Commission on Aging Februaryt 4, 2008

Commission on Aging

Unapproved Minutes

February 4, 2008

Members Present: Rev. Phyllis Norman; Chair, Inez Bramhall, Joseph Thompson, Bernice Wilson, Ruby DeCosta, Elaine Pizzuto, and Eileen Flanagan

Members Absent: Father Mark and Richard Cipriano

Call to Order: Rev. Norman called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. She asked members to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of the Minutes: A motion was made by Eileen Flanagan to accept the unapproved minutes of December 3, 2007 seconded by Inez Bramhall and a motion by Ruby DeCosta to accept the unapproved minutes of October 1, 2007 seconded by Inez Bramhall, however, they cannot be approved until the next meeting.

Director's Report:
Lucy spoke with Lorraine about the new bus. They discussed the possibility of a small van something like a 9 passenger capability. Sometimes a small number of seniors need to be drived to different places - we could also save gas. The present bus is in pretty good shape. She is also training a new driver, Sandra Enquist - She is not full time but will be available when needed. She has a CDL license and is being trained. Some events will be taking place - We will be having a Valentine's party on the 14th and Kandie Carle, the Victorian Lady will be at the center, and on February 19th The Red Hatters' will have their Valentine's Day party. We plan to have a fashion show in March. Also Father Katzak's cooking class will take place. We have also introduced a Creative Writing Class and a Card making class. This afternoon we will have a Dance Social with about 40 people. We are also planning a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Lucy stated she was very thankful for all the help from Tom Petrillo getting out the "Highlights" each month. Donations are still coming in for Mary Masone, Marie Miskell and Antoinette Petrillo.

Unfinished Business: None

New Business:
The dates for this year's meetings are: February 4th, April 7th, June 2nd, August 4th, October 6th and December 1st, 2008. Motion to approve the dates for the year 2008 made by Joe Thompson seconded by Bernice Wilson. All in favor. Unanimous.

Prospect Senior Report:
Inex Bramhall stated that seniors were going to City Hall today. Tomorrow they are going to the BARC in Bristol and later to the Dollar Tree Store. At 4:30 some will attend a pancake supper at Christ's Episcopal Church in Waterbury.

Bus Report:
Rev. Norman passed out the bus reports for the months of September, October, November and December of 2007. Motion was made by Ruby DeCosta to accept the bus reports, seconded by Inez Bramhall. All in favor. Unanimous.

Public Participation:
Mayor Bob spoke about the grant for the parking lot. Right along the walk there will be landscaping, a second coat of asphalt making it bigger, and parking now around the back. The update on Toll Brothers: suggested a meeting with them to get some information on the progress. About 20 are there already. The Mayor mentioned the tax freeze questions regarding senior. He also suggested inviting Vinnie Leone, the Tax Assessor to come to the next meeting to address questions on taxes for seniors. Rev. Norman will get in touch with him. Also at a later date, perhaps someone from the State could be invited to address the issue. The subject of the new bus was brought up. Every 5 years we are entitled to purchase a new bus - Gina Ash, the Grant's Director, is looking for $35,000 =the town needs to come up with $7,500. We may need to charge $1.00 or $2.00 for the use of the bus. Inez Bramhall asked if we could keep the bus we have and purchase a new one - not handicap accessible, or do it have to be equipped accessible? She also added other centers charge for the use of the bus.

Adjournment:
Elaine Pizzuto made a motion to adjourn the meeting seconded by Inez Bramhall. All in favor. Unanimous.

The next meeting will be on Aoril 7, 2008 at 10:00 at the Senior Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Carey Miele

Clerk