Mansfield Commission on Aging Minutes

9:30 AM

Mansfield Senior Center

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

PRESENT: T. Quinn (Chair), J. Kenny (staff), J. Quarto, K. Doeg, W. Bigl, P. Hope (staff), M. Thatcher, K. Grunwald (staff), C. Pellegrine, A. Holinko

REGRETS: S. Gordon, C. Phillips

I. Call to Order: Chair T. Quinn called the meeting to order at 9:38 AM.

II. Appointment of Recording Secretary: K. Grunwald agreed to take minutes for the meeting.

III. Acceptance of Minutes of the September 8 , 2008 meeting: Note that J. Quarto sent regrets for not attending the meeting

IV. Correspondence – Chair and Staff: T. Quinn identified new requirements for posting minutes and agendas for all meetings. Agenda must be posted 24 hours in advance, and the minutes need to be posted within 7 days. The results of all member votes must be posted as well. All motions must be verbatim and actions and assignments must be recorded. T. Quinn’s recommendation is that the Commission attempt to pass votes by consensus and note any objections.

Membership: No appointee shall serve more than three consecutive terms, or no more than ten years, but terms are not defined. C. Pellegrine believes that the terms are prescribed by the Town Council; some question as to how long the terms are? J. Quarto believes that terms are three years and overlapping. P. Hope attempted to clarify the terms for each member, and whether or not members need to be reappointed for successive terms. T. Quinn asked if there should be a Secretary appointed to keep track of this; C. Pellegrine suggested that C. Phillips may be keeping track of this as the head of the nominating committee. It appears the Mark Ross’ term expired in earlier in 2008; T. Quinn, M. Thatcher, and M. Ross need to be appointed for a new term. Some discussion as to whether or not this needs to go through the Town Council. C. Pellegrine moved the reappointment of these three members; approved unanimously. K. Grunwald will notify the Town Clerk and the Committee on Committees.

V. New Business

- “Other”: C. Pellegrine reported that Adrienne Marks has contacted the UConn President’s office re: the Senior Olympics and is awaiting a reply.

- CT DEP Greenway Project: T. Quinn reported that the Greenway Project is active in Mansfield, and a walking trail is being developed from Stafford to Willimantic. The Mansfield section has not been completed. T. Quinn encouraged members to visit the new River Park. C. Pellegrine asked about how accessible the park is for people with disabilities. T. Quinn reported that it is wheelchair accessible. C. Pellegrine reported that she recently did the Heap Walk off of North Hillside Road.

VI. Optional Reports on Services/Needs of Town Aging Populations

A. Health Care Services

Wellness Center and Wellness Program – J. Kenny distributed copies of her monthly report. She raised concerns about the need for subsidized housing for seniors in town. She also announced that she has a contact to investigate complaints about homecare fraud; there needs to be a written agreement with the provider to be able to file a complaint. Also, Windham Hospital is looking for input on services that are needed for seniors. Some discussion of the needs for senior housing in this area, and how Masonicare’s facility will address this need. What happens if people exhaust their assets in a private facility?

Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation – J. Kenny: no report.

B. Social, Recreational and Educational

Senior Center – P. Hope distributed copies of her monthly report. Participation in the food program continues to increase; continuing to evaluate the interest in new classes that have been added. Attendance on Saturdays has increased some, but is still relatively small. Several health promotion and screening programs are now taking place.

Senior Center Assoc. – John Brubacher (for Tom Rogers) was not present; no report.

C. Housing

Jensen’s Park: W. Bigl reported that the community is very active; recently held a large tag sale.

D. Related Town and Regional Organizations: no reports.

VII. Old Business

- Committee to regionalize the Senior Center Association (T. Quinn): reported that this no longer needs to be on the agenda; the Association is working on this. Perhaps this is the group to focus on the Senior Olympics.

- Long Range Plan for 2007- 2010: Update on Action Plans (all): no discussion.

IX. Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 10:18 AM. Next meeting: Monday, November 10, 2008 at 9:30 AM at the Senior Center

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald