Aging and Disability Commission - Minutes

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, April 17, 2018

TOWN OF SIMSBURY

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION

APRIL 17, 2018

SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

 

The regular meeting of the Aging and Disability Commission was held on April 17, 2018, in the Youth Room – Eno Memorial Hall – 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT.

 

PRESENT

Jan Beatty, Victor Bible, Lorraine Doonan, Sandee Fleet, Joy Himmelfarb, Marvin Koff, Edward LaMontagne, Mark Orenstein, Kate Robbins, Diana Yeisley, Arlene Zappile, Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), Cheryl Cook (Board of Selectman Liaison), and Susan Ray (Library)

 

EXCUSED

Mike Jennings, Susan Krinsky, Cheryl Lauben, and Mary Ellen Long.

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Edward J. LaMontagne, Chairman, at 7:03 p.m. Mr. LaMontagne appointed Lorraine Doonan and Arlene Zappile to be regular members for this meeting.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was recited.

A motion was made by Ms. Yeisley to move Public Audience until later in the agenda.  Mr. Orenstein seconded and the motion carried.

 

GUESTS

Joel Hershfield, Simsbury resident

Keith Gregorian-Michaelson, Simsbury resident, who spoke during Public Audience

 

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - REGULAR MEETING OF March 20, 2018

The minutes were approved without correction.

 

BOS LIAISON REPORT

Selectwoman Cook reported that the town’s annual budget referendum will be held on May 1 at Henry James Middle School. She also noted several personnel changes in town.  The Board approved Nicholas Boulter as the town’s new police chief, and interviews are in process for two other positions: Director of Culture, Parks, and Recreation and Finance Officer. Ms. Cook also said that new Town Manager Maria Capriola is introducing herself around town and today met with about 30 seniors at the Senior Center.

 

SENIOR CENTER REPORT

Senior Center Director Ms. Marschall thanked Matthew Curtis, Superintendent of Schools, and new Town Manager Maria Capriola for coming to the Senior Center today.  Ms. Marschall noted that Lauren Devin, Simsbury Police officer, is promoting a free program on Tuesday, April 24, 9:30-11:30 am, at the Hop Meadow Country Club called "Senior Scams, Schemes & Frauds: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim." Ms. Marschall and Ms. Rey noted that the Library will host a Simsbury Volunteer Expo on April 28 from 10-12 am in the Program Room at the library. Ms. Marschall concluded by mentioning that the Senior Center will be hosting a free 6-week “Live Well with Diabetes” workshop May 7-June 18. 

 

PROGRAM REPORTS

Souper Tuesday: April 10th Souper Tuesday attracted 40 people and food was served by the Lions Club.

Fashion Show: The fashion show has been moved to the fall (October 10, 2018). The FAVRAH Thrift Shop will assist the commission in hosting the event and Ms. Yeisley is the liaison.

Financials: The current balance in the account is $590.40, which will cover the May Souper Tuesday with the Tariffville students.

     Ø   Picnic in the Park: The event will be held Saturday, August 25, 2018, and again at St. Catherine of Siena. Ms. Yeisley will be coordinating the plans and she will be sure to reach out to group homes a week or two before the event. Ms. Yeisley said she would look into gluten-free options for this year.

 

PUBLIC AUDIENCE

Keith Gregorian-Michaelsen, 82 Wildwood Road, longtime resident of West Simsbury, noted that not having public transportation in Simsbury limits his options for his child with special needs who is transitioning out of Simsbury schools. He would like to see daily transportation to West Hartford where there are numerous programs ideal for his child. Independent Transportation Networks(ITN) exist in Enfield and in Middletown, but there is no ITN that serves Simsbury.  Simsbury has express bus service, but no regular bus route.  Ms. Yeisley volunteered to seek out the numbers of children transitioning out of Simsbury schools and projected for the next 5 years. Ms. Yeisley asked if an ITN as a cooperative between Avon, Canton, and Simsbury could be investigated.  Ms. Cook noted that the new town manager had mentioned that Mansfield purchased a car for the town and trained volunteers as drivers of that car. Ms. Yeisley asked if grant money might be available to help the town provide transportation service. Ms. Zappile wondered if commercial vans might also be an option. Mr. LaMontagne said that the commission could investigate an ITN. 

 

OLD BUSINESS

Spring Seminar: Mr. Bible noted that the seminar will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 7- 8:30 p.m. in the Program Room at the Simsbury Library. Former Probate Judge Robert Killian will present “Serving the Needs of People with Limitations.”  Mr. Bible noted his committee’s marketing efforts. Flyers were emailed and/or posted at more than 25 different locations by Ms. Robbins. Mr. LaMontagne noted mentions in Hartford Courant and other print media.  Ms. Doonan’s company has offered refreshments following.

Eno Memorial Hall Renovations: Construction bids are out and construction will begin June 1. The kitchen area will be reconfigured to make it more accessible.

Assistive Listening: Mr. LaMontagne noted that the decision at the April 2nd Public Building Committee was made to install both Wi-Fi and FM listening systems.

Age-Friendly Community: Mr. LaMontagne said he has emailed First Selectman Eric Wellman about working toward making Simsbury an AARP age-friendly committee and has asked to address the BOS about the process. He will address either the April or May Board of Selectmen meeting.

Ms. Yeisley noted that the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce is interested in making the town a disability-friendly town. Simsbury SEPTO sponsored a disability-friendly day at the capitol in March.

 

NEW BUSINESS

FY 2018-19 Town Budget: The additional lunch that would take place on Tuesdays was added to the town budget.  Mr. LaMontagne said that if the budget passes the referendum, the commission will need to make a decision about the continuation of Souper Tuesday.  The issue will be discussed at the June meeting.

Accessibility Issues:  Mr. LaMontagne noted he had sent a letter to the town about the main meeting room in Town Hall not being accessible.

“Granny Pods”: Mr. LaMontagne shared a news item with the commission that, for approximately $75,000, a prefabricated and delivered home is now being marketed by New-York based Echo Cottages as a cheaper alternative for senior care.

June Meeting:  Mr. LaMontagne noted that the scheduled meeting of the Aging and Disability Commission conflicts with graduation; the meeting date will be moved to June 12.

Other:  Mr. LaMontagne noted that SCTV won a competition and will receive $2000 toward new office furniture.   He also reminded the commissioners of the “Safety Academy: ADA - Self Evaluation & Transition Plans” program being held at the Simsbury Library on May 3 and urged those who could to attend.

Ms. Robbins noted she had seen an article about loneliness becoming a health hazard and asked if loneliness could be considered as part of the age-friendly community initiative if we proceed.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business a request to adjourn the meeting was made. Ms. Yeisley made a motion to adjourn. Dr. Koff seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

 

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 7:00 p.m., Youth Room, ENO Memorial Hall

 

Submitted by,

Jan Beatty

Clerk