Town of East Hampton
Commission on Aging (COA)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
East Hampton Town Hall Meeting Room
Minutes
Present: Vice Chairman Lance Johnson, Nelson Maurice, Ann McLaughlin and Mary Jo Shafer. Also present: Senior Center Director Jo Ann Ewing, Health Director Thad King, Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe and Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois.
Not Present: Chairperson Pauline Simko
Call to Order:
Vice Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Ms. Shafer, seconded by Mr. Maurice, to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2010 meeting as written. Voted (3-0-1) Ms. McLaughlin abstained as she was absent from that meeting.
Correspondence: None
Public Remarks: Moved to the end of the agenda
New Business:
Ms. Shafer provided copies of the CT Freedom of Information booklets that she received at a seminar and also provided an overview of the Middlesex Elderly Service Providers meeting held on February 23rd.
Ms. Shafer reviewed the restaurant discounts provided in town which include:
Loco Perro 10% off to East Hampton residents 55 and older
Angelico’s 10% off to East Hampton residents 60 and older
Hung Won 10% off lunch and 20% off dinner for those 60 and older
Rossini’s - none
She also noted that restaurant.com offers a $25 off certificate.
Special Presentation: Thad King, Health Director, spoke about the addition to the Senior Center and the possibility of space being available for vaccines and ongoing medical services at the Senior Center which could include those other than the seniors. Ms. Ewing noted that there is a requirement in the grant that the additional space is exclusively for senior use. He also talked about emergency sheltering and the AlertNow system.
Unfinished Business:
No word has been received regarding the grant for myseniorcenter.com
Ms. Ewing provided an overview of the recent meetings of the Senior Center Building Committee. The plans for the kitchen have been modified to include the ability to warm food but not for full cooking. The plans include a reception area. The increased square footage requires more restrooms.
Housing Authority Report:
Ms. McLaughlin reported that during the senior center construction, Bellwood and Chatham Acres would be able to provide space for activity groups. At their next meeting the Housing Authority will discuss financing for the congregate housing. They are also reviewing job descriptions for the Housing Authority and making a more defined maintenance schedule.
Senior Services Presentation:
Ms. Ewing spoke about tax assistance from AARP. She attended an update course through Choices. The Ambulance Association provided a presentation on the File of Life. She also noted that the Ambulance Association has offered space at their building during construction for activities. Ms. Ewing provided an overview of the trips and parties held at the center. Also, the budget workshop is scheduled for March 12th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a Board of Finance meeting is being held at the High School on March 23rd where the public can provide comment on the budget.
Public Comment:
Ivy Maurice asked about grants.
Alice Steltzer noted that she received three calls from the AlertNow system. She didn’t appreciate the calls and didn’t know she was signed up to receive the calls. She also commented that the senior center expansion does not provide additional space, just more adequate space for the existing programs.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Ms. McLaughlin, seconded by Ms. Shafer, to adjourn the meeting at 4:15 p.m. (Voted 4-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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