MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 2009
Members Present: Lin Baker, John Bean, Barbara Cutler, Janice Dallas, Kerrie Fallon,
Susan James, Barbara Jones, Maureen St. Hilaire
Members Absent:
Others Present: Heidi Hample, Disability Advocate
Paolo Marinelli, Pedestrian Advocate
Jack Jones, Director of Housing & Disability Programs
Conflict of Interest Law:
John Bean distributed a summary of the Conflict of Interest Law to all members of the Commission. John said that all municipal employees and volunteers on municipal boards are required to sign an acknowledgement stating that they have received a copy of the Conflict of Interest Law. Barbara Jones requested that she receive a copy of this law by email in order that she has an opportunity to read the law. John Bean collected at the end of the meeting the signed acknowledgements.
Discussion with Carol Kowalski:
Jack Jones introduced Carol Kowalski, Director of Planning and Community Development. Carol provided the Commission with information regarding her background and professional work experience. Carol said that she was not an advocate for brick sidewalks and would consider different pavement alternatives other than bricks for the path of travel on sidewalks. Janice Dallas said that pavers on sidewalks still present a problem for wheelchair users and that a smoother surface should be used. During an environmental design review Carol said that the Redevelopment Board is only concerned with the exterior of a building. Carol stated that environmental design reviews are done by the Redevelopment Board for buildings on Massachusetts Avenue, Broadway, and along the Minuteman Bike Trail.
Renovation to the Summer Street Playground:
Jack Jones said that renovations to the Summer Street Playground would make the playground close to 100% accessible; Jack said that a rubberized aggregate would connect the parking lot to the playfield. Jack said that this would be the only 100% accessible path from a parking lot to a playfield in Arlington. Jack said that this path will have improved drainage over other rubberized paths that have been installed within the Town. Jack distributed draft designs that have been developed for renovations of the playfield. Jack said the plan calls for three swings to be installed. Two will be regular belt swings with the third accessible swing having a chair. Jack said that four playfields within the Town have accessible swings. Jack said that the Recreation Commission has requested the consideration of the Disability Commission
to write a letter of support for the proposed renovations designed for this playfield. Kerrie Fallon said that she appreciated the efforts of the Recreation Commission in designing an accessible playfield but would like more information and an opportunity to attend a Recreation Commission Meeting prior to sending a letter of support. Members of the Disability Commission, though appreciative of the efforts of the Recreation Commission, expressed concern regarding the total number of swings that would be available at the playfield.
Annual Report
Kerrie Fallon said that she would prepare the Annual Report that will be due on January 15, 2010. Kerrie requested input from members of the Commission for the Annual Report.
CDBG Funding for Curb Cut Ramp Work
Jack Jones said that CDBG requests would be due by January 11, 2010. John Bean suggested that next year the Commission request that funding for curb cut ramp work be included in the Town’s Capital Plan. Barbara Cutler made a motion seconded by Barbara Jones that a letter be sent to the Town Manager requesting that curb cut ramp work be included in the Capital Plan.
Commission Budget for FY 2010
Commission members agreed that the Commission would hold a second annual job fair in April 2010. Commission members also agreed to host a regional disability meeting in May of 2010. At the regional commission meeting Barbara Cutler said that the Commission would invite one or more speakers in addition to members of local Disability Commissions. Kerrie Fallon requested that a list of all Massachusetts Disability Commissions be available at the February meeting.
Other Business
Paolo Marinelli asked John Bean if there are any Public Work Projects that the Commission should be aware of. Paolo also asked if the Commission should anticipate the same effort towards snow removal from sidewalks and curb cut ramps that was achieved during FY 2009. John Bean said that Public Works is gearing up to provide at least the same level of services in snow removal that was accomplished last year. John said that the Town now has two small loaders that will be used for snow removal. John said that the planning for the Forest Street project has been completed. Heidi Hample said that she would be working in and internship program at the Institute for Human Center Design. The internship will focus on improving accessibility. Heidi said that she would be interested in reviewing the Disability Commission’s
Transition Plan and any complaints regarding Arlington buildings that have been received by the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned for a holiday celebration at 5:40 P.M.
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