HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-11-COD-minCommission on Disability
February 11, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Francine Stieglitz, Leonard Morse -
Fortier
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board; Jim Kelly, Building
Commissioner
Committee Liaisons: Rod Cole, CEC; Stephanie Hsu, HRC
Guests: Mark Barrett, Lexington Facilities Project Manager; Christina Burwell, Munroe Center;
members of Lex250 Committee - Mona Roy, Jillian Tung, Suzie Barry, Sophia Ho
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 was held remotely via Zoom, an online
meeting platform. Public Participation via calling in or using your computer was encouraged.
Announcements
• Victoria led the meeting, which was scheduled for today due to her trip to Uganda next
week, which was cancelled due to an outbreak of Ebola in Uganda.
• Kelly informed the team that a bill to extend remote meetings was pending and she
would update the team when more information was available.
• Shaun raised a question about the quorum requirements for their committee meeting
on zoom, which Kelly clarified, stating that there was an exception for commissions on
disabilities.
Discussion about proposed accessibility improvements at Munroe School with Mark Barrett,
Lexington Facilities Project Manager; Christina Burwell, Munroe Center for the Arts
• Mark Barrett introduced the team from Jones Architecture and discussed the
renovations and accessibility improvements at the Monroe Center. Greg Burchard and
Jake Springer from Jones Architecture presented a list of 10 items identified via a
consultant's audit of the building, and highlighted the proposed variances they would
submit to MAAB for approval.
Greg discussed the accessibility issues at the art school, focusing on the main entrance
and historic railings in the main staircases. He explained that making the main entrances
accessible would require a ramp system, introducing two new elevators, and disrupting
several building functions. The cost of this intervention would be over a million dollars,
exceeding the project's budget of 3.5 million dollars. Greg also mentioned that the
center railing of the historic stairs does not meet ADA standards, but modifying it would
change its character. He proposed two variances: one for the main entrances and
another for the center railing. Greg also discussed other accessibility issues, such as
sidewalk slopes, door hardware problems, and non-compliant restrooms. He mentioned
that the new addition would include a new elevator and fully compliant restrooms.
Greg discussed the challenges of balancing accessibility with the functional needs of
certain spaces, such as kilns in the ceramics room and art sinks in various studios.
Cristina mentioned that they are researching solutions, including consulting with
Harvard, and exploring options for wheelchair -accessible sinks. Victoria raised concerns
about the dimensions and accessibility of the art sinks, while Greg suggested that some
storage spaces might need to be above accessible height due to limited space. The team
agreed to continue researching and finding solutions to these issues.
Greg presented the variance applications for the additions to the building, which
includes the main front entrance not changing and the installation of new interior
railings. He explained that the railings were not compliant with the Massachusetts
Accessibility Code, but the changes would improve accessibility for people with
disabilities and the proposal is the replace the wall railing only. The commission
discussed the height of the railings, with Jim explaining that they are designed to
prevent falls and are in compliance with the building code. The commission then voted
on the two variances, with all present members voting in favor of both. Greg confirmed
that a letter from the commission would be needed to accompany the variance
application.
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• The meeting involved further discussions about accessibility concerns and potential
solutions for various events. Greg expressed his concerns about the accessibility of the
kiln and sink, suggesting the possibility of seeking a variance. Len suggested exploring
alternative kilns and considering the needs of people with significant physical
disabilities. Cristina agreed to explore more options for the kiln and sink.
Discussion about proposed accessibility accommodations for Lex250 event
• The team also discussed the upcoming plans for Lex250 events, with Commission
members expressing the need for accessible viewing platforms, transportation,
accessible programming and physical access. Shaun and Mona discussed the importance
of considering security measures and potential barriers for people with disabilities. The
Lex250 team agreed to share their insights and concerns to ensure accessibility for
everyone and make plans by March 1.
Sidewalk Dip at Hastings
• The team also discussed a potential issue with a dip in the sidewalk in front of Hastings
School, which was marked with yellow lines. Mark, who had recently visited the site,
suggested that the lines provided enough contrast but might not be wide enough.
Victoria and Jim agreed to revisit the site with Janet to assess the situation further.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Victoria Buckley, using Al summary
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