2015-06-04-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes Thursday, June 4, 2015 Members Present: Victoria Buckley, Chair; Sue Cusack; Nate Finch; Len Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz Town Liaisons: Fred Lonardo, Building Commissioner, Joe Pato, Chair, Board of Selectman; Guests: Shaun Grady, Lexington Resident; Nancy Sofen, Monroe Center Minutes from May meeting approved with discussed amendments. Munroe Center for the Arts Presentation by Nancy Sofen, Munroe Center Staff • Currently the Center leases the building from the town and rents the various spaces to tenants. • The Center is redesigning the parking area in the rear of the building to include a circular traffic pattern to help reduce congestion and improve pickup/drop off access. • In order to do so, they are expanding their parking area by taking over a strip of the grass at the edge of the playing field. • In the future, the Munroe Center hopes to improve internal accessibility, however these improvements are not part of the current renovation plan. • Currently, the basement level of the building can be accessed via the rear door. However, the ramp has a steep slope and there is a narrow door opening which makes access a challenge. • Discussion was about how to make reasonable accommodations within the existing structure. Possibility of moving a class, typically help on an upper floor, to one of the studio spaces on the basement level. • The installing of an elevator and its placement, either in the front or rear of the building, was discussed. Selectman Goal Setting: • Improving accessibility of public meeting spaces for all, especially for those with hearing and visual disabilities. • Forming a committee who can provide training on disability awareness to town staff members. Lexington Center Safety Improvements • There are many different opinions and stakeholders involved in this project. The purpose of the public meeting will to hear all perspectives and have a constructive dialogue about the project. Harrington Park • Once more information is available about the accessibility improvements, a representative from the project will come talk with the Commission. Discovery Day Booth Update • Many people stopped by the booth and helpful conversations were had with town residents. New Business