HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-15-COD-min 1
Commission on Disability
August 15, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, John Rossi,
Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Hemali Shah, Chief Equity Officer; Mark Sandeen, Select Board; Jim Kelly, Building
Commissioner
Committee Liaisons: Rod Cole, CEC; Laureen Fiola, CoA
Guests: Jeri Zeder concerning voting; Valerie Overton, LexPride
A meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday August 15, 2023, 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM
via zoom (expected adjournment is 7:15 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
Announcement
• Sheila Page is out sick
• Welcome new liaison from Council on Aging, Laureen Fiola
Brief Updates
• Farmer’s Market is still problematic since there was no one (due to low staffing) to help out and
the gravel surface is hard to traverse.
• Hastings School sidewalk will be painted with strips to delineate grade changes.
Voting
Jeri Zeder talked with the group about voting issues. The Vision for Lexington group is wondering why
voter turnout is so low. Jeri asked if there were special concerns that we have regarding voting. The
need for adequate HP parking at each site was mentioned. Janet reminded us that there is now the
opportunity for mail-in voting, and that precinct 9’s site is far away. Jeri will send the link about the
machine for voting accessibility.
Serious Talks
Valerie Overton discussed how the elementary curriculum called Serious Talks is being questioned and
statements for and against have been circulated. The curriculum emphasizes in an age-appropriate way
inclusion and equity, in all aspects such as race, ethnicity, abilities, gender identity, language, culture,
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faith. Valerie read LexPride’s statement to support Serious Talks and the Commission voted unanimously
to sign the statement. There will be a School Committee meeting on August 29.
Forum on Gender Identity
Valerie discussed an upcoming forum on gender identity and asked for the Commission’s vote to
support this. John Rossi said he had one reservation that we make sure that we are clear that we do not
want gender identity to be termed as disabled. The Commission voted unanimously to support the
forum with that specific caveat understood.
Bus Stop
Bus stop in front of Conte’s was discussed at Center Committee meeting on August 10. Len attended
and told us briefly that there are 23 businesses that need parking. He advocated to move the bus stop
back to where it was. We need to make sure that the Select Board knows what our opinion is. Discussion
was tabled due to lack of time (postponed to September).
Presentation by Cindy Woolworth Concerning Tree Plaque
Recently, in April, the Lexington Chapter - National Society Daughters of the American Revolution -
planted a tree behind Buckman Tavern. She said that now they are interested in installing a
plaque commemorating the semi quincentennial of the Battle of Lexington. The plaque would be placed
near the base of the tree. The plaque is to be placed at the base of the tree in the mulch. The
Commission asked if the plaque could be mounted higher on a pedestal or perhaps a boulder. Cindy said
this would be considered.
New Business
• Extending Meeting Hours - Given the recent pattern of very full agendas, this is the first meeting
that we have extended our meetings an extra 15 minutes to run from 5:45 to 7:15 to
accommodate this emerging need.
• Jim Kelly shared that he participated in the zoom meeting of the Mass. Office on Disability
Meeting Adjourned at 7:20 pm
Minutes submitted by Victoria Buckley