2020-12-15-COD-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commission on Disability Minutes from December 15, 2020 Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz, Michael Martignetti, Julie Miller Town Liaisons:Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner Commission Liaisons: Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, COA; Rod Cole, CEC Guests: Ingrid Klimoff NOTE:The meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday, December 15,2020,at 5:30 PM, conducted by Remote Participation,via Zoom webinar,an online meeting platform. The meeting started with the reading of Governor Baker's orders. Minutes for November Minutes for November were revised and unanimously accepted. LexHab -Vine Street Building Project Len reported that this 7-unit development project will create 2 accessible units with parking. The neighborhood concerns were raised about impact related to density, traffic, and location of the parking. Neighbors/abutters were additionally concerned that this plan exceeds their initial understanding of a 2-unit project. Discussion about affordable housing There is a move to start looking at the issues related to affordable housing. They have to be built to net zero or cost little to run due to their environmentally sensitivity. We would like to have a better sense of new projects in the pipeline. Perhaps it should be recommended that instead of building that we purchase existing property like Katandin Woods to support the Town's effort to meet and exceed the 10%threshold recommended by the state. Discussion regarding the Full Inclusion Resolution and next steps This resolution was discussed by the Select Board with no follow-up. As it is a resolution, there will be opportunities to re-write with legal language and the creation of a formal presentation. One committee question -what will be the recourse if action items are identified that require funds? Discussion about the possibility of hiring a Town Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer The Select Board is willing to bring this position forward. It will be in the 2022 Town budget. We would like to see the job description and recommend that a member of the Commission be on the hiring committee. We nominate Janet Perry due to her extensive knowledge of inclusive HR hiring practices. Project with the Human Rights Committee We are looking for an update on working group on effects of pandemic on those with disabilities. Victoria was looking at data related to police shooting. A disproportionate number have involved individuals with a disability, including hearing loss as well as psychiatric issues. 1