Minutes
Commission members: Rosalind Kopfstein, Chairman; Hilda Rhodes, Janet Cianci, Lea Mintz
Others present: Gail Schiron, Marie Sibilio and Julia Pemberton
Mrs. Kopfstein called the March 5, 2014 meeting to order at 9:05 am in the Community Center. A quorum was not present. No action was taken during the meeting.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mrs. Schiron reported on the following:
- She and Mrs. Sibilio attended a recent Freedom of Information workshop held for Town employees and board members. The session was informative and helpful.
- Mrs. Schiron was contacted by the school Social Worker to participate in a suicide prevention workshop. She added that the stresses of the economy have impacted many people.
- The discussion at the Northwest Mental Health meeting was also related to issues of unemployment and depression.
- Redding Shares the Warmth Program donations are still coming in, but the need for help is also increasing. Mrs. Schiron is having discussions with oil companies for the potential of some assistance in the future. She is also having discussions for arranging snow plowing with town contractors for those in difficult situations.
- Food pantry: the pantry is well stocked at the moment. The Ridgefield Ice Rink is holding a food pantry drive to benefit the Redding food pantry. There was a discussion of the potential of obtaining a commercial grade freezer or refrigerator. This would allow the pantry to provide fresh produce and frozen goods. Mrs. Schiron noted that room in the food pantry could be made available if a refrigerator or freezer was available. Mrs. Schiron noted that the current kitchen refrigerator is not functioning properly.
REPORT ON ACTIVITIES
Mrs. Sibilio reported on the following:
- Some programs have been cancelled due to the weather.
- Upcoming events were reviewed.
- Van: the process of obtaining the proper license for the van is underway. A town-owned vehicle is being used to provide transportation. Mrs. Pemberton added that when the new minivan arrives, drivers will not require the special license. The delivery of the minivan is uncertain at this time.
Senior Tax Benefit: Mrs. Kopfstein reported the vote on the changes to the Senior Tax Benefit is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2014. She expressed her concern that the changes in the ordinance do not allow for an appeal process if an individual is denied the benefit. She questioned how one would prove that they resided in the residence for the required 183 days.
Mrs. Pemberton noted that there are some inconsistencies in the current ordinance and some problems with the proposed changes as they are currently written. She urged attendance at the meeting on Monday.
NEW BUSINESS
Mrs. Cianci announced that the Ridgefield VNA was sponsoring a Health Fair on April 6, 2014.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for April 2, 2014 at 9:00 am at the Heritage Center.
ADJOURNMENT
The Chair adjourned the meeting at 9:50 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Maday, Recording Secretary