TOWN OF SOMERS
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO
THE ELDERLY
MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 13, 2007
MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 11:00 P.M. by Jim Burgess.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Bemont, Jim Burgess, Donna Doyker, Dorothy Hillman,Tony Pellegrino, Arlene Yarnes
MEMBERS ABSENT: Barbara Flebotte, and Myrtle Pixley
VISITOR(S): Len Slaga and Gil Rivard
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of January 9, 2007 meeting accepted by Arlene Yarnes and seconded by Donna Doyker with noted corrections.
CORRESPONDENCE: Letter received from Joan Sizer regarding the misconception as to her position on the Advisory Committee to the Elderly. Joan was serving as a representative of the senior club but was not a town appointed member, thus limiting her power as a committee member. It is unfortunate that this misconception was allowed to fester for such a lengthy time. Joan, as club president, has named Arlene Yarnes to serve as the official club representative to the Advisory Committee. Donna Doyker made a motion that we allow Arlene to serve as both club representative and lunch director for the Board. Motion was seconded by Dottie Hillman – all present were in favor.
Memo was also received by Jim Burgess from Barbara Flebotte regarding her position on the Senior Advisory Committee. She was resigning from the Board and her position as newsletter editor. Board members were unanimous in their feeling that we hope Barbara would some second thoughts regarding this resignation. She has done an outstanding job as newsletter editor for all the seniors in town. Barbara sent her official resignation letter to David Pinney, First Selectman.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Meals on Wheels – David Pinney was not present to give Meals on Wheels report.
Senior Lunches – Arlene Yarnes stated the next luncheon would be held in February 27, 2007 at the Somers Congregational Church. March luncheon will be at the Congregational Church of Somersville on March 27, 2007.
Senior Citizens Club – Arlene Yarnes reported that the Valentines luncheon celebration for February 14th was being postponed due to the inclement weather we are expecting.
Communications/Senior Newsletter – In lieu of Barbara Flebotte’s resignation, the Board currently does not have a newsletter editor.
Senior Center Sign – Donna Doyker will post something on the sign asking townspeople to support the new Somers housing plans.
School Liaison – Donna Doyker has a person interested in speaking to the children regarding his career. Donna asked the gentleman to get in touch with Nancy Barry at the school to set up more concrete plans.
Senior Support Services – Pat Bachetti is away at the present time.
OLD BUSINESS:
Duties and Responsibilities of Sr. Adv. Bd – We are currently waiting for the final approval of the selectmen to put this item to rest.
Municipal Agent’s Budget – Jim Burgess gave a copy of his proposed budget to the board. Members are concerned about the lack of sufficient dollars to cover monthly newsletters. We may need to take more action on this item.
NEW BUSINESS:
Senior Housing – Len Slaga and Gil Rivard gave a short presentation on where the new senior housing and refurbishment project stand. After the presentation, the two men were leaving for Hartford in search of financial funding. There should be state and federal funding available. They are asking for the Board to stand behind them in this project and, perhaps, be able to help with some fund raising.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjournment at 12:30 by motion of Arlene Yarnes and seconded by Tony Pellegrino..
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine L. Bemont, Secretary