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 JUNE 18, 2024 A meeting of the Salem Commission on Disabilities was held on June 18, 2024, 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; Commissioners: Debra Lobsitz, Darren Black, Rebecca Christie, David Moisan, Kerry Neenan,, Ezekiel Holt, Mandee Spittle, Kate Zuraw, Lisa Cammarata, ADA Coordinator, HR Director;, and Morgan Sax. Attendees: Joseph Keefe and Kosta Karametros. Absent was, Commissoners Mandee Spittle and Ezekiel Holt 1) Introductions/Welcome Debra Lobsitz called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m. and she extended a welcome to everyone. Lobsitz took a roll call of attendance. 2) Approval of Meeting Minutes of May meeting: Motion to approve May meeting minutes was made by David Moisan and seconded by Kerry Neenan. The commission unanimously voted in favor of approving the May meeting minutes. 3) New Business a. Outdoor Dining i. Bella Verona (Carlos Bamaca) 1. Representative did not attend the meeting. ii. Gyro Spot (Kosta) 1. Kosta was able to join from the Gyro spot. 2. The first question that was asked about the space was whether or not there would be a platform built and the answer would be that they are going to mirror Oniel’s platform. 3. Kosta confirmed that they will make sure the tables meet accessibility requirements. 4. Confirmed that the entrance to the restaurant is accessible with no steps. 5. Reviewed that staff will accommodate any accessibility concerns as they arise. 6. A vote was taken to approve with conditions that there would be a platform built to make the outdoor dining space flush to the curb and there would be accessible tables in compliance with city required percentage. iii. Hotel Salem (Joseph Keefe) 1. Joe Keefe was able to join to review the outdoor dining application for Hotel Salem. 1  2. Currently only one accessible table which is 11%y, the commission reviewed the need for at least 25%. Joe agreed to get 2 smaller accessible tables which will total 3. 3. The commission reviewed the barriers along the boarder of the outdoor dining space and the need for tapboards, or something extending the entire perimeter of the dining space. 4. It was noted that the outdoor dining space is already in use. 5. A vote was taken to approve with conditions that there would be accessible tables in compliance with city required percentage and establishment will be willing to make any changes given a decision on tap boards from the city. iv. Poyraz Grill Kitchen (Paprika Grill – Umut Bekler) 1. Representative did not attend the meeting. v. Rockafellas (Terrance Marchino) 1. Representative did not attend the meeting. b. Beep Baseball i. Darren Black reviewed that Boston Strong would love to do another exhibition game in Salem. Commission reviewed that we would absolutely like to have this event again and reviewed that Boston Strong is not available on August 3rd, September 7th or 17th. The food truck Festival is held on September 21st and 22nd. ii. September 28th with a rain date of the 29th is a potential date. Boston Strong would love to have the event on the Salem Common. iii. Next steps are to talk to SPD, DPW, lock down date, and research advertisement strategy. 1. Alan advised that he could add a scroller to the SATv channel 2. Kerry can also put a flyer out iv. List to review if Salem Common is available on Saturday the 28th and/or the 29th. 4) Old Business 5) Announcements/Questions/General discussion/ideas for future meetings 6) Next meeting: July 16, 2024. 7) Adjournment: There being no further business to come before the Commission on Disabilities this evening, David Moisan moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Kerry Neenan. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:46p.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 2