ELDERLY COMMISSION MEETING
REGULAR MEETING: January 28, 2008 at 5:00pm
Warehouse Point Library Community Meeting Room
Meeting Minutes of January 28, 2008:
I. Meeting called to order at 5:09pm, by Claire Badstubner, Chairman.
II. Attendance:
Present Members: Claire Badstubner (Chairman), Elizabeth Burns (Municipal Agent), Catherine Drouin, Madeleine Thompson, Deb Donovan, Trevor Bray
Guest: Margaret Hale, ITN Executive Director
III. Previous Minutes:
Regular Meeting 11/26/07:
MOTION made by Ms. Donovan to accept minutes of the above regular meeting, as presented. SECONDED by Ms. Drouin. ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
IV. Town Business – Requirements, Updates, Information:
A request for submitting a budget for 2008-2009 was received from Board of Selectman (due back by 2/4/08). Ms. Badstubner informed the commission that the budget for 2007-2008 was $900.00 for meeting costs and an additional $125.00 for postage. Brief discussion followed.
MOTION made by Ms. Donovan to submit same budget amount ($900.00 and $125.00) for year 2008-2009. SECONDED by Ms. Drouin. ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Badstubner will submit budget to the Selectman’s office. Ms. Burns to present it to the Board of Selectmen.
Ms. Badstubner informed commission that there will be a “Freedom of Information” meeting for all Boards, Commissions and Secretaries on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm at the Town Hall.
V. ITN Discussion:
Feedback from the ITN Community Tea at Spring Village (11/29/07) was presented by Ms. Burns. Although a small group attended, the response for such a program was favorable. There was a concern expressed about the cost of the program.
The Park Hill Community Tea scheduled for 1/10/08 was cancelled due to the inclement weather. A new date has not yet been rescheduled.
Ms. Burns spoke with the Ecumenical Council at their last meeting. They agreed to hold a tea at one of their church halls and felt April would be a good time of year for them and parishioners. They felt there would be a good response/support from both seniors and young families who have older parents.
Briefly discussed that it would be beneficial to get an ITN “tea” at the 55+ communities in town.
Ms. Hale stated that she handles 10 towns in relations to the transportation program (appx. 29,000 people). Elderly Commission is helping her specifically with East Windsor to get the word out about the program and help gather support.
Ms. Hale clarified that the average cost of the program is $8.00/one way for a ride (appx. 5-10 mile ride) plus membership. Membership is $40.00 annually per person. Ms. Hale will clarify if each rider needs to be a member in order to share rides. Sharing rides means a discounted rate for members. There is also an extra charge if utilizing a driver at night.
Mr. Bray asked if this transportation program can be utilized for seniors to go to work if they work part-time. Ms. Hale responded yes, many members utilize it for that.
Ms. Hale explained that the key to running this program will be in getting volunteer drivers. A strong volunteer driver force needs to be built in order for the program to be a success. Ms. Hale reminded members that the drivers accrue credits for themselves (to use at a later date) when they drive. Drivers will also be reimbursed $0.25/mile and there is no liability issue with insurance as a volunteer driver. Ms. Burns reviewed the state bill that is being proposed covering volunteer drivers in the event of an accident.
Ms. Badstubner asked where the money for a building and maintenance would come from. Ms. Hale stated that ITN would need approximately 600-1000 sq. feet and is hoping to find a location that will voluntarily allow ITN to utilize the space and in return ITN would support them with advertising. ITN does have money in its budget for a building, however, Ms. Hale would like to find a volunteer location.
Ms. Donovan suggested that ITN look to the Chamber of Commerce for financial support as well.
Ms. Hale stated that once ITN has a location (office), the program should be running mid-April. Ms. Hale also commented that she is unsure of the number of volunteer drivers as of this point.
VI. New Business:
Cell Phone discussion –
Commission discussed collecting cell phones for 9-1-1 use for seniors. Ms. Burns stated that if commission could collect approximately 25 phones/year, those would be handed out. The commission discussed that this program would be for seniors 65+ and the disabled. Individuals would need to complete a simple application. The discussion continued regarding drop off points of used phones and chargers.
Ms. Donovan volunteered her time to try to obtain some used cell phones. Ms. Drouin offered to get those cell phones that are collected checked over - to insure that they are in working order.
After discussing how to launch this program and get the word out that the commission is collecting used cell phones, the members agreed that the Elderly Commission should sponsor two events this year:
1. At Community Day, set up a booth to advertise the program, have applications for signing up and collect phones that day. This would be in May, 2008
2. Conduct a presentation at the Senior Center, in October 2008, to show seniors how to use a cell phone for 9-1-1 purposes, reasons they may want to participate in the program and also the availability of cell phones.
Ms. Burns is also checking with Emergency Management regarding the issue that seniors can register to be put on a “call list” if there is a “disaster”. Mr. Bray further inquired about seniors (who are living alone) registering with the police department to be on an automatic call system. In other words, those registered would get a daily call from the police department to check on them and if the person does not answer their call then an officer is dispatched to check on the individual. Ms. Burns will inquire about this and bring information to the February, 2008 meeting.
New Senior Center-
Ms. Burns suggested that the commission develop an action plan in regards to surveying seniors’ wants/needs. Members agreed that face-to-face interviewing would be a better method of collecting information as opposed to a written survey.
Ms. Burns also reminded the members that a new senior center could entail converting a current building in town or building on land that the town already owns.
Ms. Drouin suggested polling current AARP members because they are currently active and would most likely have valuable input.
Ms. Drouin and Ms. Donovan will draft a survey (by age, category) and present it to members at an upcoming meeting.
VII. Adjournment:
MOTION made by Ms. Donovan to adjourn meeting at 6:19pm. SECONDED BY Ms. Drouin.
Respectfully Submitted,
Christine Pellegrini
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