2020-02-06-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission on Disability Minutes from February 6, 2020 Members: Victoria Buckley, chair, Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti, Leonard Morse-Fortier,Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager;Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Select Board Guests: Cristina Burwell Munroe Center for the Arts Cristina Burwell is the Executive Director of the Munroe Center for the Arts, the first ED in many years. She has an extensive background in assistive technology and support. Len Morse-Fortier has reviewed architect Colin Smith's drawings and has offered suggestions to ensure accessibility. The Commission agrees that an elevator is a needed part of any renovations. Munroe got a $1.5m donation, which allows them to think more broadly. Cristina has been in touch with the Institute for Human Centered Design (IHCD) to brainstorm some possibilities. This conversation led to the submission of an application to the state to get funding for a comprehensive study of accessibility considerations by the IHCD. Joe Pato mentioned that they are eligible to apply for CPA funds. Cristina was unaware of the complaints that the Commission has stated over the years, and we will share the complaints with her. It was also suggested that the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) be contacted as well to help build a frame for the proposal. The Commission is wondering about spending money on yet another study. Update on Parker Meadow, Willard's Woods, and Conservation projects Jordan McCarron, Conservation Stewardship Program Coordinator for Lexington has been a good ally in working with the Commission on the pathways at these conservation projects. 1. Parker Meadow Conservation Area The Parker Meadow restoration project is working on a design of accessible improvements with an eye toward making the space fully accessible, but there is some concern from the neighborhood about the project. The neighborhood is pushing back for less development citing concerns about disrupting existing wild life and increased pedestrian traffic. The Conservation Commission's next meeting is February 24th with the public meeting time from 6:30—7:00pm. A vote on the scope of the project is expected at that time. 2. Willard Woods There was a public meeting to share the preliminary findings of the study by ecologists. The study was funded by CPA funds. More data will be collected for this study in the spring. The final report will share information about invasive plant species 1