Town of Willington
BOARD OF SELECTMEN ° 40 OLD FARMS ROAD ° WILLINGTON, CONNECTICUT 06279 ° (860) 487-3100 ° FAX (860) 487-3103
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
SPECIAL MEETING JULY 30, 2001
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: Selectman Ennis, Robin Danson and Rocco Tricarico of the Access Agency. Selectman Knight was absent.
First Selectman Patton commented that since Joyce Smith is leaving, he talked to the Access Agency and asked them for a proposal. He would like to see if we could use Access. First Selectman Patton commented that we are a normal town, not a special needs town, not high risk. We have mostly 2 parent families, we are considered normal and do not get a lot of support from the State. We have some needs and we want to keep our families healthy. We have some youth in crises once in a while and we work with the school system. He is hoping that there is some way the Town could benefit if we collaborate with Access and Access could benefit also. Selectman Ennis commented that the scope of services is what we are looking for. Mr. Tricarico commented that they have a lot of experience;
they deal with many towns that do not get funding from other areas. They have diverse ability with large and small towns. They work with youth, seniors and families. We provide services that the Town wants not what we want. You tell us what you want; we can do the programs and manage them effectively. This could be a pilot and example for other towns. We want to put money in the programs, we write grants all the time. This would create a partnership, we can go after public, private and government grants, and we have been successful doing it. Mr. Tricarico commented that they would have no problem working with the Advisory Board. The Town would set the policy as to what they are looking for. Ms. Danson commented that they are flexible and have the ability to provide. We can bring new programs in. They have job training and many empowering programs. Mr. Tricarico commented that they can work with the Board
of Education in crises situations; and they work with Social Services and Department of Children and Families also. First Selectman Patton commented that we have talked about a satellite program, a full time person with case management. Selectman Ennis asked what they saw the role of the person in the office as, a coordinator or management. Ms. Danson explained that the person must be professional. Selectman Ennis asked if they had someone in mind for the position? Mr. Tricarico commented that this program begs for a program manager, an innovator able to deal with young and old and who can do intervention. We have people to do this, we would have to decide who this position fits, someone with some management capabilities but strong program capabilities. We might have someone in mind. First Selectman Patton commented that Joyce Smith is unique, she has a passion, she has financial and managerial background, she did a whole variety of
things that would be hard to duplicate with one person. Ms. Danson commented that we would get someone who is definitely innovative and self motivated; that person could start and maybe we can bring in money to get more staff. Mr. Tricarico commented that they are used to doing this, we can build on the staff that we have. We are always doing advocacy work; we advocate for our programs, the strength is our programs. First Selectman Patton commented that one of the more successful programs Joyce has is the summer camp and the holiday camp. We would like to continue them. Mr. Tricarico commented that it is important to know what is
SPECIAL MEETING -2- JULY 30, 2001
successful and continue it. We take what works and build on it. First Selectman Patton commented that the Department of Education is one of our sources of funding for our youth. We also need services for the elderly.
Access has programs for both. First Selectman Patton asked if we could market these with other towns and help share the cost? We are trying to mold your agency into what we need. Both Ms. Danson and Mr. Tricarico thought this was a good idea. Selectman Ennis asked if First Selectman Patton was talking about expanding the role of Access here. First Selectman Patton commented that he wants to work with Access and other towns, collaborating for grants. Mr. Tricarico agreed that many towns could work together. Selectman Ennis commented that he was concern about privacy in cases of crisis intervention or family problems, can they use alternate facilities. Mr. Tricarico commented that they keep everything confidential and there is no problem with going somewhere else. Ms.
Danson commented that sometimes we go to the homes. Selectman Ennis asked about their proposal, it refers to additional program costs. Ms. Danson commented that we do this through grants and funding. Selectman Ennis commented that the base line is that someone is here full time and we provide the facilities. Mr. Tricarico commented that the opportunities are out there in terms of dollars. We want to create options for the kids; they do not have to be at risk kids, we want to prevent that. Access does the outreach, they have many services. First Selectman Patton asked if you do focus groups for the elderly and families? Mr. Tricarico said yes, we would define what the community needs. Scheduling is very important, we are adaptable. We would need a list of what is going on and when it is ending. Selectman Ennis asked how soon Access could do this. First Selectman Patton commented that Joyce is leaving mid August. Ms. Danson commented that they want to get the right
person, but we could get someone here. Selectman Ennis asked about reporting to the Board and the Board of Education. Mr. Tricarico commented that they would figure out how this would be done. They are used to keeping track of outcomes, you tell us what you want and we will do it. Ms. Danson commented that this is exciting and a good opportunity for the Town of Willington and for Access. Selectman Ennis commented that everyone he mentioned it to thought it was a good idea. First Selectman Patton commented that he thinks it is a good deal.
FIRST SELECTMAN PATTON MOVED THAT WE CONTRACT WITH THE ACCESS AGENCY FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PLANNING SERVICES AS LISTED IN THEIR LETTER OF JULY 26, 2001.
Selectman Ennis seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & ENNIS) 0 NO
SELECTMAN ENNIS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:23 P.M.
First Selectman Patton seconded the motion.
VOTE: 2 YES (PATTON & ENNIS) 0 NO
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Bowen
Mary Bowen
Secretary
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