Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes December 1, 2016 6:00 PM Present: Chair Michael Menders, George Chaput, Lottie Scott, Cynthia Litton, Kevin Harkins, Janelle Daly and Lisa Harrison Absent: Jane O’Friel Others Present: Kim Rogers and Laurie McElwee 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 (7/8). Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Cynthia, seconded by Kevin, the minutes from the November 3rd, 2016 Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) meeting were approved as presented. Citizen Comments: None Communications: None Guest Speaker, Laurie McElwee of ECTC: Laurie is a mobility specialist at Eastern Connecticut Transportation Consortium (ECTC). ECTC provides affordable transportation to disabled persons of Eastern Connecticut and funded by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Their programs include: Eastern CT Travel Voucher Program, rides for Jobs, dial a Ride Medical Transportation, Getting around eastern Connecticut. Norwich Citizens cannot use the Caregiver Mileage Reimbursement and Dial-A-Ride Medical Transportation because Norwich’s transportation budget for the disabled goes towards the Senior Center which services only one demographic of the disabled and elderly in need of transportation. Cynthia spoke about a need for the Public Buses to stop closer in front of the Shopping Centers. Lisa spoke personally about how the state is less accommodating for transportation struggles. The commission then discussed the specific needs that each program can assist with. Kim asked why BRS does not refer those with transportation issues to the ECTC because both programs are located in CT Works. Laurie finished her presentation by giving the committee the website for ECTC (http://ectcinc.com/). Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to Department of Public Works (DPW): George briefly discussed the sidewalk by Otis. Results of November Informational Program: George spoke about the Informational Program at Backus Hospital Outpatient Care Center which he and Cynthia attended. The event was held on November 16th 5-7pm, the commission had their own table with pamphlets that many people saw and visited. Pedestrian Friendly City Discussion: Michael plans on attend a city council meeting with Lotti to request that banners be put up to ask that drivers are more pedestrian friendly. George said that four big signs may be more helpful. Lottie said that a new walkway was built for pedestrians, near the Norwich town green, but traffic is still dangerous. Michael believes that the visitor center may assist in the effort to improve pedestrian safety in the city. George says that Laurie agreed to help fund raise because the committee has no budget which would be helpful if the committee wanted to buy their own banner. Review Year End Summary Report: The committee reviewed the Year End Summary Report and discussed members that have come and gone. On a motion from Kevin, seconded by George the Summary was approved unanimously by the committee. New Business: Discuss Disabled Persons Issues: Lisa discussed the lack of transportation assistance in CT for those in need and how Laurie’s Speech was helpful. Cynthia asked if George and Kevin could go on the radio and take a survey to better collect data on the needs of the disabled. Kevin and George says that it is difficult to find an accurate census of the disabled in CT in need of assistance. George says that there is no one place that keeps track of all the disabled in CT. Lottie believes that it is unrealistic try to move Norwich’s transportation budget from the senior center. But instead to work to take advantage of the existing programs at the senior center. Michael summarized her statements by saying that the committee should educate the public about other demographics in need of transportation assistance. Adjournment: On a motion from Cynthia, seconded by Lottie, the meeting adjourned at 7:18 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, January 5th, 2017 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319. Meeting Minutes Written by Ivery Stakley on December 1st 2016.