Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Special Meeting Minutes October 1, 2015 6:00 PM Present: Michael Menders, Raymond DeBlasio, Lottie Scott, Lisa Harrison, George Chaput Absent: Cynthia Litton, Jane O’Friel, Joanne Philbrick, and Kevin Harkins Call to Order: The special meeting of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities was called to order at 6:10 pm by Michael Menders. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes: On a motion made by Raymond, seconded by Lottie, the minutes from the previous meeting on September 3, 2015 were unanimously approved as produced. Old Business: Service Animal Program Plans for October – The Service Animal Program will be held at the Otis Library on October 10, 2015 from 10AM – 3PM. George was able to secure retired Lieutenant Colonel Anthony “Tony” Charles as the guest speaker. At 1PM Lt. Charles will be speaking and answering questions about service animals while his service dog, Dozer, will be performing various tricks and demonstrating his skills as a service animal. The commission discussed possible programs and events in the future sponsored by Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. ADA CT Conference October – The ADA Connecticut Conference will be on October 2, 2015 and October 3, 2015 at the Hartford Marriott Farmington in Farmington, CT. The theme is “Building a Great Life”. Mike and Jane will both be going as representatives of the commission. Resident’s Application for Special Permit – Joanne was not in attendance so the permit will not be discussed until the next special meeting. New Business: Disabled Persons Access Problems – The commission continued discussing the successful construction of new sidewalks in various parts of Norwich. George and Mike commented on the current effective sidewalk transitions near Norwich Free Academy and Chelsea Parade, mainly on the right hand side. The left side, however, is badly in need of repair. Commissioners listed other disabled person access areas such as the overgrowth on Washington Street and constant speeding on Broadway, Union Street and Boswell Avenue. The commission agreed the city needs to install audible crosswalk signals that allow pedestrians a minimum of thirty seconds to cross. Mike will be taking a trip around the city to look at various sidewalks and curb cuts to assist the Department of Public Works with their assessment of required upgrades, and also to create more access for persons with disabilities. He encouraged the other commissioners to do the same. Business Cards for Commissioners – Lisa suggested the commissioners should have business cards for future special events and conferences. Lisa offered to create business through Reliance House. Lottie stated that the City of Norwich should be able to provide the business cards. Mike will talk with the Mayor’s Assistant in regards to who will provide any materials the commission needs. The commission agreed that the actual business cards will only have Mike’s name and contact information. Each commissioner will introduce themselves and mention Mike as the chairperson. Medical Equipment for Persons with Disabilities – Raymond mentioned that a resident offered an elevating chair that is no longer in use but is still in good shape. The commissioners recommended putting an ad on Craigslist or Freecycle. Lottie wanted to know if there is a charitable organization in the area that takes medical equipment that is no longer in use but is still in good shape. Raymond suggested contacting Senior Services. George suggested publishing a list of resources for persons with disabilities. Adjournment: On a motion from George, seconded by Lisa, the meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm. The next special meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Marissa Clarke