Commission on Aging Minutes - April 1, 2002

Commission on Aging

April 1, 2002

The Prospect Commission On Aging meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Jeannette Lampron, Chairperson.

Members Present: Jeannette Lampron, Miriam Caouette, Albert Miele Sr., Ruby DeCosta, Richard Kuhn

Members Absent: Jean Reilly, Michael Rutkowski, Joseph Thompson

Others Present: Lucy Smegielski, Bill Brown, Jean Corbett

A Motion was made by Miriam Caouette, seconded by Ruby DeCosta to approve the minutes of the regular meeting February 4, 2002. Vote Unanimous.

Director's Report: None, No Bus Report.

Old Business: Nothing new about the bocci and horseshoe courts. A letter will be sent to Terri Franz, Board of Recreation, and one to Mayor Bob. Gina Ash obtained a grant for a new Mini-Bus with wheel chair access. It will take a year to process it. It was proposed the old bus could be used in addition to the new bus, if it is financially feasible, as there are never enough seats on the bus for everyone who wants to go to special programs. Lorraine Morris, Mini-Bus driver, had a heart attack after surgery so is still out. The new skateboard-ice skating rink was discussed in relation to parking spaces are in short supply already. Lucy thinks these activities will be after the Senior Center is closed each day. People are concerned about having these activities already being pursued after getting no action on the bocci and horseshoe court.
The Budget for the coming fiscal year was passed by Town Council with the change to $5,000 from $7,500 for Capital Improvement. The Commission On Aging was never notified when it was on the agenda at Town Council. Miriam Caouette asked to have all petition forms turned in so the next step could be taken. Ruby DeCosta worked on this with Miriam Caouette and over one hundred signatures were obtained. There are around 800 Seniors living in Prospect so more signatures are needed. Discussion was held on how to reach more Seniors who are interested in seeing Senior Housing in Prospect. Miriam would go up to Olivers and request people to sign a petition for afforable Senior Housing, but needs someone to go with. Mayor Bob knows the need exists but getting a developer with the funds for affordable Senior Housing has not happened yet.
There are still no Entrance and Exit signs posted on the driveways.

New Business: Richard Kuhn asked again about the old Fire House property for Senior parking. CL&P is using the lot at the moment and then will seed it and the town will make parking along the edge. After the grass grows it could be used for parking. The Volunteer Fire Dept. uses the lot for the Carnival.

AARP: Next meeting April 5th at 1 pm at the Fire House. Mr. Norman Lezotte, Director of Waterbury Commission On Aging will speak.

Prospect Senior Club: Membership is growing. There were 27 new members signed up last month for a total of 365.

Public Participation: none

A motion was made by Ruby DeCosta, seconded by Al Miele to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 am. Vote Unanimous.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jeannette Lampron, Chairperson
Martha Brown, Clerk