Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes August 4, 2016 6:00 PM Present: Chair Michael Menders, George Chaput, Raymond DeBlasio, Kevin Harkins, Cynthia Litton, Jane O’Friel, Lisa Harrison and Lottie Scott Absent: All present Others Present: None Call to Order: Chair Michael Menders called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Lottie Scott, seconded by Kevin Harkins, the minutes from the July 7, 2016 Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) meeting were approved as presented. Citizen Comments: None Communications: None Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to Department of Public Works (DPW): Lisa had a comment on the decorative brick sidewalks downtown near City Hall. There are some misaligned pavers. City Transition Plan and Effective Communications Plans: Michael had no updated report. Effective Communication Policy and Manual: Brigid Marks from the City of Norwich Human Resources Department was not present to report. Crosswalk Safety and Consideration: As discussed at the last meeting, Michael contacted the Norwich Police Department (NPD) and spoke with Officer Burrows. They had a nice conversation regarding the concerns brought up at last meeting. He was very receptive to the conversation and concerns. He noted the information and put it into the NPD line-up. The line-up list is reviewed by the police officers before they go onto their shifts. Discussion ensued regarding pedestrian traffic in areas with round-a-bouts. Concerns were raised for disabled pedestrians. Kevin brought up the brochures for the CPD. The draft needs to be reviewed by Attorney Michael Driscoll, via the Mayor’s office. The Mayor’s Secretary, Marixsa, is looking into the City covering printing costs. He would like information about service dogs included in the brochure. George will send the service dog information to Jane. Kevin sent draft content for the brochure to Jane. She will work on the layout and send a brochure draft to Michael. After he reviews it, he will send it to Marixsa for the Mayor and Attorney Driscoll’s input. Michael showed a digital picture of the CPD which was approved for inclusion in the brochure. Kevin reported on the fencing at Uncas Leap. He called Regan Miner of the Norwich Historical Society. She referred him to Gary Evans, Community Development Supervisor. Kevin spoke to him. Gary reported they are developing a plan for the area. He will review the area and report back to Kevin. He said there is a potential for funding for fencing. He will also contact DPW to see if they have any extra material for temporary fencing. Michael said the area near the parking lot would require approximately 300’ of fencing. New Business: Discuss Disabled Persons Access Problems: No new issues were raised. CT Cross-Disability and Lifespan Coalition October Candidates Forum: Michael mentioned this event, which will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 in Meriden. He read the flyer to the CPD. Michael will contact Elanah Sherman for more information and pass it along to the CPD. The CPD will consider attendance. Adjournment: On a motion from Kevin Harkins, seconded by Cindy Litton, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319.