Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-02-COD-min Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes April 2, 2015 Members Present Victoria Buckley, Chair; Linda Vine, Deputy Town Manager and ADA Coordinator; Fred Lonardo, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Chair, Board of Selectmen, Sue Cusack, Julie Miller; Len Morse-Fortier; Francine Stieglitz, Janet Perry Guest Harry MacKay, Council on Aging Update on Town Meeting Articles • Special Town Meeting passed the article supporting the sidewalk improvements for Cary Hall The HDC made a proposal to use granite in the handicapped parking area The article passed which will secure the funding to improve the space, but the choice of materials is still to be determined The process for deciding materials will include the Commission as one of the stakeholders • Article 11a Streetscape Project was voted down at Town Meeting largely due to the fact that the recommendation included a traffic light at Woburn Street and Mass Ave The Bicycle Committee, Sustainable Lexington, Planning Board, Center Committee, Board of Selectmen, and the Commission were in support of the recommendations The concern for the Commission concerning the vote is how this will impact progress on the overall Streetscape proposal, which addresses issues related to the overall disrepair of the sidewalks A request for possible "reconsideration" was issued, so it is possible that the issue may come up in Town Meeting again The votes needed for this are 2/3 of TM • Article 42 will be on the TM agenda on April 13th • Article 8 o — Grain Mill Alley — it is unclear what the new plans look like • Citizen Article 13 proposes a sidewalk on Prospect Street to get to Bridge School This issue may be addressed through the sidewalk budget in Article 11e Issues related to the grade of the sidewalk will not be addressed with the addition of the sidewalk. Continued discussion about Town Meeting Article 42, which reads in the warrant as follows ARTICLE 42 COMMISSION ON DISABILITY REQUEST To see if the Town will vote to either amend the Code of the Town of Lexington, or request the Board of Selectmen to establish a policy, to specify appropriate materials be used for public pathways, both new and reconstructed, to ensure safe passage for citizens who have trouble traversing uneven surfaces, or act in any other manner in relation thereto (Inserted by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Commission on Disability) DESCRIPTION This article seeks to prohibit the use of sidewalk materials that make passage difficult for people with disabilities 1 Discussion of new wording for Article 42 and update from 3/18 TM Informational Session On 3/18, Victoria presented Article 42 at the Town Meeting Informational Session She talked about how segmented discrete pavers have lots of seams and irregularities which cause tripping hazards for all, and vibration disturbances for those in wheelchairs She added that pathways that are not smooth are almost impassable for those with neurological disorders and/or visual issues Victoria talked about the use of concrete with bricks on the sides for decorative edge treatment as being safer, as providing way- finding features, and as being more cost effective Most people seemed to support the article and there were only a few questions The commission approved the following language for the new wording of Article 42 To provide a welcoming and comfortable expenence for individuals of all abilities, the Town will endeavor at all times to use smooth, safe and aesthetically appropnate matenals when constructing sidewalks and other passageways on town-owned walkways Bncks and other small discrete pavers may be used as decorative edge treatments, but shall always be installed to create the smoothest surface possible, ensunng safety for citizens who have trouble traversing uneven surfaces Harry reported that the Council on Aging voted unanimously to support Article 42 and Victoria will ask if they are willing to state that at Town Meeting on 4/13 Members advised that the words "smooth" and "smoother" may need to be clarified as some people equate that with slippery Use of the terms "seamless" and "unseamed" may be clearer Anniversary of ADA - plans for Discovery Day on May 23 We are going to sponsor a booth Linda Vine will arrange for a check to pay for rental of a tent, table and two chairs We would like to be near the COA tent, and Victoria will be reaching out to Shaun to integrate PhotoVoice, and the residents at Douglas House Additional new business and update on new projects Jeff Whittum spoke briefly about his company, Precision Safe Sidewalks, a sidewalk trip hazard removal business They are beginning a new service where one day a month they will offer a free serve to someone who has hazards in their path of travel —this is concrete and asphalt surfaces only Fred talked about the building at 21 Muzzey Street. No parking arrangements have been discussed yet. Linda Vine will ask the Parking Management Group if we should be part of their discussions Next Meeting Our next meeting is scheduled for May 7th at 6 00 PM in the Parker Room, ground floor of the Town Office Building Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack 2