Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Special Meeting Minutes December 3, 2015 6:00 PM Present: Michael Menders, Lisa Harrison, George Chaput, and Lottie Scott Absent: Raymond DeBlasio, 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 6:06 pm by Michael Menders. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was not present. Approval of Minutes: Meeting Minutes from the November 5th, 2015 will be voted on for approval at the January 7th, 2016 Regular Meeting. Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to DPW – Discussion of the condition of the sidewalks in the city continued. Mike mentioned his observation of repair needed to the sidewalks on the south side of Chelsea Parade South. The slates are misaligned and obstructed from wheelchair access. Between now and March, Mike wants a list of recommendations for sidewalk repairs for the Department of Public Works. By March, Barry Ellison said DPW would like to have a good transition plan in place. Mike would like Brigid Marks to attend the next meeting to discuss the 1993 transition plan. Mike has not made contact with her as of yet. The commission would like to bring awareness to city employees about the need for service animals as well as equal access for disabled persons in the city. The goal will be to educate city employees how to properly respond to persons with service animals. Upcoming program opportunities – On behalf of the Commission, George wrote thank-you letters to the guest speakers from the service animal program held at Otis Library back in October. The commission would like to sponsor a session on public awareness for disabled access, a program on emergency readiness for persons with disabilities as well as a program featuring seeing-eye dogs. Commission year-end report to Mayor – Mike wrote a summary of the commission’s actions since May to present to the Mayor. Lisa suggested including the title of the commission being changed to reflect People First Language. New Business: No discussion. Adjournment: On a motion from Lisa, seconded by Lottie, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm. The next meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. The next meeting will be the Commission’s first regular meeting of the New Year. Marissa Clarke