HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-16-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from March 16, 2021
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti, Julie
Miller, Len Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz,
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board
Commission Liaisons: Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, COA
NOTE: The meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at
5:45 PM—7:OOPM, conducted by Remote Participation, via Zoom webinar, an online meeting
platform.
The meeting started with the reading of Governor Baker's orders.
Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12,2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L.
c. 30A, §18,and the Governor's March 15,2020 and subsequent Orders imposing strict limitation on the number of
people that may gather in one place,this meeting of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be conducted via
remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general guidelines for remote
participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to attend this meeting can be
found below.No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted,but every effort will be made to
ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time,via technological means.In the event that
we are unable to do so,despite best efforts,we will post on the Town of Lexington website or through LexMedia an
audio or video recording,transcript,or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the
meeting. (*as per Executive Order regarding remote participation:https://www.mass.gov/doc/open-meetinglaw-
order-march-12-2020/download)
The reading was followed by an oral roll call.
Review of minutes for January 19, January 26, and February 16
Approved unanimously with minor edits
Omar's Comics, 20 Waltham Street project -MAAB variance letter written
The MAAB variance letter was written and sent to them. Jeri Zeder interviewed Victoria to get
her sense of the project for Lexington's Colonial Times Magazine. Victoria was pleased to be
able to support their effort as a model for inclusivity in the community.
Article 30 - Full Inclusion Resolution—TMMA conversation and potential questions
Video of the resolution was posted and made available to the informational meeting for TMMA.
There were minimal questions and discussion about this resolution, suggesting broad-based
support. The Town Managers office is looking at this resolution and others to determine best
ways to ensure continuity and support for these efforts.
Update on Traffic Safety Group —F. Stieglitz
The Transportation Advisory Committee met on March 2nd providing each member an
opportunity to sharing their priorities. Francine elevated priorities related to safety at crosswalks
and barriers that inhibit safe passage for wheelchairs (e.g. tables on the sidewalk). The scope of
this committee relates to transportation, including sidewalks, pathways, roads —how to make it
easier for people to get around in all modes.
The benefits of an on-demand chair car model versus a system like Lexpress were
discussed. Michael shared that some towns, including Arlington, were using this on-demand
system. He noted that the RIDE offers this kind of support, but they are chronically unreliable
and not a reasonable alternative. He observed that towns/cities that opt for an on demand chair
car model often use it to replace their bus systems.
We also discussed the possibility of re-routing traffic around the town center for
increased pedestrian safety. Joe shared that this has been discussed in the past and the primary
concern about protracted traffic jams has remained a persistent barrier to implementation. Joe
shared that there are some enhancements that we can expect that will improve pedestrian safety,
including: a. locating pedestrian signals within 300 feet from a signalized center; b. making
crosswalk distances for pedestrians shorter; c. improving lighting. Public education for all users
remains critical. Speed limit is also 20 miles an hour.
Center Committee—Janet has been to two of their meetings as liaison. Construction is
supposed to start after Patriots' Day.
Warrant—review of relevant articles
12B refers to sidewalk improvements and it is coming up early in Town Meeting. Issues of
concern include the decision for rumble strips to be yellow in the center, and red in other parts of
town. At 4-way intersections, John Livsey shared that the diagonal curb cuts are allowed. We
raised again that there is no curb cut at the crosswalk in front of the Town Hall. We also noted
that concrete expansion cuts should be closer to 1/4 inch—many of these cuts are often much
greater. Len shared that catch basins should be situated on the uphill side of a curb cut to avoid
serious puddling. Victoria is reaching out to John Livsey about the rumble strips on the curb cuts
and federal yellow rumble strips.
Future meeting times
Third Tuesdays look like they may be the best nights for the Commission members for future
meetings.
Additional new business and update on new projects
Construction on Parker Meadow was supposed to start this spring. We have not yet confirmed
when that is starting but we are looking forward to celebrating and honoring the first fully
accessible park in Lexington.
At Willard Woods,the pathways could be more accessible if stone dust was replaced in
the high root sections of the main pathways. Phil Hamilton was the conservation contact about
this problem. Len will be reaching out. It was also pointed out that there is a substantial amount
of dried debris (fire-sensitive fuel) on the ground.
Motion to adjourn - 6:52 PM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack