HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-29-EC-min.pdf np
MINUTES OF THE ENABLEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 3/29/02
( 1 Problem Discussion re why town employees do not know
and comply with handicap law
The general feeling is ignorance as wellas job descriptions
lack requirements Also that town employees need to be
trained initally in town by Steve then go for further
training with Ex Myra Burloff All to promote and
guarantee accountability Sue check with Myra
2 There is nothing in the Human Services packet for new
(or for old) employees about Handicapped issues Our
committee needs to a compose a brochure to be given
to all employess of the town and b be spoken to by
the ADA Coordinator and Myra and c Department Heads
sent for further training Check with Cambridge
3 The Enablement Committee is the watch dog and needs if
necessary to file complaints
4 It was noted that Architects are responsible by law to
follow the laws re handicapped issues If they do not
they can be sued
5 The EC Committee needs to see all plans proposed to
town The preliminary schematic design - large flow
( issues Then design development plans At present EC is
out of the loop
Permanent Building Committee needs to invite EC
a for assessment of how the town plans to comply with
ADA laws
b the chain of command
6 The license to do business in Lexington is renewed each
year - called a Common License Thus businesses must
meet ADA qualifications or can be closed
Ex 52 Waltham St - a new building with no front or rear
accessibility if V.a_
t 7 Town employees need ADA disability awareness
a train and threaten with job loss
b professional packet
c ADA in job discription
d Sensitivity training
8 Discussion re difference between an ADA COMMISSIONER
and the COMMISSION of volunteers that assists the
Commissioner Mr White said that there was money to
hire a full time Commissioner to deal with bringing the
town into compliance with the law as well as dealing with
new projects and complaints Sue to talk with Mr White.
It was decided that it was in the best interest of the
Town Manager and the Board of Selectman to hire someone
/64L3
Enablement Committee Meeting Notes 3/29/02 (cont) P 2
8 ( cont) as a full time Commissioner for the town before
the town is embroiled in an expensive law suit
9 Hayden remains effectively inaccessible It does not
receive town monies and claim that they do not have
the funds at present to bring the building into ADA
compliance See old report by Barbara who spoke to
the Director and toured the facility.
10 Chuck Cole to discuss 40B amendment with Rep Kaufman
Steve to speak with Fair Housing and the Lexington
Housing Authority re access issues and universal design
11 Mr Tropiano working on phase 2 of renovations at
7 114 Waltham St He is still unable to give us a time
to meet the committee Should a COMPLAINT BE ISSUED?
12 Re PLANT ACTION PROJECT Memo was sent by Steve re
ADA compliant town house first floor set aside for a
handicapped eligible person. low or moderate income
Selectwoman Jeanne Krieger is chairperson of the
40B committee Developer Rising Sun
Bob went over the plans and will pass to Ms Krieger
notes as to where the plans do not meet ADA requirements
Suggestion made that a press release might be right
13 Sue to attend Fair Housing meeting to discuss diversity
and handicap issues in this line Meetings at the
Senior Center upstairs on April 10 at 7pm and May 15 at
7pm We need to give them a copy of ADA booklet.
14 Review of CVS propiosed reverse ramp in rear of store
in downtown Lexington Plans we received were nearly
illegable Bob to call architech and discuss plans
Apparently CVS made an agreement with Pete' s ice cream
re 2 parking spaces
CVS - aisles need to be determined as passable 36inches
frequently merchandise is in aisles
15 Barbara to check with Post Office re complaint by Martin
re roof water causing frozen stoop and sealed off ramp
during bad weather
16 Jennifer to check Miriam St parking lot for handicapped
parking and their position
17 Rec Committee will soon have new H sign - access still
needs to be further investigated
All Members present except Chuck Cole 'I" 'G+1
C -ift- a efrrici