HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-08-COD-minCommission on Disability
July 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Francine Stieglitz, Leonard Morse -
Fortier, Janet Perry, John Rossi
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board; Jim Kelly,
Building Inspector
Committee Liaisons: Pam Lyons, Center Committee; Stephanie Hsu, Human Rights
Committee
Guests: Dana Bickelman, Director of Human Services; 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 extended
pandemic -related authorizations that were set to expire on March 31 through March 31,
2025, and then the Governor signed a bill to further extend the date through June 30,
2027.
Announcements and review of minutes
June 2025 Minutes were approved with minor edits.
Victoria (in person) and Francine (on zoom) attended WGBH's event "Disability
ReFramed: A Growing Community" and shared that it was a wonderful event.
Joe and Victoria briefly shared the potential for changes to protest regulations at
the Minuteman Statue with a focus on accessibility and safety. Options being
explored included expanding the rush stone sidewalk to accommodate more
protesters and ensuring smooth passage for tourists and local residents. Joe
mentioned that the Select Board was initially reluctant to restrict protests but is
considering regulations to clarify areas that would not require permits.
Janet shared that the Lion's Club Carnival Event over the 4th of July was a
success. Hey also had a strong attendance of over 130 children and their
families participating in the Special Kids Day on July 2nd
There will a celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the ADA in Boston on July 23rd
Discussion about employment of people with disabilities
Dana Bickelman, Director of Human Services, and Melissa Battite, Director of
Recreation and Community Program are in the early stages of developing ideas for a
workshop series for employers related to recruiting, hiring, and supporting employees
with disabilities. Dana and Melissa offered that they will:
• create a survey to be reviewed by the Commission before it is disseminated.
• secure a location at the Community Center for the Workshops.
• help find a date. October seemed the most likely month to launch these
workshops. [In addition to dates that conflict with Town events and meeting, days
in October to avoid might be 10/1 Yom Kippur, 10/13 - Indigenous People's Day,
10/21 - Diwali, 10/31 — Halloween]
• reach out to organizations like the Disability Law Center, Newpath and its No
Walls program, Mass Commission Against Discrimination, other similar
companies and organizations. John Rossi can also support identifying
organizations.
• consider individuals with experience in this area as part of a panel, such as an
employee with a disability, an employer who has hired people with disabilities, a
transition -age student [students between the ages of 14 and 22 that are
preparing for life after their K-12 experiences — the goals often on life skills and
career building]
• John Rossi shared that in his profession, he guides people to the commonsense
of the law and its protections. Education is a big part of this in many forms and
sources.
• Janet Perry also offered to support this effort and share her connections in the
field.
Discussion about 952 Waltham Street
• The developer has declined to come to CoD but is focused on the Planning
Board. The hearing with the Planning Board was continued until 8/13.
• Ruth Super, abutter and designer, has raised several accessibility concerns and
will be invited to join us to discuss further.
• This project is not necessarily related to the MBTA Housing project but it is
related to by-laws that are associated with housing.
Discussion about Hastings sidewalk
• Janet took a picture and continues to advocate for a repainting of the strip. Jim
Kelly will approach the DPW to see if there is a paint that is more durable.
New business
• Hancock Church — the accessibility requirements are being met within the
timeline approved (12 years later). Jim Kelly will invite the architect, Don Mills, to
the August meeting.
• Traffic Safety Advisory Group has been discussing concerns about pedestrian
safety in the downtown area, particularly as it relates to crosswalks and traffic
enforcement.
RIA
o Pam Lyons offered that she had wanted to propose the elimination of
some crosswalks near the junction of Waltham Street and Mass Ave but
reconsidered after she thought through the problems related to increased
jaywalking.
o It was noted that reduced police presence has led to increased speeding
and unsafe cycling on sidewalks.
o Victoria Buckley mentioned that park lights are used in Newton as a
potential solution for improving pedestrian safety.
o John Rossi suggested that TSAG come to a Commission meeting if they
are entertaining any proposals to enhance safety.
Meeting adjourned — 6:59pm