HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-02-COD-min
Commission on Disability
Minutes from May 2, 2019
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti, Julie Miller,
Leonard Morse-Fortier, Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell, Assistant Town Manager; Joe Pato, Selectman; Rod Cole,
Capital Expenditures Committee; Bonnie Teitelman, Council on Aging
Guests: Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community Programs; Kate
D’Angelis, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
1. Review of minutes for April: Minutes approved
2. Update on 186 Bedford Street: The Commission voted in the April meeting to
support the project (7 Yes, 1 No). Michael said that the project is being sent back
to the Planning Board for more modifications. It will probably be voted on in the
fall Special Town Meeting.
3. Presentation by Melissa Battite, Director of Recreation and Community
Programs, and Kate D’Angelis, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist:
Melissa introduced Kate who is a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic
Recreational Specialist). Kate would like to provide opportunities for
individuals with all abilities to join programming, by offering both inclusion
and adaptive programs. In her new role, Kate has been doing community
outreach, assessments and planning. She mentioned collaborating with
Burlington. Some of the adaptive programs she mentioned include: tennis,
motor skills, yoga, futsal, first aid/CPR, swimming.
Melissa then reviewed the infrastructure updates. In 2017, there was a
Recreation Facilities and ADA Compliance Study, followed by the 2018
ADA Capital Improvements List, which the Commission reviewed and
prioritized: the bathhouse at the Old Reservoir, the clubhouse at the Pine
Meadows Golf Course, parks and playgrounds, the Adams walkways
(behind the Waldorf School), and the Center Track and Field (active 2019-
2020).
The 2019 department goal is to prioritize inclusion.
Members of the Commission asked questions: whether they will connect
with therapeutic horseback riding on Allen Street – this is possibility;
whether adult programming is included – yes; whether there are lifts in the
swimming pool – Town Pool lift is not reliable yet since even though the lift
is mobile, the battery is not reliable – health director will resolve this.
4. Center Streetscape – next steps: Victoria met with John Livsey on April 16 about
sidewalk materials and the ramps. The history of the choice of materials was
reviewed since it originally was presented as concrete with brick borders in a
meeting with DPW, the design group, the HDC and the Commission. John said
he would look for sites to see the wire cut bricks since the Commission has
repeatedly asked to see the proposed type of sidewalk installed in the same
manner as proposed. At this point, the Commission still objects to bricks and
wants to make a presentation to the Select Board. Victoria will contact Doug
Lucente, Chair, to set up a time.
5. A planning meeting will be scheduled with SEPAC, Girl Scouts, Lin Jensen, and
Christianne Mager for training merchants concerning plastic straws – with
Commission volunteers Victoria, Shaun, Julie and Francine.
Minutes Respectfully Submitted by Victoria Buckley