Simsbury, CT - Aging and Disability Commission Minutes 02/19/2008

Chairperson, Edward LaMontagne called the meeting to order in the Program Room at the Simsbury Public Library, 540 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 at 7:03 p.m.

Present: Grace Comeau, Kathy Fallon, Mike Jennings, Gloria Knierem, Carrie Kramer, Ed LaMontagne, Mary Ellen Long, Mona Martinik, Charlotte Steptoe, Jeff Tindall, Lynn Veith, Kathleen Marschall, Senior Center Coordinator, Rich Hogan, BOS Liaison. Alternates: Mark Orenstein, Arlene Zappile

Public Audience: Larry Pollock, 46 Simsbury Manor, Weatogue. Mr. Pollock represents a group of Farmington Valley residents who are parents of children and young adults with various disabilities. Mr. & Mrs. Lenz of Knollwood Circle, Simsbury were also in attendance. This group is researching housing issues for their young adults as they complete their education and training at the Farmington Valley Transition Academy. Mr. LaMontagne offered to attend the March meeting of the parents group and to research available state options. He invited the representatives to attend the April Commission meeting as guests.

Minutes, Previous Meeting: The meeting minutes from January 15, 2008 were reviewed and accepted with two revisions of periods after sentences. Ms. Kramer asked if follow-up from public audience and attachments be included in the formal meeting minutes. Selectman Hogan and Mr. LaMontagne will investigate if attachments could be sent with the meeting minutes for the town web site and be available at Town Hall.

Lynn Veith, Chair. Ms. Veith has prepared the introductory letter and nomination form for the Senior Services Award. Ms. Martinik will contact the Yankee Flyer to research publication of the award. Award letters will be mailed out in the next few weeks and the Award will be presented at an April or May BOS meeting at the convenience of the recipient.

Mike Jennings, Chair. Mr. Jennings volunteered to be a member of the Accessibility Sub Committee. Mr. Jennings has reviewed the last survey which was conducted 13 years ago and will be working with other committee members to develop an new survey. He recommends the survey be conducted on a more frequent basis.

Charlotte Steptoe, Chair. Ms. Steptoe updated the Commission members on the program from last year. The date of September 20, 2008 will be targeted at St. Catherine's of Siena Church in West Simsbury. Ms. Steptoe will contact the church to determine availability.

Mona Martinik, Chair. Ms. Martinik will be coordinating with Kathleen Marschall to tour all of the space currently utilized by the Senior Center. Ms. Veith suggested she expand her tour to include the Teen Center. Mr. LaMontagne shared an update from the BOS meeting and his meeting with Ms. Glassman regarding this issue.

Ed LaMontagne, Chair. Mr. LaMontagne updated Commission members on purpose of the sub committee. Ms. Kramer commented that in Town Hall that there were no chairs for people waiting to pay their taxes. Also the counter is very high and not appropriate for persons in wheelchairs. Selectman Hogan will bring this issue to the BOS meeting.

Grace Comeau, Chair. Ms. Comeau reported that all plans are in place for this month's Souper. She reported that the new sign recognizing the supporters of the Souper will be posted at the Souper event..

Ms. Marschall reported that there will be a permanent section of the Communicator dedicated to the Commission news. She also reminded the membership that the Senior Center cancels all programs when the schools are closed, but the Center is open.

Mr. LaMontagne update Commission members on the past history of the ordinance change. After discussion, Ms Comeau made a motion to table Ordinance Amendment Draft Two, Chapter 3, Section 3-2 of the Code of Ordinances from October 2007. Ms. Long seconded the motion. A vote was taken. Nine members voted in favor, two opposed.

A motion was made by Ms. Kramer for the Chair of the Aging and Disability Commission to revise the original ordinance request, bring it before the Commission members for vote and then Selectman Hogan will request the ordinance change be added to a future BOS meeting agenda for consideration.

Mr. LaMontagne shared a letter he sent to Mr. and Mrs. Kliman of Simsbury regarding follow-up their concern regarding improper handicapped signage at various location around town. Mr. LaMontagne contacted Officer Mimnaugh who in turn contacted Howard Beech, Zoning Compliance Officer. Mr. Beech was very effective in following up on those businesses that were not in compliance with handicapped parking regulations.

Mr. LaMontagne shared the proposal for the FY 2008-2009 Social Services budget. The budget included an Aging and Disability Commission request for $3,500.00 to support Souper Tuesday, Picnic in the Park and other commission activities. The budget will now go to the Board of Finance for review. If approved, the budget will become effective July 1, 2008.

Mr. LaMontage and Ms. Marschall shared an article from the New York Times regarding a "Virtual Village" program in the town of New Cannan. The article was given to First selectman Mary Glassman by a citizen who was interested in the program and the potential of Simsbury doing

something similar. It was requested that Commission members review the article and view information on the Staying Put web site for discussion at a future meeting.

" Mr. LaMontagne shared information on a Workshop For Members of Boards and Commissions on FOIA, Code of Ethics and Document Retention Requirements. The meeting will be held on Tuesday 26 February at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Simsbury High School Amphitheater.

" The March Commission meeting will be at Eno Hall in the Old Court Room due to the library moving to their new space. Future meetings will be held in the library.