Committee Concerning People with Disabilities

COMMITTEE CONCERNING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MEETING MINUTES City of Middletown 61 Durant Terrace February 6, 2024 6:00 PM 1. Members Present: Marty Knight/Chairperson, Joe Bibisi, Phil Cacciola, Molly Carta, Laurie McFadden, Richard Pelletier Absent: Keith Vinci 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 October 3, 2023, was made by Phil Cacciola and seconded by Joe Bibisi. The motion carries. Departmental Reports:  Laurie McFadden stated that she hasn’t really been able to address the parking space issues in town because her husband had a health issue. She had a question about a senior who is interested in walking with the walking program at Wesleyan but she was told that she cannot because she walks with a rollator. Cathy Lechowicz stated that Wesleyan set the rules that you cannot walk with a stroller or rollator on the walking track. It damages the track if you walk with a rollator or walker. A discussion ensued. Phil suggested that Roger Beliveau of the Parking Department assist Laurie with any questions/issues with the parking spaces. Roger has the specifications regarding the sizes of all parking spaces. A discussion ensued.  Molly Carta stated that she had a good conversation with the Mayor regarding certain accessibility issues that she has encountered while visiting her niece at Beman school. She recommended that different people from different disability groups in the community have input regarding new building facilities in Middletown. A discussion ensued.  Richard Pelletier stated that the contract has been signed for the track and field in Middletown High. It is slated to begin in the spring. There is 1 area of concern because there has been a debate about a football goal that needs to be fixed which is also in the contract. The restaurant is coming along very nicely. The elevator has been purchased and will be installed as soon as the shaft is ready. There is an incident at the curb cut out at Green Street that was almost deadly. He called the Mayor’s office and reported this. The Snow School roof project was just approved by the Common Council for the Board of Education to apply to the State. A discussion ensued  Phil Cacciola stated that the State of CT is looking to reinstitute the Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. A discussion ensued.  Joe Bibisi stated that the homeless can go to the Baptist Church on the corner of Main and Williams Streets. A discussion ensued.  Cathy Lechowicz stated that she had a complaint about the curb cut outs as well and that she set up a tour with Public Works as well as the Superintendent of Sidewalks in early March and anyone on CCPD can also join. Anyone that has a walking device can give their perspective which is helpful. There are 2 vacancies on the Committee Concerning People with Disabilities. Laurie has suggested a name but if anyone else has a name please put it forward. A discussion ensued. Old Business: New Business: Miscellaneous:  Marty stated that the primary went well and that there were no issues. The topic of early voting was discussed. Adjournment: A motion of adjournment was made by Phil Cacciola and was seconded by Richard Pelletier. The motion carries. The meeting adjourned at 6:21pm. Respectfully submitted, Laura Bruni Runte