PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), C. Pellegrine, C. Phillips, M. Thatcher, M. Ross , T. Quinn (Chair), S. Gordon, J. Quarto, Cynthia Van Zelm (guest), W. Bigl, J. Kenny (staff), P. Hope (staff)

REGRETS: K. Doeg

I. Call to Order: the meeting was called to order by Chairman T. Quinn at 2:30 PM.

II. Appointment of Recording Secretary: K. Grunwald agreed to take minutes for the meeting.

III. Acceptance of Minutes: The minutes of the October 9, 2007 meeting were accepted as written.

IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: none.

V. New Business

-Update on the Storrs Downtown Project: Cynthia Van Zelm from the Mansfield Downtown Partnership distributed copies of their newsletter, concept plan and timeline. They have been working on creating a special design district, which has been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Inland Wetlands Agency approved an inland wetlands license. They have submitted permit requests to the CT DEP for a storm water control system and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Another permit application needs to be submitted to CT DOT for changes to Storrs Rd. Over a year ago a permit was submitted for a building on Dog Lane for “DL 1” which has been proposed for relocated businesses. Right now they are working on a financing plan to transition them to this new building. It is likely that construction on that building will start in the Spring; they are hoping to start construction on Phase I some time next year, and looking for state and federal funding for the parking garage. All of the remaining approvals are concurrent, and are currently in process. The proposed garages (2) would be 3-4 stories high with no underground parking. The Market Square area could include some underground parking. C. Phillips raised concerns re: space for service vehicles to come in and out, and if the view from residences would be compromised in any way. There will be “urban” elements of the design to accommodate service vehicles. Most views from the residential buildings would be oriented towards open space, with the exception of residences above commercial space. Apartments would have no age limitations, and rents would be “market rate.” Most of the commercial buildings would be 3-4 stories, with access via elevators. There is a need to clarify a question re: handicap accessible toilet facilities. One main goal is to make the development pedestrian-oriented, including space for buses to come through. The parking garage would include bike racks, and cross-walk improvements are planned in changes to Storrs Rd. Road design is focused on not impeding the neighborhood (Dog La.) with excessive traffic. Property owners or a business association will be responsible for maintenance of property in front of their buildings. The Town will probably become responsible for the maintenance of Village St., the Town Square and Market Square. Not sure where the property will come from to widen Storrs Rd. There will be a fee for parking, which is intended to be affordable. There will be accessible parking designated on the Village St. Phase I is the area around the Town Square, Phase II is the area on Village St., Phase III is the area for housing. Cynthia will get back to T. Quinn or K. Grunwald with answers to questions and updates.

- “Other”: none

VI. Optional Reports on Services/Needs of Town Aging Populations

A. Health Care Services

Wellness Center and Wellness Programs – J. Kenny distributed copies of her report. She noted that rules for Medicare are changing re: hospitalization and visiting nursing care. Patients must request visiting nurse services if they are being discharged from a hospital or nursing home.

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – J. Kenny: no report.

B. Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Hope distributed copies of her report, and noted the continued increase in the TVCCA lunch program. The State Dept. of Social Services had a van here in October to assist with a review of Medicare Part D benefits. Atty. George Bickford presented on reverse annuity mortgages on estate planning.

Senior Center Assoc. – John Brubacher (for Tom Rogers) was not present; no report.

C. Housing

Assisted Living Advisory Committee: no report.

Wrights Way, Juniper Hill: no report

Jensen’s Park: W. Bigl reported that they held a successful Veteran’s Day supper; residents attended “Jensen’s Day” lunch at the Senior Center.

Other: none.

D. Related Town and Regional Organizations such as:

Advisory Committee on the Needs of Persons with Disabilities: M. Ross came to Town Hall to look at assistive hearing technology in the Council Chambers, and apparently there are funds designated to update the sound system. He is making recommendations for a specific system that can be used for people who use hearing aids; he believes that the system would cost approximately $1000 and could be easily installed. The Commission agreed to adopt this as a continuing issue.

Senior Resources of Eastern CT: no report

VII. Old Business

- Long Range Plan for 2007- 2010: Action Plans – K. Grunwald reminded members that they had been asked to review the proposed action plans for the issues identified in the Long Range Plan. K. Grunwald will explore whether or not there is funding that has been designated to upgrade the sound system in Council Chambers. There is also an ongoing discussion re: taping meetings to be seen on public access TV. M. Ross agreed to follow-up on the new strategy of exploring what is being done re: taping of Council meetings. T. Quinn asked members to advocate with other organizations that they belong to as a source of information around the needs of seniors. Senior Center Facility: W. Bigl and C. Phillips agreed to work on the issue of a new Senior Center Facility. C. Pellegrine and M. Thatcher agreed to take responsibility for the issue of information dissemination. These are the three issues that the Commission will focus on at this time, and members will provide monthly updates. Transportation: P. Hope provided an update on the ITNA model of transportation, and they are in the process of developing software for smaller communities. They will keep us informed of their progress. T. Quinn asked if there is a brochure that describes all of the transportation; not at this time.

VIII. Additional New Business

-Motto: T. Quinn suggested that the Commission adopt the motto of “Independence.” Suggestion: “Independence for the Aging Population” was adopted as a motto for the Commission.

-Strategic Planning: the Town is looking for more participants for the Future Search Conference as part of the Strategic Planning process (2 weekend commitment). You can apply online, or the Senior Center will print out applications. The Steering Committee is looking particularly for participants in the 25-46 year old age group. They are also looking for participants who represent different cultural backgrounds.

IX. Adjournment: the meeting adjourned at 3: 40PM.

Next meeting: Monday, December 10, 2007 at 2:30 pm at the Senior Center

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald