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Commission of Disability Meeting Minutes July 10, 2014 Members Present: Victoria Buckley, Chair, Linda Vine, Assistant Town Manager and ADA Coordinator, Fred Lonardo, Building Commissioner, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz, Julie Miller, Len More-Fortier, Nate Finch, Michael Martignetti Presentation by Todd Cataldo, manager, and John Farrington, attorney, concerning new building, corner of Muzzey and Raymond: This will be a new medical arts building with no parking on-site. There will be a need to increase parking and HP parking in municipal lot, on Muzzey Street, and on Raymond Street. Letter will be sent regarding parking needs. Updates of letters sent to AAB: 1. Berman’s Wines & Spirits – parking issue resolved 2. 394 Lowell Street – not providing ADA compliant bathrooms in two condo units on second floor - invite them to come in next month 3. Second floor men’s bathroom of Hayden – they were denied their variance from AAB – Commission made suggestions to reconfigure room to make it accessible – Hayden may accept those recommendations 4. Wilson’s – parking issue resolved Discussion about Bridge PTA’s Legacy Brick fundraiser: It is currently too late for us to enter discussion about their choice of bricks – there will be a 20X20 patio with a bench and tree. Review of draft of letter for Selectmen, draft inserted here, reviewed and accepted: Ñ The Commission on Disability is charged with promoting accessibility and inclusion for the citizens of Lexington. The Selectmen could help in this effort by actively integrating considerations of accessibility and inclusion into their policy and decision-making process. Adopting such a stance is a challenging endeavor requiring constant advocacy and a commitment to building awareness within the members of our government and citizenry. We strongly encourage the Selectmen to apply this thinking as they engage in the strategic planning and goal- setting for our community. In addition to adopting this forward thinking stance, we have one more request that is specific in nature, and fundamental to the terms of our charge. The Commission could use your assistance in promoting greater awareness about the challenges inherent in choosing brick, including wire-cut brick, when constructing sidewalks. The decision to use brick is most often identified for its esthetic qualities. This decision is made with little regard for safety or for total ownership costs, or life cycle costs, including the capital cost at installation, the annual maintenance costs, and the eventual disposal costs. The choice of materials for sidewalks must be responsive to the needs of its users; users who include individuals with disabilities, elderly citizens, and people with strollers. These citizens need smooth-surfaced sidewalks in order to traverse safely. Ultimately, brick sidewalks are hazardous and unsafe and signal a lack of concern and sensitivity to the needs of individuals with disabilities. In keeping with our commitment to fostering a welcoming community, we would ask for your assistance in proactively eliminating the use of brick as the primary material for all town controlled sidewalks.Ò New business: