COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES
MEETING MINUTES
November 17, 2010
MEMBERS PRESENT: Maureen St. Hilaire, Barbara Cutler, Barbara Jones, John Bean, Janice Dallas, Heidi Hample, Susan James, Kerrie Fallon.
OTHERS PRESENT: ADA Coordinator Jack Jones, Paolo Marinelli, Katherine Carpenter, State Advisory Board for Department of Developmental Services, Doc Robinson.
Meeting minutes were approved.
Discussion Capital budget meeting. J. Bean reported the Deputy Town Manager, Adam Chapdelaine, said he would meet with the disability commission member/members when the meeting is scheduled for DPW requests. J. Bean met with Steve Gilligan, Tony Lionetta before a subcommittee but passed over the request for curb cut funding at this meeting, expecting the meeting with him and the Commissioners be held before the full Capital Planning Finance Committee. John recommended J. Jones call to find out the Finance Committee meeting schedule and ask that we be scheduled for a meeting.
J. Jones reported that he had spoken to The Director of Planning, Carol Kowalski regarding Chris Loretti. She mentioned that she would be meeting with the chair of the Historic Commission in regard to writing a policy for bricks. She will be invited to a meeting prior to her meeting with the Historic commission. Kerrie suggested meeting with her prior to her meeting with the Chair if she cannot attend a Commission meeting. Kerrie said she would call her to discuss this and to get some times she is available so that members can be present. Kerrie also suggested calling MOD for their input. She will also call the DLC.
B. Cutler said compromises are made regarding historic buildings as they cannot be torn down for accessibility but that does not include sidewalks and walkways.
P. Marinelli suggested talking about the cost and safety issues regarding bricks vs. concrete or asphalt.
In Arlington Center a portion of sidewalk was disrupted during repairs and replaced with asphalt. J. Jones said he was told it is going to be taken out and replaced with bricks, which were originally there.
J. Bean explained the differences in brick pavers placed on top of sand vs. doubling the cost of installing bricks with an asphalt or concrete substructure. He also explained the type of bricks needed and how costly it would be to do this correctly. J. Dallas suggested this would still not avoid the bricks chipping and collecting ice.
J. Bean reported that the Planning Department had to approve the replacement of bricks outside 27 Maple Street and he had not heard from them as of yet.
P. Marinelli asked about replacing the crosswalks in Arlington Heights. J. Bean said there were projects his department was responsible for but that the Planning Department also had projects. Town Engineer, Michael Rademacher is also assigned to issue digging permits, oversee construction and is also on TAC. He should be called to answer whether there are plans to replace the brick crosswalks in Arlington Heights with asphalt and Thermoplastic.
B. Jones reported that the audible signal at Brattle Street had been removed and replaced with older technology. J. Jones checked the other Summer Street signals which remain the same. J. Bean said the signal was not durable. B. Jones said the people using the signal prior to its removal had no complaints.
There were concerns raised about the people relying on the new technology and the legality of putting in old technology. Others were concerned that this would pave the way for removal of signals on Summer Street. B. Jones will call Joshua at the Massachusetts Division of the Federal Highway.
J. Bean informed the Commission that Summer Street had been turned over to the Town by a vote of Town Meeting in 2003 or 2004. He said there is a process for this to happen but that the vote precluded this from happening. A resident filed suit against the Town for not moving a traffic pole farther West. B. Cutler and Kerrie Fallon asked why the Commission was not informed and that the ADA Coordinator also was not informed. B. Cutler will contact Juliana rice and inquire about the complaint.
The accessible swings were installed at Spy Pond and another location. Discussion about the wood chips in playgrounds not being accessible will be held with Joe Connolly and Kerrie will E-mail the Commission.
Kerrie has a draft of letter to the Town Manager and BOS regarding Lin Baker and will contact the members with completed letter. A proclamation will also be written.
Kerrie will contact the Commissions who attended the spring conference to have another conference and include other Commissions. Also Greg Ames will attend a meeting to talk about doing a job fair in the spring.
Doc talked about the chair lift and electronic eye on the elevator. J. Bean will follow up with the Properties Director. He will ask him to do a report on the condition of the lift and give advice for the Capital Plan about upgrading. Kerrie will call Heidi to see if they have any information about lifts.
B. Jones will look into accessible digital recorders and report back to Jack.
Kerrie will send a letter to the Arlington Housing Authority informing them of our existence and offer our assistance in matters relating to persons who are disabled.
B. Cutler requested a list of all department heads and their telephone numbers.
J. Jones will contact the Council on Aging to find out about the snow removal program.
B. Cutler requested information about getting the door on the conference room made accessible.
J. Dallas said at the bottom of a curb cut on Raleigh Street there is a storm drain. Doc said on the Minuteman Trail there are two drains that overflow and are filled with leaves. J. Bean said he would have the Town Engineer evaluate them.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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