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BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SPECIAL MEETING DEC. 11, 2000
TOWN OFFICE BUILDING 6:30 P.M.
First Selectman Patton called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. with the following in attendance: Selectmen Ennis & Knight, D.Bilodeau, J. Kasacek and J. Smith.
First Selectman Patton commented that Joyce Smith must make a decision on whether or not to have the interns from Eastern. There could be up to 3 interns, one for senior services, one for early childhood assessment and readiness and one for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. In order to have the interns Joyce will need facilities with confidentiality, program supplies and room for 2 or 3 desks plus computers. They will each work 8 hours weekly for 17 weeks. Joyce has compiled facts she has gathered from senior centers in towns that are similar in many things though some differences show where money is spent. Jan Kasacek commented that the Willington Senior Center has about 150 members; the big problem is that we have an older population; we need to get the younger population, (58/60) who are
still working, involved. Joyce agreed and said we need to coordinate services and direct them to look for new endeavors and make new revenue. Selectman Knight asked if the interns would all be here at once and could they utilize shared space. Joyce commented that it would depend on their schedules, 2 would probably overlap. Joyce Smith commented that we must look at facility needs of the agency, the First Selectman told me to tell the interns they have the placement. Joyce must supervise them, give them direction, they would also have to do research, etc. she can’t have them here and everywhere. Darlene Bilodeau has talked to the rental agency for Phelps, they are asking $1,500 a month for the corner space, which is around 1600’, they are willing to negotiate since it is for the Town. Darlene commented that we talked about space problems before. Teachers are using the TOB conference room; there is a space problem in
general, here and at the schools.
SPECIAL MEETING -2- DEC. 11, 2000
The Town is not spending much money on the seniors, only $4,200. Are we growing or going backwards, there have been no big changes or additions. Discussion on the amount of money various towns spend on the seniors followed. First Selectman Patton commented that the seniors are always given the amount they ask for, they have never been denied. Joyce commented that Eastern must know by 12/19/00 if we want the interns, they would start in January. First Selectman Patton commented that there is no way tonight we can think about renting at Phelps, the other Board members agreed. We could move all your supplies into storage, we can take the window out, wall up and sound proof the area into the financial office and that would give you confidentiality and more space, where we could put 2
desks. Joyce commented that her office would not have enough confidentiality; the door does not lock right. She needs storage and a safe quiet space for discussion and work. The storage area must not be moist. Darlene Bilodeau commented that a lot of people do not know of Joyce’s services. It must be brought out of the basement and put in the light. Selectman Ennis asked when Joyce would have the interns’ schedules and was told as soon as she tells them she can take them. Darlene asked about moving forward in the future, Joyce will need some administrative help and confidential space, is this addressing the short term or is there a long term plan. First Selectman Patton commented that the new senior center with senior housing will have administrative office. Selectman Knight commented that would then make this senior center available. First Selectman Patton commented that another avenue is when there is a new
library with a community center. First Selectman Patton commented that in answer to Darlene’s question about long term plan, we need to plan it out, nothing is going to happen this year or next. Selectman Knight commented that we might have the new senior center before the senior housing. First Selectman Patton commented that the idea is to build the senior center and also the infrastructure and put the housing in the infrastructure. Darlene asked what they have to do to rent space. First Selectman Patton commented that your board would show your vision for space, administration and services and the requirements needed. This would be scheduled like the Fire Department and Public Works, tell us what you will need in a couple of years, it would become part of the Capital Improvement Program, let CIP know. Joyce commented to the Board that you are saying no to Phelps, we need to modify my space. First Selectman Patton replied yes. Joyce asked if Superintendent Berglund would
consider putting the interns in the back office for the semester. First Selectman Patton commented that he will ask her.
SPECIAL MEETING -3- DEC. 11, 2000
Jan Kasacek commented that the seniors need someone to guide them and go to the Board of Directors; we need younger blood to use the facilities nights and weekends. We need someone with expertise and who knows how to organize. Selectman Knight commented that we wouldn’t start right off with a coordinator. Joyce Smith asked, what do you want me to do, take over the coordination of senior services? Selectman Knight commented that for my part, yes. Jan commented that the first step would be for Joyce and the intern to sit down with the senior’s Executive Board. Joyce commented that supervising the interns will take a lot of her time; she needs to know where to go with the senior intern. If she can have the back room she can take all 3 interns, otherwise only one.
Selectman Ennis asked Joyce if she takes only one intern would it be the one for the seniors? Joyce answered if that is what you want me to do. First Selectman Patton commented that he will talk to Connie Berglund. If Joyce can get the schedules for the interns we would be able to schedule the room around other things. Joyce commented that perhaps Connie could move her office to where Joyce’s office is and then the Board of Education office would be near the financial office. Selectman Knight commented that the seniors have asked for help. Selectman Ennis asked if the senior executive board knows this is being discussed? Jan Kasacek commented that they were in favor of getting help; they would need to give input. Joyce commented that it is a fine line offering senior support services and not directing the senior center. Jan commented that she sees them cooperating, they do not like change; you need to go soft and
slow. Joyce asked if she should go forward with the seniors? Selectman Ennis said yes, what is the nature of our action. First Selectman Patton commented that the consensus is to pursue the senior services. Joyce commented that she should expand her job responsibilities to encompass the senior services. First Selectman Patton commented that seems to be the consensus. Selectman Knight commented to establish long-term objectives, community outreach and monitoring, increase membership and younger members, organize group and provide support. First Selectman Patton commented that he would talk to Connie Berglund, although he doesn’t think it is much of a problem. D. Bilodeau asked if Joyce is taking on senior services will that allow her any administrative assistance, she is taking on more work and has yet to have any assistance. Selectman Knight commented that the plan is that the intern will help. First Selectman Patton
commented that the consensus is to go ahead with the intern for the senior services. An assistant is another thing. We will strive for that later, through this action we are not saying that.
SPECIAL MEETING -4- DEC. 11, 2000
Joyce Smith commented that at budget time she will ask for an assistant. Selectman Knight commented that it will give us the route to see what is doable. Joyce commented that she is here because she loves this job, it does not end when she leaves here, it is continual. I would not be offering to do it if I didn’t want to do it. I will give the hours, I expect what I think every other employee in this building would like to have, that is consideration and respect for a performance and reimbursement for that. If you want me to start this, I will do so and by budget season I will have a good idea where it is going and will reflect it in my budget. Selectman Knight commented yes and then you and the First Selectman will look into room for the other interns.
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:15 P.M.
Selectman Knight seconded the motion.
VOTE: 3 YES (PATTON, ENNIS & KNIGHT) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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