HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-21-COD-min.docx
Commission on Disability
Meeting Minutes for October 21, 2025
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry,
Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Deputy Town Manager; Joe Pato, Select Board; Jim Kelly,
Building Inspector
Committee Liaisons: Stephanie Hsu, Human Rights Committee
Guests: Dana Bickelman, Director of Human Services; Melissa Termine Battite,
Director of Recreation and Community Programs; Kate DeAngelis, Therapeutic
Recreation: Anna Napoli, Code Red Consultants; Al Donovan, Architect; Peter Colman,
Joe Igoe, Christine Dean
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.
Announcements and Review of Minutes
Minutes for August and September were approved with minor edits
Janet reported that she attended a meeting about the RIDE. She shared that the
Transportation Committee received a presentation about changes to booking rides
online and a pilot program allowing patrons to use either Uber or Lyft offering door-
to-door transportation with the town paying $40 for rides up to $43.
6:00 PM – 3-5 Militia Drive 521 CMR Variance: Anna Napoli, Project Manager, Code
Red Consultants and Al Donovan, Architect
In her second presentation to the Commission, Anne discussed the application for a
variance for the allowance of no lifts to the loft units. She explained that loft units will
have lifts installed as a future accommodation, with all accessible features on the
entry level.
1
This project involves demolishing three existing buildings and constructing two
multifamily residential buildings with 292 units and a parking garage with 450
spaces. The project includes providing more than 5% Group 2 accessible units, with
16 Group 2A units (2 more than required) and 3 affordable housing units.
Leonard questioned the provision of accessible features as future installations,
suggesting that more assurances may be necessary.
Update about the Center Playground: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and
Community Programs
Melissa presented that the Center Playground will be the first playground in New
England that meets the designation of National Demonstration Site. It was designed
to integrate the 7 principles of inclusive play and design and nature.
The adult recreation components of the design were dropped to stay in budget.
Features in the playground included:
o QR codes will offer instruction to care givers on how to use the equipment.
o Temple Trolley – a popular element at playgrounds named after Temple
Grandin, a former MA resident.
o 2 communication boards, 6 benches, 3 of which will be in the shade.
The playground will open by June 1, 2026.
Update about the Employment of People with Disabilities Panel: Dana Bickelman,
Director of Human Services
Dana shared that she needs more time to coordinate a panel.
Janet has arranged a meeting for Dana with MassAbility career services and
business department.
th
There is a plan for early November, perhaps November 10. She got 11 responses
from the survey and isn’t expecting more. They are using this data as the foundation
for future work.
Status of the Universal Design Draft Proposal submitted to Select Board
Joe acknowledged that Victoria’s presentation of the UD proposal was well received
at the Select Board meeting.
Revisit Rotary Discussion for Pleasant Street and Bedford Street
Janet was asking about next steps in the rotary discussion. She mentioned that the
Council on Aging was concerned about visibility issues at the crosswalks.
Ross Morrow would probably be the best person to talk to about the concerns. DPW
should be invited to discuss the observations.
Liberty Ride Access for individuals with Hearing Loss
Francine would like to speak in person with Jackson Rhodes who is facilitating the
Liberty Ride. There is a transcript but there is no one who signs, or if more
accommodations would be possible. She received encouragement from Commission
members to do this.
2
Protocol for the Fire Department to Check Apartments/Housing for Individuals
with Disabilities
Francine visited with the Fire Department and learned that they do not have a
process for attending to deal with fire safety issues. Francine will contact Karen
Edwards about checking apartments. Perhaps a protocol is necessary for Section 8
Housing and other dwellings.
Further Discussion about Subcommittees and Working Groups
Kelly explained that Subcommittees are subject to open meeting laws, working
groups are not subject to open meeting laws but you cannot have a quorum, need to
pull in outside people, work on something that is short term, and are not required to
be public.
New business
Jim Kelly brought up a 40B project on Lowell Street, which the group discussed as a
previously reviewed development with energy-efficient, accessible, and affordable
units.
Kelly Axtell reminded us that to be in compliance, votes on ZOOM have to be made
by roll call.
Meeting Adjourned 7:21pm
Minutes submitted by Sue Cusack
3