Committee Concerning People with Disabilities

COMMITTEE CONCERNING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES MEETING MINUTES City of Middletown 61 Durant Terrace December 2, 2024 6:00 PM 1. Members Present: Marty Knight/Chairperson, Keith Vinci, Richard Pelletier, Emily McCoy, Laurie McFadden Absent: Molly Carta, Joe Bibisi and Phil Cacciola Staff Present: Catherine Lechowicz – Director of Recreation and Community Services General Public: none 2. Meeting Called to Order: Called to order at 6:04pm. 3. Public Hearing: none 4. Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the meeting minutes of October 1, 2024, was made by Keith Vinci and seconded by Richard Pelletier. Keith asked for a revision - it is the 85th Anniversary for the Connecticut Association of the Deaf. With the revision, the motion carries. Departmental Reports:  Keith Vinci shared updates on Connecticut Association of the Deaf. A discussion ensued.  Laurie McFadden presented a letter she drafted to pre-emptively address any potential mask bans to ensure those that are medically fragile or immune compromised are able to wear masks. Cathy Lechowicz will email the draft to the committee for review. Discussion ensued.  Emily McCoy shared that the committee may want to pay attention to the trickle down effects from the federal government changes in 2025, particularly those in the Department of Public Health. The committee may want to invite Director Kevin Elak from the health department in future meetings to see if anything can be done at the local level to protect services. Discussion ensued.  Richard Pelletier gave an update on roofing/solar panel committees he’s serving on. Farm Hill got a roof and solar panels; Snow School will only get a new roof. The committee is overseeing the installation of air conditioning at schools – the grant is being submitted now. A discussion ensued.  Cathy Lechowicz stated that there was no new ADA reports. She stated the Senior Center was hosting counseling sessions for open enrollment. Keith Vinci stated he would interpret for any individual that needs it. Old Business: New Business: Miscellaneous:  Keith Vinci discussed the holiday on Main Street. He asked Cathy what the Committee could do to help with the Holidays on Main Street Program during December. Adjournment: A motion of adjournment was made by Keith Vinci and was seconded by Laurie McFadden. The motion carries. The meeting adjourned at 6:28pm.