Minutes - Approved
Minutes of the Ridgefield Commission on Aging (“CoA”) Meeting
November 20, 2023, 2:30 pm, Small Conference Room, Town Hall
Commissioner Ternullo called the meeting to order at 2:55 pm. Commissioners Bancel, Beebe, Culhane and Ternullo were present. Absent were Commissioners Martin and Saleeby, both of whom were traveling for the holiday. Incoming commissioner Patricia Yaffa was also not present because she is being sworn in later this week. Karen Gaudian, Town of Ridgefield Municipal Agent for Seniors and CoA ex officio advisor was also present.
As the 1st order of business of public comment, Dan Tewes introduced himself and expressed interest in serving on the CoA. Dan is an accomplished healthcare professional having worked in senior executive positions in the post-acute and continuing care settings. A meeting between Mr. Tewes and First Selectperson Marconi will be arranged.
As the 2nd order of business, Ms. Beebe moved that the 10/16/2023 CoA minutes be approved. Ms. Culhane seconded. Mr. Ternullo invited discussion. There being none, he called for a vote. The minutes were unanimously approved.
As the 3rd order of business, a brief discussion occurred relating to the Senior Directory. It was noted that the booklet was mailed to residents age 55+ and over, one per household, and that it was well received. A brief discussion on ways to build on the booklet and provide further value to the community ensued.
The 4th order of business relating to the survey was tabled until our December meeting as Mr. Phillips was not available for today’s meeting.
The 5th order of business relating to a transportation update was tabled until our December meeting as Mr. Phillips was not available for today’s meeting.
As the 6th order of business, Ms. Gaudian presented the account detail for the CoA’s operating and grant accounts. These will be reviewed and discussed further at our December meeting.
As the 7th order of business, the CoA’s fiscal year 2025 budget request submission, which is due to First Selectperson Marconi on or before December 4, 2023, was discussed. It was the unanimous consensus of the CoA members present that the CoA should seek level funding of $250 for routine and customary CoA administrative and miscellaneous expenses.
As the 8th order of business, Ms. Beebe proposed that the 2024 CoA meetings be scheduled at 2:30 pm on the following dates: Monday, January 22, 2024, Monday, February 26, 2024, Monday, March 18, 2024, Monday, April 15, 2024, Monday, May 20, 2024, Monday June 17, 2024, Monday, September 16, 2024, Monday, October 21, 2024, Monday, November 18, 2024 and Monday, December 16, 2024. Ms. Culhane seconded the motion. Mr. Ternullo called for a discussion. Hearing none, a vote was taken. The motion was unanimously approved.
As a 9th order of business, Mr. Ternullo invited discussion of new business matters. Mr. Bancel reported that, for reasons of public safety, he had heard from various senior citizen members of the community about the need for additional curtesy parking for Thrift Shop volunteers, especially during this busy shopping season. It was decided to confer with Mr. Phillips to see if temporary relief could be offered to these civic minded seniors volunteering their time for the benefit of the community.
There being no other business, Mr. Ternullo invited a motion to adjourn. Mr. Bancel called for adjournment. Ms. Beebe seconded.
The above is a true and accurate summary of the CoA 11/20/23 meeting.
Joseph Ternullo
Acting Secretary