2:30 PM –
Present: Jan Scottron, T. Quinn, M. Thatcher, C. Phillips, Joan Quarto (guest), S. Gordon, C. McMillan, W. Bigl, S. Thomas (Chair), K. Grunwald (staff)
I. Call to Order - Chair S. Thomas called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.
II. Appointment of Recording Secretary: K. Grunwald agreed to take minutes for the meeting.
III. Acceptance of Minutes of the Sept. 11, 2006 meeting: S. Thomas noted that in her question regarding the role of the Commission relative to Juniper Hill, she did some research and determined that the Town Council does not have any oversight responsibility for Juniper Hill, which is operated by New Samaritan Corporation, and does not fall under the advisory role of the Commission. There was some question regarding where the Housing Authority sits organizationally, although it is clear that it is a separate entity. The minutes were accepted as written with this clarification.
IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff
Resignation of Juniper Hill representative: Beth Acebo called to resign from her membership on the Commission, and S. Thomas spoke with her. A staff person previously filled the role of a Juniper Hill representative. Beth did not have a suggestion for a replacement; it was suggested that Marcia Zimmer be invited to attend the next meeting, and S. Thomas will contact her.
S. Thomas distributed copies of the official charge for the Commission on Aging (see attachment).
V. Optional Reports on Services/Needs of Town Aging Populations
A. Health Care Services
Wellness Center and Wellness Program – J. Kenny was not present; no report.
B. Social, Recreational and Educational
C. Housing
Assisted Living Project: T. Quinn moved that the Chair or designee of the Commission be appointed to serve on the advisory committee that is focusing on this project. This motion was approved unanimously, and K. Grunwald will draft a letter that S. Thomas will send to the Mayor to convey this interest.
Jensen’s Park: W. Bigl reported that K. Grunwald presented at the monthly meeting at Jensen’s. They are receiving some health screening services from the Visiting Nurses of Vernon, including blood pressure screening and a flu clinic. A staff member from Interval House will be doing a presentation on domestic violence next week, and next month Resident State Trooper Sgt. Sean Cox will be doing a presentation.
D. Related Town and Regional Organizations such as:
Advisory Committee for the Needs of Persons with Disabilities: K. Grunwald reported that this committee is actively looking for members.
Town Plan of Conservation and Development: no report.
Town Charter Revision: T. Quinn reported that the Commission interviewed a consultant recently. He raised questions about the use of the term “Mayor”, given our Council/Manager form of government.
Senior Resources of
III. Old Business
Progress on Data from the Survey on Senior Needs – K. Grunwald reported on the status of data entry. The Dept. Secretary is working hard on entering the responses, and we should have the raw data for the next Commission meeting. Three issues appear to consistently come up on the surveys: transportation, assisted living and property taxes. A proposed ordinance to freeze property taxes for elderly low-income residents has recently been drafted and is being reviewed by the town’s attorney.
Report of Nominating Committee – C. Phillips presented three nominees: Joan Quarto, Karen Randolph and Jan Scottron. C. McMillan was being replaced, but apparently she can serve an additional term. There is a limit of nine members on the Commission. After some discussion C. McMillan decided not to serve a third term, and the three nominees were accepted unanimously by the membership. C. McMillan stated that she will stay on the Commission if any of the nominees does not accept.
VII. New Business
M.
Thatcher suggested that for a future meeting we talk about what to do in the
event of a loss of power. The suggestion
was to have the Fire Marshall speak to this Commission, or to offer this as a
program at the
K. Grunwald asked that for the November meeting the Commission review the Annual Report; K. Grunwald will submit a draft.
IX. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 3:55 PM. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 pm at Juniper Hill.
Respectfully submitted,
Kevin Grunwald