2019-04-04-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission on Disability Minutes from April 4, 2019 Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti,Julie Miller, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz Town Liaisons:Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Selectman; Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitelman, Council on Aging Guests: Meg Robertson, Orientation and Mobility Department, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind; Tony Ciampa 1. Minutes • Review of minutes for March— Minutes approved 2. Article 16e Center Streetscape passed at Town Meeting on April 3 with an amendment proposed by Victoria to insert a phrase, as follows in italics: "$9,105,000 for reconstruction of the center streetscape including removal, replacement and restoration of the center sidewalk with the advice of the Commission on Disability; ...". Commission will decide the next steps and will have to oppose at least the crosswalk ramps. 3. Meg Robertson, Director, Orientation and Mobility Department, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind • She shared concerns about the general hazards of brick, observing that her constituents want a firm and stable surface, which is not a brick surface. The maintenance of brick is exacting and hard to get right. • She mentioned the importance of considering the fatigue factor in terms of mobility issues. • She is in agreement with the Commission that the use of brick is problematic. She agreed as well that the gray board around the perimeter edge on the proposed new curb cuts is insufficient and needs to be a greater contrast. She offered that concrete with a yellow rumble pad would be best as opposed to the use of brick with a gray perimeter. The yellow is also important at night. • She shared proposed revisions to the US Access Board regulations related to new construction and sidewalks issued in 2011. (Approval of these suggested changes are still pending.) • She shared other resources from Boston and Cambridge about their positions on the use of brick. 4. Training Needs for Merchants concerning Plastic Straws • Members of the Commission will work with the Girl Scouts on outreach efforts to build awareness and address the training needs for merchants concerning plastic straws for individuals with disabilities— Francine,Julie and Shaun volunteered. 5. Article 30A— 186 Bedford Street