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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-17-COD-min RECEIVED 2021 30 IIMov, 335 Ipui °m TOWN CLERK Commission on Disability LEXINGTON MA Minutes from August 17, 2021 Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Julie Miller, Len Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Steiglitz, Michael Martignetti Town Liaisons: Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Select Board; Martha Duffield, Chief Equity Officer Commission Liaisons: Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, COA Note: A meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, 5:45 PM—7:00 PM via zoom. 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. (*As per Executive Order regarding remote participation:https://www.mass.gov/doc/open-meetinglaw-order-march-l2- 2020/download) Please be advised that the House and Senate enacted Senate Bill 2475 last night and Governor Baker signed the bill, which will allow the continuation of remote public meetings until April 20, 2022. • The reading was followed by an oral roll call. Announcements • Review of minutes • Welcome and introduction - Martha Duffield, Chief Equity Officer - discussion about how she will be involved with the Commission on Disability and overview from members concerning the Commission's goals, projects and challenges • Opening on Commission • Additional new business and updates on new projects Agenda: Announcements We have several joint initiatives with HRC to discuss: NoHate November and a work group to examine the effects of the pandemic on people with disabilities. Janet, Francine and Victoria are interested. LexSeeHer LexSeeHer is asking us if we can support the site chosen for the monument on the Visitors Center Lawn. We like Site 15 (Liberty Site)because it is a visible site, with good accessibility, high appeal for tourists/residents, with easy siting for electricity and drainage. The vote was unanimous to support this site and Victoria will write a support letter, Introduction of Martha Duffield, Chief Equity Officer Martha is joining the Commission as the town liaison, replacing Kelly Axtell. The Commission acknowledges all the work and support that Kelly has done on its behalf. She stated that she is an engineer interested in disability rights and ADA compliance and she wants to help the town look inclusively at issues. Commission members introduced themselves and mentioned their concerns. • Shaun mentioned depth perception issues and other concerns of those with neurological issues: concrete sidewalks are preferable since finite pavers are difficult. • Janet brought up issues of those with vision issues —the bump near Hastings playground, speed bumps, and contrast colors. She talked about meeting with DPW about making the rumble strips for curb cuts federal yellow. • Francine said that in the past the Commission was not involved when it should have been and is now better connected. She discussed the need for closed captioning at public meetings. • Len shared that he is a structural engineer who is interested in stopping others from building in unneeded barriers into plans. Jim Kelly replied that Len's advice is very helpful. • Bonnie said she is the liaison to the Council on Aging. • Michael identified himself as a real estate developer and said that the Commission used to always be putting out fires but now we are in on plans and projects earlier. He has been interested in the Parker Meadow project since it is the first conservation area that will be fully accessible. He would like to see the town invest in chair cars to help with transportation needs like they have in neighboring Arlington. • Victoria said we want to see how the Full Inclusion Resolution will be used to affect policy and programs. She wants the Commission to be proactive and not just reactive. New Business • There was a second complaint about outside tables at Rancatore's. Jim Kelly will follow up. • Shaun is going to talk to Peter Noonan to see if anyone wants to join as liaison from Douglas House. • Jim Kelly said there was a new Chase Bank coming at 1050 Waltham Street with a 4- story garage. • Janet is liaison to the Center Committee. • Francine is liaison to the Traffic Safety Group. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM. Minutes submitted by Victoria Buckley