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Aging & Disability Commission - Minutes

Meeting date: 
Tuesday, June 21, 2022

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION

Via Zoom to Facebook Live

Regular Meeting June 21, 2022 – 7:00 pm

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION – INFORMAL MEETING MINUTES –no quorum present

JUNE 21, 2022

Minutes approved 9/20/2022

PRESENT

Jan Beatty, Vic Bible, Anne Erickson, Terry Henault, Mike Jennings, Kate Robbins, Diana Yeisley, and Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator)

EXCUSED

Robin Batchelder, Joanne Cohen, Cheryl Cook, Sandee Fleet, Deb Glass, Shannon Leary, Erin Leavitt-Smith, Amber Abbuhl (BOS liaison), and Susan Ray (library liaison)

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Yeisley, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS

None received.

AGENDA ITEM—Assisted Living Devices in Town – Update on Project from Mark Orenstein

Mr. Orenstein noted that there are four meeting rooms in town with assisted listening devices. Tariffville Room, French Room, and Eno auditorium now have a 21st-century system, which depends on WiFi and smart phones. No signage in Eno or any documentation provided.  In library, there is signage and documentation but no community-wide communication about its existence. He advocates for marketing about the systems, establishing procedures, and possibly some training sessions for prospective users. Ms. Marschall noted that several informational sessions could be scheduled at Eno in September.  Mr. Orenstein suggested a small work group including representatives from Public Works, library, Senior Center, and himself.  Ms. Yeisley noted that a presentation to the BOS. Mr. Orenstein will talk with Ms. Appleby about best way to proceed.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of May 17, 2022

Without a quorum, the minutes could not be voted on.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN (BOS) LIAISON REPORT

Ms. Abbuhl was absent.

SENIOR CENTER REPORT

Ms. Marschall reported an intergenerational magic show last week that attracted 84 attendees. Two more intergenerational events planned for July 14 and August 22.  Line dancing class back and 20 people attended.  Police picnic coming back this fall on September 7 at Simsbury Farms from 12-2.

PROGRAMS

  • Fashion Show – Fall 2022: Ms. Yeisley noted it is scheduled for October 20.  Anyone interested in donating items or modeling should contact Ms. Batchelder.
  • Souper Thursday – Funding: No report.
  • Picnic in July: Ms. Yeisley noted that it will be held Saturday, July 16, from 6-8 pm at the skating rink at Simsbury Farms as it was last year, catered by Fitzgerald’s.
  • Halloween Event: Ms. Yeisley asked commission about whether it should be indoor or trunk or treat as it was last year. Suggestion was made to do an indoor version of trunk or treat with tentative date at Eno of October 24, 4:30-6:30.

OLD BUSINESS

  • Age Friendly Community Update and Survey: Ms. Beatty reported on completion of the survey and plans for deploying from July 15-September 15.  A kick-off informational meeting for town residents will be held July 12 with a panel including Tia Murphy
  • Affordable Housing Update—Zoning Commission discussion on ADUs: Ms. Yeisley noted that the Zoning Commission had discussion about ADUs and BOS encouraged changes that would be more in line with state law. Ms. Erickson noted that July 25 that Zoning Commission will hold an open forum at 7 at Eno for community input.
  • Disability Employment Resource List: No report.
  • Fall Presentation/Seminar – Mr. Bible would like input from other commissioners.  Ms. Yeisley noted that Alyssa North who had contacted us might be good source. Ms. Robbins noted that Ms. Cook had suggested partnering with Community for Care.
  • Handicap Parking Awareness Month:  Ms. Yeisley noted that June is Handicap Parking Awareness month and the town created a new flier that has been posted by Simsbury Police Department and throughout town.

NEW BUSINESS

  • Accessibility Project at PAC update: Ms. Yeisley noted first phase is completed with paving of parking lot, several handicap parking spots, and leveled area in front of stage.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Next meeting:  September 20, 2022 at 7 pm via Zoom.

Submitted by,

Jan Beatty

Secretary