Aging & Disability Commission - Minutes

Meeting date: 
Thursday, November 19, 2020

 

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION

Via Zoom Live Feed

Regular Meeting Postponed from November 17 – November 19, 2020 – 7:00 pm

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 19, 2020

SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

A regular meeting of the Aging and Disability Commission (postponed from November 17) was held at 7:00 pm on November 19, 2020 via Zoom live feed.

PRESENT

Jan Beatty, Victor Bible, Anne Erickson, Shannon Knall, Susan Krinsky, Mike Jennings, Erin Leavitt-Smith, Mark Orenstein, Kate Robbins, Diana Yeisley, Susan Ray (Library), Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), Wendy Mackstutis (Board of Selectmen Liaison), and Rachael Loveland (Social Services)

EXCUSED

Cheryl Cook, Sandee Fleet

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Yeisley, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS

None received. 

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES - Special Meeting of October 20, 2020

Mr. Jennings made a motion to accept the minutes and Ms. Knall seconded; minutes were unanimously accepted with no corrections.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN (BOS) LIAISON REPORT

Ms. Mackstutis reported the awarding of a $128,000 STEAP grant by the state of Connecticut to assist with accessibility improvements to the parking lot, walkway, and seating areas at Simsbury Meadows.  She also noted that an Affordable Housing Plan was presented to the BOS on November 9 with a public meeting for feedback held the following evening. Other news included the appointment of a new Deputy Police Chief, Chris Davis; the smooth running of the November 3rd general election, with 85% voter turnout in town; and the Clean Energy Task Force will be sending out a mailing to inform residents about the Energizer CT Home Energy Solutions Program.  She ended by noting the upcoming November 30th meeting of the three boards - -BOS, Education, Finance – to discuss budgets. Ms. Levitt-Smith asked Ms. Mackstutis to request that boards consider the appropriateness of the proposed salary raises of 3% at this time.

SENIOR CENTER REPORT

Ms. Marschall noted that the Farmington Valley Health District asked the Senior Center today to scale back Dial-a-Ride to essential trips (food, medicine, doctor) and to curtail all in-person programs. The center is still providing grab-and-go meals at the rate of about 57 participants per week; yesterday was a Thanksgiving meal with thanks to St. Mary’s, who donated 100 Thanksgiving meals. The monthly food pantry held November 10th assisted 143 households, with 33 homes receiving deliveries; the next distribution is December 8th.Although the Veteran’s Lunch was canceled; an anonymous donation of Dunkin Donuts gift cards was mailed to veterans.Karen Haberlin has been appointed the new Senior Center assistant, starting Nov 23rd; she has worked for the town as a commission clerk since May 2017. She ended with another thank you to the mask sewers, who have sewn 5700 masks as of the end of October; masks are available if you need them.

OLD BUSINESS

  • Halloween Deliveries: Thirteen deliveries at nine households were made in response to the email sign-up. Ms. Yeisley thanked Ms. Leavitt-Smith, Ms. Knall, and Ms. Marschall for their help.
  • Virtual Santa and Holiday Cards to Seniors: Ms. Fleet will coordinate sending cards and small remembrances to all seniors at the Virginia Connolly residence. Ms. Yeisley reported that Santa from previous years is excited to do the virtual event where appointments are set up to have private meeting via Zoom with Santa. An elf will deliver treat bags to the doors of those who sign up. Event will be Saturday, December 12, from 9 am -12 pm, and is free for all ages.St. Mary’s is making 50 cards, and the library will provide other treats for the bag. Sign up here:

      https://forms.gle/oc4HXJyB4N8EKzek8

  • PAC Accessibility Update: Ms. Yeisley thanked Mr. Jennings and Ms. Knall for their efforts in ensuring the accessibility issues at the Performing Arts Center were addressed.
  • Spring Seminar:After discussion with Erica Michalowski of AARP, Mr. Bible suggested April 14, 6:30-8 pm, for the AARP presentation “Road to Livability” viathe library’s Zoom account. Ms. Beatty volunteered to help in marketing efforts.
  • Age Friendly Community and Survey update: Mr. Bible had nothing new to report.
  • Covid Survey update: Commission subcommittee of Ms. Knall, Ms. Robbins, and Mr. Jennings met to discuss how best to help those who need help in the town. Ms. Robbins noted their discussion led to the idea of an awareness program to remind people of the services that exist via a mailing and Mr. Jennings suggested the possibility of a public service notice on SCTV. Ms. Yeisley suggested discussing a commission-sponsored mailer with Kristen Formanek and BOS. Ms. Krinsky volunteered to research potential resources for the list by the 2nd week of December; the subcommittee will create a list to bring back to commission for approval. In the meantime, Ms. Marschall provided phone numbers of Social Services (860-658-3283) and the Senior Center (860-658-3273) for anyone who needs assistance.

NEW BUSINESS

  • Commission Meeting Calendar 2021: Ms. Yeisley presented the calendar. Ms. Beatty made a motion to approve the dates--3rd Tuesdays of every month in 2021 except in July, August, and December.Ms. Erickson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
  • Nominating Committee: Ms. Robbins will head the nomination committee and the vote for the slate will be taken in January.
  • Loan Locker idea: Ms. Yeisley was asked if the commission could help with outreach to doctors’ offices and medical facilities about the existence of the Loan Locker. Ms. Krinsky volunteered to help.Ms. Robbins suggested that Loan Locker info be included on the previously discussed mailing about services.
  • For All Ages Luminaries – volunteers: For All Ages is looking for volunteers for the Simsbury Unite by Light December 6th event at 5 pm; luminaries will be located along Iron Horse Boulevard.
  • Other: Ms. Krinsky noted a private business that is not accessible.Ms. Yeisley suggested that she contact the designated town agency if a business is not meeting ADA requirements. Ms. Ray noted that Melissa Appleby, Assistant Town Manager, is the designated ADA coordinator for the town.
  • Other: Ms. Robbins asked if the commission might apply for a town proclamation to recognize Ed LaMontagne’s dedication as chair of this commission for many years. Ms. Yeisley will pursue.
  • Other: Mr. Orenstein’s term ends in January, and Ms. Yeisley thanked him for his service. He noted his appreciation for being able to serve the town.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, a request to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Orenstein and seconded by Ms. Robbins. The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 pm.

Next meeting:  January 19, 2021 via Zoom at 7 pm.

Submitted by,

Jan Beatty

Secretary