ADA Committee

Montpelier ADA Committee September 2, 2014 Attendance: Kim Brittenham, Chris Lumbra, Marty Roberts, Jessie Baker, Kevin Casey, Arne McMullen, Dianne Richardson. Guest: Amy Nixon, Karen LeClair, Wallace Nolen. Introductions and Welcome The meeting was called to order by Kim Brittenham, Chair. Jessie explained that due to the change in the open meeting law, the standing agenda will add items at the very beginning of the meeting. Other changes to the law are available for committee members to review, if they wish. Dianne moved to approve the agenda as presented. Arne seconded, the motion passed unanimously. Updates from Committee Members Kim opened the meeting to public comment. Wallace Nolen takes reports of ADA violations in public places. Tomorrow, he will be reporting more than 1,200 complaints to the Human Rights Commission. There is not a single gas station in Montpelier that is in compliance as to getting assistance pumping gas. 802 839-7392 is his personal phone number where he takes complaints. He raised an issue as to why city parking spaces that are marked handicapped accessible are reserved for particular businesses – specifically, parking spaces at VCIL. Kim responded that those are private spaces that came with purchase of the building and they have chosen to mark 4 of those as accessible. Dianne wondered how people were navigating the construction by the Uncommon Market, especially people with reduced sight with the placement of the signs. Jessie answered that safety is in the forefront with any contracts that are done for work done in the city, as well as DPW, who keep a close eye on any projects. There has been a reworking of the committee priorities and thoughts on the responsibilities of the committee. The committee is to help city staff think about ADA responsibilities. Jessie has been thinking that the work of the committee needs to be better imbedded in all areas of the city’s staff’s responsibilities. Jessie will work on documents on restructuring the committee and getting more city staff involved and bringing them to the committee for review. Kim noted that a rep from the school system hasn’t been in attendance lately but they’ve been doing some work to improve accessibility. The Superior Court building at the corner of State and Elm has been reviewed for ADA compliance. Review and Approve Meeting Minutes from July 1, 2014 Arne moved to approve the minutes as presented, Jessie seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Confirm Next Meeting Date – October 7th is the next meeting. Respectfully submitted, Tami Furry Recording Secretary