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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!!!