Disability Commission

Fitchburg Disability Commission Date: Thursday, July 10, 2014 Location: Conference room at Putnam Place Commission Members Present: Bill Malone, Doris Matte, Richard Sarasin, Jeff Wolfgang Guests and Others: Mary Ann Guichard, Gloria Spadaro, Richard Avant Minutes: Motion to accept the minutes for June as amended passed Intersection of Mechanic and Prospect: Gloria Spadaro addressed a concern about a potentially dangerous intersection at Mechanic and Prospect streets. A motion was made and passed to do a site visit and meeting on July 18, 2014 at 3:15 pm located at the Unitarian Church to assess the accessibility and safety of this intersection. Transportation for Disabled Citizens to Attend City Council Meetings: Richard Sarasin will discuss this issue with John Barrett, the City Solicitor, to assess the legalities of providing transportation to disabled people to attend public meetings. Continued next meeting.  The commission also decided to invite the MART ADA coordinator and/or Mohamed Kahn to the next meeting to discuss major problems with the bus system for the disabled. Annual Report: Jeff stated that he will be finished with the report next week and will provide a copy of the report to the commission at the next meeting. Accessible Playgrounds and Equipment: Doris Matte stated that the Leominster Disability Commission is open to the idea of a revolutionary park but has requested more information on the types of equipment used in this type of parks, other cities that use this type of equipment and if there are grants for such a project. Housing Authority: Richard Avant stated that access to the patio area at the Wallace Towers is not accessible. Jeff and Bill agreed to do a site visit and will report back to the commission at the next meeting. Doris Matte agreed to contact Gene Cappocia concerning other minor issues. Excise tax exemption for amputees: Postponed till the next meeting. Commission Membership: Doris Matte will attend the Disabled American Veterans meeting to talk to them about membership on our commission. Handicap Parking Fines Commission members will come up with a list of projects, organizations, or ideas that this money could be used for. New Business: Cross Walks on Water Street The meeting ended at 5:10 pm. Next meeting September 11, 2014 at 3:15 PM at the Conference room at Putnam Place