Aging & Disability Commission - Minutes
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION
Via Google Meet to Facebook Live
Regular Meeting May 18, 2021 – 7:00 pm
AGING AND DISABILITY COMMISSION – REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 18, 2021
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
PRESENT
Jan Beatty, Joanne Cohen, Cheryl Cook, Anne Erickson, Sandee Fleet, Deborah Glass, Mike Jennings, Kate Robbins, Diana Yeisley, Susan Ray (Library), Kathleen Marschall (Senior Center Coordinator), and Wendy Mackstutis (Board of Selectmen Liaison)
EXCUSED
Robin Batchelder, Vic Bible, Shannon Knall, Terry Henault, and Erin Leavitt-Smith
CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Yeisley, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited.
PUBLIC AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments received.
Presentation from ADA Paratransit Clients Manager, Margaret Banker, about the Freedom Ride Program:
Ms. Banker noted that one must be certified as an ADA certified paratransit passenger in order to use the Freedom Ride program. (Information on applying can be found on their website https://www.hartfordtransit.org/ada-paratransit-services/.) Freedom Ride is a prepaid reduced fare voucher program presented by the Greater Hartford Transit District that offers a 50% discount from the normal taxi rate, with a minimum purchase of $25 initially. She noted a two-week turnaround time on applications and the maximum amount to be applied on a voucher is $50/month, which is matched. Vouchers can be used for any purpose, 24/7, as long as ride begins or ends in Simsbury; up to three companions and a service animal can accompany the rider. Because there is no fixed route bus system in Simsbury, the Freedom Ride program does not apply to buses here; but if one is certified as an ADA paratransit passenger, one can use in an area where there are fixed route bus systems. She also noted that Way to Go CT (860-667-6207) and waytogoct.org online provides information about other transportation options throughout the state.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSION MEMBER: Deborah Glass
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of April 20, 2021
Ms. Cohen moved to accept the minutes and Ms. Robbins seconded to approve the minute meetings. Minutes were unanimously accepted with no changes.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN (BOS) LIAISON REPORT
Ms. Mackstutis noted that the town budget passed with historic numbers for the referendum; all questions were voted yes, including improvements for Latimer Lane school and the acquisition of Meadowood. Planning for reopening of the town is underway with virtual /hybrid meetings continuing until July. She reported that the BOS approved a subcommittee within the SPIRIT Council to present a proposal about affordable housing. Further, she noted that the affordable housing plan from the Planning Commission will be presented to the BOS in July. Finally, she commented that John Hampton is out on medical leave, which is why he has been unable to report as planned to the commission on legislation affecting seniors and those with disabilities.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Ms. Marschall noted that the Senior Center will be opening June 1 to the public as well as Social Service offices; masks will still be required. She reported that the center will hold off on offering congregate meals inside through the summer but will try some outdoor meals on Mondays. She also noted that fiitness programs will be virtual through summer, and the plan will be to open all programs in person for the fall.
OLD BUSINESS
Age Friendly Community Update: Ms. Yeisley noted that she will plan a meeting with Ms. Beatty and Mr. Bible to outline next steps.
Service Outreach: Ms. Robbins noted that she will get the proposed copy to Ms. Marschall to be used as an insert for a Senior Center newsletter.
Affordable Housing Update: No update beyond what was discussed above.
Facebook Page Update: Ms. Yeisley noted that it will be on the next BOS meeting agenda.
Spring Fling Event: Ms. Yeisley reported that the event April 24 had about 10 participants who enjoyed planting forget-me-nots. She thanked Ms. Ray and Ms. Marschall for their help.
Policies and Procedures: Ms. Yeisley notes that a draft has been submitted to her from Ms. Marschall, which she will look over before sending on to BOS.
Picnic in July: Ms. Yeisley noted that St. Catherine’s may not be available, and Kane’s is under new management, so she will make some calls. Alternate suggestions were Simsbury Farms, Tariffville park, Cranmore in Granby.
Multi-Town Commission on Aging: No update.
NEW BUSINESS
Oak Hill Smart Home on Wheels : Ms. Beatty noted that the Smart Home on Wheels would cost $2600 to have the home available for demo. Ms. Robbins suggested instead using this topic of smart technology for the fall seminar. Ms. Beatty concurred and suggested involving AARP.
Brochure Update: Ms. Yeisley noted that the brochure will be put online.
OTHER
Mr. Jennings shared information on another transportation option, Sunshine Wheels started by New Horizons in Unionville, and their new headquarters in Simsbury. Ms. Yeisley will send the information to the commission.
Ms. Yeisley noted the two surveys (library and transportation) sent to the commissioners and hoped they would be completed.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a request to adjourn the meeting was made by Mr. Jennings and seconded by Ms.Cook. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Next meeting: June 15, 2021 at 7 pm via Google Meet.
Submitted by,
Jan Beatty
Secretary