Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Special Meeting Minutes September 3, 2015 6:00 PM Present: Michael Menders, Raymond DeBlasio, Lottie Scott, Cynthia Litton, Jane O’Friel, Joanne Philbrick, George Chaput, and Kevin Harkins; Guest: Brigid Marks Absent: Lisa Harrison Call to Order: The special 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: George noted that a correction be made to the previous meeting minutes in regards to his past volunteer work. On a motion made by Joanne, seconded by Cynthia, the minutes from the previous meeting on August 6, 2015 were unanimously approved as produced. Old Business: Available funds for ramp from Disability Network – Jane received an email from Sharon Heddle of the Disability Network of Eastern Connecticut regarding the contractors used for the construction of new ramps. Consumers inform Sharon of contractors they have attempted to contact for projects. A number of contractors do not return phone calls. However, some contractors do respond and Sharon keeps a list of those contractors that consumers have had success with in the past. There is no specific price for a ramp due to the fact that there are no typical ramps. A simple ramp can cost anywhere between $3,500 and $5,000; more twists and turns makes the ramp more expensive. Funding was allocated for 2014-15 to construct two ramps and one sidewalk ramp. For 2015-16, an application for funding was received to construct chair lifts. Raymond suggested the possibility purchasing prefabricated aluminum ramps, which may be stronger and cost less. Joanne mentioned a licensed contractor who offered to build ramps for free but was turned down. The commission suggested that she advise him to contact the Disability Network and offer his services. Service Animal Program Plans for October – George contacted Lu Picard the director of ECAD and she recommended that we invite one of her representatives for the event. ECAD will supply us with handouts. George had recommendations for other guest speakers for a demonstration of service animals. George will continue to reach out to other organizations for possible demonstrations to be held at the Otis Library in the month of October. ADA CT Conference October – The ADA Connecticut Conference will be on October 2, 2015 through October 3, 2015 at the Hartford Marriott Farmington in Farmington, CT. Brigid offered a $300 stipend to pay for any commissioners interested in attending the conference. Mike and Jane will both be going as representatives of the commission. In honor of the ADA’s 25th anniversary, the ADACC State Conference will be on October 30, 2015 from 8am – 4pm at the Newington Disabled & Senior Center. Brigid attended last year’s conference and stated that it was very informative. She will be attending this year’s conference as well. New Business: Representative of Public Works to Discuss Transition Plan – Barry Ellison, the Public Works Department Commissioner, attended the meeting to discuss the city’s transition plan. He stated that the city wants to work with the Commission to identify target areas that have sidewalks that don’t transition to the road. The new Commissioner for the Department of Public Works will start on September 14, 2015. Barry will inform the new Commissioner and the City Engineer of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and its needs. (**See the Norwich Department of Public Works Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan for City of Norwich Right-of-Ways presentation provided below the meeting minutes**) Disabled Persons Access Problems – The commission continued discussing the successful construction of new sidewalks in various parts of Norwich, particularly on West Thames Street, in the direction of Mohegan Sun Casino. Joanne had some corrections made to the sidewalks around her residence. She mentioned the addition of granite curbs as part of the corrections. The city administered the corrections to the sidewalks but not the granite curbing. The city of Norwich has an assisted listening system for hearing impaired residents to use during city council meetings. The system is designed to be compatible with a public address system. Brigid applied for the equipment and was approved for funding from the Community Development Block Grant. The devices are distributed to persons in need and then collected at the adjournment of each meeting. The devices are available for sign-out at the city clerk’s office 15 minutes prior to each council meeting. This led to a discussion regarding the need for sign language assistance as an alternative. Kevin mentioned the 3-minute time limit warning light that is at every city council meeting. The light can’t be seen by someone who is blind. The commission suggested having an audible warning for the visually impaired. Joanne followed up with the commission about the resident who was denied a special permit to build a garage. This opened up a discussion about the situation and the legal ramifications of showing support to the resident. Joanne asked committee members to send a letter of support to the Zoning Board. Mike offered to write a letter to the Zoning Board, asking them to re-evaluate the request. Jane suggested the resident consult a contractor and approach the Zoning Board again. The commission would like city officials to attend the conferences next month. The commission also recommended training and orientation for city employees and board members on policy, ethics, the ADA, and the overall need to advocate for persons with disabilities. Adjournment: On a motion from Mike, seconded by Kevin, the meeting adjourned at 7:22 pm. The next special meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Marissa Clarke