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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-17-COD-min Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes for March 17, 2026 Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Leonard Morse-Fortier, John Rossi, Francine Stieglitz, Nancy Wong Town Liaisons: Juanica Buchanon, Clinical Engagement and Community Equity Officer; Joe Pato, Select Board; Jim Kelly, Building Inspector; Dana Bickelman, Director of Human Services; Vannak Khin, Community Engagement Coordinator Committee Liaisons: Pam Lyons, Center Committee Guests: Laura Swain, Lexington Zero Waste Announcements and Review of Minutes  Victoria announced that Commission needs a representative to join the steering committee for development of Urban Forest Management Plan. The first meeting th is with Davey Resources, Wednesday March 18 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. This project will guide forest management and maintenance practices for the foreseeable future ensuring that Lexington keeps a thriving and sustainable forest canopy. Shaun Grady is interested and will try to attend the first meeting.  The Commission unanimously approved minutes: October 2025, November 2025, December 2025; January, 2026. Skip the Stuff Paste Presentation, by Laura Swain, Lexington Zero Waste  Laura presented the citizens’ article #34 for Town Meeting called “Skip the Stuff”. The Lexington Zero Waste Collaborative is asking Town Meeting to vote to amend the by-laws to establish a customer opt-in requirement for distribution of single-use service ware and condiments. Restaurants would ask customers who are ordering online or ordering take-out if they need plastic ware and condiments. Prohibiting the distribution of these items unless requested by the customer would reduce waste.  This would be a by-law in Lexington only enforced by the Board of Health with a projected start date of January, 1, 2027. Other states like New Jersey have passed this statewide.  The Commission voted unanimously to support Article 34. Update on Business Accessibility Workshop Interest Survey, by Dana Bickleman, Human Services Director  Dana said the survey is going to be sent out again since the first and second mailings did not yield as many answers as desired. Melissa Batitie and Dana met with MassAbility (formerly known as Mass Rehab) and discussed planning another survey round prior to a workshop in April.  Dana shared that Kate DeAngelis is starting Lexpresso Café at the Community Center. The café would be staffed by people with different abilities.  Dana has also talked with Olivia Bliss from LPS about community-based work opportunities.  There is a business training model called Windmills that trains employers in how to incorporate workers with disabilities. Update on MA France at 46 Massachusetts Avenue  The bakery wants to extend their space from take-out to a dine-in and take-out service. A change of this kind would require that they have an accessible bathroom. The Commission asked how to make the entrance accessible. Len and Jim met with the owner to explore what it would take to make the front accessible. In looking over the options in the front, Len and Jim identified a way to make the property accessible but it would require using town-owned land. Jim and Victoria both reached out to David Pinsonneault at the DPW; response was delayed by snow and preparations for Town Meeting.  Jim shared that the bathroom was installed a few years ago and it was not built to compliance then.  The bakery filed a variance request with MAAB for the bathroom with no changes being made. The commission feels that this is an issue as well as the entrance.  Jim brought up that we would like a closer relationship with AAB and we will invite Will Joyce to meet with some members of the Commission. Two afternoon dates in May were suggested. Review of Articles for Town Meeting  Article 10c – Affordable Housing Trust - $3.2 million – the Commission is in support as indicated by unanimous vote.  Article 10d - LexHAB Affordable Housing Support, Restoration and Preservation - $395,355 – the Commission is in support as indicated by unanimous vote.  Article 10e – Park Improvements – Athletic Fields - $2.630 million – the Commission is in support as indicated by unanimous vote.  Article 10f – Playground Infrastructure Upgrades - $100,000 – the Commission has been in enthusiastic appreciation of Recreation Department to make playgrounds accessible and voted unanimously in support of this.  Article 24 – Elderly and Disabled Taxation Aid Fund & Committee – This proposes the establishment of a fund to provide assistance to elderly and disabled residents. The Commission voted unanimously in support of this article but with the condition that the Commission be consulted about actual implementation if it passes.  Article 23 and Article 31 were discussed together. Article 23 is asking for new wheeled trash cans in anticipation of different refuse services. Some concerns were voiced about the size of barrels. Article 31 involves creating fee-based trash collection services. The Commission voted unanimously against Article 31. The cost will be higher for those who generate more trash which includes those with disabilities and young families. Victoria will ask the moderator to call on John Rossi at Town Meeting to explain our negative vote.  John will attend the “Waste Reduction and Modernization Lunch and Learn” th scheduled for March 19 from 11:30 – 12:30 to hear more about Article 31.  Article 33 is the Universal Design Resolution proposed by the Commission. Members reviewed and approved the video. New Business  Nancy brought up a concern about people disobeying the by-law that bicycle- riding was not allowed on sidewalks in the Center. There needs to be better signage and better enforcement. Victoria will contact Chief McLean.  Jim Kelly said that the building at 1666 Massachusetts Avenue has installed an automatic door opener on their own without prompting.  Jim shared that the school administration offices have moved into the swing space at 173 Bedford Street and an elevator has been installed to make everything accessible.  Pam Lyons shared that Lexpress has new busses. She will invite Mel Novner (HS and Transportation Assistant) to the next meeting to update us. 7:20 pm Adjourned – Unanimous Vote Minutes submitted by Victoria Buckley