Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes October 6, 2016 6:00 PM Present: Chair Michael Menders, George Chaput, Lottie Scott, Cynthia Litton, Janelle Daly, and Lisa Harrison Absent: Kevin Harkins, and Jane O’Friel Others Present: Kim Rogers (aid – Janelle Daly) Call to Order: Chair Michael Menders called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Michael advised the commission that Ray DeBlasio has resigned due to his moving out of Norwich. Michael also welcomed new member Janelle Daly. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present (6 of 8). Approval of Minutes: On a motion by George Chaput, seconded Cynthia Litton, the minutes from the September 1, 2016 Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) meeting were approved as presented. Michael Menders nominated Jane O’Friel to be the vice chair of the commission. Lottie Scott moved to accept the nomination and Lisa Harrison seconded the nomination. All commissioners were in favor of Jane O’Friel being moved to vice chair of the commission. Citizen Comments: None Old Business: • Sidewalk condition observations to report to Department of Public Works: o Michael explained to Janelle Daly how the commission makes note of any sidewalks that are in need of repair or a potential hazard for persons with disabilities. He advised that if she does in fact see a sidewalk or potential hazard for persons with disabilities, that she provide him with the address of the property. o Cynthia reported that she attended the Greenville Day’s event at the Lyons Club, she noticed the sidewalks around the entire area are uneven and lots of bumps. Central Avenue – the entire area from 7th Street to 11th Street on the odd side of the street. o Lottie mentioned there was no curb cut for persons with wheelchairs at Otis Library. Michael mentioned that the curb cuts are at both ends of the block • Effective Communication Policy and Manual: o Michael advised he formally requested (via email) an official communication plan to the Mayor’s office.  • Taste of Italy: o George advised the Commissioners had a table at the Taste of Italy on September 10, 2016, with brochures and informational materials. George said they had more people come to the table than they did at the library. Jane is going to try to get the commission at a healthcare function at Backus Hospital Emergency Care Down in December. Michael suggested the commission get a banner for a table for future events. • Discuss Plans for Next Guest Speaker: o Cynthia advised the next guest speaker would be Laurie McElwee from the Eastern CT Transportation Center. Cynthia meet Laurie at the Southeastern CT Center for the Blind and she spoke of new modes of transportation that would be great with people with disabilities. Michael will contact Lauire McElwee to coordinate for the December meeting. Cynthia expressed she does not know how to contact other organizations to come be a guest speaker for the commission. Michael expressed that as the commission, everyone can brainstorm on guest speakers. Michael expressed his wife used to sit on the board for Artreach. Artreach is interested in coming to speak with the commission. Lisa Harrison will reach out to Becca to coordinate for the month of March 2017. Michael will provide Becca’s number to Lisa. New Business: • Calendar of 2017 Meetings: o Michael prepared and presented the new 2017 calendar of meetings. The dates were reviewed, and approved. Lottie made the motion to accept the 2017 schedule and Cynthia seconded the motion all commissioners were in favor for the proposed 2017 Commission for Persons with Disabilities. o Lottie made a statement that the commission met all summer and noticed that most of the agencies do not meet in the summer time. She was not sure of which months, and was wondering why this commission was meeting in the summer. Michael will do some research, but stated that in the summer time people do travel and he understands. • Discuss Disabled Persons Access Problems: o Cynthia reported she was in the Norwichtown area by Chelsea Parade (by the congregational church). They have a new light (audible crosswalk alert). The light blinked yellow and beeped like a truck would do when backing up. The beeping could be confusing for some. Michael stated he would look into this crosswalk. Cynthia stated it’s not always on, so she’s not sure of when the audible alert is active. o Lottie mentioned on Town Street, The Visitors Center – sometimes cars do not slow down at the crosswalk. She would like to spread the word of Pedestrian Sensitivity. How do we make sure there are signs at crosswalks, and that our city  is supportive to pedestrians, especially to those with a disability. George stated the commission should send a letter to the Mayor or someone from the City of Norwich who could send a letter to the State Motor Vehicle Commissioner, and say we as a commission in this town have noticed pedestrian friendliness is sometimes missing. Maybe a potential educational program from the state DMV. Michael asked who would the recipients of the educational program. George stated the state DMV has contact with every driver in the state every couple of years. There could be a brochure, a card or it could be added to our licensing program. Michael stated he would be more than happy to attend the next City Council Meeting with Lottie to speak on being a pedestrian friendly community and some type of action is required. He will also do a follow up call with Sargent Barros. Adjournment: On a motion from Lisa Harrison, seconded by Janelle Daly, the meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319.