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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. 1 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 2