2013-07-11-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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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.