TOWN OF SOMERS
SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES OF MAY 23, 2006
MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 11:00 P.M. by Jim Burgess.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Pat Bachetti, Elaine Bemont, Jim Burgess, Barbara Flebotte, Joan Sizer and Arlene Yarnes. Also present was First Selectman David Pinney.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Donna Doyker, Dorothy Hillman and Myrtle Pixley
VISITOR(S): None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of April 11, 2006 meeting accepted by Joan Sizer and seconded by Barbara Flebotte.
CORRESPONDENCE: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Meals on Wheels – David Pinney reported that nineteen clients were receiving meals during the month of April. Cost of meals was $1,776. $1,299 was billed to clients and $477 was amount subsidized by the town. Balance remaining in account is $8,175. Norma Meyer is doing the weekly schedule. There will be a meeting held next month with the drivers to try and iron out some confusion as to points of contact, etc. Another possibility is looking into the North Central Area on Aging to arrange delivery in Somers.
Senior Center – Senior Prom was held Friday night as well as a plant and bake sale on Saturday. July 8th will be the senior picnic and July 15th is the date for the Arts and Crafts Show to be held at the senior center.
Senior Lunches – Lunches have ended for the season. If anyone knows of a possible place for the September luncheon, please let Arlene Yarnes know.
Communications/Senior Newsletter – Next newsletter will be published at the end of June for the months of July and August. News items will continue to be published in the JI and the North Central News. Barbara prepared a letter to be sent to the various town departments for any news they might wish to contribute which would be of interest to the seniors in town. Normal newsletter preparation date is the last Wednesday of the month.
Senior Center Sign - Donna Doyker was not present. The hypertension presentation in June should be posted on the sign.
School Liaison – Donna Doyker and Myrtle Pixley were both absent today.
Senior Support Services – Pat Bachetti is keeping in touch with her people. She is working with seven patients at Blair Manor and one at Evergreen. She is also keeping in touch with Carolyn Ryder for additional names as they present themselves.
OLD BUSINESS:
Powers Duties of Sr. Adv. Bd – Dave Pinney presented Barbara Flebotte with a marked-up copy of the policy statement for the advisory board. A review will begin on this at the next meeting.
Utilization of Senior Center – Barbara Flebotte prepared a chart showing the amount of time and activities currently being held at the senior center. This chart should be updated once a year. Problem arises with the use of the sunroom in warm weather. The heating and air conditioning in that room does not seem to be working properly. Other town buildings could be available for use by the seniors.
Tax Relief for the Elderly – Pat Bachetti contacted several towns regarding a study on tax relief for the elderly. Most towns are at a loss as to what to do. Tolland has frozen taxes but money is an issue and they need to relook the situation. She also contacted Stafford and East Windsor for their feedback. Information will be given to Len Slaga.
Other Old Business - Much discussion arose as to the Municipal Agent being the representative of the seniors to the town. This was in response to a question presented by Dr. Vespe. First Selectman Pinney firmly believes the Municipal Agent is, in fact, the senior’s representative as stated in his job description. The MA is the actual representative and the Advisory Board would need to back him up.
NEW BUSINESS:
Newsletter Question – Question received from Henry Broer as to whether there is any place in Somers for a senior to exercise e.g. on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. If not, shouldn’t there be? Joan Sizer was to prepare a response to this question. Liability issues come into place as well as accessibility, etc. There are areas in town that are safe for walking, such as the cemetery and the track at the school.
Senior Bus – A $20,000 grant has been received to be used for salaries for bus drivers, etc. A new bus is due in town very shortly. It is hoped that the old bus will be able to stay road worthy and be put to good use.
COMMENTS:
It is important that the Senior Advisory Board become a part of the preparation of the budget for the Municipal Agent. This would need to be done starting in January of 2007.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment at 1:20 P.M. by motion of Joan Sizer and seconded by Arlene Yarnes.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Bemont, Secretary