HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-27-COD-min
Commission on Disability
Minutes from June 27, 2019
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Michael
Martignetti, Janet Perry
Town Liaisons: Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Selectman; Rod Cole, Capital
Expenditures Committee
Guests: Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works
Minutes
Minutes for June 6, 2019 were reviewed and approved.
Center Curb Cuts
Presentation: Dave Pinsonneault, Director of Public Works, shared three proposals for
Streetscape ramps. The first proposal was all brick with a dark boarder to signal the change of
grade in the ramp and a yellow rumble pad. A second proposal had brick wings, a concrete in
the center, and a yellow rumble pad. And the third proposal had a fully concrete pad with a
yellow rumble pad. We discussed a preference for the third proposal and would like to explore
whether it would be enhanced by adding the contrast between the sidewalk and the curb cut
using a similar border as in first proposal. Mr. Pinsonneault will create a few ramps with these
details for us to see it in a natural setting.
Surface Friction Testing
Mr. Pinsonneault shared a table that showed over 6 runs on the 4 different surfaces (City Hall
Pavers, Wire Cut, Wire Cut with Beveled Edge, and Concrete). The recent test revealed an
average of 42 to 79. The 70’s are considered a good number. The wire-cut brick and concrete
demonstrated that level of slip resistance.
Sidewalk Maintenance Plan
Mr. Pinsonneault shared that maintenance plan will be integrated into the proposal with an
indication of the cost of implementation of the plan.
Changes in the Accessibility of Business Entryways
The question was asked if any of the businesses that currently have a step or other barriers to
access will become accessible as a result of the new sidewalk project. Mr. Pinsonneault is
unsure if any of these access issues will be resolved with the introduction of new sidewalks but
he will look into it.
Concrete Concern
One of our members mentioned gaps in the concrete sidewalk in the new section near Meriam
and Massachusetts Ave. Mr. Pinsonneault will check it out to see if the problem can be
addressed.
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Selectman Discussion of Streetscape
We will be scheduling a time on the agenda to meet with the Select Board to discuss
Streetscape ramps.
Goal Setting – CoD Goals for the Selectman
Review of Preliminary Design Phase of Public Building Projects:
We believe there is a technical advantage to our commission reviewing preliminary
plans before the concepts are too advanced for feedback that would then require
significant redesign or cost. We had input on the Children’s Center, Visitor Center,
access to the monument, Maria Hasting School. We were not pulled into the Fire Station
projects. We hope to see the proposed plans for the Police Station.
Aspire to Exceed Basic Access and Aim for the Inclusive Principles of Universal Design:
We want to further support and advocate for the Selectmen’s aspiration to exceed
regulatory access as described in the ADA, Section 504, and Section 508 (digital access)
and look to a more inclusive perspective, often described as universal design. This
perspective supports design considerations in programming, in the built environment,
and in the digital world that allow for access by the greatest number of people possible
without having to integrate special access considerations.
Promotion of Visitability Standards
We encourage the development of creative solutions to promote the adoption of
visitability standards in the design of new housing. Visitability standards reflect access
considerations in a home anticipating changes in ability during the course of a life time.
Examples of these access considerations include at least one flush entry way into a
home, 36” wide doorways, bathrooms designed with studs in place in the event safety
rails are needed later, and designing a tub that can be easily converted to a roll-in
shower. These standards have been adopted in some communities around the country;
if adopted in Lexington, they would make a bold statement about our community’s
interest in supporting residents to be able to stay in their homes across a lifetime.
Selectman Goals Setting – July 10
The process that will be used is that the facilitator, Novak Consulting Group, will meet with the
Senior Management Team in one setting and the Chairs of various Boards/Committees in
another setting to gain input from the various Boards/Committee and the Senior Management
Team on priorities within their responsibilities. The CoD chair is unable to attend this meeting;
she will be requesting another time with the facilitator.
Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Sue Cusack
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