Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Meeting Minutes June 4, 2015 6:00 PM Present: Raymond DeBlasio, Lisa Harrison, Cynthia Litton, Brigid Marks, Michael Menders, Jane O’Friel, Joanne Philbrick, and Lottie Scott Absent: Kevin Harkins Call to Order: The regular meeting of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities was called to order at 6:00 pm by Michael Menders. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes: On a motion made by Lottie, seconded by Joanne, the minutes from the previous meetings on May 7, 2015 were unanimously approved as produced. Election of Officers: On a motion made by Lottie, seconded by Joanne, the committee elected Michael Menders as the Chair. On a motion made by Michael, seconded by Cynthia, the committee elected Raymond as the Vice Chair. Meeting Schedule: On a motion made by Raymond, seconded by Cynthia, the committee agreed to meet on the first Thursday of each month from 6-7:30pm at Norwich City Hall, room 319. On a motion made by Cynthia, seconded by Joanne, the committee also agreed to start each meeting promptly at 6:00 and not exceed 7:30pm to have enough time to discuss issues and create a plan of action. Old Business: The commission was created to deal with the issues of people with a variety of disabilities who need proper accessibility. The committee reviewed the by-laws that Attorney Mike Driscoll handed out at the previous meeting. All revisions were made to be applicable for the CPD and will be reviewed by the City Council. Members decided to change the name of the committee to the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. The group wants to focus on a number of issues concerning people with permanent and temporary disabilities, as well as those not disabled but have difficulty with accessibility, such as parents with small children. On a motion made by Mike, seconded by Raymond, the committee will request permission to officially change the name. Mike will email the request to Mayor Hinchey. Brigid Marks, ADA coordinator and Human Resources Director, was chosen to be the ex officio member of the committee. The committee currently has eight members and no alternates. The City Council will appoint a ninth member due to Brittany Woodward’s resignation. New Business: The group discussed their budget of $1,000 to be used for training and guest speakers. Jane suggested talking with other CPD committees in the area to find out what they are doing and to get some ideas. Jane is a part of the Disability Network of Eastern CT, which is funded under independent living centers. She stated that the CPD may be able to connect with the Network as well to assess how much funding is available. Members of the CPD will email Mike with suggestions for agenda items prior to the next meeting on July 2. Mike will attempt to prepare the new by-laws and send them to Attorney Mike Driscoll in time for the City Council meeting on June 15. Mike asked the members to review the code of ethics prior to the next meeting on July 2. Other: No discussion. Adjournment: On a motion from Joanne, seconded by Jane, the meeting adjourned at 7:24 pm. The next regular meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Marissa Clarke