01-15-2013 Minutes-Approved
Town of Simsbury
Aging and Disability Commission
Tuesday, 15 January 2013 – 7:00 P.M.
Youth Room – Eno Memorial Hall
Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury
Meeting Minutes - Approved
Chairperson Edward LaMontagne called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Youth Room of
Eno Memorial Hall, Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury
Present: Victor Bible, Edward LaMontagne, Kathie Fallon, Mona Herman, Mike Jennings, Mary
Ellen Long, Mark Orenstein, Charlotte Steptoe, Lynn Veith, Arlene Zappile, Ron Zappile,
Kathleen Marschall, (Senior Center Coordinator) , John Hampton (Board of Selectmen Liaison)
Excused: Grace Comeau, Marvin Koff, Mona Martinik, Peggy Shanks, Arpit Dave (Student Liaison)
Chairman LaMontagne appointed Mr. Orenstein (alt.) and Ms Zappile (alt.) as regular members
for this meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Was recited by those in attendance
PUBLIC AUDIENCE: There were no members from the public in attendance.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION:
A Certificate of Appreciation was given to John Hampton in recognition of his assistance to the
commission as Board of Selectman liaison. Mr. Hampton has resigned from the Board of
Selectman to assume new responsibilities as State Representative.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (13 November 2012): The minutes of the special meeting
were approved.
PROGRAM/SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
Citizen Service Award:
• Kathy Fallon will once again head up this event. This year will be the Senior
Service Award with the presentation to be held in May at a Board of Selectman
meeting.
Public Relations:
• Vic Bible indicated that he received a call from a Friendly Visitor at the Social
Service Department after a 911 call. He indicated that this may be a good topic
for a press release because many people in the community may be unaware that
this occurs. Ms. Marschall stated that a call is made for everyone over 60 when
911 is called.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Ms. Marschall provided an update as to Senior Center activities including:
• Assistance will be available again this year to assist seniors with tax returns.
• Senior Citizen Night will be held on January 29th at the High School. Seniors can
enjoy dinner and a girl’s basketball game.
• Mobil Food Share will be conducting a Farmer’s Market at the First Church
starting on Monday, January 21st at 1:00 p.m.
• A Healthy Mouth Clinic for seniors will be held tentatively in March.
Aging and Disability Commission
Draft Meeting Minutes
15 January 2013
Page Two
STUDENT LIAISON REPORT
• No report was provided due to the absence of the student liaison.
OLD BUSINESS
Senior Center Feasibility Plan
• Mr. Orenstein and Mr. Zappile attended informational meetings on the status of
the ENO/Senior Center study, which were held in December. The presentations
were made by Tom Arcari of Quinsenberry/Arcari Architects and addressed
program and space needs, possible sites (including Eno Memorial Hall and
alternatives) and the current concept plan. Mr. Orenstein stated that the
commission should have their own position paper with regard to the Senior
Center. Mr. LaMontagne and Mr. Orenstein will work on a position paper.
Approval of Action Plan - 2013
• Mr. LaMontagne reviewed the 2013 action plan, which consisted of three new
initiatives. The commission approved the plan going forward. Mr. LaMontagne
stated that he will develop tasks for each of the initiatives and request assistance
from commissioners for their implementation.
NEW BUSINESS
Chamber Business Award - Discussion
• Mr. LaMontagne asked if the commission should provide an award to a Chamber
business for accessibility. The general consensus was that it should be open to
all businesses. After discussion it was agreed that we will proceed with our
existing award program.
Incentive Housing Zones
• Mr. LaMontagne stated that the Town of Simsbury Zoning Commission is looking
at establishing Incentive Housing Zones, which would provide affordable
housing. Three of the areas mentioned are, the mill in Tarrifville, a site near
Plank and Firetown Road and a Northeast Utilities property close to the Avon
line. This program will be discussed in more detail at the Zoning Commission
meeting in February.
March Mtg. with Ken Regan of Regan Development Corp.
• Mr. LaMontagne stated that the March commission meeting will be held in the
Community Room at Dorsett Crossing. At that time Mr. Ken Regan will be the
guest speaker. Mr. Regan will discuss his proposed housing project for Dorsett
Crossing, which will consist of apartments for persons with disabilities.
Nominating Committee Report
• Ms. Fallon stated that her committee met and came up with the following slate of
officers for 2013:
- Chairman: Ed LaMontagne
- Vice Chairman: Charlotte Steptoe
- Clerk: Lynn Veith
The slate of officers was approved of unanimously.
NCRMHB Update
• Mr. LaMontagne stated that the North Central Mental Health Board will be
distributing their Emergency & Non-Emergency Telephone Directory for Mental
Health, Substance Abuse, and Other Services. In Simsbury, the Directory will be
distributed to the Police Department, Social Services, Board of Education and
town hall.
Aging and Disability Commission
Draft Meeting Minutes
15 January 2013
Page Three
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. LaMontagne stated that he sent a letter to First Selectman Mary Glassman
requesting level funding for commission programs for FY13-14. Last fiscal year funding
was $1,500.00.
A letter was received from Carrie Kramer indicating that, due to personal issues, she
will let her term expire in January 2013.
OTHER BUSINESS:
There was no other business brought up at this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business a motion was made by Ms. Zappile to adjourn the meeting and
seconded by Mr. Orenstein. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 19 February 2013 in the Youth Room at
Eno Memorial Hall.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn Veith
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk