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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-03-COD-min Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes September 3, 2015 Members Present: Victoria Buckley, Chair, Nate Finch, Julie Miller, Len Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry; Francine Stieghtz, Michael Martignetti Town Liaisons. Fred Lonardo, Building Commissioner, Joe Pato, Chair, Board of Selectman, Linda Vine, Deputy Town Manager, Harry Mackay, Council on Aging Guests. Shaun Grady, Lexington Resident; Susan Bennett, Director of Lexington Historical Society; Susan Rockwell, Board member of LHS, Jeri Zeder, Friends of the Lexington Streetscape Project • Minutes from the August meeting will need to be approved at next meeting as there are several corrections needed. • Remote Meeting Particination Discussion about whether Commission should permit remote participation at meetings, according to M.G.L c 30A, Sec 20(e) —this needs to be voted in in order to be part of future meetings Vote was unanimous • Denot Building Susan Bennett, Director of Lexington Historical Society, and Susan Rockwell, from the Board, came to discuss issues about auditory accommodations in the Depot Building, especially considering grant from the Dana Foundation, "to fund installation of Hearing Assist equipment to assist elderly and disabled access at the Society's building" The grant was to purchase a hearing assistance system and improve accessibility with power doors The latter part was completed and the doors work well now The auditory enhancement system was purchased but it needs technical training to run it. Given that the Depot is a rental property, Sue said that it is up to the renters and participants to request training. The Commission pointed out that people will not ask if they do not know what is available and asked if LHS could write this on the rental agreement. Linda Vine suggested including it on the "fact sheet"provided to renters • Cary Hall. There will be a test sidewalk strip put at back of police station. Victoria will contact members to test it when it is ready • Center Streetscane and Woburn Street/Massachusetts Avenue Intersection Jeri Zeder from Friends of the Lexington Streetscape Project, talked about how that group is looking for supporters since the most vocal lately have been the opponents The concerns most often cited about lights at Woburn Street are visual blight; misunderstanding or varying interpretations of data from traffic analyses, concern about neighborhood cut- through traffic to avoid lights There are also questions about whether there are alternatives to lights Commission members are concerned about pedestrian safety, and the majority of members would like to see the lights installed. Jeri asked if supporters could sign her petition and write letters to the editors It was suggested that outreach to Douglas House would be beneficial to get those residents' point of view about pedestrian safety in the Center • Commission Business Needing Undates 1 ADA Master List—Linda suggested inviting Pat Goddard to the October meeting. 2 Snow storage and HP parking—We need to invite Bill Hadley to the November meeting. 3 Parking issues with new building at Muzzey and Raymond—There were no additional HP spaces added. 4 Clarke School elevator—This was completed over the summer Michael agreed to go there and review it. • Additional new business and update on new nroiects Linda said there were several grand openings coming up a. First is the Community Center on October 17 Victoria asked if the Photovoice display could be there and Linda agreed. A concern was brought up about the Community Center by Julie She said she was unable to use the first floor ladies room as the door was too heavy Linda said she would follow up on this with Mark Barrett as several doors need adjusting due to being heavy The Center is open M-F 8 AM—9 PM and Saturdays 9 AM—5 PM. Linda suggested having the November meeting at the Center and she will arrange this b The other opening is Cary Hall, planned for October 24 Respectively Submitted. Victoria Buckley