Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
RECEIVED JUNE 11, 2009 @ 8:30 A.M.
2 pages
TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2009
9:00 a.m.
HERITAGE CENTER
Commissioners Present: Alternates Present:
Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman
Bill Morris
Sam Crocker Lore Handy
Florence Hayes Henry Polio
Janet Metzger
Sharon Rehme
Jean Whitham
Janet Cianci
Staff: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio
Also present: Natalie Ketcham, First Selectman and Ex-Officio member; Steven Soler, Wire Mill Project; Rachel Kirkpatrick, Redding Pilot
Community Participation: Lou Anne Lang
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from May 6, 2009
The minutes were reviewed. In the paragraph that was Sam Crocker’s update, the second to last sentence shall be changed to: “No fees will be charged to seniors for these informational and referral services.” Also, the second paragraph, last sentence will be changed to: “Meals on Wheels volunteers may remind some recipients about their monthly bill paying.” The minutes were approved as corrected.
II. Reports
Ms. Schiron presented the Municipal Agent’s Report to the Commission. The Commission discussed the use of grant money for the lunch program, and also grant money for the SeniorNet computer program. This grant money, initially intended for new computers and a new server, went instead to reimburse invoices that were already paid. This money may be reimbursable from the town fund. Henry Polio reported that while enrollment numbers are low, new courses are being generated that address digital camera’s and other technology interests. As of September, Mr. Polio will no longer act as volunteer coordinator in the SeniorNet program, due to increased work as a consultant. He will be available for teaching and serve as an advisor.
Ms. Sibilio presented the Heritage Center Report to the Commission. There were 203 van trips in May for a total of 1,455 miles.
Steve Soler, from Georgetown Village Apartments, formally the Wire Mill Project, spoke briefly to the Commission as to the status of affordable housing as part of the Georgetown Land Development Project. The proposed affordable housing has 40 units for seniors of various sizes. Mr. Soler has been working closely with different state agencies to ensure that this is truly affordable housing and for funding road construction. There is grant money available for the construction of the units. After preliminary work, actual construction would not start until March 2010 at the earliest. A loan from the State will pay for most of the initial architectural drawings. Mr. Soler also reported that construction costs are lower. The economic environment has made it very difficult to get financing for any type of construction
projects.
Mr. Soler reviewed preliminary floor plans of the affordable housing units, including handicapped accessibility and energy efficiency. Once the anticipated CHAFA tax credits are received, the project will progress more aggressively. A professional management company will supervise the project.
First Selectman Natalie Ketcham commended Mr. Soler for his efforts and support throughout the project.
Ms. Kopfstein reported on a recent all Commissions on Aging meeting that she recently attended. Housing was a major topic, as well as community programs. Neighboring towns utilize published directories of service, a resource that could be a future project and a way to provide information to members of the community. The towns obtained grants to assist with the costs of publishing.
III. Adjournment
The next COA meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
Submitted by vak 6/7/09
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