MINUTES

September 26, 2007

PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), G. Cole, A. Kenefick, M. Hart (staff), J.A. Bobbitt, N. Sheehan, G. Padick (staff), S. Thomas

I. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: members introduced themselves to Scott Cohen from Hawthorne Partners.

II. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE: no public comment.

III. REVIEW OF MINUTES: The minutes of the September 12, 2007 were reviewed. J.A. Bobbitt asked that on page 2 it should be noted that dementia care would not be a proposed part of this facility. Minutes accepted with that correction.

IV. COMMUNICATIONS:

A. Agenda

B. September 12, 2007 Minutes

V. DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS:

A. Presentation by Scott Cohen, Hawthorne Partners/Benchmark: Scott Cohen indicated that Hawthorne Partners is a development group that would work with Benchmark to run the facility. Benchmark started in 1997 and over time they developed and/or acquired a number of projects in CT, MA and NH. Hawthorne Partners is a development company that partners with Benchmark on senior housing projects. Benchmark is interested in linkages to the community, university, and other amenities. Their focus is on sizing the project so that it fills quickly; looking at 60-90 units as an ideal size. They currently have 3 other projects in New England that they are jointly developing. The focus is on developing a facility that fits into the existing community. Most facilities they have developed are primarily assisted living; include Alzheimer’s care and some independent living. They would conduct their own market analysis to determine what the specific need is here. The key is “housing with a purpose.” Thoughts about the proposed Mansfield site: “great location, access to athletic fields, Community Center and UConn.” They are interested in a relationship with the School of Nursing, and in general this site is consistent with the type of location that they look for.

Q: Who is responsible for facility management? A: Benchmark manages the full range of operations, including hiring, training, etc. There is an Executive Director for each community, who reports to a Regional Director.

Q: Difference between a for-profit and non-profit? A: This would be better answered by Benchmark; there is a distinctive difference in the level of service, quality of building and personnel, and financing available (access to capital).

Q: View of the current marketplace re: age-restricted housing; projects approved and not implemented? A: Senior housing is very attractive at this time, but certain areas are over-developed; the market needs to be there to support it.

Q: Is much of the information about their proposed interest proprietary? A: Hawthorne can only speak to the development aspect; they would like to respond with someone from Benchmark to answer those questions; focus is on current operations as opposed to potential development.

Q: Are you familiar with the actual site? A: The location is ideal; need to look more closely at the actual site. The minimum development area would be 4-5 acres, depending on size of the building. They have done facilities on sites as small as 1.5 acres. They would work with the available land.

Q: What would your advice be re: how long it would take to develop a full proposal? A: It would take approximately one month to put together a proposal. They would look for one year to obtain permits for the project. Focus on creating the right space.

B. Review of Qualifications received: K. Grunwald reported that we will not be receiving qualifications from Sunrise.

C. Next Steps: discussion re: RFP. G. Cole raised the question as to whether or not we can ask for this without having identified a specific site. G. Padick indicated that the issue is infrastructure. We would need to know if a developer could live with a site in the southern part of town. If we are committed to a Storrs site then we need to talk to the university and estimate water needs. Other potential sites have been identified, but the issue is still access to water and sewer. There was some discussion about the demographics of potential residents, and how this affects proximity to the downtown. N. Sheehan made the point that even older seniors should ideally have access to services and be able to walk to locations. Within the projected age profile there would be residents who are functionally independent. S. Thomas pointed out that many seniors walk in the area, but would still be reliant on transportation for shopping, etc. In general, she felt that some distance from downtown would not be problematic. G. Padick feels that prospective developers need to help us to understand what their site requirements are. We can indicate if our preference is to focus on Storrs. One area to pay attention to is the potential for university-owned land. The RFP would need to raise specific site questions regarding requirements and preferences. Other areas of interest in a proposal: for-profit vs. non-profit issue: are there pros and cons regarding quality, etc. In nursing homes for-profit entities are very complex corporate structures that tend to be set up to protect corporate assets. J.A. Bobbitt indicated that there is website that we can review that rates all nursing homes. A. Kenefick stated that it’s difficult to find objective metrics that reflect the quality of services provided. N. Sheehan suggested that visits would be helpful in terms of evaluating the quality of facilities in action. G. Cole suggested that visiting the Long Hill facility in Shelton, which apparently is the best example of the Planetree philosophy. Perry Phillips would be interested in coming to meet with this group to talk about his experience. Questions for RFP: staffing model (including aides), use of part-time staff, turnover, training, etc. Terminology that is used to describe residents. Measures of fiscal stability, experience in meeting deadlines, annual financial report, programs and services that would be offered. Possible alliance with programs at UConn; how they would hope to partner. Opportunities to place students; describe ways in which they would partner with the University. Alliances in general are important: Community Center, MCNR, etc. How would they anticipate that the needs of residents who need other levels of care would be provided, pricing structure (including absence from the facility).

D. “Other”: none.

VI. SCHEDULE FOR FUTURE MEETINGS: second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 9-10:30; location TBD.

VII. ADJOURNMENT: the meeting adjourned at 10:50 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald