HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-16-COD-min Commission on Disability
April 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Members:Victoria Buckley(Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier,Janet Perry,John
Rossi, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Hemali Shah, Chief Equity Officer;Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner
Committee Liaisons: Pam Lyons, Center Committee; Laurie Fiola, Council on Aging
A meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday,April 16,2024,5:45 PM—7:15 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.
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
• Dawn McKenna's request went to the Select Board.The outcome was a 3/2 vote against Dawn's
request to address the challenges of the curb cut near her driveway by changing the crosswalk.
• Victoria's Letter of Support for the Police Grant to fund a fulltime social worker was approved
unanimously by the Commission.
Minutes
Review of March minutes; they were approved with small corrections.
Consideration of Discovery Day, May 25
• Victoria shared that she was busy on Discovery Day and asked if people were comfortable with
the Commission not being represented this year. We agreed that we could miss this year's
event.
• John Rossi asked about access for people with disabilities to the event.This discussion surfaced
the HP parking available in the lot behind Michelson's Shoes, in the lot behind CVS, and the
parking lot behind Depot Square.
Citizen Complaint at Walgreen's
Victoria reported on a complaint from a resident about a bike rack located outside Walgreen which
impeded wheelchair access to the store.Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner,will talk to the manager and
see what can be done to remedy the concern.
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Cluster and Village Housing
• Leonard Morse-Fortier shared two different models for housing complexes, one in Princeton
New Jersey and the other in Bedford MA. Each complex offered a different look and feel to what
Len suspects is the more preferable, a singular building with one entrance for multiple tenants.
• There was discussion about Len showing this to the Affordable Housing Trust which includes
town representatives, Elaine Tung, Bill Ericson, and Mark Sandeen.
• Lowell Street housing needs to happen first before the Depot Square space is developed.
Collaborative Reform Update
For next community conversation there is a tentative date of 5/9/24—7:00—9:00pm at First Parish,
with a panel consisting of NAMI -Central Middlesex president and others from local mental health
services.
Addressing Disparities in School Data
• School data shows that low-income students, students of color and students with disabilities are
persistently underperforming. Addressing the lack of responsiveness by the Superintendent has
a few different pathways: School Committee, MA DESE, and the Courts.
• The disparities between the minority groups and other populations in Lexington needs to be
addressed. ABCL is a group that we could talk to about the challenges in this debate.
• The group then discussed the limitations of focusing solely on the reading curriculum and the
idea that data related to discipline and the suspension rate could offer a different perspective
on how to approach teaching. With this pivot, there could be more of a focus on how decisions
are made and how behavior is reviewed, suggesting a more direct approach on restorative
justice.
New Business
• 182 Bedford Street Variance—Jim mentioned the variance request for a change from takeout to
fast food.This change requires the addition of an accessible restroom which the owners say is
not possible given the space constraints.The Commission is opposed to this variance.
• Revival Cafe—He also mentioned the Revival Cafe that has been renovated is opening on
Tuesday,April 23rd
• Council on Aging—Laurie mentioned that the CoA was focusing on outreach, including meet and
greets and promoting their presence at events like Discovery Day.
• Blue Envelope—Victoria and Shaun discussed the Blue Envelope protocol is now being used by
Lexington Police for individuals with autism and/or non-verbal who are driving.This is a way to
ensure that they are treated with respect and discretion.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:15pm
Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack
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