DRAFT

 

Mansfield Commission on Aging Minutes

9:30 AM – Senior Center

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

 

PRESENT: K. Grunwald (staff), M. Rogers, J. Scottron (guest), A. Holinko, T. Quinn (Chair), S. Gordon, K. Doeg, T. Rogers, J. Adamcik, P. Richardson (staff), W. Bigl, J. Brubacher

REGRETS: J. Quarto, C. Phillips

 

I.      Call to Order: Chair T. Quinn called the meeting to order at 9:35 AM.

 

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

 

III. Acceptance of Minutes: The minutes of the September 14 meeting were accepted as written.

 

IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: T. Quinn reported that there will be a Senior Fair at the Community Center next Tuesday hosted by Senators Don Williams and Edith Prague.  Tim felt that planning for this event should have included the Commission; P. Richardson reported that the Senior Center will have a table, and invited Commission members to be present.             

 

V.   New Business

  1. Annual Report: Accomplishments and Goals- J. Quarto and C. Phillips volunteered to review these in more detail and to present them prior to submission to the Town Manager. They were unable to attend the meeting due to training to work at the polls, but provided a written update regarding the goals which indicated the following accomplishments:

·         Communicated with Town Government regarding improvement of audio facilities in Council Chambers.

·         Promoted the internet to keep updated information available for seniors and families.

·         Formed a sub-committee to consider possible sites for a new Senior Center and kept the Town Government aware of the need.

·         Chairman Quinn discussed formation of a Board of Seniors with the Mayor.  She feels that it is not viable.

      The report was accepted by the Commission.  A. Holinko questioned the role of the Commission regarding building a new Senior Center, and there was some    discussion regarding what this would be? T. Quinn stated that he did not feel that             the selection of a site falls under the purview of the Commission, and other     members appeared to concur.

 

  1. “Other”:
    • T. Quinn stated that he felt the Commission should have been a host of the Senior Fair, and asked that the Commission register their concern about the lack of recognition of the existence of the Commission and indicate that they would like to assist at this event.  A motion was made to offer the Commission’s assistance with this event.  There appears to have been some confusion regarding the purpose and planning of this event, and no further action was agreed to. 
    • T. Quinn noted the number of people riding bicycles, and questioned why they are not using the bike paths.  W. Bigl states that there is no ordinance that prohibits the use of bicycles on roads.  T. Quinn would like to encourage seniors to ride bicycles.

 

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

A.   Health Care Services

Wellness Center and Wellness Program – P. Richardson reported that Jean Kenny has retired and her job description is being finalized for this position, and the job will be posted soon.  K. Grunwald and Kathy Ann Easley will be available at the Senior Center to meet with clients until someone is hired.  M. Rogers expressed concerns that a major resource for seniors has been discarded.  She feels that the Commission should have had some input into this decision.  K. Doeg also expressed the feeling that the Commission should take a stand on this reduction.  He moved that the Commission send a letter to the Town Council registering their concern that the Senior Services Social Worker position was reduced, registering the hope that this reduction will only be temporary.  T. Quinn asked that a letter of commendation be sent to Jean thanking her for her service to seniors.  T. Quinn also feels that he should present this letter directly to the Town Council, signed by all members of the Commission.   W. Bigl questioned whether or not this should be sent after the elections.  T. Rogers would like the Association to formally support this action; he will raise this at the Executive Committee meeting tomorrow.  T. Quinn will draft both of these letters.  K. Grunwald clarified that the Senior Service Social Worker’s position will be supplemented by the work of the Adult Services Social Worker. 

 

B.    Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Richardson distributed copies of her monthly report.  She raised concerns that the dental clinic offered by Generations is not being more actively used.  They are here once a month.   K. Doeg stated that he was not aware of this, and he feels that it needs to be advertised well.  Storrs Drug is offering a vaccine for shingles, which is covered by Medicare Part D.  P. Richardson participated in the Know Your Towns Fair, which was well attended.  She also noted that the policy on registration for classes is being revised.  She added that several UConn students have been volunteering and interning, and one of them will be trained to take Energy Assistance applications here. 

 

Senior Center Assoc. – T. Rogers reported that the Association is working on a revision to their by-laws. He also reported that the Association hosted a party for Jean Kenny last Friday which was well attended. 

 

C.    Housing:

Assisted Living Advisory Committee: no report.

Wrights Way: J. Adamcik mentioned that there will be a rent increase.  He asked about a request for a bus shelter to be built between the Senior Center and Wright’s Way.  There were several suggestions about how to proceed with this.  W. Bigl will send an email to the Transportation Advisory Committee; M. Rogers raised concerns about the bus stop across from the Community Center and this concern will be added.

 Juniper Hill: no report.

Jensen’s Park: W. Bigl reported that everything is fine there.

Glen Ridge: J. Scottron would like to see this added to the standing agenda.

Other: none.

 

D.   Related Town and Regional Organizations such as:

Advisory Committee on the Needs of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Resources of Eastern CT: no reports.

 

VII. Old Business                            

  1. Long Range Plan for 2007- 2010:  Update on Action Plans (all)- . Please review the Long-Range plan and the Mansfield 2020 plan and come to the October meeting prepared to prioritize and integrate the long-range plan with Mansfield 2020: no discussion. 

 

VIII. Adjournment          

The meeting adjourned at 10:30. Next meeting: Monday, November 9, 2009 at 9:30 AM at the Senior Center.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kevin Grunwald