Mr. Jim Barakos, representative of the Scooter Store gave a short presentation. His company helps people with limited mobility throughout the country. He is the local representative for the State of Connecticut. They work closely with Medicare and those individuals who qualify are entitled to have 80% of the cost of their scooter covered. Secondary insurance usually picks up the remaining 20% of the cost. The Scooter Store takes care of the whole process from beginning to end. There is a distribution center in Rocky Hill and home demonstrations are available. Mr. Barakos asked that if anyone knows an individual with a mobility disability, to have them give the Scooter Store a call. He can be reached at 1-866-757-3169.
A MOTION was made by Frank Lane to accept the minutes of the January 18, 2006 meeting. Seconded by Chris Taylor. All were in favor, MOTION CARRIED.
Chris Taylor contacted Kathy Lieberman of the Wethersfield Housing Authority and she said they are getting notices about activities being run and participation is good.
Mary Thibeault said participation in the Special Olympics Games by Group Homes is good. There are even individuals from Group Homes in surrounding towns participating. This past weekend the Games were held indoors at Weaver. Despite the weather, most of the people that registered did attend.
Chris Taylor read a letter from Nancy Stillwell, Director of Social Services regarding transportation for seniors. A grant was received for Wethersfield, Newington and Rocky Hill and has been incorporated into the Dial-A-Ride Program. The following changes will be effective July 5, 2006.
Notices will be sent to all participants with the renewal forms.
Social Services has started the Renter's Rebate Program and outreach visits have been coordinated.
The Senior Advisory Committee is looking at a lot of senior issues including having a Housing Expo Fair at the Community Center.
There are a lot of changes with Medicaid Insurance. The look back period is now 5 years. There is also a change in the equity limitation on a house. You cannot have more than $500,000 of equity in your home. Also, the State of Connecticut must be named as the primary beneficiary if you have an annuity.
The Special Olympics were held this past weekend at Weaver. The Children and adults did a great job. Lots of gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the participants.
Please see the information regarding Dial-A-Ride listed under the Senior section.
The updating of the Resource Booklet is moving along. Jim Grise said the final draft should be finished for the June meeting.
There was a discussion of a letter received by the WACPD from Town Manager Bonnie Therrien dated May 17, 2006. The Town Council formed a subcommittee to study the programs currently being offered by the Department of Social and Youth Services and to ascertain if there are any gaps in services or programs that are needed for the youth, seniors and disabled citizens of Wethersfield. She asked key Boards and Commissions including the WACPD to provide feedback on what is working and not working with the Department and what programs need to be added in the future. A meeting will be held by the sub committee on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower Level of the Town Hall, Conference Room #2 to discuss the findings.
A copy of the response letter to Town Manager Bonnie Therrien is attached.
There will be a public hearing on the Ordinance Authorizing Tax Fixing Agreements to Accommodate Physically Disabled Persons on June 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Silas Deane Middle School Auditorium. If you improve, rehabilitate or renovate your property in order to accommodate physically disabled persons the assessor may as part of the agreement and in accordance with General Statutes 12-65g, fix the assessment on the property as of the date of the agreement for a period no longer than 5 years.
A MOTION was made by Joan Haines to adjourn. Seconded by Frank Lane. All were in favor, MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Note: There was a special meeting of the WACPD held on Tuesday May 16 for members participating in updating the Resource Booklet.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen Knapp
Secretary