Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes February 7, 2019 6:00 PM Present: Committee Chair Elanah Sherman, Kevin Saythany, Mark Marcy, and Lottie Scott. Absent: Laurie Messore , Kevin Harkins, and Cynthia Litton Others Present: Brigid Marks, Ryan Thompson, and Teresa Hanlon Call to Order: Elanah called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present (4/7). Approval of Minutes: On a motion from Kevin, seconded by Lottie, the December Meeting Minutes were approved as presented. On a motion from Elanah, seconded by Lottie, the January Meeting Minutes were approved as presented. Citizen Comments: None Communications: None Guest Speakers: Ryan Thompson, Director of Public Works, and Teresa Hanlon, Civil Engineer and Tree Warden with that Department, addressed the Commission on current projects. Ryan reported that he is searching for an accessible swing for a city playground. He also said that the 23 Union St. accessibility project is going out to bid soon. Teresa, who is in charge of ADA sidewalk compliance, said that, in 2018, 18 sidewalk ramps were installed; each will last 20-25 years. Elanah read out loud a letter she wrote in support of DPW’s latest CDBG application for the funding of more sidewalk ramps; the letter was unanimously approved by Commissioners on a motion from Elanah, seconded by Kevin. Lottie brought up the rough pavement at Brown Park. Ryan said he doubted that a complete re-paving could be done anytime soon, but that patching might be a possibility. Elanah will arrange a walk-through at the park with Teresa and another Commission member. Elanah asked how the Commission could support the DPW. Ryan said that the Commission could write letters of support for grant applications and continue to bring to the Department’s attention issues that need to be addressed; he also said invitations to participate in Commission meetings continue to be valuable. Lottie and Elanah praised the work of the Department and said that Ryan’s immanent departure for a new job will be a great loss to the City. Old Business: Commission Vacancies: The Commission welcomed new member Mark Marcy, who said he looks forward to working on Commission issues. Elanah announced that she will be speaking at Rotary in May, an engagement that she hopes will result in new members. Charging Stations: Tabled REV UP Initiative: Elanah said she had decided to wait until later this year to approach the initiative’s sponsoring organization, Disability Rights CT, regarding funding disparities. Brochure and Website Updates: Brigid revised the brochure to reflect changes decided upon at the last meeting. Elanah worked with the City’s IT manager to revise the website so that it more adequately reflects the Commission’s mandate; she also worked with him to include in the by-laws the amendment allowing phone attendance at meetings. Mark expressed concern that members could take advantage of this policy; Elanah encouraged him to read the amendment and its many conditions and come back to the next meeting with his opinion. Westgate Shopping Center Update: Elanah said she contacted Building Official Jim Troeger shortly after the last meeting to ask him to evaluate the parking situation. She has not yet heard back. She will call Jim again. New Business: Introduction of New Member, Mark Marcy: See Commission Vacancies, above. Department of Transportation Survey: Brigid shared the survey sent to the City by the local Council of Governments. (The survey originated with the State Department of Transportation; all Councils throughout the State received it and sent it on to their member municipalities.) The survey is very brief and asks a few basic compliance questions. In consultation with Teresa Hanlon, Brigid completed and returned it. Elanah will be contacting DOT regarding a lack of clarity in the survey. Adjournment: On a motion from Lottie, seconded by Kevin, the meeting adjourned at 7 PM. The next meeting will be at 6 PM on Thursday, March 7th, 2019 at Norwich City Hall (room to be announced in agenda). This meeting will include a presentation by Elanah on Title II of the ADA. Meeting Minutes written by Ivery Stakley and revised by Elanah Sherman.