HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-11-COD-min
Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes for July 11, 2013
5:45pm to 7:00 pm
Parker Room, G-1, Lexington Town Hall
Members Present: Victoria Buckley, Susan Cusack, Janice Cyr, Michael Martignetti,
Julie Miller, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, and Francine Stieglitz.
Members Not Present:
Staff Present:
Additional Attendees:Nate Finch, Mark Corr, Police Chief
The meeting began at 5:45pm.
Minutes for the June 6th meeting were approved unanimously.
1. Farewell to loyal CoD member, Jan Cyr who is moving from Lexington to Brunswick,
Maine. “Thank you all for the opportunity to serve on this important commission and for
the thoughtful gift. I will miss you.”
2. Questions and discussion with Mark Corr, Lexington Police Chief about handicapped
parking fines and other issues:
a. Mark stated that the fine levels are a Public policy choice as is how the money
collected is used. Currently, the fee for illegal handicapped parking is set at $100. To
the best of his knowledge, fines are issued approximately 50 times per year.
b. Usually, when fines are increased, enforcement of the illegal activity is
decreased. The CoD must be aware of this if fines for illegal handicapped parking are
increased.
c. The money collected from these fines is currently used for maintenance of
meters. Hank Manz will check with the Deputy Town Manager to confirm how much
money is collected and how the funds are being used.
d. The Center Committee will be generating an RFP for a study to look at the
parking in the Center. Hank Manz will let CoD know who to contact to include
handicapped parking and curb cuts in the study.
e. A Police Officer is not necessary to be able to “ticket” illegal handicapped
parking. Some communities deputize people to do the ticketing. This would need to be
looked at carefully if Lexington wanted to do this as well. Offenders can be problematic
when confronted. CoD may want to consider incorporating taking photos of violations.
f. Handicapped people must self identify to the police and fire department, and
must complete an “At Risk” form. The form requires personal information, a photo, and
best ideas on the person behaviors written up with clear details.
g. Emergency shelters – have security available and can accommodate
accessibility issues.
h. Mark expressed his willingness to provide training time to the entire police
force on accessibility if the CoD would like to team up with another group to provide
training sessions.
Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes for July 11, 2013
5:45pm to 7:00 pm
Parker Room, G-1, Lexington Town Hall
3.
Update on conference on 6/7 – Victoria and Jan attended the session and gave a
brief update on the well-attended event.One key take-away was to prioritize the
building of a strong relationship with the CoD and the new town Building
Inspector.
4.
Parker Meadow Accessibility – CDC grant for Beaver Pond accessibility – update
from Michael Martignetti, the CoD liaison:
a.Michael stated that they are working on the wording of the proposal for
the recreation subcommittee for the accessibility path at Parker Meadow.
People will be able to park on Revere St. and get on the path with a
wheelchair.
b.The next step is to go to the Town Meeting for appropriations.
5.
Additional new business and update on new projects- not enough time to discuss.
Meeting Adjourned at: 7:00PM
st
Next Meeting: August 1, 2013
Meeting Minutes Submitted by: Janice Cyr, Commission Member