The Prospect Commission on Aging meeting was called to order at 10:00 am by Miriam Caouette, Vice Chairperson.
Members Present: Miriam Caouette, Albert Miele, Michael Rutkowski, Joseph Thompson, Ruby DeCosta, Richard Kuhn
Members Absent: Jeannette Lampron, Jean Reilly
Others Present: Lucy Smegielski, Mayor Robert Chatfield, Bill Brown
A motion was made by Mike Rutkowski, seconded by Joe Thompson to approve the minutes of the regular meeting October 7, 2002. Vote Unanimous.
Director's Report: A motion was made by Mike Rutkowski, seconded by Joe Thompson to accept the Director's Report. Vote Unanimous. There are no limits to the number of members allowed to join the Senior Club, currently at 420. For all special events Prospect Seniors have up until one week before the event to sign up, after that they go to the bottom of the list like out of town seniors.
Old Business: Mayor Bob came to explain why he has changed his mind about the suggestion box. He and Lucy think it is better for suggestions to be worked out at once instead of waiting for the Commission meeting once a Month. He says Seniors aren't afraid to say what they think. He thinks a suggestion box takes the personal touch out of the Senior Center.
New Business: The Special Meeting with Pat Geary is scheduled for Thursday Nov. 21 at 3:30 pm to find out about Senior Housing. Lucy suggested we invite Joe Gomez to the meeting. He wrote an article in the Prospect Pages on Senior Housing and is very interesred in Senior Housing. Mayor Bob has provided a cell phone to be used on the mini-bus and at the Center. Lucy has requested people at the dinner put their coats in the closet as a coat on the back of the chair caused Toni Barnes to trip and fall. The one way arrows in the driveway seem to be working most of the time. Lucy, after discussion with Mayor Bob, decided the pool players won't have to pay for coffee as they donate much time and also goodies. Ruby DeCosta announced she is cutting her hours to 16 hours a week. Toni Barnes will work 29 hours a week and Lorraine Morris works 35 hours a week as she is back from medical leave. Toni and Ruby did a wonderful job covering for Lorraine while she was out. Mike Rutkowski made a motion to send a letter of appreciation to Toni for her past efforts helping Lucy while Lorraine was out, seconded by Richard Kuhn. Vote unamimous. The seams in the linoleum in the Great Room floor is buckling. Mike Rutkowski will talk to Mayor Bob to see about getting it fixed. Mike asked about expanding the Senior Center. Lucy is looking into moving the pool room down stairs to free up that room and asking that a grant be looked into for adding to the Great Room and partitioning it off with folding doors.
AARP Report: A Christmas Party will be held at San Marino's- Dec. 6, 2002. Call Jennie at 272-6035 for reservations.
Senior Club: Richard Kuhn asked about the parking next door on the old Fire House land as it is blocked off. Parking is permitted along the curb and in the spring when the grass is growing, parking will be permitted behind the island.
Public Participation: Thanks to Bill Brown for setting out extra chairs.
A motion was made by Mike Rutkowski, seconded by Joe Thompson to adjourn the meeting at 10:40 a.m. Vote unanimous.