OLD SAYBROOK Youth and Family Services
Commission meeting MINUTES
Vicki Duffy Pavilion, 155 College Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
December 1, 2015
Roll Call: Sam Barnes, Chairman, Jen Welsh, Vice Chair, Jona Paradis Secretary, Catherine Kane, School Rep, Kiki Filindarakis, Student, Megan Barnes, Student.
Absent: Philip Max Ledwith, Student
Also present: Heather McNeil, YFS Director, and Sharon Tiezzi, Recording Clerk
Call to order: Chairman Sam Barnes called the meeting to order at 5:30
Pledge to Allegiance- All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance
Comments from the public: No public in attendance.
Approval of minutes: Motion made by Jen Welsh and seconded by Jona Paradis to approve the November 3, 2015 minutes. Ayes 5; Nays 0; Abstentions 1. Motion carried.
Chairman’s comments: Reported that the turkey drive was a great success. That the Police Department enjoyed working with YFS staff for this worthwhile event. Also, the new Annual Town Report has been released and Heather did a great job with the report for Youth & Family Services.
Director’s report: Relocation – several employees reported an odor in the building and fire marshal was called over to check air levels. Mystic Air was called in for a review of the building. It was concluded that there is a mold issue and air contamination. Black mold in the basement. Until a clear report is issued the staff will be relocated to lower level of Town Hall, Goodwin School, Park & Rec and the Acton Public library. Community forum on the 9th was a follow up meeting from the Kate; approximately 95% were new people in attendance at this one. Winter Stroll is this Friday 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and YAC will be located outside of the Buckingham Place Raveis Real Estate office; DJ face painting, ornament decorating activities will be available. YAC is
sponsored by Guilford Saving Bank; Archie Cart had a golf benefit and donated $1,000 to YAC. Can We Talk Series continues- tonight is for parents, tomorrow night is for teens. Turkey distribution was November 23-24, 2015. The Police Department collected over 500 turkeys and almost 400 were distributed by YFS. The remaining will be handed out at Christmas. Also, the HS culinary class made 10 dinners for elderly housing this year. The Toy Drive for the Holiday Giving program has started. YFS will be working with the Police Department in an effort to collect toys for families in need for our community. Distribution is set for December 19, 2015. The recent HCHY survey showed that there is a need for more counseling regarding youth substance abuse which is an ongoing conversation. Catherine confirmed that at the Middle school there is definitely a need for more counseling. Additional counseling hours will be discussed at the next budget meeting.
Old Business: There is still a need to replace two at-large commission members who have resigned. Director McNeil with follow up with First Selectman Fortuna to discuss replacements and new appointments.
New Business: A list of YFS Commission meeting dates for 2016 was discussed. The Commission will continue to meet the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30. A motion was made by Catherine Kane and seconded by Megan Barnes to approve the list of dates. Ayes 6; Nays 0; Abstentions 0; motion carried.
Other business: Next meeting January 5, 2016 at 5:30
Adjourn: 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sharon Tiezzi, Recording Clerk
| 
