Senior Center Subcommittee Meeting

Senior Center Subcommittee Meeting
August 26, 2013,
Town Hall Main Meeting  Room     

Public Building Committee Chairman Ostop opened the meeting by thanking everyone in attendance for being there and for their past participation in meetings re the senior center.

Guests:  Tom Arcari and Rocco Petitto of Quisenberry Arcari  Architects LLC

Attendees:  Mary Glassman, Richard Sawitzke,Tom Roy, Hiram Peck, Mickey Lecours-Beck, Kathy Marschal, Lisa Heavner, Nancy Haase, Richard Ostop, Mike Laureno, Mary Lou Patrina, Karen Handville,

Thomas Cooke, Mark Orenstein, Mike Long, Pauline Henderson, Edna Schreindorfer, Don Zaylor,

 Sylvia Jennings and Mike Jennings.

First Selectman Mary Glassman thanked the Public Building Committee, the Senior Center Sub-committee and specifically Town Engineer Rich Sawitzke for all the hard work and time spent in planning the Senior Center Project thus far.  She stated that the BOS will be addressing the senior center issue in September, the decision having been made that many people are on vacation in August which might limit the possibility for maximum feedback.  She reported that she had received a request that the Senior Center Subcommittee continue after the BOS makes their decision and that she hopes that it will continue and perhaps add some more people as the Project goes forward.

Mr. Sawitzke gave a brief history of the Senior Center studies which have resulted in stating the potential of three locations in Town: (1) Eno Memorial Hall with an addition (2) Performing Arts Center with an addition and (3) a new facility at the corner of Bushy Hill and Stratton Brook roads.  The architect developed facts and costs for these alternatives.  In June the BOS held a public forum and gave a large presentation of all the different ideas followed by questions and comments from the attendees. 

Mr. Sawitzke stated that following deliberations the focus turned to Eno and the Performing Arts Center.  He then gave details for those two sites.  He reported on a positive response from the State Historic Preservation Office re the current plans for Eno.  He reported on potential parking addition solutions.

Architect Arcari presented and explained in detail drawings for the Eno Memorial Hall Senior Center site and the Performing Arts Center site

Following the presentation, the meeting continued with questions and comments from those in attendance:

A question was raised re the appropriateness of the entry level proposed for Eno.

Frustration was stated re the time spent at meetings with the resulted feeling that input is not being    

   given sufficient response.

Inquiry was made re the operating costs for the PAC site versus those for a potential new building at the

   Bushy Hill/Stratton Brook site.

An opinion was voiced in favor of a new center at the Bushy Hill/Stratton Brook site which prompted the           

   question of a potential raise in taxes and residents willingness to pay such.

The need was expressed for seniors to be consulted re what they want re a senior center

The idea was presented re having a gerontologist or someone who is a professional who knows the                   

   mental health needs of seniors to look at the plans to give an opinion of what is best for seniors.

The issue of traffic was raised and question asked if a traffic study has been done.

The environmental aspect was noted and that Eno is currently a green spot in the center of Town.

Senior Center Subcommittee                                   - 2 -                                                     08/26/2013

Concern was noted that the Bushy Hill/Stratton Brook location is being unfairly tied by some to the Ethel  

    Walker woods property.

Re the question whether the mechanics are sufficient to handle the Eno plans, Mr. Arcari responded

    that a small component may need to be added, but more study is needed for a final determination

    to be made.

There was concern re the need for a cover over the drop off entry at Eno in unfavorable weather

   conditions.  Mr. Arcari stated they are addressing the drainage management, a potential heated

    driveway in that area and probably also a cover.

The issue re reasonably accessible handicapped bathrooms was mentioned.

The question was raised re need for a PAC study before pursuing adding on to it. 

 Chairman Ostop stated that the PBC does not make the decisions re the Senior Center.  The PBC was given the charge of determining sites, costs and meeting the needs of seniors.  It is the BOS that will take the information to a public hearing, make a decision and potentially give a specific directive to the PBC.

Ms. Heavner moved that (1) a traffic study be done for all three sites (2) the Aging and Disability Committee should be involved in the plans (3) Parks and Recreation should be involved re the PAC  (4) a hard look should be taken at the Web Report and whether it would mesh with the Senior Center plans and (5) we need to determine  whether we need a survey or have reached enough of the seniors. 

Ms. Jennings seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

A question was raised re use of Iron Horse Boulevard property.   Mr. Sawitze stated that a portion is owned by the State and that there are ongoing discussions re the use of that land.

Upon unanimous agreement the meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

Yvonne Hill

PBC clerk