Commission on Disabilities

BRAINTREE COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES Meeting Held Via Zoom Monday, June 3, 2024, 6:30 p.m. IN ATTENDANCE: Crystal Evans, Treasurer Mary Russo, Member Scott Lamphere, Member NOT PRESENT: Robin Torpey, Member ALSO PRESENT: Marybeth McGrath, Director of ML & I Kristina Ziniti, ADA Coordinator Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Ms. McGrath stated the Acting Chairperson, Lynn Vaillancourt, has submitted her resignation to the Mayor. A new Acting Chairperson can be appointed for the current meeting, or going into the future, whichever option the Commission would prefer. Motion made by Crystal Evans to appoint Scott Lamphere as Acting Chairperson for the Commission on Disabilities June 3, 2024 meeting. Motion seconded by Mary Russo. The motion passed by a roll call vote: Crystal Evans-yes; Mary Russo-yes Approval of Minutes: The minutes of May 6, 2024 were reviewed. Motion made by Crystal Evans to approve the meeting minutes of May 6, 2024. Motion seconded by Mary Russo. The motion passed by a roll call vote: Crystal Evans-yes; Mary Russo-yes; Scott Lamphere-yes Informational: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Underpass on Pearl Street Potential Webbing: Ms. Ziniti reported as of Friday, May 3 the MBTA was still waiting on bird netting to be delivered and will be following up with their vendor. Old South Middle School: Ms. Ziniti reported the old South Middle School is still closed until further noticed. All renovations have been stopped per the Mayor. It is unclear what the school will be used for in the future but nothing has been decided. A church group uses the building on Sundays and this will continue. Braintree Youth Basketball may potentially use the gym in the fall or winter. Asbestos abatement has been done in all the classrooms and painting and flooring improvements were done in many of the classrooms. Braintree Commission on Disabilities, June 3, 2024 Page 2 of 3 Department of Elder Affairs and Community Center Bench: Ms. Ziniti reported the director has chosen cedar, which is the lightest color available for the benches. A letter was drafted and is in the Mayor’s office for approval. The Mayor asked if the benches will be installed inhouse and where they will be located. That information was provided. Ms. McGrath stated at the last Commission meeting the members voted to approve the expenditure for the benches. She then sent a letter to the Mayor for her approval of the expenditure. Ms. Ziniti reported she was unable to find portable stadium padding, she could only find pads in general. She recommended waiting for the benches to be installed to decide what type of pad to purchase. She sent samples to members for their review. The Director of Elder Affairs did express some concern about the pads for the benches as far as maintenance and having them disappear. The thought was to get the benches installed and determine if there is a need for the pads before purchasing them. The DPW has indicated the turnaround time for the benches may be lengthy. Ms. Evans asked if they are paying the DPW for installation. Ms. McGrath indicated no. Mr. Lamphere asked that when the benches are installed they are ADA compliant. Pearl Street Crossing: Ms. Ziniti reported lights were installed on French Street and a second street, facing the crosswalk. She drove by there and it was pretty well lit. She believes they will do some data collection and see how the new lighting works out. The owner of Campanelli’s is looking into putting a light on her building as well. They are hoping this will alleviate any additional incidents at this location. Ms. Evans stated the problem is not only at night, people are nearly hit during daylight hours. She asked that they replace the signage that was there in the past. Ms. Ziniti stated she will bring this concern to TASC (Traffic Advisory Safety Committee). Ms. Evans stated there was also a sign on Church Street which was recently broken and taken away and she would like that replaced. She reported it in the See-Click-Fix system. Ms. Ziniti stated she will look into this as well. Handicapped Parking Fund Account: Ms. McGrath reported the current balance in the handicapped parking fund has increased by $820 and is currently $41,711.78. She stated the money for the benches has not yet been deducted from this account. Other Business: Ms. Evans asked about the proposed elimination of parking enforcement if the override does not pass. Ms. McGrath stated she is aware of this. Ms. Evans asked that if the override does not pass that an item be put on the July agenda to discuss possibly funding this position again. Ms. Russo asked if discussion can be added to the next agenda about training for the Braintree Police on the Safety Net program. She stated she recently had a personal incident with a family member and became aware that many police departments do not Braintree Commission on Disabilities, June 3, 2024 Page 3 of 3 know what to do when looking for a person with a Safety Net bracelet. Ms. McGrath stated she can reach out to Chief Cahoon and present his feedback at the next meeting. Ms. Evans stated the Norfolk County Sherrif runs this program and may have additional information. Also, she reported the Rotary Club purchased Safety Net bracelets for residents approximately ten years ago. Ms. Evans raised concern about the MBTA closing their bathrooms because of a chronic flooding issue. As a result people are using the elevator as a bathroom. She stated this is a public health issue as well as an access issue. She asked if there is anything the town can do to address this issue. Ms. McGrath stated she will reach out to their contact at the MBTA, but do not have jurisdiction to enforce opening the bathrooms. Mr. Lamphere asked members to consider whether they want to meet in August. He stated he will not be available. Motion made by Ms. Russo to not hold a Commission meeting in August. Motion seconded by Ms. Evans. The motion passed by a roll call vote: Scott Lamphere-yes; Crystal Evans-yes; Mary Russo-yes Next Meeting: July 1, 2024 Adjournment: Motion made by Crystal Evans to adjourn the Commission on Disabilities meeting at 7:10 p.m. Motion seconded by Mary Russo. The motion passed by a roll call vote: Crystal Evans-yes; Mary Russo-yes; Scott Lamphere-yes