Senior Affairs Commission

SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION Meeting of Sept. 16, 2013 Members in Attendance: Chairperson Olive Buddington, Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl, Regular Members Jacquelyn Randall and Michael Lahan. Absent were Secretary Margaret Aldrich, and Alternate Members Jan Stewart and Frank Jacaruso. Attending staff members were Beverly Goulet, Mike Wolak. Chairperson Olive Buddington determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. Minutes: The minutes from 05-20-13 were approved as submitted. Communications: We received $25,000 again from the Lord Foundation for the Health Clinic and $11,500 from Senior Resources for our Benefits Counselor and a licensed podiatrist. Along with the Town of Montville we again received the transportation grant for the Med Ride II out-of- town medical transportation program. Human Services Report: The battle to reinstate Human Services department positions continues. Tonight we have an ordinance on the Council agenda to save the Caseworker and Accounting Clerk positions. The need is great for the services these position help to provide. Though we work closely with other agencies in the city, the loss of these positions will be felt throughout by youth, adults and seniors as well. Senior Center Report: Unknown to us until after the Council’s vote our escort driver position was cut from the 2013 Budget. To reinstate the position for this year we had to agree to fund it from our Donation’s Account. The reasoning behind that decision was that if we let the position go, we might never get it back. At least if we fund it ourselves for this year we can hope to get it back in the budget next July. Part of the reason that it was cut in the first place was that the Council was under the impression that it was vacant. They did not know it was being filled by a per diem driver and we were active in the hiring process. So for now the Senior Center is paying for the position but we feel that it is a good investment. Programs are going very well. Trips are very popular and we generally fill them. We are planning our Holiday Luncheon for December and will have the Tech School cater it. Probate Judge Chuck Norris will be coming here on the 25th at 11 a.m. to talk about the probate process. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: None. Old Business: None New Business: None Next Meeting: Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at 9:00 a.m., at the Rose City Senior Center. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Aldrich, Secretary