Committee Concerning People with Disabilities

COMMITTEE CONCERNING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MEETING MINUTES City of Middletown 61 Durant Terrace April 4, 2023 6:00 PM 1. Members Present: Marty Knight/Chairperson, Joe Bibisi, Elderrean Paules, Keith Vinci, August DeFrance (Via Webex), Laurie McFadden (Via Webex) and Richard Pelletier (Via Phone) Absent: Phil Cacciola, Molly Carta Staff Present: Catherine Lechowicz – Director of Recreation and Community Services General Public: none 2. Meeting Called to Order: Called to order at 6:01pm. 3. Public Hearing: none 4. Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the meeting minutes of March 8, 2023, was made by Elderrean Paules and seconded by Keith Vinci. Joe Bibisi abstained. The motion carries. Departmental Reports:  Elderrean Paules stated that there was a package that was stolen from her. It was delivered by the intercom system and someone took it on Saturday. A discussion ensued.  August DeFrance stated that the building committee has voted on the final design of the new boat house which is fully handicapped accessible. The next meeting is April 19th and will have the 30%-40% cost to the city. The city has the design and now the costs have to be determined. A discussion ensued.  Laurie McFadden stated that she did not have anything to report.  August DeFrance stated that they have not had another meeting and that there is nothing to report.  Joe Bibisi stated that the shelter is closed for the winter season for the homeless. A discussion ensued.  Keith Vinci stated that the CT Hospital Association with the deaf community is very much involved with trying to resurrect the consent decree for deaf persons in hospitals for emergency services. Currently, if you are on a gurney it is difficult to see a screen of someone who is signing to you. There needs to be more interpreters. A discussion ensued.  Cathy Lechowicz stated that there have been 1 ADA issue that was taken care of the Municipal Agent. The person was displaced due to a fire and the Municipal Agent assisted with housing. A discussion ensued.  Richard Pelletier stated that there was a meeting of the multiple school and Middletown high school track and field committee. There was a third party hired so that they could review the fields. The report indicated that the field is in such bad condition, that it is a hazard to the children. The Board of Education has set up an interim company to come in and fix what they can and then another company will come out and replace it entirely. It will be artificial turf. A discussion ensued. Old Business: New Business: Miscellaneous:   Keith mentioned that if restaurants are going to start putting the tables outside on the sidewalk, they have to follow the laws so that there is space for people to walk. Cathy said that she will follow up with this. A discussion ensued.  The generator is not ready yet at Monarca Place. Adjournment: A motion of adjournment was made by Joe Bibisi and was seconded by Elderrean Paules. The motion carries. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Laura Bruni Runte