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
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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
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