RECEIVED OCTOBER 15, 2009 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2009
9:00 a.m.
TOWN HALL
Commissioners Present: Alternates Present:
Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman Janet Cianci
Bill Morris
Alice Pardee
Jean Whitham
Staff: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio
Also present: Natalie Ketcham, First Selectman Ex-Officio member
The meeting was called to order at 9:07 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from September 2, 2009
The minutes were reviewed and unanimously approved as submitted.
II. Reports
Ms. Schiron presented the Municipal Agent’s Report to the Commission. The Redding Shares the Warmth fund is starting the season with $3,186 in donated funds. A small article highlighting social services and their programs will be published in the Redding Pilot in an effort to generate interest and increase further donations. Discussion also included alternatives to the meals program that may involve a local restaurant preparing food and having it delivered to residents, similar to the Meals on Wheels program.
Ms. Sibilio presented the Heritage Center Report to the Commission. There were 216 van trips in September for a total of 2,179 miles. There was discussion as to program registration and payment. There have been programs run that all who initially signed up did not attend. The instructor still gets paid, but there are only a few people in attendance. Registrants are more likely to attend a program if they have already paid for it.
Upon motion of Mr. Morris and second of Mrs. Pardee, the Commission voted unanimously to require that reservations for programs are to be paid in advance and are non-refundable. Beginning November 6th, Meals on Wheels on Friday will be picked up at the Heritage Center. A box that contains a cooler has been constructed and placed outside of the building.
Mrs. Whitham spoke briefly about an idea for a program that involves discussion on health issues such as arthritis and diabetes, and diets specific to these situations.
Mrs. Kopfstein spoke briefly about Ridgefield VNA seminars that focus on caring for seniors and when to get involved.
Flu shots for seniors will be available on November 5, 2009.
The Holiday Gift Fair will be held on November 14, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. So far there are 25 vendors signed up, a bake sale planned, and a raffle. Members of the COA can volunteer that day to assist with information and helping out during the event.
Four Commission members attended an All Commissions on Aging meeting held at Ridgefield Town Hall. Topics discussed at that meeting were briefly reviewed and included distribution of ice melt product to seniors at wholesale cost, and a Senior Watch program that involves well being checks on seniors.
First Selectman Natalie Ketcham gave the Commission a brief report on the Georgetown Land Development Project. Steve Soler is no longer the managing partner, but is still President and President of the Special Taxing District and the non-profit. Major investor Rocco Trotta is now the managing partner. Mrs. Ketcham is in daily contact with Mr. Trotta’s on site representative. $1.7 million in state funding is available for the roads project, and GLD Company will be responsible for any costs over that amount. The breakdown is 80% federal, 10% state and 10% local (GLD will meet this should costs run over). The plans for the intersection are 90% complete. The goal is to go out to bid after January 1, 2010 and begin work in the spring.
III. New Business
Mrs. Kopfstein will begin to work on the Heritage Center section of the Annual Report and asked Commission members for additional items to note in the report.
IV. Adjournment
The next COA meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
Submitted by vak 10/13/09
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