Commission on Disabilities

COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 98 WASHINGTON STREET, 3RD FLOOR Dominick Pangallo SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970 Mayor 978-619-5630 MINUTES OF THE SALEM COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES November 21, 2023 A meeting of the Salem Commission on Disabilities was held on September 19, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., via ZOOM, an online video conference call system in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023. Present on call were Chair Debra Lobsitz; Commissioners: Darren Black, Rebecca Christie, Ezekiel Holt, David Moisan, Kerry Neenan, and Kate Zuraw; Lisa Cammarata, ADA Coordinator, HR Director; Alan Hanscom, SAtv; Jeff Cohen and Morgan Sax. Absent were Maureen McKinnon, and Mandee Spittle. 1) Introductions/welcome Lobsitz called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. and she extended a welcome to everyone. Each commissioner and invited guest introduced themselves. 2) Approval of Meeting Minutes of August and September meetings David Moisan made a motion to approve minutes for both August and September. Becky Christie seconded the motion, and the commission was all in favor. The minutes were approved. 3) New Business a. Outdoor dining survey discussion; Kate Newhall Smith, Planning Department i. The last three seasons the city of Salem has been allowing outdoor dining to a greater extent than previous years. The state had been allowing flexibility to municipalities due to COVID rules. The city of Salem believes that these flexibilities will no longer remain in place for the 2024 season. The city council has been working on an ordinance for the 2024 season. The councilors are in favor of having a policy where the city will need to adhere to regulations regarding outdoor dining. ii. The policy touches on fees that restaurants will need to pay, architectural design, accessibility requirements from the state, 25% of all tables and furniture need to be accessible. iii. The applicants will attend a regularly scheduled commission meeting and the commission will have an opportunity to provide feedback to each applicant on their accessibility needs and requirements. iv. Debra raised the concern of the number of applications coming through and what this means for length of commission meetings. Kate shares the concern and informs the commission that the applications will be rolled out at the beginning of the year and the commission can parcel the applicants out throughout the year. Councilor Cohen recommended having a working group to review the applications. 1  v. Kate Newhall-Smith detailed that due to changes in the municipality rules sidewalks (i.e. the Derby) do not need to be closed off. 4) Old Business a. Wheelchair Rental Program; update/follow-up A motion was made by David Moisan to move this item to the first item discussed of old business. There was a seconded motion and the commission voted in agreeance unanimously. Stacia Cooper from Destination Salem joined the meeting and informed the commission that this is a popular ask by visitors. She let the commission know that they have storage for 2 Wheelchairs and advocated for one XL chair as well as a regular sized chair that can be used for adults and children alike. Stacia discussed that a charge for renting a wheelchair would not be possible as they do not have the equipment to manage that. Debra suggested that attaching an apple air tag to the wheelchairs for Destination Salem to be able to keep track of them if they are not returned. Stacia was welcoming of the idea of the wheelchairs and thinks it part of the job of welcoming visitors to Salem to have accommodations for all visitors. Destination Salem will be responsible for obtaining a release to ensure the safety of the users as well as the wheelchairs being used for their intended use. There will need to be something added to the wheelchairs showing that they belong to Destination Salem, potential of an advertisement to raise money for Destination Salem and also contact information on the wheelchair. Lisa will make the purchase of the wheelchairs as well as follow up with our insurance carrier to ensure both the City and Destination Salem are both adequately covered. b. ADA Transition Plan: No updates at this time. c. Project funding: Cammarata No updates at this time. d. Social Media; David Moisan No updates at this time. e. Pedestrian Safety No updates at this time. David Moisan said he hopes to meet with Erin sometime in the New Year. Councilor Cohen informed the Commission of the new initiative announced by Mayor Pangallo’s office in attempt to fix the sidewalks through out the city of Salem. f. SCOD representative to Salem Human Rights Coalitions/Kerry Neenan (alternates: McKinnon and Christie) Fundraiser was held on November 8th at Flatbread Pizza. Otherwise no updates. g. Commission on Disabilities Website - Darren Black 2  Commissioner Black wants to discuss making sure the Commission website is accessible to everyone and will be reviewing prior to next meeting to review any changes/concerns. 5) Announcements/Questions/General discussion/ideas for future meetings a. Commissioners Darren, Rebecca and Debra’s terms will be ending in December 2023 and all are looking to extend their servitude to the Commission. b. Lisa asked the Commission if they all had access to their Salem.com emails. The following Commissioners do not have emails: Becky, Kate, Kerry. Debra, David and Darren need to set up with Duo to be able to log into Duo. Lisa said she would reach out to IT to get everyone set up by January 1st. c. David Moisan made a motion to cancel the December meeting and continue with regularly scheduled meetings in January 2024. Kate Zuraw seconded the motion and the commission voted to approve this motion. 6) Next meeting: January 16, 2024 7) Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Commission on Disabilities this evening, Christie moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Moison. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:28p.m. Respectfully submitted, Morgan E. Sax Commission Clerk Know your rights under the Open Meeting Law M.G.L. c. 30A §18-25 and City Ordinance Sections 2-2028 through 2-2033 3