HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-01-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from August 1, 2019
Members: Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager; Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe
Pato, Selectman; Rod Cole, liaison to Capital Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitelman,
liaison to Council on Aging
Minutes
Minutes for June 27, 2019 were reviewed and approved.
Input for Historic District Commission (HDC) Charter & Guidelines
Francine Stieglitz reported that Fred Johnson prepared a report for the Center Committee and
submitted with full approval to the HDC. This report was crafted to suggest updates the HDC
Charter and Guidelines and included our recommendation to add "in consultation with the
Lexington Commission on Disability, the Architectural Access Board (AAB), and the
Massachusetts Historic Commission (MHC)". The original text from the HDC below.
The goal in reviewing a proposal for accessibility in an historic district is to ensure that
significant character-defining features of the building, including front stairs,porches, doors
and door surrounds are minimally impacted. Where creating accessibility in the primary
entrance or fagade will obscure or destroy significant character-defining features, the
Commission has the authority to request the applicant to seek alternate means of
accessibility, including secondary entrances, in consultation with the AAB and the MHC.
Sidewalk Complaint
Victoria Buckley sent an email to Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works, John Livsey,
Town Engineer, and Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager, to register a formal complaint about
compliance issues related to center sidewalks on the south side and at Depot Square.
Specifically, from approximately 120 feet from the corner of Muzzey Street to the movie theater,
there are more than fifteen areas out of compliance due to excessive gaps greater than 1/4 inch.
At Depot Square, there are an average of 5 non-compliant areas per every 3 feet. Photos were
attached to the email to further support the compliance concerns.
On July 25, Mr. Pinsonneault offered the following response:
All of the areas you mentioned are on our list and require extensive capital
investment. They are scheduled to be corrected during the Center Streetscape
Project. Once the new sidewalks are installed, we will have a regular maintenance and
inspection program.
Streetscape Ramp Design
At our last meeting, we discussed three different proposals shared by Dave Pinsonneault. The
result of this conversation which David is waiting for us to learn if we had a preference for the
color strip around the curb cut. After further discussion, we fully support the third proposal
which offered a fully concrete pad with a yellow rumble pad.
Selectman Meeting on August 5 - Streetscape Curb Cuts
Len Morse-Fortier, and other Commission members, will attend the August 5h Selectman
Meeting where curb cut designs and suggestions will be discussed.
New Business
No new business to share.
Meeting adjourned at 6:15pm—Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack