Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes August 3rd, 2017 6:00 PM Present: Chair Michael Menders, George Chaput, Kevin Harkins, Cynthia Litton, Janelle Daly, and Elanah Sherman Absent: Lottie Scott, and Jane O’Friel Others Present: Kim Rogers and Guest Speaker Dianne Slopak 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 (6/8). Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Kevin, seconded by Janelle, the minutes from the July 6th, 2017 Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) meeting were approved as presented. Citizen Comments: None Guest Speaker: Dianne Slopak, Certified Administrator of Elections Dianne Slopak began the discussion by giving each commissioner a copy of the “Voter’s Bill of Rights” and reviewing each of the 9 listed rights. Then she passed out a document with information on Election Day Registration for those with disabilities and another document called “Poll Workers with Disabilities”. She explained that every registered voter has a right to “inspect a sample ballot” and anyone can stop by the registers office and request a sample ballot. Dianne shared that anyone in the voting building can only be there if they are there to vote. No one can solicit votes or discuss politics within 75 feet of the polling place but outside the 75 feet people may be asked how they voted for example for exit polling. Dianne tries to hire people of all ages and all ethnicities as clerks to add diversity but the main aspect she search’s for is someone with kindness and patience because they don’t want grumpy clerks. Some clerks can be grumpy because of the demanding schedule and they often work 16 hour days because there are not enough workers. Elanah spoke about a time she witnessed a clerk help a disabled person with mobility problems without a wheelchair and a clerk offered the person a chair. Kevin and Cynthia shared bad experiences when they went to vote. Elanah asked if George and Cynthia could be guest speakers during the poll workers training and Dianne liked the idea but worried workers would not pay attention. Dianne says if you have a problem at the polls the best thing to do is ask for the monitor at the polls. They will provide you immediate assistance to solve the problem. Elanah asked Dianne if she would be interested in going on the radio and speaking would be willing to speak about how voting is accessible to those with disabilities. Elanah asked if Dianne would be willing to speak with the Bulletin, the Norwich town newspaper, for an article on Emergency and Absentee voting and voting at nursing facilities to share voting info with the public. George then thanked Dianne for coming and for all her years of service. Dianne shared that there is very helpful information on the city register website before exiting the meeting. Old Business: Sidewalk condition observations to report to Department of Public Works (DPW): None. Status of Effective Communication Plan Development: Elanah meant with Brigid Marks from Human Resources and reviewed a draft of the effective communication plan. The next step is to have the Commission for Persons with Disabilities review it and the final step is to have it reviewed by the corporation council. Pedestrian Friendly Community Discussion: None. City Website Observations Discussion: Elanah asked that the ADA coordinator have their own link on the Norwich city website so it is easier to access for those in need. George believes that this will help the city in countless ways. New Business: Discuss Disabled Persons Issues: Elanah has asked Brigid from HR about the city’s transition plan but it has not been updated since it was created in 1993 and they will have a meeting so the transition plan can meet the current needs of those in the city. Michael was elated and grateful that Elanah has made so much progress with the Draft of the Effective Communication Plan. Adjournment: On a motion from Cynthia, seconded by George, the meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, September 7th, 2017 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319. Meeting Minutes Written by Ivery Stakley on August 3rd, 2017.