HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02-07-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from February 7, 2019
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Michael Martignetti, Julie Miller, Leonard
Morse-Fortier,Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager;Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe
Pato, Selectman; Rod Cole, Capital Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitelman, Council on
Aging
Guests:James Malloy,Town Manager; Susan Barrett,Transportation Manager
Minutes:January minutes were reviewed and approved.
Streetscape Ramp: We are still waiting to test a sample of the new ramp design proposed for
the Streetscape project. John Livsey told Kelly that he needs 5 days above 50 degrees to install
the test areas.
New Projects:Jim talked about 75 Hayden Ave where they are building a 9-story parking garage
and planning a 200,000-square-foot research building to be built next to it.
Meeting Town Manager,James Malloy: We met with Town Manager to introduce members,
explain what we do, what our charge and challenges are, and what we are currently working
on.
Presentation by Susan Barrett,Transportation Manager, Human Services Department: Susan
talked about various transportation services in Lexington. She explained what is available:
1. Fixed route services include the two MBTA routes, which run 6 days/week. The MBTA
will do travel training as needed and they are working on PATI (Plan for Accessible
Transit Infrastructure) through the SWA group (System-Wide Accessibility).
2. Lexpress runs six routes in Lexington and also to Arlington Heights and Burlington Mall.
3. REV commuter shuttle runs between Lexington Depot and Alewife.
4. The RIDE is part of the MBTA system for people with disabilities. They are running
several pilot programs with Lyft, Uber and "Curb". 80% of RIDE riders are not in
wheelchairs. There was discussion about some of the problems with the RIDE
encountered by Commission members.
5. FISH (Friendly Independent Sympathetic Help) is volunteers giving rides to people since
1972 and number of rides is limited to one per week.
6. Lex Connect is for residents over 60 years old or residents with disabilities and is
through the Community Center. Residents can get 12 vouchers a month. This is further
explained on the Human Services website.
Next Susan talked about the Tri-Town Transit Study which has been drafted and should be
finalized in March. This study is looking at Bedford with 1 route, Lexington with 6 routes and
Burlington with 1 route. The draft recommendations are:
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1. The 3 towns should merge for the fixed routes.
2. We should maintain the level of safety net services.
3. We should explore the prospect of micro-transit for shared rides.
The Commission has been represented at the transportation meetings by member Michael who
has made it clear that there is a gap for town-sponsored rides using wheelchair vans or taxis.
Commission Outreach: Sue Cusack provided feedback about our progress on our plans for
increased outreach. Members sent long lists to her of what committees to include and she
suggested grouping them into categories, such as Town government, community groups, etc.
She suggested that we prioritize community groups. This would be to share information and
build awareness about our work and identify strategies to support each other in meeting the
needs of our community. We hope to launch this outreach effort with a visit to the Council on
Aging at their March 6t" meeting.
Next Meeting: Our next meeting is scheduled for March 7t"from 5:45— 7:00pm in the Parker
Room, G-15, ground floor of Town Hall.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Victoria Buckley
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