[NOTE: These minutes are made available to the public prior to Advisory Committee for People With Disabilities acceptance.]
Ms. Nora Swanson expressed her concerns about the bus stop at the Wethersfield Shopping Center. There is no curb cut where the bus stop is and this presents a problem for people in wheelchairs. The bus driver will not drop her off further down where there is a curb cut because that area is not marked as a bus stop. She has already contacted CT Transit regarding this problem. Christine Taylor suggested sending a letter to the owner of the shopping plaza from the WACPD. It was also brought up that according to the American Disabilities Act bus drivers have to stop where it is safe for handicapped passengers to get on and off. Chris Taylor said she would talk to Nancy Stilwell about this situation.
Ms. Tina Catrell said she they are very pleased with the audible traffic signal that has been added across from CVS but the she and other visually impaired residents feel it needs to be longer to allow them to completely cross the street. They aren't fully across before the signal changes. Several committee members said that even though the audible signal stops, the red light is still keeping cars from moving for an additional period of time to allow pedestrians enough time to cross. Ms. Catrell said she would also like to see talking ATM machines made available in Wethersfield. Visually impaired residents can't use the ATM machines without assistance even though they are marked with Braille.
A MOTION was made by Kathleen Sullivan to accept the minutes of the September 20, 2006 meeting with changes. Seconded by Jim Grise. 8 were in favor (Keenan, Taylor, Sullivan, Morrison, Grise, Meunier, Ryan, DiBella) one abstention (Haines), MOTION CARRIED.
Lasher Court has an apartment available for anyone interested. They are still looking for someone to take over the management of that facility.
Four Wethersfield group homes are participating in the Special Olympic programs.
The Senior Advisory Committee held their first meeting on September 21, 2006. There was a discussion regarding Robert's Rules or Order and the Freedom of Information Act. Members were happy to receive copies of the WACPD Resource Booklet.
The Central Connecticut Health District is holding their first Flu Clinic on October 31st from 1:00-4:00p.m. at the Pitkin Community Center.
The Social Services Department has started taking Community Renewal Team (CRT) Energy Assistance applications. There are new guidelines this year, the cap for single households is $27,867.32 and for couples $ 36,441.81. For more information please contact the Social Services Department at 721-2977. Outreach dates have been scheduled and the first Outreach will be next Tuesday, October 23rd.
Several programs are being held at the Community Center regarding Medicare Part D. The first is October 19th on the Medicare Advantage HMO Program at 10:00 a.m. Another is scheduled for October 26th from 1:00-4:00p.m. This will be a slide presentation on all Medicare Part D changes. Limited space is available; please call Donna Madison at 721-2979 if you are interested in attending.
Eleven residents from Wethersfield group homes are participating in the Special Olympics unified and traditional bowling programs. We are planning to send about 21 athletes to the Regional Qualifier State Tournament. A youth basketball Special Olympics program will be running through November and December.
The Special Olympic youths are holding a Butterbraid Fundraiser to raise money for their programs. Contact Natalie at the Park and Recreation Department at 721-2890 if you are interested in purchasing a Butterbraid to support Special Olympics.
** The Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be held November 21st from 5:00-7:30 p.m. Admission is $5.00. The Holiday Party will be held December 19th from 6:00-9:00p.m. Both are being held at the Pitkin Community Center.
Saturday December 2nd is the 17th Annual Santa Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center. Meet Santa and enjoy a ride on a horse drawn carriage. All money raised is used to support the Special Olympic Programs in Wethersfield.
The January meeting of the WACPD will be held at the First Church Village on 117 Wells Road. This meeting is open to the public and is solely for the discussion of all transportation and Dial-a-Ride issues. The Mayor, Town Manager and Director of Social Services will be attending.
The Resource Booklets are now complete. Copies of the Resource Booklets are available in the Social Services Department and the Town Library. The Resource Booklet is also available on line through the towns website, www.wethersfieldct.com The WACPD is having several copies printed in Braille by the Nancy Mothersele at the Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB). These should be available in the upcoming months.
A member of the public brought up a concern regarding the sidewalk in front of 8 Highview Avenue. There is a bar protruding from the sidewalk that poses a safety issue for pedestrians. They have been calling the town regarding this issue for three years and it hasn't been fixed. They did paint it white a few weeks ago but it still isn't repaired. Steven Kirsch said he would follow up on this situation.
With winter approaching Mr. Lee Sekas expressed his concern about the snow removal on town sidewalks. He was disappointed with how it was handled last year. Mr. Kirsch said the property owners are responsible for snow removal, but some were negligent last year. It then becomes the town's responsibility to do the work for them for safety reasons.
A MOTION was made by Natalie Morrison to approve $300.00 for the Thanksgiving Day Dinner and the Holiday Party if needed. Seconded by Frank Meunier, Jr. All were in favor, MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION was made by Joan Haines to adjourn. Seconded by Jim Grise. All were in favor, MOTION CARRIED.
Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Eileen A. Knapp
Recording Secretary