HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-05-COD-min
Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes March 5, 2015
Members Present:
Victoria Buckley, Chair; Linda Vine, Deputy Town Manager and ADA Coordinator; Fred
Lonardo, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Chair, Board of Selectmen; Sue Cusack;
Nate Finch; Michael Martignetti; Julie Miller; Len Morse-Fortier; Francine Stieglitz; Janet
Perry
Guests:
Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation Department; Carl Valente, Town
Manager; Harry MacKay, Liaison to Council on Aging; Shaun Grady, Lexington resident
and representative for the PhotoVoice Project
February 2015 Minutes Approved
Presentation by Karen Simmons, Director of Recreation and Department and
plans to make parks and playgrounds ADA accessible
Karen Simmons came to discuss Article 8K, which is requesting $78,000 for consultant
to do comprehensive plan to make parks and playgrounds ADA accessible. There was
an Open Space and Recreation Plan done in 2009 that was little more than a checklist
and she is looking for a better transition plan with cost estimates.The results of that
plan will then become part of the Recreation Department’s 5-year capital plan and
money will be requested for FY’17 for work to be started.
Commission members brought up several questions. The first concerned the town pool
– which now has a Hoyer lift - cost was split with LABB program. The second concerned
being aware that it is important in future plans to make the bleachers more user-friendly
for those with visual impairments.
We are prepared to support this proposal, which is being advanced through Article 8K,
at Town Meeting.
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Update on Board of Selectmen’s meeting on March 4 Concerning HDC Article
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about Granite Material at Cary and Article 42
The Selectmen discussed Article 42 – Request from Commission on Disability about
appropriate sidewalk surfaces. Four members of the Selectmen supported the article;
one abstained for the moment.
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ARTICLE 42 COMMISSION ON DISABILITY REQUEST
To see if the Town will vote to either amend the Code of the Town of Lexington, or request the Board of
Selectmen to establish a policy, to specify appropriate materials be used for public pathways, both new and
reconstructed, to ensure safe passage for citizens who have trouble traversing uneven surfaces; or act in
any other manner in relation thereto.
(Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Commission on Disability)
DESCRIPTION: This article seeks to prohibit the use of sidewalk materials that make passage difficult
for people with disabilities.
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The CoD discussed the issue related to the design concern related to the variable width
of the sidewalks. Specifically, should the width of the concrete or the wayfinding trim be
consistent? We are supportive of consistent width of the wayfinding trim as the width of
the sidewalk should allow for safe travel as the sidewalk widens.
We discussed the HDC Article requesting a granite slab at the Handicap Parking in front
of Cary as a design consideration that is consistent with the current ramp materials. We
have elected not to weigh in on this issue until we see plans and materials. In the
absence of these details, we cannot make an informed decision consistent with our
stated purpose under Article 42 for the consistent use of safe and smooth surfaces.
A question was raised about the need for striping in handicapped parking areas. Fred
Lonardo will be researching this issue.
Update on PhotoVoice Stakeholder’s Meeting and New Grant Ideas
The new grant concept is to form dyads pairing youth with disabilities with adults with
disabilities to do community photo project.
Anniversary of ADA – Plans for Discovery Day?
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We have a standing invitation to assist in planning the ADA’s 25 Anniversary
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Celebration on the Boston Common this summer on July 25. We are still discussing
the possibility of celebrating the Anniversary of ADA in Lexington on Discovery Day.
Next Meeting
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Our next meeting is scheduled for April 5 at 5:45 in the Parker Room, ground floor of
the Town Office Building.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack
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