HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-21-COD-min RECEIVED
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Commission Ori Disability TOWN CLERK
September 21, 2021 Meeting Minutes LEXINGTON MA
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Michael Martignetti, Julie
Miller, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons: Martha Duffield, Chief Equity Officer; Jim Kelly, Building
Commissioner; Joe Pato, Select Board
Commission Liaisons: Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, COA; Rod Cole, Capital
Expenditures Committee; Stephanie Hsu, HRC
Note: A meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday, September 21,
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:
Munroe Center for the Arts, Open House to Review First Floor Windows
Cristina Burwell (Munroe Director) shared that some improvements have been made to the
first floor to make spaces more accessible. She also shared that IHCD had prepared a brief
report, but it was limited to a short checklist. Overall, it was clear to the Commission that the
more comprehensive plan to address accessibility concerns appears to have stalled. We will
be reaching out to members of the board to see if we can encourage a renewed emphasis on
the accessibility issues of this community resource.
Update on Parker Meadow
The bids were all significantly overbudget triggering a new request to the CPC to secure
additional $250K to support surplus funding to meet this new financial need. They are
meeting soon to discuss this proposal.
Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness Month
Stephanie Hsu from the HRC asked for support to co-sponsor the Dyslexia and ADHD
Awareness Month in collaboration with HRC and SPEC. Voice vote to co-sponsor was
unanimous.
Joint Workgroup about the Effects of the Pandemic for People with Disabilities
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Francine and Janet voiced an interest in supporting this effort. Victoria will reach out to
Shaun to see if he too wants to participate.
Commission on Disability Vacancy
Town Manager is receiving applications to replace our good friend Michael Martignetti. This
is a Town Manager appointment with Select Board approval. We are not part of the process
yet but we are able to send letters of recommendations related to our observation of our needs
to the Town Manager. As a town, we are committed to broad diversity and representation
with the technical skill sets met.
Permits
Martha Duffield will exploring to see if those seeking permits can be encouraged to come to
the CoD even if we are not a formal check-off as part of the permitting process.
Hastings Playground
A concern was raised by Janet about a bump at the playground at the last meeting. Jim will
review the site.
CVS elevator
The lift in the back of the store was blocked by racks of retail goods. Jim went by and talked
to a pharmacist who understood the situation and offered to make sure the staff was made
aware of the issue. Jim went by before the meeting and it was clear.
Rancatore's Sidewalk Seating Concern
Jim went by and spoke to management. They did seem to appreciate the issue. Joe Pato
mentioned that they have posted signs about the seating and maintaining a clear pathway.
Michael noticed that a table that was across from the tree well was no longer there. Michael
also spoke with the building owner and discussed the possibility of building an ice cream
garden in the back.
New Business
• Michael was going to Douglas House for an appointment. The sidewalks have been
dug up along Oakland with no way to get from the road to the building. Michael's
chair got stuck and he needed assistance getting out of that situation. The question
was raised about needing temporary protected surfaces particularly in areas where
wheelchairs will be in use.
• Michael has been talking to Susan Bennett about Transportation and Lexpress. They
are trying to rethink Lexpress and transportation in general for the town. He stated
that it is taking too long for decisions to be made. Surrounding communities (e.g.,
Arlington has 2 vans, 2 drivers, and round-trip cost of$5) have designated drivers and
vans to address the individual transportation needs of the elderly and individuals with
disabilities. Michael is trying to push a new approach by advancing Town-owned
small chair vans.
• Joe Pato mentioned that the Tourism Committee approached the Select Board with a
modification to the benches originally proposed in the Battle Green Master Plan. He
has suggested that they come to the Commission to discuss this change further.
• A unanimous vote was taken to support HRC's project NoHate November—
Challenges and Joys of our Varying Identities, Intersectionality. Mona will be the
contact person.
Meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.
Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack
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