Meeting Minutes

Members Present: Toni Schiff, Terry Horwitz, Doug Johnstone, Ken Russo, Jo-Ann DiOrio, Susan Miriam

Members Absent: Michelle DeMarco

Others Present: None

Minutes of the February 8, 2006 Disability Commission meeting were read and approved.

Old Business:

Susan Miriam was appointed by the Town Manager on February 14, 2006 and welcomed to the Commission.

Toni contacted Larry Haile from Partners for Youth With Disabilities, who spoke to the Commission in January, to check in with him. Larry thanked the Commission for help and suggestions.

Doug updated Commission with information obtained from ADA regarding request from the Cultural Council about proposed sculpture in the small Town-owned park at the intersection of Alden and Bradford streets and possible ADA requirements. Doug said that an ADA representative said that the sculpture would need to be accessible, and also mentioned that the bench currently positioned there is also in violation of ADA requirements. Doug suggested adding bench to survey that Michelle is conducting on Town-owned property and addressing the issue with the Town upon completion of the survey.

Existing Wheelchair Accessible Brochure was distributed and discussed. Needs to be updated. Doug hopeful that a Senior volunteer in the Town Clerk’s office will be able to take this project on and he will report back to the Commission at the next meeting. Susan suggested including a map of handicapped parking locations, and mention of significant tourist attractions specifically not handicapped accessible (like the Pilgrim Monument). Members took booklets with them to review and to bring back further ideas and suggested revisions at the next meeting.

Ken wrote letter to Banner acknowledging PAAM accessibility.

Toni contacted Catherine Russo regarding Lifeline issue and Catherine suggested utilizing PTV for promotional purposes. It was not clear if this meant an actual program on disability issues, or more of a bulletin board type notice/announcement, or both.

New Business:

Doug discussed upcoming Town Meeting articles and distributed the Annual and Special Town Meeting warrants for review and discussion. Annual Town Meeting Article 35: Resolution – Cape Care Universal Health Care Proposal discussed. Terry moved to recommend article 35, seconded by Doug. Voted 6-0-0 to recommend. Doug to notify Town Manager’s office of vote.

Jo-Ann is moving and updated members with new contact information. Doug to update roster and e-mail to members and bring hard copies to next meeting.

Susan mentioned TTY system and suggested adding information into the Wheelchair accessibility brochure. TTY accessibility in Town needs further investigation.

Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 10:00 am.

Motion to adjourn by Terry, seconded by Doug.

Meeting adjourned at 10:45 am.

Respectfully submitted by Terry Horwitz & Doug Johnstone