HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-16-COD-min Commission on Disability
Minutes from February 16, 2021
Members: Victoria Buckley (Chair), Sue Cusack, Shaun Grady, Michael Martignetti, Leonard
Morse-Fortier,Janet Perry, Francine Stieglitz
Town Liaisons: Kelly Axtell; Jim Kelly, Building Commissioner; Joe Pato, Select Board
Commission Liaisons: Bonnie Teitleman-Levin, COA; Rod Cole, Planning Board
Guests: Melissa Battite, Christine Dean, Community Center Director, Sandhya Iyer, Andrew
LaFosse
NOTE:The meeting of the Commission on Disability was held on Tuesday, February 16,
2021, at 5:30 PM, conducted by Remote Participation, via Zoom webinar, an online meeting
platform. The meeting started with the reading of Governor Baker's orders.
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.Specific information and the general
guidelines for remote participation by members of the public and/or parties with a right and/or requirement
to attend this meeting can be found below. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be
permitted,but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in
real time,via technological means. In the event that we are unable to do so,despite best efforts,we will post
on the Town of Lexington website or through LexMedia an audio or video recording,transcript,or other
comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting. (*as per Executive Order
regarding remote participation: https://www.mass.gov/doc/open-meetinglaw-order-march-12-
2020/download)
Update on Article 30- Full Inclusion Resolution— next step is Town Meeting
The resolution was presented at the Select Board on the 8th where it was supported
unanimously.The presentation will next be recorded for the TM website in preparation for
TMMA information session scheduled for March 11th. The resolution has full support from
HRC and COA.
Presentation about MassDOT Shared Winter Streets and Spaces Project:
Melissa Battite (Director of Community & Recreation Programs), Sandhya Iyer(Director of
Economic Development), and David Pinsonneault (Director of Public Works) discussed the
grant opportunity to create seasonal, outdoor semi-permanent programming space at the
Community Center. This includes the purchase of a tent, tables, chairs, Dura-Trac flooring
panels and ramps for an estimated cost of$72K. Two possible spots are being explored:
either the Carriage House parking lot or the parking lot at the back of the Community
Center. If the grant is secured, the launch dates could be in April or May. Access to this
space is possible using Lexpress. Group outdoor capacity guidelines related to the Covid-19
pandemic (20-25) would be followed. Restrooms off the dining room are open for use.
Grant is due at the end of February. The Commission unanimously supported the project by
roll call vote.
Presentation of Omar's Comics, 20 Waltham Street Project:
Andrew LaFosse (architect) came to discuss the renovation of the space at 20 Waltham
Street and the need to secure a variance for the back staircase. This project is making the
building significantly more accessible, including creating a flush entry level, an elevator to
the second floor, and an interior lift to address a level change on the second floor. The
variance related to the back stairs, where the distance between the handrails is 36" versus
the required 44" in a sprinkled building and the tread dimensions are 0.5" short (10.5"
instead of 11"). The stairs will be used only for an egress out of the building, but not for
access into the building. A waiting area space has been created at the top of this egress so
that distance can be allowed between people exiting. Omar's Comics has chosen to make a
truly accessible space, providing second floor space for LABB students to make food and
dine. The Commission fully supports the vision and applauds the efforts taken to create an
accessible community venue. A motion was offered and accepted that the Commission will
write a support letter for approval of the MAAB variance.
Full Inclusion Resolution:
The Commission discussed how to be more predictably included in town planning
processes, perhaps formalizing a process checklist that includes the Commission. Kelly Axtell
said that this concern has been anticipated and conversations have begun by the Town
Manager and his administration. They will be seeking ways to make it happen as a routine
vs an afterthought.
Additional new business and update on new projects:
A New Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff member is being hired and will be situated in the
Town Managers office.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Sue Cusack