TOWN OF SIMSBURY
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
November 18, 2008
Meeting Minutes
Chairperson, Edward LaMontagne called the meeting to order in the Youth Room at Eno Memorial Hall, Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Grace Comeau, Kathy Fallon, Mona Herman, Marvin Koff, Mike Jennings, Carrie Kramer, Ed LaMontagne, Mary Ellen Long, Mona Martinik, Mark Orenstein, Charlotte Steptoe, Lynn Veith, Arlen Zappile, Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator, liaison)
Excused: Ann Walters Thompson, Thomas Doran, Rich Hogan (BOS liaison)
Public Audience: Patricia M. Voorvaart
Guests: First Selectman Mary Glassman, Joseph Lowey Simsbury Housing Authority
PRESENTATION TO GLORIA KNIERIM: Mr. LaMontagne presented flowers and a plaque to Gloria Knierim, upon her resignation as a Commission member. The plaque recognized Mrs. Knierim’s service and dedication to the Commission.
Minutes, Previous Meeting: The meeting minutes from October 21, 2008 were reviewed and accepted with revisions. Two grammatical errors were identified and changed.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Souper Tuesday - Grace Comeau
Approximately 103 people attended today’s luncheon. There were several new attendees. The entertainment was well received and appreciated. Mr. LaMontagne distributed the Souper Tuesday financial reconciliation. The balance, without today’s event, equaled $891.94.
SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Accessibility - Ann Walters Thompson
Aging and Disability Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2008
Page Two
Ms. Walters Thompson was excused from this meeting. Mr. LaMontagne e-mailed Ms. Glassman with a request to have the Towns ADA Coordinator attend Commission meetings. Ms. Glassman suggested that she, the ADA Coordinator and the building inspector attend a meeting to discuss accessibility issues. It was recommended that the Commission develop a list of issues/concerns and potentially have Ms. Glassman, the ADA Coordinator and building inspector attend the February Commission meeting. Mr. LaMontagne will discuss this with Ms. Thompson.
Disability Needs Assessment - Mike Jennings
Mr. Jennings reported that the survey questions are completed. It was recommended that Mr. LaMontagne obtain an estimate, from an outside consultant, on finalizing the survey, distributing and compiling the results. The members agreed to this recommendation. The cost will be discussed and voted on when available.
Housing - Ed LaMontagne
Mr. Hiram Peck is completing the selection process for the hiring of a consultant for the Incentive Housing Grant. Mr. LaMontagne stated he would like to have a sub-committee meeting the first week of December with Mr. Lowey and representatives from the Housing Dreams group and the Farmington Valley Supportive Housing Group.
Ms. Martinik has connected the Housing Dreams group with potential resources for getting their message out.
Public Relations - Carrie Kramer
Ms. Kramer will attempt to set up a meeting with Mr. LaMontagne and Charity Folk of the Chamber of Commerce to discuss meeting with business owners regarding disability issues.
Senior/Community Center Assessment - Mona Martinik
Ms. Martinik reported on proposed plans in Suffield to purchase and renovate a church for a Senior Center. Ms. Martinik hopes to meet with Ms. Glassman regarding use of the former Wagner Ford property for a Senior Center and housing.
Aging and Disability Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2008
Page Three
Tax Relief - Ed LaMontagne
Mr. LaMontagne stated that the economy in the near future appears grim, therefore it does not seem feasible that the town would entertain any new tax relief options. It was recommended that the Commission publicize the current tax relief options currently sponsored by the town.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT - Kathleen Marschall, Senior Center Coordinator
Ms. Marschall reported that a knitting group knitted 75 blankets for Simsbury residents. They are knitting hats and mittens at this time. The State Department of Management and Homeland Security presented a program last week. Several suggestions were to assist people in notifying emergency services of disability needs. December 8th the Senior Center will have the Choices Program presentation and open enrollment for Medicare D.
OLD BUSINESS
Community Forum 11/18/08
Ms. Steptoe, Ms. Martinik and Ms. Marschall attended the Community Forum, which was held after the Souper Tuesday event. Only a few people attended. A suggestion was made to conduct the forum independent from the Souper Tuesday event and to hold it in concert with a breakfast or a luncheon. It was also recommended that the next forum be held in the spring.
Election Day Accessibility Issues
Mr. LaMontagne shared updates from Commission members regarding accessibility concerns on Election Day. The issues identified included a challenge with handicapped parking spaces and long lines. A suggestion was made to include temporary handicapped parking spaces and to have some seats available for long waits.
Other Business
Mr. LaMontagne distributed a copy of the Commission Fund balance. Currently, the balance stands at $2,652.80.
Aging and Disability Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2008
Page Three
NEW BUSINESS
Spring Community Forum
Mr. LaMontagne secured the Program Room at the Simsbury Public Library for Thursday March 5th, 2009 from 6-9 PM. Mr. LaMontagne will coordinate publicity. Commission members will discuss alternative options for presentation at the forum at their next meeting.
Town of Simsbury Survey 2008-Aging and Disability Issues
Mr. LaMontagne shared results of a recent town survey conducted by Pulsar Research & Consulting. Survey responses relative to seniors were discussed. The survey results are available on the Town web site.
ITN Transportation Network
The Independent Transportation Network (ITN) is a volunteer network for providing transportation to seniors. The service is operated by a non-profit Board of Directors which utilizes volunteers driving their own vehicles. Individuals who use the transportation are required to pay a membership fee. Volunteers who drive accrue points which can be bartered for rides at a later date. Mr. LaMontagne distributed information regarding the ITN program and requested that the Commissioners review it in preparation for discussion at the next meeting.
Appointment of Nominating Committee
Mr. LaMontagne appointed the following commission members to serve on the nominating committee. Ms. Fallon and Ms. Long agreed to serve. They will present a list of officers for consideration at the next meeting.
Announcements
Mr. LaMontagne shared an article on a special program at the Simsbury Hoyt Theater for persons with autism. With the approval of the Commission, Mr. LaMontagne will send a letter of recognition and thanks to the program coordinator and theater manager.
Mr. LaMontagne sent a letter of congratulations to State Representative Linda Schofield regarding her re-election.
Aging and Disability Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2008
Page Four
Mr. LaMontagne mailed a copy of the Commissions’ Sub Committee and Program Committee action plans to the First Selectman, Board of Selectman, and the town’s ADA Coordinator.
Correspondence
Mr. LaMontagne received an email from Selectman Moira Wertheimer regarding seniors who have contacted her with regard to assistance with pumping gas. It was reported that the Valero gas station on Hopmeadow Street will assist seniors, and others who require assistance, with pumping gas. Ms. Wertheimer also suggested that the Commission might be interested in sponsoring a “self service instruction” session for residents who may be interested. The commissioners agreed that this would be appropriate. Mr. LaMontagne will contact Ms. Wertheimer.
Other Business
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Long made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Kramer seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Next meeting: January 20, 2009
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Veith
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk
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