Commission For Persons With Disabilities

Commission for Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting Minutes August 1st, 2019 6:00 PM Present: Committee Chair Elanah Sherman, Julie Menders, Kevin Saythany, Mark Marcy, and Kevin Harkins. Excused Absence: Cynthia Litton Unexcused Absence: Laurie Messore Others Present: None. Call to Order: Elanah called the meeting to order at 6PM. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present (5/7). Approval of Minutes: On a motion from Kevin H, seconded by Kevin S, the July 2019 Meeting Minutes were approved with an amendment. Citizen Comments: None. Communications: None. Old Business: Westgate Shopping Center - Update: No updates. Elanah has learned from an article in The Day that the building department is understaffed; that may be the reason for a lack of response. Brown Park- Update: Elanah quickly looked at Brown Park and some pavement remediation. Upcoming Norwich Census- Update: No updates. Charging Stations- Next Steps: Amy from DNEC is helping find focus group members; Elanah will organize. At his request, she met with the Mayor early this week to discuss the issue. Bonnie Cuprak referred her to Phil at A-Z Pawn to obtain his participation. Julie volunteered to be the Commission’s liaison to NPU; she said she will ask her husband, Michael (former Commission Chair), to assist her in technical issues. Elanah will create a flyer to solicit focus group participation. She will arrange for the focus groups to be held at the senior center. Disability Awareness Week: Review of Calendar and Designation of Responsibilities: Monday, October 7, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, DNEC: Public Benefits Program, Stuart Hawkins. (Elanah)  Tuesday, October 8, 10:30 AM-12:00 PM, Otis Library Community Room: Title I Panel Discussion, featuring CHRO attorneys and Carissa Decelles, moderated by Elanah. (Elanah) Wednesday, October 9, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Otis Library Community Room: Sensitivity Workshop, featuring Melissa Marshall. (Elanah) Wednesday, October 9, 5:oo PM – 6:00 PM, Otis Library Community Room: Book Discussion, led by Elanah and Melissa Marshall. (Julie) Thursday, October 10, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM, Senior Center: Municipal Roundtable. (Elanah) Friday, October 11, Otis Library: Table in the Atrium. (Elanah) Hours to be determined. Friday October 11, Otis Library: Service Dogs (tentative; possibly run by the Otis Children's Department). (Julie) Saturday, October 12, 10:30am-12pm Otis Community Room: Legislative Panel. (Mark) Date and location may be changed. Julie will be responsible for snacks at programs held at the library; Elanah will be in charge of snacks at other locations. Voting Rights Radio Show: Kevin H is waiting for a date from Stu Breyer. Publicity: Kevin H asked that Commissioners be willing to help spread the word. Elanah will contact the local press. Julie will arrange for Otis Library to post the calendar. Banner (Date Update and Reservation): Elanah reserved banner display with NPU; she will also email revised text to Prokop. Kevin S will pick up the banner from Brigid, bring it to Procop to be amended, and bring the revised banner to NPU. New Business: Barbara has resigned from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Elanah advised her to get a hard copy letter to the City Clerk’s office, as required. Adjournment: On a motion from Kevin H, seconded by Mark, the meeting was adjourned at 7:07 PM. The next meeting will be at 6:00 PM on Thursday, September 5th, 2019 at Norwich City Hall in Room 319. Meeting Minutes written by Ivery Stakley; revised by Elanah Sherman.