Committee Concerning People with Disabilities

COMMITTEE CONCERNING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MEETING MINUTES City of Middletown 61 Durant Terrace March 5, 2024 6:00 PM 1. Members Present: Marty Knight/Chairperson, Joe Bibisi, Phil Cacciola, Keith Vinci, Richard Pelletier Absent: Molly Carta, Laurie McFadden Staff Present: Catherine Lechowicz – Director of Recreation and Community Services General Public: none 2. Meeting Called to Order: Called to order at 6:03pm. 3. Public Hearing: none 4. Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the meeting minutes of February 6, 2024, was made by Phil Cacciola and seconded by Joe Bibisi. The motion carries. Departmental Reports:  Richard Pelletier stated that he did not have anything to report because there have been no meetings. He did mention that there was an announcement about a stop domain. A discussion ensued  Phil Cacciola stated that he did not have anything to report.  Joe Bibisi stated that he did not have anything to report.  Keith Vinci stated that on Thursday, March 7, 2024, there is going to be a public hearing to open a one stop shop for deaf and blind persons. It is going to be filled by an executive director and 1 staff person. This will be a place where someone who is deaf can go to complain about interpreting and can also ask about receiving services. This group will be able to monitor the interpreter’s certifications to make sure that they are legally able to work in Connecticut. A discussion ensued.  Cathy Lechowicz stated that she reached out to the Registrar of Voters to make sure that, with early voting, anyone who had accessibility needs would be accommodated. They assured Cathy that they would be accommodated. Cathy also connected Laurie McFadden with Roger from the Parking Department. She is also setting up a walk through with the person in charge of the sidewalks to address certain issues at certain locations. Also, Cathy reached out to the Mayor with some appointments for the Committee that will go before the Common Council in April. The person can be any party affiliation. A discussion ensued. Old Business: New Business: Miscellaneous:  Phil Cacciola stated that he has stopped by to meet with Roger from the Parking Department. He stated that Roger has collected about 200 accessible parking permits since the first of the year. His people go out and check the dates and check to see if the number is valid. Roger is finding that a lot of people are abusing the accessible parking permits. A discussion ensued.  Cathy mentioned that there is potential to renovate Russell Library or re build. Also, there is a potential move of City Hall. McDonough School may also be renovated in the future. It cannot be knocked down due to the historical nature of the building. A discussion ensued.   There is supposed to be a soft opening of the restaurant that is in the location of Harbor Park. This will depend on whether or not the elevator is in and ready to use. A discussion ensued. Adjournment: A motion of adjournment was made by Phil Cacciola and was seconded by Joe Bibisi. The motion carries. The meeting adjourned at 6:29pm. Respectfully submitted, Laura Bruni Runte