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<br />Commission on Disability <br />Minutes - April 7, 2016 <br />Members Present: Victoria Buckley, Chair; Nate Finch; Julie Miller; Len Morse-Fortier; Michael <br />Martignetti <br />Town Liaisons: Fred Lonardo, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Chair, Board of Selectman <br />Guests: Shaun Grady, Jeri Zeder, Lee Connors, Anne Eccles (HDC) <br />Center Streetscape <br />The commission has yet to see samples of bricks that have no vibration as well as the potential concrete <br />options. The formation of the ad hoc committee can hopefully help with this. <br />At the end of the meeting, a question was raised by a guest as to whether the commission is more <br />concerned with the general design of the center streetscape or just the accessibility features. The <br />commission has opinions on both aspects, however our greatest concern is ensuring access for all. <br />Presentation by DiNisco Designs regarding the middle school renovations <br />Vivan Lo and Ken DiNisco discussed the plans to renovate the two middle schools, Clarke and Diamond. <br />This project was also supported by Town Meeting. The total combined cost is approximately $62 million. <br />At Diamond, the drop-off and pick-up area will be separated from the main traffic flow. The topography <br />is already relatively flat, so there is proper access for all. The design team will verify whether the <br />elevator, which is currently centrally located, is in compliance with the current building code. A new <br />building with additional academic space will be built. Since most of the work will be completed during <br />the school year, a concern was raised about the noise level during construction. <br />At Clarke, a major renovation will happen at the front entrance. The surrounding wetlands combined with <br />the fact that the school is built on a hill make the renovation process more complicated. The main <br />entrance plaza will be raised to meet the grade of the front door. In addition, a new building addition will <br />be built near the current gymnasium. Accessible parking will be available near the front door and the <br />entrance to the new building. The route for the bus pickup/drop off will be redesigned to accommodate <br />better traffic flow. All new construction areas will be accessible except for the walkway on the hill where <br />the bus pickup/drop off area is. A suggestion was made about the potential of adding a handrail at this <br />location. A discussion between the school and bus company will need to happen about how to best <br />accommodate individuals with disabilities. During certain times of the day, especially during the morning <br />drop off, a bus may need to wait to move closer to the front door before dropping students off instead of <br />letting them off on the hill. <br />Since the renovation work at Clarke will exceed 30% of the buildings value, the accessibility of the whole <br />school needs to be examined. Currently, the stage in the main auditorium is only accessible from a lift <br />that is positioned outside the auditorium. The current lift is at the end of a crowded hallway and is not <br />easily found from the inside of the auditorium. The Commission feels that the variance can be supported <br />if there is a push-button door leading to the lift, if there is proper signage about the lift, if the hallway to <br />the lift is kept clear of obstacles, if there could be sound and microphone accommodations during events. <br />There is also need for variance concerning one of the walkways which the Commission agreed to. <br />Submitted by, Nate Finch <br />