the summer events and dial-a ride programs.
Old Business:
Senior Tax Relief:
Mr. Hampton updated the Commission members on the status of the tax relief program. The proposed ordinance covers 8 different income levels, age and residency requirements. It also includes a 2% cap per year on tax increases. A new interim committee has been appointed to take the next step in evaluation and ordinance proposal. Mr. Hampton and Mr. Romano will keep the Commission members updated on the status of the committee.
Ordinance Change:
Mr. LaMaontagne has submitted the Commission’s proposed ordinance changes to Mr.. Robertson. It will be discussed at one of the October BOS meetings to begin the process for approval.
Web Site Accessibility:
Ms. Kramer and Mr. Jennings met with Mr. Bazzano regarding the Town of Simsbury website and accessibility issues. They presented the results of their meeting regarding changes to the town web site to improve access.
Picnic In The Park:
Picnic In The Park will be held Sunday, September 24 from 11:30-2:30 at Eno Hall. Ms. Bergethon has received about 50+ confirmed attendees.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Ms. Berquist updated the Commission members on the status of
expanded Dial a Ride services.
B: Ms. Steptoe distributed information on the newly approved United Nations
Treaty on Rights of Disabled. The treaty, if fully approved would take effect
in 2008 or 2009.
Ms. Bergethon made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Fallon seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk
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