RECEIVED MARCH 19, 2008 @ 10:30 AM
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008
9:00 a.m.
HERITAGE CENTER
Commissioners Present: Alternates Present:
Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman
Jack Froehlich Janet Cianci
Florence Hayes
Bill Morris
Sharon Rehme
Staff: Gail Schiron, Municipal Agent
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from February 6, 2008
The Commission reviewed the Minutes from February 6, 2008. Under the attendee’s section, Natalie Ketcham will be listed as Ex-Officio Member. There was also a minor punctuation correction.
The minutes were approved as corrected.
II. Public Participation
There was no participation from the public.
III. Reports
Ms. Rehme reported there has been little update on the Georgetown Development project. There have been delays on the state approvals involving roads and general infrastructure. Everything appears to be on schedule.
Ms. Sibilio introduced Henry Polio who will take over the Senior Net program as Coordinator. Senior Net has had trouble collecting enough from learning centers and is asking the Center for an annual minimum fee of $3,600. This is in addition to the memberships fees. Mr. Polio explained that Senior Net has been offering unlimited courses to seniors for a $40 individual annual membership fee, and a nominal fee from Redding. The current program offers individuals a $10 per course program instead of the $40 per year fee. This does not offer membership, just the ability to take the courses. Redding does not currently have the number of students who pay a membership fee to equal the $3,600 minimum. Senior Net is asking for an answer by March 14th. Ms. Rehme pointed out that at the beginning of
the program, $9,000 in funding was available from SNET and there are also grants. In the event Senior Net is no longer an option, there are training manuals available online from as little as $25 each. Additional materials could cost $15. Senior Net is a volunteer run program.
Mr. Morris suggested that Mr. Polio look into comparing the cost of Senior Net against the Heritage Center purchasing the manuals and materials and offering the computer courses.
Mr. Polio will contact Senior Net to get an extension past the March 14 deadline, likely until June.
He recommended purchase of several different manuals to evaluate the different programs such as Word, Excel and Photoshop.
Ms. Schiron said that grant money is available to purchase items like these, but the deadline is March 14th. Funds of up to $3,000 are available through this grant that can be used to pay the Senior Net fee. Ms. Rehme agreed to develop a proposal for grants for the Senior Net program.
Ms. Sibilio presented the Heritage Center Report.
Van trips totaled 216, with 1,875 miles traveled during January. There was discussion as to ways to solicit more interest in trips.
Ms. Schiron presented the Municipal Agent Report.
IV. Mark Twain Library Centennial in 2008
Ms. Cianci said that Ms. Whitham, Ms. Metzger and Ms. Bonfanti would not be attending any of the meetings until May. Progress is being made as far as generating ideas for the celebration. An email detailing Ms. Whitham’s progress was distributed to Commission members. There have been no calls with regard to the article published in the Redding Pilot; however Mr. Froehlich’s wife did submit some material. During the course of the discussion, several other residents’ names were added to the list of potential interviewees.
V. New Business
There was no new business.
VI. Adjournment
The next COA meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2008 at 9:00 a.m.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
Submitted by vak 3/12/2008
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