Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes April 6th, 2017 6:00 PM Present: Chair Michael Menders, George Chaput, Lottie Scott, Cynthia Litton, Kevin Harkins, Janelle Daly and Jane O’Friel Absent: Lisa Harrison (Resigned as a Commissioner) Others Present: Kim Rogers Call to Order: Chair Michael Menders called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present (7/7). Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Cynthia, seconded by Jane, the minutes from the March 2nd, 2017 Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) meeting were approved as presented with two changes. Citizen Comments: None Communications: None Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to Department of Public Works (DPW): No changes. Pedestrian Friendly Community Sub Committee Discussion: The first meeting of the of the subcommittee was March 15th 2017 at the Otis Library in the community room. George shared how the subcommittee established objectives which were to list the most dangerous crosswalks, enlist support from the Norwich Police Department, communicate with another Pedestrian Friendly Community, then finally promote Norwich as a pedestrian friendly community. Michael said the meeting was an hour long from 4:30-5:30pm and the next meeting will be 4/20/17 at 4:00 PM in the Otis Library Community Room. Discuss Online Ethics Training Experience: Michael shared how he believed training like the Online Ethics Training was important and helpful for Government Entities. People who are public servants need to be held to a higher standard than any other organizations because the community is looking from more angles to scrutinize them. Jane said it would have been nice to have a handout on how the training applies to Norwich and our committee specifically. George appreciated the simplicity of the test and believes the reason it exists is because Commission members are important figures in the community and because of their positions the commissioners need to act ethically. Kevin was surprised how simple it was but thought the training had important vocabulary that it teaches those who take the training. Michael was glad the training was documented but wished the training was presented to each Commission more personally and that there was a presentation on how it affects the Commission. Jane said she thinks more training is online because it is cost effective but she is disappointed it leaves no room for questions or discussions. New Business: Discuss Disabled Persons Issues: Michael received a phone call from Elanah Sherman who offered to do a voting rights presentation for the Commission. The Commission unanimously agreed it was a great idea and important for the committee to hear. Then Jane shared how she went to a nursing conference and took some flyers from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically handicapped for the committee to view. Discuss Options for a June Guest Speaker: George said it would be nice to have someone come from the Police Station as a speaker and the rest of the committee agreed and decided to review options until the May meeting. Cynthia will follow up with NPD to secure a speaker. Adjournment: On a motion from Jane, seconded by Lottie, the meeting adjourned at 7:17 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, May 4th, 2017 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319. Meeting Minutes Written by Ivery Stakley on April 7th, 2017.