Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes February 4, 2016 6:00 PM Present: Michael Menders, Lisa Harrison, Raymond DeBlasio, Cynthia Litton, Joanne Philbrick, Jane O’Friel, George Chaput, and Kevin Harkins Absent: Lottie Scott Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm by Michael Menders. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes: On a motion made by Joanne, seconded by Cynthia, the minutes from the previous meeting on January 7, 2016 were approved as produced. Citizen Comments: No citizen comments were made. Guest Speaker: State Senator Cathy Osten was not in attendance. Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to DPW – Lisa made four recommendations for sidewalk repairs which Mike added to the draft spreadsheet he created. Mike asked commissioners to make note of established sidewalks in the city that have large cracks or holes. He will continue to recommendations to the spreadsheet to present to the Department of Public Works. Upcoming program opportunities – No discussion. City Transition Plan – Lisa stated that things have changed for the better in the city since the 1993 Transition Plan. Raymond expressed his concern about equally accessible buildings not being constructed unless disabled employees were hired. Mike inquired about progress on the sidewalk curb cut transition plan. Joanne stated that she would talk to the Department of Public Works Director before the next meeting. ADA Training – Brigid Marks was not in attendance. It was noted that by Federal Law when it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: 1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff cannot ask about the persons disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. New Business: Discuss Disabled Access Problems – The commission continued the discussion on disabled access problems. After a conversation with Gary Evans, Joanne informed the commission that there is no available funding for ADA accessibility at the new boat launch. Joanne will talk to the mayor to raise awareness to the parking problem. Bobby Stewart, head of Maintenance at City Hall, informed Joanne there is not enough available seating inside City Hall while waiting to avoid excessive loitering. Extra seating is only available during the tax season. Mike will email the mayor to request additional benches for the second and third floors. There is almost no disabled access to area soup kitchens and food pantries, particularly those facilitated by religious organizations. George will ask Jill Corbin if anything is in process for handicapped accessibility at the food pantries. Adjournment: On a motion from Kevin, seconded by George, the meeting adjourned at 7:2814 pm. The next meeting will be at 6pm on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Marissa Clarke