02-19-13 Minutes Approved

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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