RECEIVED DECEMBER 9, 2009 @ 8:30 A.M.
Michele R. Grande, Redding Town Clerk
2 pages
TOWN OF REDDING
COMMISSION ON AGING
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
9:00 a.m.
Heritage Center
Commissioners Present: Alternates Present:
Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman Henry Polio
Janet Cianci
Sam Crocker
Florence Hayes
Janet Metzger
Bill Morris
Alice Pardee
Sharon Rehme
Jean Whitham
Staff: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio
Also present: Natalie Ketcham, First Selectman Ex-Officio member
Members of the public: Bill Walsh; Eloise Barron, Ridgefield VNA
The meeting was called to order at 9:02 a.m.
I. Approval of Minutes from November 4, 2009
The minutes were reviewed and unanimously approved as submitted.
II. Public Participation
Mr. Crocker gave a brief report from the Quality Living at Home Sub-committee of Life meeting held in Ridgefield composed of himself, Janet Metzger, Janet Cianci, Linda Koch and Frank DeSalvo.
The coordinator of the program - Eloise Barron, from the Ridgefield VNA, distributed flyers and gave a brief program update. There is no charge for the 24/7, non-emergency call center program. Ms. Barron is in the process of building a database for a comprehensive resource directory, and asked members of the Commission for any suggestions for additional information. Education and wellness programs are also offered.
Bill Walsh, Ledgewood Road, spoke with regard to a petition that was circulated opposing an increase of fees for classes offered by Heritage Center. Mr. Walsh has been a regular participant at aerobic classes for several years and pointed out that a 10-class card was priced at $30 not many months ago and was raised 30% to $40 and now is at $50. This is a nearly 70% increase in 18 months. Ms. Kopfstein noted that this was an increase relative to the actual cost of providing the program. The petition suggests that the age for senior status be adjusted from 60 to 50 years of age and that the class fee be frozen at $4 per class. The petition contains 41 signatures; 25 over the age of 60 who attend classes, 8 unknown and 2 under the age of 60. Ms. Schiron agreed that the age requirement be reduced, as more
people would be inclined to participate. There followed discussion as to the age requirement, program participation and fees, and adding higher charges for non-Redding residents. The suggestion was made to form a subcommittee to look deeper into these issues. The Program Sub-committee will consist of Jean Whitham as Chair, Bill Morris, Sharon Rehme and Florence Hayes.
III. Reports
Ms. Schiron presented the Municipal Agent’s Report to the Commission. Attendance numbers for the new lunch program so far have been low. There was a discussion recruiting volunteers to assist with the sorting and stacking of donated food during peak days of food deliveries. An email list needs to be created and sent out to potential volunteers including the COA and to post specific times on a Heritage Center bulletin board.
Calls are received regarding donating used medical equipment. Ms. Schiron will determine if the Recycling Center can dispense the items from the free shed.
Ms. Sibilio presented the Heritage Center Report to the Commission. There were 146 van trips in October for a total of 1,439 miles. The Craft Fair was successful but the financial success was impacted by the need to pay for getting permits to run the fair.
44 attended the Thanksgiving dinner at the Heritage Center. Flu clinics were run. Programs on the Cost of Aging will be offered in the spring with the help of the Ridgefield VNA.
There was a brief update on the Georgetown Land Development Project. First Selectman Natalie Ketcham reported that there is a signed contract with a new buyer. Ms. Ketcham is optimistic that progress will continue. It is hoped that a closing will take place in late February or early March 2010.
IV. New Business
There was no new business to discuss.
V. Adjournment
The next COA meeting is scheduled for January 6, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
Submitted by vak 12/7/09
| 
