HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-01-11-COD-min Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes January 11, 2018 (snow date replacing 1/4/18)
Members Present: Victoria Buckley(Chair), Shaun Grady, Julie Miller, Len Morse-Fortier,
Janet Perry
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager; Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner;
Joe Pato, Selectman; Jeffrey Toronto, Human Rights Committee; Sandy Beebee, Capital
Expenditure Committee
Agenda:
1. December's meeting minutes were accepted.
2. Jim Kelly, new Building Commissioner, was introduced to the group.
3. Victoria announced the 2018 MLK Day Community Conversation on Race was
coming up on January 15 and asked members to try to attend as it concerns the work
the Commission is doing with the Human Rights Committee on disparate rates of
suspensions in the Lexington Public Schools.
4. A brief discussion was held on raising the HP parking fines and possibly filing a
warrant to do so. Joe Pato informed group that the timeline for filing for Town
Meeting presentation had passed and that maybe we should seek more information
from nearby towns' fines and pursue this at a later date. He spoke to the police chief
who said that the current fine of$100 was only collected about 50% of the time since
many times people had forgotten to make their placards visible. The group agreed to
put this on hold.
5. Douglas House is planning a renovation of the small house on their property and it
seems like they may have solved the concern the Commission had about making the
second floor accessible. Peter Noonan will be attending the Commission's meeting in
February 2018 to explain the plans in detail.
6. The citizen articles for Town Meeting were discussed and it was determined that
there were none specifically pertinent to the Commission's charge.
7. Victoria updated the group on the joint project with the Human Rights Committee—
the survey concerning disparate suspension rates for disabled and black students. The
survey questions have been reviewed and revised with input from the school
principals and administrative council. The MLK race conversation will discuss the
issues. The goal is for the survey to be put out in February, the results will be
redacted to preserve anonymity and a written report will make recommendations as to
how to best deal with reducing and eradicating the disparities in the future.
8. Shaun asked if he could tape the Commission meetings so he could then become the
minute-taker. Everyone who attends would need to be told that the meeting was
being taped but there may be other regulations. Issues around who keeps the tapes,
etc. will be researched by Kelly Axtell.
9. The Commission discussed how they would like to work with Jim Kelly, the new
Building Commissioner, regarding: reviewing new plans, making needed adaptations
early, seeking full inclusion for people with disabilities.
Respectfully Submitted by Victoria Buckley