Westbrook, Connecticut - First Selectman Noah Bishop reassured a room filled with senior citizens who were concerned about the future of the Westbrook Senior Center that steps will be taken with the center "to move forward in a positive way."
Concerns about closure of the center occurred after the Department of Economic and Community Development audited the center and determined there were several issues regarding the operation of the center.
The department had requested the issues be resolved or it would demand back a $650,000 grant it gave to the town.
State Representative Brian O'Connor, D-35, said the audit was the result of a request made by himself, State Senator Eileen Daily, D-33, and State Representative Marilyn Giuliano, R-23 after concerns were raised regarding the center's operation.
Town Attorney Michael Wells assured residents that the state does not have the authority to shut down the center and that the town is in compliance with the grant restrictions.
While Wells admitted the state could file a lawsuit against the town to get the grant money back, he does not believe such a lawsuit would be successful.
"Such a lawsuit would be successful if the department could show that the town was violating the terms of the grant," Wells said.
Bishop said a town meeting will be scheduled in the next six weeks to further discuss and make a decision on the type of committee which will oversee the center.
Wells laid out several proposals for changing the policies of the Westbrook Senior Center.
Wells believes the Senior Center Building Committee should complete outstanding construction issues, submit a final report, and discharge.
One of the outstanding issues, Wells said, is an architectural bill to architect C. J. Lawler Associates regarding the center's door from the basement hallway.
This past January, issues were raised regarding the door which is directly across from three steps that descent into the center requiring those using wheelchairs and motor scooters, as well as those who have difficulty navigating steps, to make a sharp right turn toward the handicap ramp.
Wells believes the senior center advisory committee should also be dissolved at a town meeting and a new supervisory committee be created.
Doing this would allow committee members to directly manage the center.
Currently, the charge of the advisory committee is to "make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen regarding ongoing management of programs," placing the board in a semi-managerial role.
Wells believes the senior center's hours of operation should continue to mimic that of the town hall allowing it to be open 34 hours weekly.
While several seniors spoke in favor of creating a full-time paid senior director position, Wells said the grant does not require one.
The center is being run by Sharon Lassard who is part-time senior center director and Municipal Agent for the Elderly and works 20 hours a week.
Lassard said several volunteers also help staff the center.
O'Connor said he believes the town should work to have a full-time director who could take responsibility for day-to-day operations and for liability reasons.
Wells indicated that staffing is only necessary when the center is sponsoring an activity but advocated a 911 call system to assist sick or injured seniors during times when the center is used as a "drop-in" facility.
Discussion regarding the senior center's future is expected to continue at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Mulvey Municipal Center.
dental assistant who need Handicap ramps
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