HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-18-COD-min RECEIVED
2023 20 Juin, 111138::yin
'TOWN CLERK
Commission on Disability
April 18, 2023 Meeting Minutes LEgNGTON MA
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet
Perry, Julie Miller,John Rossi, Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Hemali Shah, Chief Equity Officer;Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner
Committee Liaisons: Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee
A meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 5:45 PM —
7:00 PM via zoom (expected adjournment is 7:00 PM).
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.
On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law an Act Relative to Extending Certain State of
Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the expiration of the provisions
pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.
On March 29, 2023, Governor Healey signed a bill that continues remote and hybrid meeting provisions
that were enacted during the pandemic. The new law extends pandemic-related authorizations that
were set to expire on March 31 as follows:
• Allowing remote and hybrid meeting options for public bodies through March 31, 2025
Minutes
The minutes for March 2023 were unanimously approved.
Extension of Remote Access to Public Meetings
The Governor has extended remote participation to public meetings through March 31, 2025.
This generated some discussion about people's experiences in hybrid meetings in Lexington.
Hemali shared that the technology used is an Owl webcam that is able to capture all members
in a room and share video and sound through ZOOM. Members have had different experiences.
Victoria is considering testing to ensure all members of our community can successfully
participate.
Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) Meetings
These meetings are closed and not subject to Open Meeting Laws. Jim will look into this to find
out why they are not posted open public meetings.
MAAB and the Russian School of Mathematics Variance
The MAAB requested more information from the architects related to an estimate for the cost
for the installation of a vertical wheelchair lift or LULA and bringing the 2nd floor toilets into
compliance. They found in favor of the request to limit the basement to employees only, which
would not be subject to AAB requirements. Access for employees is not covered under 521. Jim
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Kelly said that access does not stop with the building considerations. The MAAB only contacts
us if there are issues coming up for administrative review.
Town Meeting Update
• Article 34 involves changing rezoning height restrictions in the center of town and the
Boston Sports Club parcel to 52' or the equivalent of 5 stories. In passing the article
without modification, the property at the Boston Sports Club will be moving forward.
Len said the article is coming back up in Town Meeting without amendment. He would
like to see a development that is more in keeping with the neighborhood. The Munroe
Center passed and the project will be started.
• Article related to Willards Woods: Plans were talked about doing the whole path,
instead of just part, for universal access and that was supported. More HP parking will
be available at the North Street and the Hathaway Street entrances.
Discovery Day—Saturday, May 27th
Victoria, Janet, and Nancy will be available to help with a booth.This presents an opportunity to
continue to gather information about their experience with COVID, sharing information about
the Collaborative Reform, the ADA, and mental health, developmentally delayed, and
neurodiversity.
Lexington Graduate Seeking Changes to Special Education Forms
John Rossi heard a podcast about this former student who is attempting to change the special
forms to encourage more meaningful participation of youth in their IEP development and
implementation process. This discussion was captured by WBUR:
htt�s://wwwewbureor1news/2CD23/CD3/24/special-education-im2roved-forms-process
Re-enactment on the Green
Victoria noticed that the town made improvements to Patriots' Day events by ramping and
improving pathways to the reviewing stands.
NEW BUSINESS
Building Commissioner Update
Hastings School is still an ongoing issue. Declines and inclines are not sufficiently marked to
support individuals with vision impairments. There has been a temporary solution, but we are
seeking a more permanent solution.
Bus Stop Issue in Front of Conte's Bike Shop
A possible solution to this problem would be taking out a few parking spaces. This may not
address the challenge of the existing tree and benches. Pamela Lyons will report back.
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Lighting at the Center Crosswalks
In the new Streetscape, it is hard to tell if the lighting is sufficient at the crosswalks in the center
of town. This was pointed out to Len by someone else. We will try to monitor this detail and
share our findings with DPW if it remains a concern.
Friends of the Bikeway—Concern about the Bicyclists
There have been a lot of complaints about people being pushed/crowded off the path. It is a
source of concern that requires attention. Francine suggested that we talk to some of the
bicyclists to see if they have suggestions to address this concern. We can invite people from the
Safety and Bike Committees to talk this through with us.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:07 PM.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack
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