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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes September 3 2009 Nantucket Commission on Disability Minutes September 3, 2009 Present: Mickey Rowland, Dick Moran, Ellen Braginton-Smith, Jeanette Topham, David Gray, Whitey Willauer, Nancy Rezendes, and Brenda McDonough Absent: All Present Guests: The meeting opened with the members reviewing June’s minutes. Jeanette motioned to approve the minutes, which Dick seconded, and the remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this motion. Whitey and Nancy abstained from voting since this they did not attend June’s meeting. Topics: ? Steamship Authority Mickey updated the Commission on the SSA’s efforts to comply with the Massachusetts’s accessibility code. He mentioned the following: 1.The SSA will provide 2 new accessible ramps to the ferries on the north slip 2.Raise both transfer bridges on the north and south slips so that the slope will be less than the present slope 3.The SSA will apply for a variance for the ramp on the south slip, which accesses the upper deck on the fast ferry 4.The SSA will apply for a variance for all the ramps and transfer bridges during certain tidal conditions The Commission discussed the following: 1.Does everybody have to use the ramp or can disabled passengers still use the transfer bridge? 2. Mickey mentioned that he spoke with Tom Hopkins and mentioned that the SSA does not need to spend all this money on access because most disabled passengers will use the transfer bridge. Tom replied that it is great to have the transfer bridge as an accommodation, but the disabled passengers should be able to access the ferries along with the general public. 3.Mickey mentioned that the AAB feels really accomplished that the SSA is going to redesign all their ramps and transfer bridges, and they are happy that this is happening. 4.Whitey asked if we would support the variance? Mickey was wondering if we should support full compliance? 1 5.Brenda recommended visiting the SSA and seeing what the actual conditions are. 6.Jeanette wondered how Martha’s Vineyard and Hyannis feels about the renovation, and Mickey told the Commission that we have not contacted them. If the Commission doesn’t believe that all the access renovations on Nantucket are necessary, then what accommodations are we looking for in lieu of providing the accessible ramps? 1.Provide golf cart service to ambulatory, disabled passengers from waiting area to the top of the transfer bridge or elevator. 2.Disabled policy and stand-by policy on their web site and all printed materials. 3.Nancy suggested to have recorded information for the site impaired. 4.Automatic electric doors at the terminal. 5.David suggested installing a painted walkway to the elevator. 6.Jeanette wondered if we surveyed people to see who would actually use the new ramp. She also mentioned that the SSA is very accommodating to Jack and her whenever they travel with the SSA. 7.Nancy requested that some sort of brightly colored tape to delineate the stairs would be beneficial to the sight-impaired passengers. Whitey left the meeting at 4:50 because of a prior commitment. ? Disabled Parking Permits David discussed a possible change in issuing parking permits to residents less than sixty-five years old. He stated that younger permit holders have the possibility of getting better through surgery, therapy, and maybe lifestyle change. The Commission discussed that we issue residents under the age of sixty-five temporary permits for either one, two, or three years. Then the resident will have to reapply for a new permit after their permit expires. For the current permit holders, Brenda will send them a letter at the time of their renewal stating our new policy and that they must reapply for a new permit. Jeanette motioned to adopt this new policy, which Ellen seconded, and the remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this motion. ? Update and Members’ Comments 1.Fair Street Parking 2.AAB Business (Great Harbor Yacht Club, Mooney Building) Comment: Call Tim Shea at Great Harbor concerning access plans. 3.Accessible Gates for Conservation Foundation 4.Accessible Surface for Trails, Paths, and so on. David wants some information on what is considered accessible surfaces. 5.Notice to Permit Holders stating family members cannot use the permit. 6.Commission Members’ e-mail address should be kept confidential among Commissionmembers 2 7.Crosswalks already installed at Marine Home Center, Landmark House, Stop&Shop, and Washington/Commercial Streets. Do we want pedestrian signage in any of these crosswalks? Comment: David was wondering if crosswalks could be painted a contrasting color so that they were more easily identified. It was suggested that a crosswalks might be needed at the Stop&Shop crossing Sparks Avenue, the Nantucket Bank crossing Pleasant Street, and also at the Downy Flake. 8.Jimmy Manchester will meet with Tom Hopkins concerning access in Coffin Park 9.Robin Harvey called Brenda and said that the accessible bathroom is not full of liquor and the door is not locked. Robin stated that the accessible toilet room has always been available for use. 10.Mickey reviewed Madaket Tennis Club’s plans. 11.Cliffside Beach Club has a new ramp to the new bar area. They also installed signage for disabled parking, but no signage at the front entrance. ? Election of Officers Dick motioned for Mickey as Chairman, which Ellen seconded, and the remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this motion. Mickey motioned for Dick as Vice Chairman, which David seconded, and the remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this motion. David motioned for Ellen as Secretary, which Jeanette seconded, and the remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this motion. ? Other Concerns 1.David would like the Commission to review the HIPPA laws. 2.Grand Union does not have a battery operated shopping vehicle. ? COD Ratifying Old Business Dick motioned to ratify any business that we discussed over the phone since the last meeting, which David seconded, and the remaining Commission members present unanimously approved this motion. Jeanette motioned to adjourn the meeting, which Ellen seconded and all the remaining, present members voted in favor of the motion. Submitted by: Brenda McDonough, Facilitator GO PATRIOTS!!! 3