HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission on Disability Minutes 02 08 2010_201402061152216307Nantucket Commission on Disability
Minutes
February 8, 2010
Present: Mickey Rowland, Dick Moran, Ellen Braginton-Smith, Whitey Willauer,
Nancy Rezendes, and Brenda McDonough
Absent: David Gray, Jeanette Topham
The meeting opened with the members reviewing November’s minutes.
Ellen motioned to approve the minutes, which Dick seconded, and the
remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this
motion.
Topics:
• 16 Federal Street Variance
Mickey informed the Commission members of 16 Federal Street’s variance
application regarding access to the second level of the building. This is a two-
story building whose former tenant utilized the first level for retail, and the
second level was not open to the public. A new tenant plans to rent the space
and use the second level for retail. This is a change-of-use for the second
level; therefore the owner must provide access to the second level.
The following is a summary of Ms. Dunn’s reasoning why compliance is
impracticable:
1. First level of the building is completely accessible
2. Video depiction of the upstairs retail space can be available by laptop
computer downstairs
3. Paper catalogs or photos available of merchandise upstairs
4. These conditions will be part of the lease with any tenant
5. Move windows, relocate sprinkler equipment in the walls, relocate
major light switches on the wall to accommodate installing a lift
6. Cost for lift and installation is estimated to be $72,500
7. Building will have to close for four weeks
The Commission members had the following comments:
Nancy was wondering if a chair on rails could be in stalled to access the
second level. Mickey said that people using wheelchairs were not able to
use such a device.
Dick reminded the Commission that we should be consistent in supporting
access.
Mickey mentioned that after having time to think about the building and
providing access to the second level, he is now convinced that access to
the second level should be our Commission’s focus. We represent our
disabled and elderly neighbors, and if we support this variance, then when,
if ever, will the second level be accessible.
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Whitey noted that the first level can still be used for retail, so it is not as if
the building cannot be rented as is.
Dick motioned not to support this variance request, which Ellen seconded,
and all the remaining Commission members present voted unanimously in
favor of this motion.
Disabled Parking Patrol:
• Mickey explained a little about our former Parking Patrol. He outlined the
process of writing a ticket, having it to the police by 4:00 in the afternoon,
the police would write a ticket and send it to the offender. This patrol was
active during Chief Norris’s time. However, Mickey believed that Chief
Pittman was a by the book kind of chief. Mickey suggested that Brenda
would schedule a meeting with Chief Pittman and Mickey, Brenda and the
chief could discuss patrolling parking lots for parking violators.
Whitey suggested that we ask Chief Pittman if the police have the
authority to ticket in private parking lots. Then depending on his answer,
ask Chief Pittman if he has a solution as to how violators can be ticketed.
Someone mentioned that they witness a member of the Barnstable COD
patrolling a private lot looking for vehicles parked illegally in disabled
parking lots. Brenda said that she would contact Barnstable COD and get
any information that she can.
• Dick motioned to ratify the parking permits that were issued since our last
meeting, which Ellen seconded, and all the remaining present Commission
members voted unanimously in favor of this motion.
• Dick motioned to adjourn the meeting, which Ellen seconded, and all the
remaining Commission members voted unanimously in favor of this
motion.
Submitted by:
Brenda McDonough,
Facilitator
GO CELTICS!!
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