Provincetown
Disability Commission
Meeting called to order at 2:00PM in Judge Welsh Room at Town Hall.
Members Present: Toni Schiff, Jim Pipilas, Terry Horwitz, Greta Holman
Others Present: Keith Bergman, Mark Latour, Stephan Nofield, Warren Alexander, Val Carrano, Roger Diaz, Maxine Notaro, Sandy Turner (all Town of Provincetown), Ralph Hickey, Jim Dugan (Mass. Office of Disability)
Old Business
Commission Member – Greta was introduced as the new town appointed member to the Commission.
New Business
Ralph Hickey and Jim Dugan were introduced. They reviewed the role of the Massachusetts Office of Disability, services and support they provide, written materials that they have available. Highlights of their discussion included:
1) There is no such thing as “grandfathering” in regards to the ADA.
2) Monies received by towns regarding handicap parking are to be returned to the town Disability Commission for use regarding ADA issues.
3) ADA self-evaluation forms have not changed since the original form.
4) Towns must provide reasonable accommodation with requests by residents for access to services, such as large print tax bills, TTY access, 2 weeks on notice on special communication/access needs for public meetings.
Mr. Hickey left copies of various regulations and brochures with town representatives and would be sending additional materials. Mr. Hickey and Mr. Dugan then left the meeting with Mr. Diaz to tour Town Hall and look at its accessibility issues.
The meeting continued with everyone else present. Discussion ensued about the Architectural Access Board notices that are sent to the Town and the Commission regarding building issues by businesses. Warren explained the local Building Department is responsible for upholding state building code and there are times that this requires certain accessibility issues that are difficult or impossible for businesses to meet. The business then file a variance with the State Board for a waiver and their decision is sent back to the Town. It is the Town’s responsibility to follow through that the decision is being acted upon. Warren invited the Commission to speak with him at anytime if there were questions on these notices. It was decided that at anytime the Building Department needed to review accessibility issues with the Commission, they would be added to the next meeting agenda.
It was noted that a form that could be submitted to the Selectmen and Town Manager be created that would identify accessibility issues that needed to be addressed, such as curb cuts, brick sidewalk problems, handrails, etc. Jim offered to work with Stephan on creating a form before the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 3:45PM. Next meeting on July 10th at 4:00PM.