2019-02-07-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission on Disability Minutes from February 7, 2019 Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Michael Martignetti, Julie Miller, Leonard Morse-Fortier,Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager;Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Selectman; Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitelman, Council on Aging Guests:James Malloy,Town Manager; Susan Barrett,Transportation Manager Minutes:January minutes were reviewed and approved. Streetscape Ramp: We are still waiting to test a sample of the new ramp design proposed for the Streetscape project. John Livsey told Kelly that he needs 5 days above 50 degrees to install the test areas. New Projects:Jim talked about 75 Hayden Ave where they are building a 9-story parking garage and planning a 200,000-square-foot research building to be built next to it. Meeting Town Manager,James Malloy: We met with Town Manager to introduce members, explain what we do, what our charge and challenges are, and what we are currently working on. Presentation by Susan Barrett,Transportation Manager, Human Services Department: Susan talked about various transportation services in Lexington. She explained what is available: 1. Fixed route services include the two MBTA routes, which run 6 days/week. The MBTA will do travel training as needed and they are working on PATI (Plan for Accessible Transit Infrastructure) through the SWA group (System-Wide Accessibility). 2. Lexpress runs six routes in Lexington and also to Arlington Heights and Burlington Mall. 3. REV commuter shuttle runs between Lexington Depot and Alewife. 4. The RIDE is part of the MBTA system for people with disabilities. They are running several pilot programs with Lyft, Uber and "Curb". 80% of RIDE riders are not in wheelchairs. There was discussion about some of the problems with the RIDE encountered by Commission members. 5. FISH (Friendly Independent Sympathetic Help) is volunteers giving rides to people since 1972 and number of rides is limited to one per week. 6. Lex Connect is for residents over 60 years old or residents with disabilities and is through the Community Center. Residents can get 12 vouchers a month. This is further explained on the Human Services website. Next Susan talked about the Tri-Town Transit Study which has been drafted and should be finalized in March. This study is looking at Bedford with 1 route, Lexington with 6 routes and Burlington with 1 route. The draft recommendations are: 1