Meriden approves $36,000 transfer to build shelter and restripe parking for senior‑center minibuses

Meriden — The finance committee on Jan. 8 approved a budgetary transfer of $36,000 to construct a bus shelter and restripe the Hanover Street parking lot to protect the senior center’s fleet of minibuses and improve parking for members.

Leah Crown, director of health and human services, said the senior center operates five 20‑seat, wheelchair‑equipped minibuses (four active and one backup) and that the current Michael Drive parking arrangement makes snow removal and access difficult. "When you get really above 5 inches of snow, since they're parked so close together, it's very difficult for employees to get the snow off the top of the bus," Crown said. The proposed shelter would shelter all five vehicles and include restriping of the lot so senior‑center spots are more clearly designated; public works will do concrete work at no cost.

Crown said the funding is available in the senior‑center MME salaries line because of vacancies in driver positions and will not increase the general fund budget. Councilors asked about morning plowing, space to back buses for an 8 a.m. shift and visitor spots; Crown said the lot is plowed by the city and the lot usage is busiest mid‑morning so drivers can exit for the 8 a.m. shift.

The committee approved the transfer. Staff will procure the shelter and arrange restriping and parking‑sticker issuance for members.