Senior Affairs Commission

ROSE CITY SENIOR CENTER 8 Mahan Drive, Norwich, Connecticut 06360 (860) 889-5960 s fax: (860) 885-1160 SENIOR AFFAIRS COMMISSION Meeting of Oct. 20, 2014 (corrected) Members in Attendance: Chairperson Olive Buddington, Vice Chairperson Gen Bergendahl, Secretary Margaret Aldrich, Regular Members Michael Lahan and Jacquelyn Randall, and Alternate Members Frank Jacaruso and Jan Stewart. Absent was Regular Members Michael Lahan. Attending staff member were Lee-Anne Gomes, Mike Wolak and Anne Barriere. Chairperson Olive Buddington determined there was a quorum and called the meeting to order. Minutes: The minutes from 09-15-14 were approved as submitted. Communications: The Commission reviewed and discussed the letter of response by the City Manager regarding their proposal to separate the Senior Center from Human Services. He said it is stated in the City Charter how the departments are organized and he does not have the power to change it. However, there is currently a Charter Revision Commission which will review proposed changes for the future and they would have the power to propose it. As the Senior Affairs Commission still feels strongly about the change, Jan will find out who the Chairman is and how proposed changes are passed along. They will forward the letter that was sent to Alan. Human Services Report: Acting Human Services Director, Lee-Ann Gomes reported that they have not yet interviewed for the permanent Human Services Director. There is one internal and 10 outside candidates per the local paper who are qualified to be interviewed. No panel or dates have been announced as of this date. Lee-Ann also mentioned that her department has an excess of funds due to positions not being filled this year and that the Senior Center is invited to respond with details of its needs. She has forwarded to Mike a copy of her current budget for review. One of the interesting things is that the City Manager has, for the first time, line-item veto power for proposed budgets. This offers greater protection to the Divisions of a Department which includes the Senior Center which is a division of Human Services. There is also a movement to create a Norwich Community Center, with one view being to incorporate it at the Senior Center site, possibly with an expansion. The Glastonbury Center is a great example of how it could work. It is a long way off as they are still taking applications for people to serve on the Committee. The City website has more information. Senior Center Report: The contractor for the roof replacement has been awarded and work should begin soon, possibly next week and be completed by Thanksgiving. There may be some disruption with noise and some smells during the installation but overall it should move smoothly. Our annul flu clinic is this Thursday, 9-Noon. The Backus Home Health group will be there so no extra volunteers should be needed. Our Senior Holiday Luncheon is scheduled for Dec 16th. Norwich Tech will be providing the food and some staff and volunteers will do the serving. Betty and the Bordeau clan will again be sponsoring the Christmas Day Turkey Dinner. Our new credit card machine is working out very well, especially for trips and dues. Chairperson’s Report/Legislative Report: None. Old Business: None. New Business: During discussions about the history of the City Charter and how it affects the Senior Center, it was realized that those with a great wealth of information on the Senior Center’s history were actually sitting at the table. It was suggested that those who would like to share, put their memories of our history on tape and Anne will transcribe it as she has time. If anyone has any old pictures that are not already in our library, bring them in and we can scan them and return the originals. Next Meeting: Monday, Nov. 17, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., at the Rose City Senior Center. Respectfully submitted, Margaret Aldrich / acb Margaret Aldrich, Secretary MA/acb Regular meetings of the Commission are scheduled on the 3rd Monday of Mar/Apr/May and Sept/Oct/Nov