Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes May 3, 2018 6:00 pm Present: Laurie Anne Messore, Jane O’Friel, Chair Elanah Sherman, and Lottie Scott Absent: Cynthia Litton and Kevin Harkins Others Present: None Call to Order: Chair Elanah Sherman called the meeting to order at 6:01pm. Determination of Quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present (4/6). Approval of Minutes: On a motion from Lottie, seconded by Jane, the Minutes from the 4/5/18 meeting were unanimously approved as presented. Citizen Comments: None Communications: None Old Business City Structural Conditions: No changes Commission Vacancies: Laurie and Kevin plan to attend a veterans’ coffeehouse to solicit potential members. Disability Awareness Week: The commission discussed having only a day, but ultimately decided to do a week. Otis Library will be the site. Possible activities include: • Workshop on local recreational opportunities • CT Parent Advocacy Group presentation on special education • ADA workshop (Elanah) • Special needs trust presentation • Opening Minds book club participation • Legislative Forum • Service animal demonstration • Booths for local organizations and City departments Responsibilities: Elanah: Contact Julie at Otis to determine week in October and book club participation; begin organization of legislative forum. Kevin: Contact WICH for coverage before and during the Week Laurie and Kevin: Solicit participation in Disability Awareness Week when they attend veterans’ coffeehouse. Jane: Approach her contact about doing special needs trust presentation. Other: Someone will need to solicit donations for a banner and printed materials. June Guest Speaker: Ryan Thompson from Public Works will be the June Guest Speaker. New Business New Structural Issues: None Elanah’s Meeting with the Mayor: Elanah met with the mayor to discuss the Effective Communication Guidelines and ready him for a possible press interview; unfortunately, the press has not responded to Elanah’s emails about an article. Possible Change to Article III (Membership) of the Commission By-Laws: The Commission discussed amending the Bylaws to allow members to miss up to three meetings over what is currently permissible for reasons of health or other extraordinary circumstances. Members unanimously agreed to such a policy. Elanah will write up draft language and present to Betsy Barrett before the next meeting. Members will have an opportunity to vote on final language in June or July. Other: Elanah will ask Brigid to attend the June meeting. Lottie will prepare questions for Brigid on ongoing ADA training for City staff. Adjournment: Laurie made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lottie. The Meeting adjourned at 6:55 pm. The next meeting will be on Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at 6:00 pm at Norwich City Hall, Room 319. Meeting Minutes were written by Ivery Stakley on May 3, 2018, revised by Elanah Sherman on May 7, 2018.