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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission on Disability Minutes 06 11 2009_201402061147568790 Nantucket Commission on Disability Minutes June 11, 2009 Present: Mickey Rowland, Dick Moran, Ellen Braginton-Smith, Jeanette Topham, David Gray, and Brenda McDonough Absent: Linda Williams Guests: Whitey Willauer The meeting opened with the members reviewing May’s minutes. Jeanette motioned to approve the minutes, which David seconded, and the remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this motion. Topics: • Steamship Authority David mentioned to Ellen that the SSA offered discounted fares to disabled travelers as mentioned in the SSA handbook. Ellen investigated these discounts and this is a summary of her conversations with the SSA personnel: 1. The disabled discount is only offered on the slow ferry and not on the fast ferry. 2. To be eligible for the discounted fare, you must have a disabled parking permit. 3. She could not access any policy in writing concerning discounted fares. 4. SSA offers a discounted commuter book for seniors on the fast ferry. Ellen will continue to gather information regarding any discounted fares. Brenda mentioned that the SSA plans to conduct a public meeting on Nantucket on June 16 and everyone is welcome to attend. Dick mentioned that one of his clients had a sight impairment and could not drive in the dark. However, his SSA reservation for his vehicle was on the nighttime ferry, which he would not be able to keep because he cannot drive at night. Dick requested that he contact Flint Ranny and see if Flint could help change the reservation to a daytime ferry, which happened and all parties were very happy. • Crosswalks Brenda mentioned that some crosswalks are difficult to cross because not all motorists stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Brenda asked the Commission members if they were aware of crosswalks that would benefit from some sort of signage alerting motorists to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalks. Also, 1 were there any areas around the island that need a new crosswalk installed? The crosswalks that were mentioned are the following: 1. A new crosswalk at the Stop&Shop 2. New crosswalk across Vesper Lane at Surfside Road. 3. Crosswalks at Landmark House, Broad Street at Federal Street, and Marine Home Center should have pedestrian signage. Brenda asked the Commission members to look around and see where the community could benefit from either new crosswalks or signage in existing crosswalks. • Great Harbor Dormitory Mickey and Brenda met with Tim Shea, Project Manager for the Great harbor Yacht club, concerning access to their dormitory. They applied to the AAB for a variance for their laundry room and realized that the common areas and one bedroom and bathroom had to be accessible also. They decided to apply for a time variance for the accessible common areas but believed that the bedroom and bathroom could be completed by August 1. They were considering placing the washer and dryer in the accessible unit, but Jeanette suggested that they should be in the common areas in the event more than one person is disabled. Dick motioned to send a letter of support to the AAB supporting the time variance for the all the common areas to be completely accessible, and include the washer and dryer unit in those common areas, which Jeanette seconded and the remaining Commission members present unanimously supported this motion. • Update and Member’s Comments Brenda updated the Commission on the following items: 1. Mickey is on the Traffic Safety Committee 2. Fair Street parking, adjacent to the new park, has been worked out with all the concerned parties. 3. Jimmy Manchester: Coffin Park, Children’s Beach, and Jetties Beach (We met with Jimmy at the office and Mickey and Brenda did a site visit of these areas.) Comments: The Commission wants to keep the opening in the fence along Harbor View Way because it provides closer access to the water. The Commission would also like the pier to be accessible. Whitey spoke about Great Harbor pier and said that it had no pilings so if you stumbled, you were not able to secure yourself. 4. Bike path warning panels installed on new bike path. 5. Nantucket Pharmacy variance granted for sidewalk slope, threshold, and stools that impede interior clear floor space 6. Mooney Building: AAB hearing scheduled for June 29, at 3:00 P.M. and Mickey will attend that meeting. 2 7. Jon St. Laurent received the 2nd accessible taxi license. He also gave up his accessible tour license. 8. Brenda will meet with Tanya on June 12 to look at an accessible unit at the White Elephant Residences. 9. Brenda called the SEAGRILLE and left a message in Robin Harvey’s mailbox about the accessible toilet room. Brenda requested a return phone call. 10. Brenda called Jeff Stetina and requested a copy of the Madaket Tennis Club’s plans. 11. Sent Robin LaPiene a letter about parking in the disabled parking spaces. Brenda will e-mail everyone a copy of that letter along with the other letters that I have on my list to send. 12. Brenda will contact Chief Pitman, Conservation Foundation, and Jimmy Manchester concerning the disabled parking patrol, and access to outside spaces. Comments: David mentioned that there are plans for a new trail at 39 Eel Point Road. This conversation led to wondering if new paths had to have an accessible surface. Brenda will look into this. • Other Concerns 1. David mentioned to look at the ramps at the airport and see if they need handrails. 2. Brenda mentioned that she would like Mickey to be the only Commission member to review any letters that the Commission sends out. If, at any time, Mickey feels that he needs someone else’s professional input, then he can definitely get that information before any letter is sent. Brenda asked if any Commission member would make a motion to that effect. Dick motioned to assign only the Chairman as the editor of my letters, which Jeanette seconded, and all the remaining, present members voted unanimously in favor of this motion. • COD Ratifying Old Business We did not need to ratify any old business at this meeting. Dick motioned to adjourn the meeting, which Jeanette seconded and all the remaining, present members voted in favor of the motion. Submitted by: Brenda McDonough, GO RED SOX!!! Facilitator 3