02-19-13 Minutes Approved
Town of Simsbury
Aging and Disability Commission
Tuesday, 19 February 2013 – 7:00 P.M.
Youth Room – Eno Memorial Hall
Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury
Meeting Minutes Draft
Chairperson Edward LaMontagne called the meeting to order
at 7:05 p.m. in the Youth Room of Eno Memorial Hall,
Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury
Present: Victor Bible, Arpit Dave (Student Liaison), Edward LaMontagne, Kathie Fallon, Mona
Herman, Mike Jennings, Mary Ellen Long, Mona Martinik, Mark Orenstein, Charlotte Steptoe,
Lynn Veith, Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator)
Excused: Grace Comeau, Marvin Koff, Peggy Shanks, Arlene Zappile, Ron Zappile
Chairman LaMontagne appointed Mr. Orenstein (alt.) as
regular member for this meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Was recited by those in
attendance
PUBLIC AUDIENCE: There were no members from the
public in attendance.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: The draft minutes of
the January 15, 2013 meeting were approved.
PROGRAM/SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
Citizen Service Award
Ms. Fallon and her committee reviewed and revised the
criteria. The nomination forms will be available the beginning
of March with a return date of April 15th. The award will be
presented at a Board of Selectman meeting tentatively
scheduled for May 29th.
Public Relations
Mr. Bible will be creating and sending out publicity to all
media outlets with regard to the Citizen Service Award
request for nominations.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
- The High School Junior American Histories class is looking for volunteers to speak to students on their experiences during the 1930’s and 1940’s.
- There will be a combined concert with the Senior Intonations and the combined choirs at the High School on April 11th.
- To date, over 500 VIP passes have been distributed to seniors.
STUDENT LIAISON REPORT
Mr. David had 20 posters printed regarding handicapped
parking awareness. He will have an additional 20 printed after
school vacation. Posters were taken by Commission
members for distribution to area businesses.
OLD BUSINESS
Senior Center Feasibility Plan
Mr. LaMontagne shared a letter he received from Richard
Sawitzke, Town Engineer, regarding the cost estimates for
Eno Hall and Stratton Brook site. The Stratton Brook site plan
could also be utilized at the Performing Arts Center. Site
plans were shared. Mr. Orenstein shared schematics for the
Eno Hall site with a parking platform. He shared a draft
proposal of a positional paper based upon the architect
presentation.
After discussion, Mr. LaMontagne requested that all
commission members submit comments regarding the
commission’s position paper to Mr. Orenstein by February
22nd.
The final position paper will be prepared for distribution by
Monday, February 25th.
Action Plan - 2013
Mr. LaMontagne distributed the approved 2013 action plan
with specific task listed. He asked that if commission
members would like to work on specific tasks to let him know.
Simsbury Transportation:
The North Central Region Mental Health Board has prepared
a document of the existing transportation services currently
available in the Town of Simsbury. The Board is preparing
like documents for all towns in its catchment area.
Incentive Housing Zones:
The Zoning Commission continues to investigate the
possibility of establishing Incentive Housing Zones in
Simsbury. However, they would be looking for private
businesses to develop and manage the properties.
OTHER
Legislation:
There are two proposed bills of interest: one in the House and
one in the Senate. Both bills address the requirement that
police issue warning or monetary tickets to individuals who
violate handicapped parking regulations. Mr. Jennings will be
testifying at the LOB on Wednesday, February 20th regarding
the Senate bill. Mr. LaMontagne distributed a copy of
testimony written on behalf of the Aging and Disability
Commission that will be sent to Rep. Hampton and Sen.
Witkos.
NEW BUSINESS
Board of Selectman Liaison Appointment
Shannon Knoll was appointed as the new liaison to the
Commission. She will be attending future commission
meetings. Ms Knoll was appointed to fill the selectman
seat vacated by John Hampton who was elected State
Representative.
Simsbury Speaks-Community Forum Follow-Up
Mr. LaMontagne attended a forum/public hearing hosted by
State Representative John Hampton in response to the
Newtown shooting. Approximately 50 people attended. Of
those 35 spoke and approximately 50% of those individuals
indicated that mental health issues were the root cause.
NCRMHB Update
The North Central Regional Mental Health Board will be
holding their Annual Legislative Breakfast on Tuesday, March
5th at 8:30 a.m. at the Legislative Office Building. State
Representative John Hampton stated that he would attend.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. LaMontagne received an e-mail from Margaret Smith
Hale of ITN North Central Connecticut requesting assistance
driving individuals from Simsbury to Mt. Sinai Hospital in
Hartford. Ms. Marschall will investigate.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Mr. LaMontagne distributed an updated list of current
commission members.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business a motion was made by Ms.
Long to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Ms. Fallon. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 19
March 2013 in the Dorsett Crossing Community Room. Mr.
Ken Regan from Regan Development will be the guest
speaker.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn Veith
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk