MINUTES

October 17, 2007

PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), J. Brubacher, J.A. Bobbitt, Carl Schaefffer (guest), A. Kennefick

REGRETS: G. Padick, G. Cole, M. Hart

I. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: Town Council member Carl Schaeffer introduced himself to the Committee members. He mentioned that he had visited the University of Virginia several years ago and toured their Assisted Living facility. He pointed out that the university benefits from the presence of the facility; they use this as an attraction for faculty in recruitment. They also find that this is a significant source of alumni fund raising. AAUP is interested in bettering the lives of emeritus faculty, and this is an additional benefit. He would like to see UConn support the building of this facility.

II. OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE: no comments.

III. REVIEW OF MINUTES: the minutes of the September 26, 2007 meeting were accepted as written.

IV. COMMUNICATIONS:

A. Agenda

B. September 26, 2007 Minutes

V. DISCUSSION/NEW BUSINESS:

A. Presentation by Benchmark: they were not able to attend, but will present at our next meeting.

B. Review of Qualifications received: A. Kennefick raised the question of whether or not we can get a commitment from a developer without a commitment regarding access to sewer and water. J.A. Bobbitt raised the question about a commitment on the location of a road on the proposed site. She also raised the question as to how we will inform the Town Council regarding what action they need to take regarding this initiative. We need to get estimates from developers regarding how much water will be needed for this facility. C. Schaeffer believes that water is a significant issue for the town overall, and we need to identify a source of water independent of private wells and the university. The university currently furnishes water for the nursing home; how much is used? Can we also confirm that access to sewer is not a problem? We can check on the water billing for the Housing Authority, which goes through the Finance Dept. The non-profit developers expressed an interest in affiliating with the University, and the feeling was that we should clarify this with Benchmark as well.

C. Schedule for site visits: There is interest in visiting the following facilities: Benchmark in Mystic or Niantic, Middlewoods (UMH) in Farmington, and Masonicare in Wallingford. We would look at possibly combining two visits in one day. Members want to hear more about the philosophy and programming/training, etc. at these facilities. The importance of talking with residents was also stressed. Regarding visits to facilities, N. Sheehan and A. Kennefick could go early on a Tuesday; possibly 11/13 or 11/27. N. Sheehan is generally available on a Monday or Friday; 11/2 is also a possibility. J. Brubacher and J.A. Bobbitt are generally available with the exception of Wednesday. K. Grunwald will attempt to coordinate at least two groups of committee members for visits and will contact facilities.

D. Development of an RFP: The next step includes identifying the amount of water needed for this project. Other items to stress in the RFP include the following: staffing model (incl. 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).

E. “Other”: none.

VI. SCHEDULE FOR NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, October 31, 9-10:30; location TBD.

VII. ADJOURNMENT: meeting adjourned at 10:00 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald