HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-10-29-COD-min Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes from October 29, 2024
Members: Victoria Buckley, Chair; Sue Cusack, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Shaun Grady,Janet
Perry,John Rossi, Francine Steiglitz
Town Liaisons: Hemali Shah, Chief Equity Officer; Joe Pato, Select Board;Jim Kelly, Building
Commissioner
Committee Liaisons: Stephanie Hsu, Human Rights Committee; Pam Lyons, Center Committee
Guest: Karen Mullins,Town of Lexington, Conservation Director
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
Therefore, this Commission on Disability meeting will be held remotely via Zoom, an online
meeting platform. Public Participation via calling in or using your computer is encouraged.
Announcements
• John Rossi received recognition from Lawyers with Distinction.
• Janet Perry is now the liaison to the Council on Aging
• Victoria reminded us that the picture of the Commission is coming up on December 3.
• Collaborative Reform Group is having an event on December 8th focused on
neurodiversity.
• Minutes for August and September were approved.
Complaint about Accessibility at the Drone Show
• Victoria received a complaint and was trying to get more details.
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• John Rossi discussed the challenges faced during the Drone Show and Battle Green
events, particularly in accommodating people with disabilities. He mentioned that the
organizers were receptive to his suggestions and were working on improving
accessibility for future events.
Willard Woods Conservation Area Improvements
• Karen Mullins,Town of Lexington, Conservation Director, presented an update on
improvements to the trails on the 63-acre parcel, which includes the parking lot and
existing trails leading to fire pits and a pond.
• The proposed improvements include widening paths to 5 feet, except for the main path
through the meadow, which will be 10 feet wide. The project also includes the
construction of a boardwalk and an observation platform.
• Improvements are similar to Parker Meadow with stabilized stone dust pathways,
boardwalk, and observation platform.
• They plan to pave the driveway space and will add two HP parking spots.
• Due to community push back, they are not seeking a permit to make a loop in the path
for an accessible wet meadow boardwalk. The Commission originally asked for this.
• The question was raised as to whether the Commission would vote on the removal of
that one part of the path.
Willard Wood Motion:
• A motion was made and seconded to accept the plans only if the wet meadow
boardwalk (loop) is brought back.
• The motion passed with 1 abstention and 1 decline.
• Victoria will go to the Conservation hearing on November 4 to discuss the vote and
write a letter to all concerned.
Other Business
3-5 Militia Drive:
• Jim Kelly talked about the project at 3-5 Militia Drive. This is a unique property, with a
building on the right, another building on the left owned by Grace Chapel, and the
remaining buildings suggested to be razed.
• The project will include 322 residential units— 5% fully accessible (Type -Group 1 or
Group 2— Building Code). 47 units will be low income/affordable and include
commercial units on the lower level.
• Plans are able to be viewed on the Open Gov system. The plans do not reveal what the
project proponents are allocating for HP parking, and HP electric parking. Jim will
explore EV parking as an issue that we are concerned about (and currently not a
regulation).
• Jim suggested that this project is about 25% along in the process. He agreed to invite
them for the Commission November meeting.
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ADA and Self-Evaluation Plan:
2012 was the last one submitted. Hemali would like support for the CoD to review the bids.
Farmers' Market
Francine thinks it is dangerous crossing the street to the Farmers' Market—which will not be
moved to the old location (Fletcher Park) for another year. The Commission will invite them to
come to a meeting.
Hastings School
Janet shared that the dip in the sidewalk is still a problem.
Meeting adjourned 7:20 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack
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