Colchester Commission on Aging
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, December 10, 2007 – Colchester Senior Center
INFORMATIONAL MEETING ONLY – NO QUORUM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sally Carbone
MEMBERS ABSENT: James Cunningham, Regina Saparo-Hunt, Vice Chairman Ann Smyk, Jean Stawicki, Bill Wagner
OTHERS PRESENT: Cathy Russi, Rosemary Coyle, Bernie Erickson, Clara Erickson
1. Call Meeting to Order: The meeting began at 1:03 p.m.
2. Minutes: No Quorum to approve previous minutes.
3. Treasurer’s Report: No items were reported.
4. Chairman’s Report: Bernie Erickson reported that his and Clara Erickson’s term had ended on December 1, 2007. He does not wish to remain Chairman at this time. There was discussion on how membership on commissions is being handled by the new administration. There is currently one alternate vacancy open, as well as some members who have not been attending meetings due to illnesses. Sally Carbone asked if the commission has the right to review the applicants before they are accepted. Rosemary Coyle said the procedure is for someone to apply for the position then the Board of Selectmen will
interview the applicant. It is then sent to the Chairman of the commission for review and finally the applicant is sworn in at the following meeting. Rosemary needs a copy of the bylaws to see how this commission handles vacancies. Sally offered to help Bill Wagner in completing the review of the bylaws.
5. Friends of the Senior Center Report: No items were reported.
6. Senior Center Director’s Report: Cathy Russi reported that Irene has resigned as program coordinator as of December 28, 2007. Cathy gave her letter of resignation to Stan Soby before Linda Hodge was sworn in and hasn’t heard anything yet. She sent a letter to Ms. Hodge asking for the town to respond to Irene’s letter. She also asked to review the job description before the position gets posted. There will be a get together for Irene on January 10, 2008 from 12:30 to 1:30. Irene will continue to run the low vision support group through the Lion’s Club.
Cathy reported that they are having several issues with the computer system. They can’t access the MUNIS system, their printer is broken, they’d like the computer in the activities room to connect the internet and Cathy can’t send interoffice emails. Cathy is willing to buy a printer with the proceeds from the craft fair. This is all detailed in another letter to the town.
There is a full time town employee who is interested in driving part-time for the senior center. The town has not responded to Cathy’s request regarding the labor issues due to the overtime pay he would incur because of his current full time status. She is asking to hire him to fill in so they won’t have to cancel doctor’s appointments anymore, regardless of the overtime pay. Rosemary will follow up on this issue.
Cathy questioned why the front door situation still hasn’t been addressed when there are expansions being performed at the Town Hall.
Cathy has been working very hard for a client who wants to remain living on her own. She has been in contact with CCCI, protective services, staff at the senior center, the client’s nephew and the police department to ensure the safety of this person.
There is also a client who is riding the bus that has personal hygiene issues. Cathy has spoken to the client about it and has also purchased clothing and toiletries to help with this problem.
Sally Carbone asked about the Senior Fair. Cathy said they did very well and about $3,400 was deposited into the petty cash donation account.
The Senior Center has received a new microwave from the car club on the green. Last time they donated a new freezer.
The Lion’s Club has painted many rooms and Cathy would like to see if they would do the back room last.
Dunkin’ Donuts donated $500 which was also deposited into the town account.
Frank Tamburrino passed away. He was one of the originators of the Commission on Aging and the Senior Center.
There was a 3 day trip to Lancaster Pennsylvania. They shared a bus with the Torrington seniors. Cathy reported that it went very well.
The new vehicle is on the road.
Cathy also said that Linda Hodge feels it is important develop a strategic plan. Cathy has started to develop a power point presentation so people can learn about the history of the senior center, how it began, what it has accomplished and what it does. She said the Commission could have input on the strategic plan in the form of how the senior center deals with clients and the community. Each staff person has also been asked to contribute to this strategic plan.
Cathy talked about the soup program that has started at lunchtime. It includes soup, crackers and dessert. The goal of this program is to encourage walk-ins clients. The soup only needs to be heated up and can therefore be prepared without advance notice.
7. Old Business: No items were reported.
8. New Business: No items were reported.
9. Items of Interest: Clara Erickson remarked that the new senior housing on Route 85 consists of 32 units of affordable housing. She suggested that there may be an increase in bus traffic through the senior center when these units are all filled.
10. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 1:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Komoroski
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