HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-16-COD-min.docx
Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes for September 16, 2025
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Francine Stieglitz, Leonard Morse-
Fortier, Janet Perry, John Rossi, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board; Jim Kelly,
Building Inspector
Committee Liaisons: Pam Lyons, Center Committee; Stephanie Hsu, Human Rights
Committee
Guests: Dana Bickelman, Director of Human Services, Carissa Black, Community
Member
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of
the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 and
subsequent Orders imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in
one place, this meeting of the Lexington Commission on Disability will be conducted via
remote participation to the greatest extent possible.
On July 16, 2022, Governor Baker signed into Law an Act Relative to Extending Certain
State of Emergency Accommodations, which, among other things, extends the
expiration of the provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2023.
On March 29, 2023, Governor Healey signed a bill that continues remote and hybrid
meeting provisions that were enacted during the pandemic. The new law extended
pandemic-related authorizations that were set to expire on March 31 through March 31,
2025, and then the Governor signed a bill to further extend the date through June 30,
2027.
Agenda:
Announcements and review of minutes
Minutes not available and will be shared at next meeting
Reminder to attend the Town Board & Committee Bootcamp on October 4
CoD Annual Town Report for 2024 was submitted (see attached report)
6:00 PM – Center Playground Surface – Carissa Black shared that there are two
surfaces being discussed. She noted that there were several concerns including
sustainability, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and safety issues with current
wood chip surfaces. John offered that litigation is a concern that we need to anticipate.
Carissa also shared that the plans for the Center Playground would be presented at a
community forum on September 30 and again on October 7.
The Commission voted unanimously to support the installation of an accessible surface
at the Center Playground.
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Survey Launch about Employment of People with Disabilities – Dana Bickelman,
Director of Human Services
Dana shared details about the survey questions being used to gather information from
businesses, including topics like current hiring practices, accommodations, and barriers
to employment. She reported that the survey was sent to employers and has received
about 10 responses so far, showing interest in internships and job shadowing but less
enthusiasm for pilot employment initiatives.
The Commission discussed potential panel participants for the event, including
representatives from the Massachusetts Office on Disability and NuPath, and John
Rossi provided advice about potential confidentiality concerns regarding discrimination
claims.
The workshop is scheduled for October at the Community Center. Dana requested help
in finalizing the date and assistance in promoting the survey through various networks.
Pleasant Street and Bedford Street Rotary Concerns – Janet Perry and Sue Cusack
In her role as liaison to the Council on Aging, Janet was approached about safety
concerns about the rotary at Bedford and Hancock Streets and the rotary at Pleasant
and Watertown Streets. Sue shared a presentation of images that she took of both
rotaries. She presented observations about the rotaries, noting potential issues with
signage, the off-center circular planting design at the Pleasant Street rotary, and the
different construction details of the smaller islands at both rotaries.
John Rossi suggested these concerns could be raised with the traffic safety advisory
committee, and Leonard Morse-Fortier provided additional context about the design's
potential purpose for emergency vehicle access.
Universal Design Draft Proposal submitted to Select Board – Victoria Buckley and
Sue Cusack, the following resolution was shared with Joe Pato in anticipation of Town
Meeting. It was approved without changes by the Commission.
The Universal Design Resolution serves as a reaffirmation of our public
commitment to inclusivity, as well as to the ongoing improvement of accessibility
and usability in housing for all community members. It aims to broaden the
community’s understanding of what accessibility truly means. Practical examples
of universal design features include no-step entries, wide doorways and
hallways, accessible first-floor bathrooms, and structural elements such as wall
studs positioned for easy future installation of grab bars, or stacked closets
designed to accommodate a future elevator. These features not only support
residents in aging in place but also ensure that homes can easily adapt to the
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needs of individuals with physical challenges. (Drafted August 14)
New business
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Len Morse-Fortier has been appointed to the MA Board of Building Regulations and
Standards (BBRS)
Jim Kelley, Building Inspector shared:
3–5 Militia Drive will be a Multifamily Development, 300 rental units. They have
submitted a variance for the depth of the sink and loft spaces in some of the
units. They will be invited to attend the October meeting.
Rotaries are being installed on Route 2A at the Route 95/Route 128 over pass.
Len suggested that it may be a design consideration for land reclamation.
Architectural Access Board Process – The Commission discussed concerns that
developers can seek variances without consulting the local commission. We were
curious about the possibility of having the Commission included in the permit
application. Jim agreed to reach out to the AAB director about potentially speaking at a
future meeting to discuss state-level accessibility code changes
Meeting Adjourn 7:27pm
Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack
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