Everyone introduced himself or herself.
Mr. Lee Sekas said that a meeting would be held on March 27, 2006 at the Rocky Hill Town Hall to present the final report by the Silas Deane Improvement Committee. He said he spoke to the Town Manager about a special surface being used for curb cuts. Mr. Sekas said there would be a Statewide Forum on Issues for People With Disabilities on Wednesday April 5, 2006 from 9am-2-pm at the Crowne Plaza, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell Connecticut. He expressed concern that activities are being held in Wethersfield in buildings that are not accessible to the disabled.
Vice Chairman Haines said she thinks it is wonderful that towns are improving street name signs by making them bigger so they are more visible but it doesn't seem like Wethersfield is replacing them very quickly or efficiently. Mr. Kirsche said he would look into the matter.
Mr. Frank Meunier, Jr. said he would like to see Cox Cable put Connecticut Community College Instruction back on Channel 16. He asked that people write letters to Cox Cable expressing their desire to have these courses available. Mr. Grise suggested that the WACPD send a letter to Cox regarding this matter.
A MOTION was made by Mr. Meunier Jr. to accept the January 18, 2006 minutes with changes. Seconded by Mrs. Haines. All were in favor, MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Taylor handed out an update on the January Transportation Meeting from Ms. Nancy Stillwell of the Social Services Department. The following information was addressed:
Mrs. Haines suggested posting this information at First Church Village and all senior housing complexes in town. Ms. Taylor agreed to take care of it. She noted that Dial-a-ride rates would remain the same.
The Town Manager would like to have another meeting in May at the Community Center for seniors and disabled residents to voice their concerns about any topics affecting them. This meeting would be held during the day. Chairman Keenan asked if members of the WACPD would support this meeting and would they attend if possible. The committee agreed that they would be in support of the meeting.
Falls Prevention Program
Ms. Taylor said there is an organization called the Connecticut Collaboration for Falls Prevention. It is a group of providers that come out free of charge to senior centers to help education them on how to prevent falling. If anyone is interested please call Social Services at 721-2977 for more information.
Ms. Taylor said there is an organization working with the Wethersfield United Methodist Church looking for volunteers during the week of July 31st- August 5th to provide services to needy town residents to do simple home repairs. This would include building wheelchair ramps, painting, yard work, etc. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Sharon Silvo at sharon.silvo@jud.ct.gov .
Mr. Grise said the Resource Booklet is ready for review. He passed out copies for all the members to look at. Everyone agreed to take the booklets home for review. There will be a special meeting in April to go over any changes that are needed.
Mr. Meunier Jr. said the Advisory Committee on Transportation has been changed to a forum. Anyone who is interested can address the Committee to speak on issues that they are concerned about.
**There will be a specially scheduled meeting on April 19, 2006 at 7:30 at the Pitkin Community Center in Room # S3 to review the Resource Booklet.
The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held May 17, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Note: There was a special meeting of the WACPD held on Wednesday April 19 for members participating in updating the Resource Booklet.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Knapp
Secretary