Commission on Aging Minutes - September 6, 2000
Commission on Aging
September 6, 2000
The Prospect Commission on Aging meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by Chairperson
Jeannette Lampron.
Members Present: Jeannette Lampron, Miriam Caouette, Albert Miele, Michael Rutkowski,
Jean A. Reilly, Richard Kuhn
Members Absent: Ruby DeCosta, Joseph Thompson
Others Present: Lucy Smegielski, Mayor Bob Chatfield plus six others
A motion was made by Mike Rutkowski, seconded by Al Miele to approve the minutes of the
Special Meeting on August 8, 2000. Vote was unanimous.
Director's Report: A motion was made by Miriam Caouette to approve the Director's Report and
Bus Report. Vote Unanimous.
Old Business: None
New Business: Jeannette received a letter from the Connecticut Commission on Aging announcing
a meeting Friday September 29, 2000 at 9:15 to be held at the Rocky Hill Marriott. Please let
Jeannette know who can go. Jean A. Reilly, Mike Rutkowski, Miriam Caouette and Jeannette Lampron
volunteered so far.
Mayor Bob Chatfield announced the next meeting of C.O.A. will be held at the new Senior Center,
October 4, 2000 even if the new Senior Center isn't officially opened. The siding is going on
today, it should take about 10 days to finish putting on the siding, storm drains and catch basins
are going in, the driveway is being worked on with paving about September 18, 19, & 20, with
gravel to go in first. The rugs are in the building, a second coat of plywood is being installed
in the large meeting room and the craft room in preparation for the tile, it is all trimmed out
ready to paint, the ceiling tile is partly installed, electric fixtures are in, the stove fan is
installed, appliances have been ordered. The minibus driver/dispatch can help organize activities
if more than one activity is going on at the same time. The first year will be a learning experience
to find out how much the fuel and electirc bills will be and any problems that show up will be
fixed. All storage will be in the basement not out in the room in the way. The existing trees
were not transplanted due to the excess cost to transplant. New ones will be planted later. Next
Tuesday will be a job site meeting to estimate when it will open.
TRIAD Report: Marge Bell reported Kathy Doyle and Dr. Edwards will speak on September 13. The
next meeting will be on Living Wills and the next on choosing electric companys. They have had
good speakers and the attendance had been good.
AARP Report: Al Miele reported Norman Lazotte will be at the meeting on September 8 at 1:00
p.m. to speak on choices for H.M.O. Insurance at the Fire House.
Prospect Senior Club Report: Richard Kuhn reported all the seniors are anxious for the new
building to be finished, it seems to go on and on.
Public Participation: Dale Jackson says the Town Council is considering buying land next to
the Library for $70,000. He thinks it is too much for 1/2 acre and wants people to go to the
next Town Council meeting and asked the Mayor about it. Mayor Bob said it is out of context in
this forum but the town has a goal of owning all the land on the strip along Center St., and if
this opportunity to buy this piece is missed the owner will erect a house and the price will
be up a lot higher. It is at $69,000 at this time. The lot is grandfathered so a house could
be built. Jeannette will post the time the land will be discussed at the Senior Center so
people can go if they want to.
Lucy has received notice from N.O.W. Inc. about fuel assistance. Sign up appointments start
in October. Tell everyone to apply. The worst they can do is say no.
Mike asked if the minibus is sufficient for daily use. Lucy said yes it has 14 seats and is
sufficient for trips for food and doctors but not planned trips out of area. Monday has been for
doctor appointments but, you can now call and if it fits in the schedule they can be made on
other days. The bus is two years old and no grant is avaible for another until it is five years
old. Mike Rutkowski asked if a larger Minibus is considered in the future. It could be a problem
in certain driveways if it is too long.
Jean Reilly asked about computer instruction at the Senior Center. Jeannette is looking into
web sites. Lucy suggested getting more volunteers, not only Jeannette, as teacher. Mayor Bob said
Gina Ash, Grant Director is in the process of receiving a $200,000 grant for housing rehab., to help
seniors replace septic systems, roofs, wells, furnances etc., according to guidelines set up. The
signing is scheduled for October 1st.
Miriam asked if anyone else is to be appointed to the Commission On Aging. Mayor Bob said yes.
Jean Reilly asked the Mayor if there is a list of people to do odd jobs. TRIAD is working on
it but only licensed workman can do some types of work, lawnranking is different.
Possible Executive Session Regarding Personnel Matters: As 2/3rds of the Commission was present
Jeannette called for a vote for an excutive session to discuss personnel matters. Vote Unanimous.
All non Commission on Aging committee members were asked to leave. After the excutive session
we could come in for the closing of the meeting.
A motion was made by Jean Reilly, seconded by Richard Kuhn to adjourn the meeting at 11:10 a.m.
Vote unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jeannette Lampron, Chairman
Martha Brown, Clerk