RECEIVED JANUARY 19, 2009 @ 12:58 P.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, January 14, 2009
9:00 a.m.
HERITAGE CENTER
Commissioners Present: Alternates Present:
Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman Bill Morris Janet Cianci
Sam Crocker Alice Pardee Lore Handy
Jack Froehlich Sharon Rehme Florence Hayes
Janet Metzger Jean Whitham
Staff: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio
Also present: Natalie Ketcham, First Selectman
The meeting was called to order at 9:03 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from December 3, 2008
The minutes were approved with minor punctuation corrections.
II. Reports
Ms. Schiron presented the Municipal Agent’s Report to the Commission. Ms. Schiron reported positive feedback on the Share the Warmth Program. $2,700 was received in donations. A letter to the editor of the Redding Pilot will be drafted expressing thanks for the continued generosity demonstrated with regard to this program. The Commission discussed ideas as to methods of checking the fuel levels of residents who need assistance so as to minimize the chance of their running out of fuel during colder weather.
Ms. Schiron has a budget review meeting scheduled for January 24th at Town Hall at 12:45 p.m.
There was discussion about a decrease in attendance for programming. Ms. Schiron asked for the Commission’s suggestions on ways to stay competitive in programming and generate more interest. Ms. Whitham suggested forming a committee to work with the Selectmen to review guidelines and seek sources to assist with improving the system. The Commission discussed issues such as what programs are popular and what fees should and can be raised in order to pay the instructor and generate revenue. A sub-committee for Heritage Center Programming was formed and will include Ms. Sibilio, Ms. Whitham, Ms. Rehme, and Ms. Metzger. Mr. Morris may participate as well.
Ms. Schiron reported that the Food Pantry is well supplied and that food drives are very successful.
Ms. Sibilio presented the Heritage Center Report to the Commission. Van trips totaled 1,229 for 1,808 miles.
Ms. Metzger reported no updates with regard to affordable senior housing.
Mr. Crocker presented results from the Exploring Quality Living at Home surveys for Commission members review and answered some general questions. Mr. Crocker concluded that residents do not want to pay for the type of services offered to individuals wanting to remain at home. Next steps include additional analysis as to whether this program should be pursued further.
III. New Business
The next COA meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:16 a.m.
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