ARLINGTON COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 15, 2004
Members Present: Tom Boudreau, Barbara Cutler, Joe
Giurleo, Barbara Jones, Kevin O’Brien
Maureen St. Hilaire
Members Absent: Lin Baker, Louis Krodel
Staff Present: Jack Jones
Quest Present: Susan James
Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2005:
The Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2004 were tabled until the January 2005 Meeting.
Peirce School Accessibility Issues:
Jack said that DRA Architects would be applying for a variance to the Architectural Access Board for the circular ramp at the newly constructed Peirce School. Jack said that DRA has requested the Disability Commissions support on their variance request for the circular ramp. This request was denied. Jack said that Stephan Chaires, Project Manager DRA Architects, has informed the Disability Office that arrangements have been made to reconstruct four curb ramps on Blossom St. that were not in compliance with AAB regulations. Jack said that Bruce Bruneau, Community Services Project Coordinator with the Mass. Office on Disability, has been monitoring the status of the non-compliance issues at the Peirce School. Jack said that DRA would remove the exterior door hardware on the Park Ave. side of the Peirce School to prevent access to the
walkway on the Park Ave. side of the building that does not comply with AAB regulations. Jack said that Bruce Bruneau has said that DRA would also need to remove the walkway if they do not correct the slope issues.
Vision 2020 Questionnaire:
Jack said that The Disability Commission has provided the Vision 2020 Committee access questions to be included in their January 2005 Town Wide mailing.
Community Development Update:
Kevin said that there was no relevant information to report until at least January 2005.
Other Business:
Jack said that Chief Ryan followed up on all access issues raised during the October Meeting. Jack said that Chief Ryan has drafted a Warrant Article pertaining to ticketing for unauthorized parking in handicapped spaces on private property. The Police Department is also providing press releases regarding the Town Bylaw regarding removal of snow and ice from sidewalks. Fines for non-compliance with this bylaw have doubled during the past year. Joe inquired about the use of heating pads under the sidewalk in commercial areas in order to melt snow and ice. Barbara J. expressed concern regarding the safety of guide dogs if heating pads were installed. Barbara J. requested that the audible pedestrian signal at Lake St. and Mass. Ave. be adjusted so that a button would need to be pressed in order for the audible signal to be heard. Barbara J.
said that otherwise the constant audible signal could be annoying to residents in the area. Joe said that the audible signals have a control box that can be adjusted from automatic to manual.
Jack said that questions should be prepared and reviewed at the January Meeting that the Commission intends to ask Selectman Lyons when he attends the February Disability Commission Meeting.
Jack said that he had received a request for a free or low cost wheelchair. Maureen suggested contacting an agency on the Cape called Pass It On.
Legislative Update:
Barbara C. said that Congress has reauthorized IDEA. Barbara C. said that Schools appear to be happier with the new reauthorization. Barbara C. said that in the legislation filed in the State for 2005 there appears to be some support for group homes.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 5:05 P.M.
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