MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 19, 2007
Members Present: Lin Baker, Barbara Cutler, Kerrie Fallon, Susan James,
Barbara Jones, Kevin O’Brien, Maureen St. Hilaire
Members Absent:
Others Present: Jack Jones, ADA Coordinator
Janice Dallas, Disability Advocate
Heidi Hample, Disability Advocate
Meeting Minutes of November 21, 2007:
Barbara Cutler moved approval of the November 21, 2007 Meeting Minutes seconded by Barbara Jones. SO VOTED
Curb Cut Ramp Project:
Jack Jones said that $41,410 has been expended to install 10 curb cut ramps on Broadway and Warren Street. Jack Jones said that the contractor would return in the spring to complete as many curb cut ramps as possible with the remaining $33,590. Kerrie Fallon asked if the contract includes a time period for completion. Kevin O’Brien said that future contracts could include a required completion date.
Proposed Job Fair for People with Disabilities:
Kerrie Fallon said that Jack Jones, Susan James, Barbara Cutler, and herself attended a meeting with Greg Aimes from Mass. Rehabilitation, Jane Howard from Vision 2020, and Miriam Stein from the Diversity Task Force regarding the Commission on Disability co-sponsoring a job fair this spring for people with disabilities. Kerrie Fallon said that prior to the January Commission Meeting Greg Aimes would discuss the proposed job fair and determine if the Arlington Town Hall is an appropriate location for this event. Kerrie Fallon asked if temporary handicapped parking would be made available at the Town Hall for this event.
Annual Town Report:
Jack Jones said that the Disability Commission submission for the Annual Town Report for 2007 was due in the Town Manager’s Office by January 15, 2008. Jack Jones said that he would prepare a draft to be reviewed by Commission Members at the January Meeting prior to the submission to the Town Manager’s Office.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals:
Barbara Jones said that the APS signal at Park Ave. Ext. was vandalized by foam being sprayed onto the Signal. Barbara Jones said that in her opinion this vandalism should be considered a hate crime. Barbara Jones said that the manufacturer knows what the problem is with the APS on Summer Street not functioning as designed, and that Mass. Highway will be retrofitting the APS’s. Kevin O’Brien said that he would inform the Town Manager that the APS is still not working properly. The Commission received correspondence from Ann DeFeo, a blind resident that has not been able to cross Summer Street safely since the APS was turned off. Kerrie Fallon said that she would send a letter to Ann DeFeo acknowledging that the Commission is working to resolve her concern regarding the APS.
Other Business:
Janice Dallas said that she has been interviewed by the Town manager regarding her appointment to the Commission on Disability and that Selectmen will probably make the appointment in January.
Jack Jones said that the Link Program that is available to help the elderly shovel snow should also be available for people with disabilities.
Legislative Update:
Barbara Cutler said that in January legislation on ending the use of Aversive would be debated. Susan James said that after the first of the year legislation regarding mental health parity would be debated. Susan James said that currently Medicare only pays 50% of the cost of an appointment with a therapist.
Community Development Update:
Kevin O’Brien said that the Town is waiting for funding to be released from Mass. Highway and the Federal Highway Office before further planning would continue on the East Arlington Mass. Ave. Project.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 P.M.
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