Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Special Meeting Minutes November 5, 2015 6:00 PM Present: Michael Menders, Raymond DeBlasio, Lisa Harrison, George Chaput, Cynthia Litton, Jane O’Friel, Joanne Philbrick, and Kevin Harkins Absent: Lottie Scott Call to Order : The special meeting of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities was called to order at 6:06 pm by Michael Menders. Determination of Quorum : It was determined a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes: On a motion made by Kevin, seconded by Raymond, the minutes from the previous meeting on October 1, 2015 were approved as produced. Joanne abstained due to her absence at the previous meeting. Old Business: Discussion of the Service Animal Program at Otis Library – George reported the huge success of the Service Animal Program held at the Otis Library on October 10, 2015. Mike stated that the library received positive feedback from attendees of the program. The commission discussed sponsoring different types of service animal programs and exploring other venues in the future, possibly in spring 2016. Discussion of the ADA CT Conference – Mike and Jane reported their experiences at the ADA Connecticut Conference held on October 2, 2015 and October 3, 2015. Resident’s Application for Special Permit – Joanne reported that her neighbor’s application is now being investigated by Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD will determine whether or not he will be allowed the special permit. New Business: Discuss Disabled Persons Access Problems – Due to recent discussions surrounding the objection to service animals in government offices, George recommended the city organize in- house ongoing education and training for ADA compliance. The committee agreed. Mike will seek the advice of Brigid Marks via email, and also request her attendance at the next meeting. Joanne informed the commission of the repair needed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church as a public pooling location. It is poorly lit in the parking lot and there are no hand rails at the stairs. Mike stated that there is a sidewalk in bad condition on the south side of Chelsea Parade South. George continued to praise the current effective sidewalk transitions near Norwich Free Academy and Washington Street. Mike encouraged the other commissioners to make a list of common disability access problems, such as mobility access or access into a program. He will combine the lists and create a spreadsheet to present to the Public Works Department. Adjournment : On a motion from Kevin, seconded by Joanne, the meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm. The next special meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Marissa Clarke