HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-04-COD-min
Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes February 4, 2016
Members Present:
Victoria Buckley, Chair; Nate Finch; Julie Miller; Len Morse-Fortier; Francine Stieglitz; Janet
Perry; Michael Martignetti; Sue Cusack
Town Liaisons:
Fred Lonardo, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Chair, Board of Selectmen; Linda Vine,
Deputy Town Manager; Harry Mackay, Council on Aging
Guests:
Shaun Grady, resident; Matthew Kovner, resident; Mark Connors; Jason Ek, Waldorf School
(WS) Business Manager; Paul Menz, WS Building Manager; Lisa Pecora-Ryan, WS OMR;
Kevin Hastings, Sullivan Code Group,
Agenda:
Presentation by Waldorf School for renovating a bathroom on ground floor – Note that
Waldorf School Director Robert Schiappacasse was unable to attend so other Waldorf
representatives presented plans
A multi-phase plan was shared to improve the accessibility and ADA compliance at the Waldorf
School. In the short-term plan, or the second phase, the plans included the renovation of the
basement level bathrooms, making the rear entrance accessible, and updating the water fountains
to meet ADA guidelines. The first phase of their plan involves the installation of an elevator,
which would provide access to all levels of the building. They need more time to fund raise for
this part of the project but are optimistic that this is possible. The third phase included expansion
of the facility for a preschool. They are committed to the accessibility of the complete building.
This project has to go to AAB at which point the commission will need to formally respond, but
initial reaction is positive and we are encouraged by the School’s inclusive long-term plan to
address the access considerations.
Presentation about sidewalk in Center Streetscape project – guest Mark Connors from
Robinson Hill Neighborhood Nextdoor Community Site
Mark Connors offered a presentation with a counter proposal to the existing agreed upon
Streetscape proposal to integrate concrete as the path of travel and brick as wayfinding trim. He
proposed that brick is more in keeping with the historical design as established in the 1960’s. He
also suggested that brick is more durable over time, and that if installed properly can meet the
technical requirements of the ADA. He showed mock-ups of what the concrete would look like
in the Center. He also stated that concrete wears badly and needs more maintenance than bricks,
which the Commission has been told by Town Engineers is incorrect.
The types of brick pathways that Mark talked about are very exacting and costly and seemingly
ideal. A study partially funded by the brick industry with non-disabled experimenters says that
wire-cut brick works as well as concrete, yet this study was refuted by a repeat study where the
experimenters were actual wheelchair users. This type of sidewalk has not been seen by any
Commission members although Mark Connors cited sidewalks in Annapolis. Many others from
the community listened to this long discussion.
The Commission asked for local sites where the “better wire-cut brick” exists as they have yet to
see a successfully smooth sample. The Commission has been working on this for ten years and
has difficulty understanding how someone can enter into this discussion at such a late date.
Members also expressed their own problems with bricks – unevenness, vibration, being jostled,
using more energy.
The Commission offered to have another time available for citizens to experience the Center
with borrowed wheelchairs and other adaptive devices. This needs more discussion.
The Commission does not agree with Mark Connors’ findings, and continues to support the
agreement that was not only reached in the 2015 Town Meeting, but also in the collaborative
planning efforts that have been in progress for the last two years.
It should be noted that auditory and visual enhancements for this presentation were not available
and that the room was crowded.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.
Respectively Submitted: Sue Cusack