Town of East Hampton
Commission on Aging (COA)
Thursday, May 13, 2010
East Hampton Town Hall Meeting Room
Minutes
Present: Chairperson Pauline Simko, Vice Chairman Lance Johnson, Nelson Maurice, Ann McLaughlin and Mary Jo Shafer. Also present: Senior Center Director Jo Ann Ewing, Town Manager Jeffery O’Keefe and Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois.
Call to Order:
Chairperson Simko called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes:
A motion was made by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Maurice, to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2010 meeting as written. Voted (4-0-1). Ms. Simko abstained as she was not present at the April 8th meeting.
Correspondence: None
New Business:
COA Education – Flyer Distribution: Ms. Ewing noted that a brochure should be available to hand out at the Meet and Greets. Ms. Shafer will work on a brochure.
AlertNow and Seniors: Ms. McLaughlin asked if about a form that could be used to sign seniors up for the AlertNow system. A special sub-group indicating a person as a senior can be created in the AlertNow database if we can identify the people. Ms. McLaughlin is concerned about being able to reach out to the seniors. Mr. O’Keefe will look into the non-emergency portion of the AlertNow system.
Tax Relief Programs for the Elderly: Ms. Simko asked about a tax relief program for the elderly that considers assets not just income and does not put a lien on the home in the end. Ms. Simko will bring information to the Town Manager on this program.
Ms. Simko asked for clarification on the meeting place rotation that was discussed at the last meeting. Regular meetings will be held at the town hall and special meetings can be held at other locations. Special meetings would be in addition to the regular meeting.
Unfinished Business:
COA Meet & Greet: Ms. Shafer noted that two more restaurants have provided a discount: Davinci Pizza – 10% off Sunday through Thursday and Island Traders – 10% off.
Ms. Shafer discussed the possibility of a special meeting following the regular meeting at a restaurant for a meet and greet. A meet and greet will be scheduled for June 10th at Loco Perro at 4:30 p.m. Ms. Shafer will make the arrangements.
Certificates have been created for the restaurants that have provided discounts for seniors. The Certificates will be signed by all commission members.
MySeniorCenter.com: No information has been received to date on grants for myseniorcenter.com. Mr. O’Keefe suggested submitting the amount needed in the capital budget for next year. He will check available funding in this year’s budget.
Senior Center Building Report: Ms. McLaughlin reported that changes were made to the plans due to the firewall. Mr. O’Keefe noted the Friends of the Library will remain in the building for now and it will not jeopardize the grant. There was discussion on the availability of the annex room after construction. Questions were raised on the dividers for the room. Ms. Ewing noted they would be an add-on to the project. Storage space needs were discussed.
Housing Authority Report: Ms. McLaughlin reported that at the last meeting the members started a program for a one time per year walk through of each housing complex. Chatham Acres was walked at the last meeting. Bellwood will be walked at the next meeting. The buildings are in good shape but a new roof will be needed soon. The major issue is the sidewalks at Chatham Acres. Also, the sidewalk from Route 66 to Chatham Acres is in bad shape. A letter was sent to the Public Works Director to see if they can be repaired or replaced. The Housing Authority is also preparing RFP’s for the congregate housing. There are currently no vacancies with approximately 7 people on the waiting list.
Senior Services Presentation: Jo Ann Ewing, Senior Services Coordinator, reviewed the May newsletter and the blogspot. The G.I.F.T. (Generations Investing Friendships Together) program has been active. Upcoming events include poetry reading with the 5th grade, Clifford the Big Red Dog program, Middle School Patriotic day on May 28th and the Stuff It party for the sojourn bears on June 2nd at the High School.
Ms. Ewing provided an overview of the activities and committee work that she has participated in recently. She also reported that the Freedom of Information commission has exempted Senior Centers to have to disclose information in the centers. Opportunities could be available in the near future for the Gatekeepers Program to hold a seminar. Also Senior Resources is looking to hold a 6 week Chronic Disease Self Management Program in collaboration with other senior groups.
Mr. Johnson provided a Capitol Update. Several initiatives were put through legislature this session; the cap on the Alzheimers Respite Program has been lifted, the co-pay for homecare for elders was reduced, the driver safety program will require a 4 hour course instead of 8 hours and there will be a new low income energy rate.
Public Comment: None
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Ms. McLaughlin, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 4:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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