HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission on Disability Minutes 09 03 2008_201402061145275187
Nantucket Commission on Disability
Minutes
September 3, 2008
Present: Mickey Rowland, Dick Moran, Jeanette Topham, Linda Williams, and
Brenda McDonough
Absent: David Gray and Ellen Braginton-Smith
The meeting opened with the members reviewing June’s minutes, Jeanette moved
to approve the minutes, Linda seconded the motion and the remaining
Commission members present unanimously approved.
Topics:
• Miacomet Golf Club
Jeanette mentioned that the restroom in the Miacomet golf club pro shop is
not open to the public.
• Land Bank Park on Fair and Main Streets
Mickey expressed his concern regarding the inaccessible Main Street entrance
for the Land Bank’s proposed, new park on the corners of Main and Fair
Streets. Linda reminded the Commission that there is a significant change in
grade throughout the park and that was the reason for the inaccessible
entrance on Main Street. Linda also stated that there is a sloped walkway
around the park and that the park’s Main Street entrance is level with this
sloped walkway. Linda also stated that the main entrance to this park is on
Fair Street, which is wheelchair accessible.
Dick suggested that we request signage at the Main Street entrance directing
the disabled public to use the Fair Street entrance. It was also suggested to
have no parking from the Fair Street entrance to the corner of Main Street.
Brenda was asked to contact the Traffic Safety to request this no parking zone,
and also request to paint a yellow line to delineate that no parking zone.
• Election
The election of officers was postponed until our next meeting because two
Commission members were not present.
• Robert’s Rules
The Commission discussed the formalities of running a meeting and discussed
Robert’s Rules of order. Brenda will get some information so everyone is
familiar with this set of rules.
• COD Business Discussed Via the Telephone
Massachusetts Open Meeting Law states “Discussion by telephone among
members of a governmental body on an issue of public business within the
jurisdiction of the body is a violation of the Law.” Since our Commission only
meets six times-a-year, we do conduct business, especially permit approvals,
over the phone. The discussion led to how can we be effective as a
Commission and avoid any delays issuing permits and avoid delays in other
Commission business and adhere to the law. So the consensus of the members
was to conduct our business as usual via the telephone but anything that was
discussed must be ratified at our next meeting. Brenda will list all permit
approvals and all other matters of discussion from one meeting to the next. At
the next meeting, the members can ratify what has been done since the last
meeting. Linda motioned to adopt this as our new policy, Jeanette seconded it,
and the remaining members present unanimously approved the motion.
Linda then motioned to ratify all past permits, Dick seconded it, and the
remaining Commission members present unanimously voted for the motion.
• Recusing Oneself if There is a Conflict of Interest
Mickey reminded the Commission members that they must recuse themselves
from any COD responsibility, if not doing so causes any kind of a conflict of
interest. For example, if you are a paid consultant of any project that the COD
has any input or if you are a relative of someone that the COD is discussing,
then you must recuse yourself of your COD responsibilities.
• Parking Patrol
Brenda addressed the Commission regarding a conversation that she had with
Jeanette concerning illegal parking in private parking lots’ accessible parking
spaces. Brenda will contact Chief Pitman to discuss the reactivation of the
parking patrol. Also, we discussed the possibility of leaving just a notice on
vehicles that are illegally parked. Linda wanted Brenda to see if Michael
McHone’s notice was still in our files. If so, bring it to the next meeting.
Mickey asked the Commission members to review the notice that Brenda
handed out and make any changes that they felt appropriate and we will
discuss it at the next meeting.
• Other
Brenda will send letters to the following:
1. It was mentioned that a Nantucket woman drives around with her
mother’s Nantucket, disabled parking permit hanging on the rear view
mirror and keeps it on the mirror when she parks her vehicle. Brenda
will send her a letter and highlight the rules as to who is allowed to use
this permit. Jeanette mentioned that we could put an article in the
paper stating the rules governing the use of disabled parking permits.
2. Jeanette observed that the Fairgrounds has three accessible parking
spaces and one sign.
3. Galley Restaurant needs accessible signage at their accessible parking
space.
4. Airport accommodation sign at airport’s parking area. The ramp to
Cape Air’s temporary terminal does not meet code.
5. Jared Coffin House needs accessible signage at their front entrance
directing the disabled public to their accessible entrance in the rear of
the building.
6. Linda alerted us to the fact the Pacific Club is planning a renovation.
Also, the Town plans to reconstruct the Mooney Building’s porch and
they need to provide access.
Linda motioned to adjourn the meeting, which Jeanette seconded and all voted in
favor of the motion.
Submitted by:
Brenda McDonough,
Facilitator
GO PATRIOTS!!!