HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-19-COD-min 1
Commission on Disability
September 19, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry,
Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Hemali Shah, Chief Equity Officer; Mark Sandeen, Select Board
Committee Liaisons: Rod Cole, CEC; Stephanie Hsu (HRC ); Pam Lyons (Center Committee)
Guests: Koren Stembridge, Cary Library Director, and Alissa Lawson, Cary Library, Head of Youth
Services; Sheila Page, Assistant Planning Director
A meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday, September 19, 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
Announcements
• Lex 250 Technical Advisory Group is requesting a liaison – Victoria will attend on 10/3/23 and
then we need a volunteer
• David Pinsonneault would like to meet at Farmer’s Market site
Review of Minutes
• Minutes for July and August were accepted unanimously.
Cary Library Update
Koren Stembridge and Alissa Lawson talked about new plans. They will bring plans for the renovations of
the children’s room to Town Meeting in March. They incorporated feedback from the Commission and
discussed more details. The aisles will be widened to 3’6”, and the bathroom to 4’10”. The LABBB
teachers also looked at the bathroom plans. In terms of privacy concerns, the suggestion was made by
the Commission to turn the stacks from the bathroom view. Sensory concerns are being considered in
the design with light dimming and special spaces.
Bike-Ped Plan – Part 2 – E-Mobility
Sheila Page discussed the issue of pedestrians sharing paths with e-bikes and e-scooters. The
Commission raised safety concerns about this issue. Solutions were discussed, especially signage, but
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the problem seems to be twofold – lack of courtesy and lack of understanding. There is one more public
meeting scheduled at the end of October.
Annual Town Report for July 2022 – June 2023
Annual town report was reviewed as it is due on September 22 Draft was unanimously accepted with a
vote of 7-0 with two members absent.
Collaborative Reform Panel Discussion
The Collaborative Reform group is planning a panel discussion for November 1 to discuss stigma and
myths about less visible identities such as mental health, neurodiversity and sensory issues. We are
aiming for a diverse panel to represent expertise in these areas. Victoria will be moderator.
Update Concerning Tree Plaque
Cindy Woolworth approached DSPW after meeting with the Commission to discuss our suggestions.
DPW is assisting in putting a small path so that individuals with disabilities can get closer to read the
plaque. Putting the plaque on a boulder was rejected as that would negatively impact the tree roots.
The Lexington Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will be placing a
plaque on a tree behind Buckman Tavern to commemorate the semi quincentennial of the Battle of
Lexington.
New Business
• The idea of forming a Personnel Advisory Committee was suggested.
• The Commission asked if HR does exit interviews.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:10 pm
Minutes submitted by Victoria Buckley