11-19-13 Minutes-Draft
Town of Simsbury
Aging and Disability Commission
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 – 7:00 P.M.
Eno Memorial Hall, Simsbury, CT
Meeting Minutes - Draft
Ed LaMontagne, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. in the Youth Room, Eno Memorial Hall, Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury.
Present:, Victor Bible, Grace Comeau, Kathie Fallon, Mona Herman, Edward LaMontagne, Mary Ellen Long, Mona Martinik, Mark Orenstein, Lynn Veith, Arlene Zappile, Ron Zappile, Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), Shannon Knall (Board of Selectmen Liaison) Nathaniel Picarelli-Kombert (Student Liaison), John Romano (Veteran Liaison)
Excused: Peggy Shanks, Michael Jennings, Diane Yeisley, Marvin Koff, Charlotte Steptoe.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE: There were no persons present for public audience.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Mr. LaMontagne introduced Nathaniel Picarelli-Kombert (Student Liaison) and John Romano (Veteran Liaison) as new members to the Commission. He also thanked Shannon Knall for her work on the commission as the Board of Selectman Liaison.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
The draft meeting minutes of October 15, 2013 were approved.
PROGRAM/SUB COMMITTEE REPORTS
Souper Tuesday
- Nov. 12th event
Ms. Comeau reported that the event sponsor was First Church of Christ and the
Simsbury Civitan Club served. The event was well attended. Ms Martinik
reported that the current process of confirming attendees is working out well.
The Souper Tuesday events for 2014 will be held on March 11th, April 8th, May
13th and June 10th.
- Public Relations
Mr. Bible reported that several press releases regarding Souper Tuesday (on line
and print). The delay in print may be a month behind the event.
- Budget Update
Mr. LaMontagne distributed the Souper Tuesday budget reconciliation. The
account has an approximate balance of $819.00 going into 2014.
- Sponsorships
Mr. LaMontagne and Ms. Yeisley are pursuing sponsorships for the 2014 Souper
Tuesday events.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
St. Mary’s School is sponsoring a holiday luncheon for 250 seniors on Wednesday,
November 20th at St. Mary’s School.
A diabetic support group has been initiated in conjunction with the FVNA and will meet the
first Thursday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Eno Memorial Hall.
The UCONN dental students will be coming to the Senior Center on December 18th at 1:30
pm. for a special program.
A large print newsletter is available for anyone who needs this type of version
Ms. Martinik reported that the ladies room door on the lower level of Eno has not yet been
repaired.
OLD BUSINESS
Dorsett Crossing Apartment Update
Ken Regan shared with Mr. LaMontagne that there is a small land use issue for the
seller that must be resolved before ground breaking. The closing may occur mid
December.
Seniors Job Bank
The Simsbury Senior Job Bank has opened and is operational. The senior Job Bank
will operate through the Senior Center and will be chaired by two volunteers.
Affordable Housing Plan
Mr. LaMontagne distributed an affordable housing plan proposal for commission
members to review. Currently there are 241 affordable housing units (Dr. Owen
Murphy, Virginia Connelly Residence, Eno Farms, Willow Arms). The state mandates
that 10% of a municipality housing stock must be affordable. That would mean the
creation of approximately 800 additional affordable housing units. We would request
that the Board of Selectman vote to approve an Affordable Housing Policy Statement.
Further discussion will take place at the meeting in January.
Age-Friendly Town Proposal
Mr. LaMontagne distributed a proposal for Simsbury to become an age-friendly town.
In order for that to occur seven topics need to be explored to give a comprehensive
picture of the town’s age-friendliness. Commission members were asked to review the
proposal for discussion at the meeting in January.
Project Lifesaver
Mr. LaMontagne stated that police department has received the Project Lifesaver grant
for approximately $5,000, which will pay for equipment and training.
Other
There was no other business discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
Endorsement of new vehicle for Dial-A-Ride Social Services would like to replace a
current Dial a Ride van with a new vehicle. The cost of the vehicle will be paid through
donated funds, but must be approved by the Board of Selectman. Mr. Zappile made a
motion to endorse the proposal. Ms. Veith seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Veteran’s Plan of Action
There are approx 800 veterans who live in Simsbury. Mr’s. Fox, Forrestal and Romano
will be rotating attendance at the commission meeting. Mr. Romano stated that the
VFW has a buddy program to pair older more experienced veterans with new veterans.
The commission will, for its part, concentrate on programs for disabled veterans.
Assignment of Nominating Committee
Mr. LaMontagne appointed Ms. Fallon to chair the nominating committee. A report with
a slate of officers will be presented to the full commission at the January meeting.
Approval of 2014 Meeting Dates
The 2014 meeting calendar was approved.
NCRMHB Update
Mr. LaMontagne distributed a copy of the NCRMHB Emergency and Non-Emergency
Telephone Directory for Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Other Services.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence was received.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Romano stated that a clothing drive for veterans will be held next month. Bins will
be placed around town to collect new clothing and toiletries.
Ms. Herman reported that there will be a Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on
Sunday, November 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Farmington Valley Synagogue on Bushy
Hill.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Ms. Long to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Orenstein. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 7:00 p.m., Youth Room, ENO Memorial Hall
Respectfully Submitted,
Lynn R. Veith
Lynn R. Veith
Clerk