HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-15-COD-minCommission on Disability
April 15, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Francine Stieglitz, Leonard Morse -Fortier,
Janet Perry, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board
Committee Liaisons: Rod Cole, CEC; Stephanie Hsu, HRC
Guests: Kate DeAngelis, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist; John Mazerall, LPD; ; Melissa Battite,
Director of Recreation and Community Programs
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
• The Commission will ask for David Anderson's update on 17 Hartwell Avenue. David is
filling in for Jim Kelly who is on medical leave. Briefly, Bruce Denphy has a building
permit for 312 units.
• The meeting discussed the extension of remote and hybrid meeting options for public
meetings from March 31, 2025, until June 27, 2027.
Lex250 Accessibility Accommodations
• John Mazerall from LPD provided details about handicap parking and viewing
arrangements for the upcoming Patriots Day weekend events. There will be 25 handicap
parking spaces in the depot lot, accessible from Merriam Street with a legal placard (out
of a total of 50 spaces).
• An ADA viewing area for events on the Battle Green will be located behind the Captain
Parker statue.
• Douglas House residents will be able to roll down Meriam Street to be guided to spots.
• The parking opens at 4 AM on Saturday, and the parade starts at 2 PM from East
Lexington.
• For the picnic in the park on Monday, handicap parking will be available in the Lower
Hayden lot. Bike corrals are set up at various locations, and bikes are allowed in the
closed areas except during the parade on the parade route.
Universal Design for Inclusive Playgrounds
• The Commission discussed universal design principles for the new Center Recreation
playground.
• Melissa and Kate from the Recreation Department express excitement about
implementing universal design, which goes beyond ADA requirements to make the
playground accessible and inclusive for all users.
• There maybe opposition to universal design at the Center playground because the
recommended pour -in-place material instead of the wood fiber material currently used.
• The Recreation Department sees this as an opportunity to set a new standard of
universal design for fully inclusive community spaces in Lexington.
New Business, Updates and Events
• Janet announced a senior fair on May 6th at the community center, aimed at helping
seniors remain at home.
• Stephanie from HRC and the Commission's workgroup of the Collaborative Reform
Group shared details about a May 15th event on adulting from a neurodivergent
perspective, featuring speakers from various backgrounds. The group also discussed
efforts to encourage local businesses to hire neurodivergent individuals.
• Victoria mentioned ongoing work at Willard's Woods.
• Janet reminds everyone about the Lions Club's tricorn hat sales during the upcoming
Patriots' Day celebrations.
Resolution for Universal Design
• The Commission is considering proposing a resolution to promote universal design for
all town projects. They plan to gather input from diverse stakeholders and evaluate
different surface materials to ensure full accessibility.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Victoria Buckley, using Al summary.
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