TOWN OF SIMSBURY
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2007
Meeting Minutes
Chairperson, Edward LaMontagne called the meeting to order in the North Conference Room at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 at 7:02 p.m.
Present: Grace Comeau, Mike Jennings, Gloria Knierim, Carrie Cramer, Kathy Fallon, Ed LaMontagne, Mary Ellen Long, Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator, liaison), Mona Martinik, Charlotte Steptoe, Jeff Tindall, Lynn Veith
Excused: None
Absent: John Romano, BOS liaison
Public Audience: None
Guests: None
Minutes, Previous Meeting: The meeting minutes from October 16, 2007 were reviewed and accepted with the following revision: Gloria Knierim's name was misspelled.
REPORTS:
Disability Issues:
NBC 30 BIAC Commercial: The PSA is now running on Channel 30 and is scheduled to run through the month of December. Mr. Jennings shared a draft copy of an article about him to be published in the Hamilton Sandstrom employee newsletter.
North Central Regional Mental Health Board Report: .No report
Aging Issues:
Ms. Knierim shared a list of issues that may be brought before the state legislature this session.
Legislative Issues:
The new session will begin in January. Mr. LaMontagne will research proposed bills that pertain to aging or disability issues and distribute the information commission members.
Housing Issues:
Ms. Knierim reported on the on the status of affordable housing at Owen Murphy apartments, Virginia Connelly Assisted Living, River Oaks (proposed), The Knolls, West Street and Powder Forest. Ms. Veith reported on the independent and assisted Living housing options at McLean
Souper Tuesday
Mr. LaMontagne reported on the Souper Tuesday and fashion show. It was a big success. Ms. Martinik reported that the Civitan and Lions Clubs would also provide assistance at the next Souper Tuesday luncheon. Mr. LaMontage distributed a financial report of the status of the Souper Tuesday account.
Ways and Means:
Mr. LaMontagne updated the Commission members on correspondence with Mickey-Lecours-Beck and a proposal to establish a line item in the town budget requesting $3,000 for Commission events and projects.
Senior Center Report:
Ms. Marschall reported on flu clinics held at Eno Hall. The Farmington Valley Visiting Nurses Association administered a total of 400+ flu shots. The Senior Center members raised $185.00 in a bake sale at Henry James on Election Day. Ms. Marschall thanked everyone who worked on Souper Tuesday. Ms. Martinik shared information on the senior center trip to Cabala's. The Senior Center will be hosting a holiday party on December 19th at 10:30 at the Senior Center.
OLD BUSINESS:
Draft Ordinance Change:
A discussion was held on the proposed ordinance change. Mr. LaMontagne will try to re-contact with the town attorney regarding changes the attorney made to the recommendations submitted by the Commission.
Public Relations Sub-Committee:
The sub-committee members will have a report for the January meeting.
Other Business:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
Election/Voting Update:
Mr. LaMontagne will send letters of congratulations to the newly elected first selectwoman and Board of Selectmen members along with the Commission's plan of action.
Ms. Kramer recommend the commission recommend an increase in handicapped parking spaces at poling places during election hours.
Procedure for locating/identifying persons with disabilities:
A discussion was held regarding ways to identify persons with disabilities who live in Simsbury. Suggestions included a PSA quarterly newsletter, survey, and other ways to identify persons with disabilities.
Appointment of Nominating Committee:
Ms. Knierim will chair nominating committee.
New Meeting Location:
Mr. LaMontagne spoke to Sue Bullock of the Simsbury Public Library. The public meeting room at the current library annex is available. The building and room are handicapped accessible. The commission members approved this change in location. The motion passed. Mr. LaMontagne will confirm the meeting dates with the library
Correspondence:
Mr. LaMontagne received a request from Town Hall requesting information about the Commission to be published in the 2006/2007 Town of Simsbury Annual report. Mr. LaMontagne will submit the requested information
.
Other Business:
Agenda:
A discussion was held regarding the content and order of the agenda. The Commission members were in agreement that the agenda needed to be revised to reflect the Commission's active action plans. Mr. LaMontagne will revise the agenda for January meeting.
Adjournment:
Ms.Long made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Kramer seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk
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