HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-6-10Nantucket Commission on Disability
Minutes RECEI`,'ED;
Open Session tu'19 JUL l Pn �5
Tuesday June 10, 2014 yy C Murray Room at the Founder's Building
Present: Mickey Rowland, Jeanette Topham, Georgia Snell, Phil Hubbard, Alex Rosenberg,
Penny Snow, and Brenda McDonough
Absent: All Present
Guests:
Call to Order: 3:35 p.m.
Agenda: Mr. Rowland stated, by unanimous consent we are adopting the agenda.
Note: Ms. Rosenberg was absent for May's meeting, therefore she will not be able to
approve May's minutes.
Minutes: The Commission did not review May's minutes.
Topics: 3:45 p.m.
Rescinding Parking Permits:
Ms. McDonough wondered if the Commission wanted to adopt a policy for
rescinding parking permits that we know for sure are no longer needed by the
permit holder. Mr. Rowland mentioned that this is a rare event and if this
situation should come up in the future, then the Commission can decide to send
a letter requesting the permit holder to return the permit.
3:49 p.m. Ms. Rosenberg left the meeting
Mr. Hubbard wondered if we were referring to temporary or permanent
permits, and Mr. Rowland explained the difference of temporary permits and
permanent permits, and age requirements for a permanent permits.
3:53p.m. Ms. Rosenberg returned to the meeting.
Update: 3:53 p.m.
Accessible Taxi Inspections:
Ms. McDonough inspected all four accessible taxis. The following is a
summary of the inspection:
• Insure that the drivers are knowledgeable in operating the lift or ramp
Other Business:
• Inspected the securing devices
• Distributed Disability Etiquette Handbook to all operators and
requested that all the drivers review the handbook
• Inspected the accessible signage on the vehicles
• All the taxi owners must advertise in the telephone books that they
have accessible taxis
• Reviewed the accessible taxi regulations with the operators and
emphasized that the accessible vehicles must be registered all year
long, have a driver available to provide taxi service seven- days -a-
week, and eighteen- hours - per -day
Bartlett Road:
Ms. McDonough sent an e-mail to Kara Buzanoski at the DPW wondering the
process for getting additional lighting on Bartlett Road.
• Ms. Snow mentioned that the stretch of Union street from Main to Salem Streets is
treacherous
• Ms. Topham mentioned that she notified the DPW about sand on Main Street and
they took care of that problem
• Ms. Rosenberg inquired about getting a motorized wheelchair repaired for one of
her clients. Ms. McDonough will contact the OIH and see if they know of anyone
who does repairs.
• Mr. Rowland mentioned that there should be no cell phone use whatsoever at our
meetings.
• St. Paul's Church Variance Request: Mr. Rowland presented the variance
request along with the site plans to the Commission. He explained that the
renovation required an accessible path to the accessible entrance. St. Paul's
presented two options: a curved pathway from the sidewalk to the accessible
entrance, and an "L" shaped ramp located along the brick wall and church
building. They are applying for a variance because they do not want to provide
handrails. St. Paul's preferred option is the curved pathway, but both options are
considered ramps because of the steepness of the slope.
Mr. Rowland stated that John Stover, the project engineer, came by his office to
explain the reasoning for the variance request. During the discussion, the option of
providing handrails on one side of the "L" shaped ramp was considered. Mr.
Rowland presented this option to the Commission and all the Commissioners
agreed that code - compliant handrails on both sides of either ramp option were
necessary. The Commissioners noted that the renovation included elevator access
to both levels of the church and could not understand why they would not want to
provide a safe and accessible route to get to the new accessible entrance and
accessible church. Mr. Rowland concluded that they could install their preferred
curved pathway and a code - compliant accessible "L" shaped ramp to the
accessible entrance.
Ms. Topham motioned to not support St. Paul's variance request, which Ms. Snell
seconded, and all the remaining, present Commission members unanimously voted
in favor of this motion.
4:30 p.m. Ms. Snow left the meeting.
Executive Session: 4:30
Ms. Topham motioned to go into Executive Session to discuss the parking permit
applications, and not to return to the Open Meeting once the Executive Session is adjourned,
which Ms. Snell seconded, and Mr. Rowland, Ms. Topham, Ms. Snell, Ms. Rosenberg, and
Mr. Hubbard voted in favor of this motion.
Submitted by:
Brenda McDonough, Facilitator