Aging & Disability Commission - Minutes

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION

Via Zoom to Facebook Live

Regular Meeting September 20, 2022 – 7:00 pm

AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION--REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

September 20, 2022

APPROVED

PRESENT

Robin Batchelder, Jan Beatty, Joanne Cohen, Cheryl Cook, Anne Erickson, Deb Glass, Terry Henault, Mike Jennings, Kate Robbins, Jen Seiderer, Diana Yeisley, and Amber Abbuhl (BOS liaison), Susan Ray (library liaison), Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator)

EXCUSED

Vic Bible, Sandee Fleet, Shannon Leary, and Erin Leavitt-Smith

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Yeisley, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.

Ms. Yeisley welcomed new commissioner Jen Seiderer and advised that commissioner Erin Leavitt-Smith has resigned.

PUBLIC AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS

None received.

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

Mr. Orenstein noted there was a session September 19 at Eno Memorial Hall to help seniors set up their phones to interact with town assisted listening devices. He also noted that town procedures for sign-up for devices in Eno during evening hours need to be developed and signage also needs to be set up in Eno.  Ms. Ray noted that she and Ms. Marschall are working on these issues.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES – Regular Meetings of May 17, 2022 and June 21, 2022

Ms. Cook moved to accept May minutes without correction; Ms. Henault seconded and motion passed.  Ms. Erickson moved to accept June minutes without correction; Ms. Cook seconded and motion passed.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN (BOS) LIAISON REPORT

Ms. Abbuhl noted that the BOS proclaimed September as Suicide Awareness Month and that 988 is the new Suicide Prevention Lifeline across the country.  In recognition, Eno Memorial Hall will be lit up purple for the rest of September. She also noted that the town has received a grant to convert Station Street back to a two-way street. Finally, she noted that the Simsbury Arts & Crafts Festival, which was held September 17 & 18 in the Performing Arts Center parking lot, making it more accessible, had very good attendance.

SENIOR CENTER REPORT

Ms. Marschall thanked Simsbury Police Chief Nick Boulter and the department for hosting their annual picnic after a hiatus of several years due to the pandemic; 190 seniors enjoyed the picnic at Simsbury Farms. She noted a pre-holiday shopping event being held September 21 at Eno from 9:30-11:30 am in the auditorium with many toys on offer. On Tuesday, October 18, from 2-5 pm there will be a flu clinic offered by the VNA; call the VNA for an appointment at 860-651-3539. On September 26 and October 24, a volunteer attorney will be available for 20-minute appointments at the library; appointments must be made through the library information desk. The service is sponsored by the CT Bar Association.Finally, she noted that Erika Cleveland will join Social Services as the town’s new Family and Youth Social Worker on October 3.

PROGRAMS

• Fashion Show – Fall 2022: Ms. Batchelder noted it is scheduled for October 20 from 12-2 at Eno.  Anyone interested in modeling or volunteering should contact Ms. Batchelder.
• Souper Thursday – Funding: Ms. Yeisley noted that a review of available funding would take place after the fashion show.
• Picnic in July: Ms. Yeisley noted that it was held July 16 at the skating rink at Simsbury Farms as it was last year, catered by Fitzgerald’s.  Approximately 80 RSVPs were received. Ms. Robbins noted positive feedback re the venue.
• Sensory Friendly Halloween Event: Ms. Yeisley noted it will be an indoor version of trunk or treat at Eno on Monday, October 24, 4:30-6:30 pm. Ms. Seiderer suggested having some non-food items as well to be sure there are allergen-free options. Ms. Abbuhl noted that the BOS has a meeting that night at 6 so the BOS members will need to leave early.
• Sensory Friendly Santa Event: Ms. Yeisley needs to check re Santa’s schedule but  has tentatively scheduled Monday, December 12, same time as last year.

OLD BUSINESS

• Age Friendly Community Update and Survey: Ms. Beatty reported that more than 500 surveys have been completed by town residents and that initial analysis is currently underway by the work group. Next steps will be to train volunteers to facilitate focus groups to gain in-depth information that can be gathered into a report to BOS, with the goal of reporting prior to the upcoming budget year.

• Affordable Housing Update—Zoning Commission discussion on ADUs: Ms. Erickson noted that no one attended the Zoning Commission’s public hearing July 25.  She noted that the Zoning Commission proposed that ADUs be up to 600 sq ft or 30% of the area of primary dwelling, whichever is greater. Ms. Abbuhl offered that the Zoning Commission’s proposal offers looser restrictions than the state’s, and that their proposal will come to the BOS soon for its consideration. Ms. Cook noted that the second educational meeting of the Simsbury DEI Council regarding ADU planning will be held October 19 at library.
• Disability Employment Resource List: Ms. Cook shared a list with Ms. Yeisley and asked for feedback from the commission regarding its dissemination.
• Fall Presentation/Seminar – No report. Ms. Yeisley noted it will likely become a spring presentation.

• Accessibility Project at PAC update: Ms. Cook noted that a handicapped drop-off point is still needed and she objected to the $10 fee that was charged for the drop-off. Ms. Yeisley asked for details and will contact PAC.

NEW BUSINESS

• Simsbury Farms Playground Project: Ms. Yeisley noted that Culture, Parks, and Rec are redoing the playground at Simsbury Farms and she has been asked to look at it from an accessibility standpoint.
• Town Sidewalk Project: Ms. Yeisley noted that funds have been received and areas from Henry James to the high school will be connected by sidewalks over the next year.
• Vote on in person or zoom: Ms. Yeisley polled the group and the decision was made to continue on Zoom.

ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Cook moved to adjourn the meeting and Ms. Robbins seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 pm.

Next meeting:  October 18, 2022 at 7 pm via Zoom.

Submitted by,

Jan Beatty

Secretary