HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-20-COD-min RECEIVED
2021 IIMov, 334, Ipui °m
TOWN CLERK
Commission on Disability LEXINGTON MA
Minutes from July 20, 2021
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Julie Miller, Len Morse-
Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Steiglitz
Town Liaisons: Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Select Board
Commission Liaisons: Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitleman-
Levin, COA
Note: A meeting of the Commission on Disability will be held on Tuesday, July 20, 2021,
5:45 PM—7:00 PM via zoom.
Pursuant to Governor Baker's March 12,2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law,
G.L.c. 30A, §18,and the Governor's March 15,2020 and subsequent Orders imposing strict limitation on the
number of people that may gather in one place,this meeting of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be
conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible. Specific information and the general
guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement to
attend this meeting can be found below.No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted,
but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time,via
technological means. (*As per Executive Order regarding remote participation:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/open-meetinglaw-order-march-12-2020/download)
Please be advised that the House and Senate enacted Senate Bill 2475 last night and
Governor Baker signed the bill, which will allow the continuation of remote public meetings
until April 20, 2022.
The reading was followed by an oral roll call.
Agenda:
Library Presentation
Koren Stembridge, Director, Cary Memorial Library, discussed the Story Walk Solutions
project where pictures would be placed on pedestals to tell stories. Koren was seeking advice
about the height and style of the pedestals. One style is straight up and down and the other is
angled. The height should be 28"-32"; suggestion was made to check with Children's
Museum. There were questions about possible audio recordings for those with vision issues.
Koren would like to return to another Commission meeting to discuss webmaster issues and
the library's DEI work. Reversing the contrast and font on the screen material was
recommended.
Discussion regarding Willard Woods accessibility
Amber Carr, Conservation Coordinator, reported back on the 2nd public hearing June 17th—
the presentations are available on the town website in the section called"Willard's Wood
Long Term Planning 202 & Onward" along with the Ecological Land Management& Design
Plan from consultant. Short term goals include: invasive plant management, bird and bat
cedar tree management, updated mowing regiment to manage warm season grass versus cold
—management actions to support these grasses includes mowing in June and October for 3 —
5 years to help them get started. Also discussed was annual mowing to accommodate
pollinators, apple orchard replanting, redefining the edge between field, sand and forest.
Other important discussions raised during the presentation included the parking area, trail
upgrades, handicap accessibility,picnic area, universal access UA, bike path repair, and
1
viewing stations. There are serious root issues and paths are subject to weather in terms of
being slippery with mud.
In our discussion, we acknowledged the challenges to making all sections of Willard Woods
fully accessible. Lack of accessibility means being able to going around the meadow, but we
might miss the pine groves and the pond. We reinforced the need for HP parking at the site.
It was also mentioned that the forests had a very high level of amount of the combustible fuel
on the ground. It was also suggested that there needs to be separation of pathways for
walking and biking.
Other issues discussed included the bridge over the stream near Brent Wood Drive is the only
bridge capable of handling vehicles. Bump rails for safety will be included. Grading is not a
big issue on the UA pathways proposed but due to the amount of ecological disturbance; a
UA trail from North St to Diamond MS is not possible.
Amber needs feedback by the end of July so the final plan can go to the Conservation
Commission regarding two initial aspects: the restoration of the meadow; the engineer-
advised UA trail and parking.
We voted to support the conceptual plan phase. We approved the concept unanimously with
two concerns noted:
• the concern about the stretch from Brent Road straight through Willard Wood where
bikes and pedestrians would share the path
• the proposal for a spur of the pathway for the second phase of project.
Victoria will write a letter summarizing the concerns and the vote.
Opening on Commission
Michael Martignetti is stepping down which creates a new opening on the commission.
Update on DEI Officer hiring
Martha Duffield has been hired as the town's first Chief Equity Officer and will start at the
end of July.
Additional new business and updates on new projects
Hasting School—Pavement Concern
Francine went to Hasting School to review traffic routes for the buses reported a dip in the
pavement and wondered if there should be another marker to signal the change in sidewalk.
Janet and Francine are going to check to see if this could be a problem.
Temporary Outdoor Use Complaint
A complaint was registered about the outdoor seating at Rancatore's located at the corner of
Waltham Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Approval was granted by the Town for two
chairs per table to allow sufficient sidewalk clearance for pedestrians and wheelchairs. A
customer moved a third chair to a different table blocking the sidewalk and declined to move
and make room when asked by Lexington resident in a wheelchair. Jim Kelly will reach out
to the store to see what can be done. We also recognize that this period of time seems to have
brought out the worst in people, and we thank them for their effort to remind their customers
of the guidelines.
Next Meeting: August 17Th
Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack
2