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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-12-8Nantucket Commission on Disability Minutes Open Session Tuesday December 8, 2015 Murray Room at the Founder's Building Present: Mickey Rowland, Jeanette Topham, Karenlynn Williams (arrived at 3:46), Penny Snow, and Brenda McDonough Absent: Maribeth Maloney and Georgia Snell, Guests: John Hayford with Emeritus Development Call to Order: 3:35 p.m. Agenda: Mr. Rowland stated, by unanimous consent we are adopting the agenda. Note: The open session minutes were approved later in our open session meeting. Minutes: 3:55 p.m. Ms. Topham motioned to approve November 10, 2015 open session minutes, which Mr. Rowland seconded, and all the remaining, present Commission members voted in favor of this motion. Open Session: 3:35 p.m. New Business: Topics: Variance Application for 23 Federal Street: John Hayford with Emeritus Development presented an AAB variance application for 23 Federal Street. The owner is planning a major renovation for a fitness studio on the basement level, boutique space on the first level, and a private apartment on the next two levels. The cost of the renovation will exceed 30% of the assessed value of the building, therefore the basement level and the first level are required to be completely accessible because those levels are open to the general public. The front entrance to the first level is 55 inches above grade and the front entrance to the basement level is 51 inches below grade. Both of these entrances would be very difficult to ramp to make them accessible, therefore the owner is applying for a variance for these inaccessible entrances, and will provide access to the basement level and first level via an enclosed lift in the rear of the building on the corner of Chestnut Street. The Commission agreed that it would be extremely difficult to provide access to the front entrances of this building. The following are the concerns the Commission had regarding access and safe passage to the lift: 3:46 p.m. Karenlynne Williams arrived: 1. Provide signage at the front entrance stating the location of the accessible entrance. 2. Place signage at the accessible entrance identifying it as the accessible entrance. 3. Install a buzzer next to the accessible entrance. 4. The door to the lift should be unlocked. 5. Is there a clear floor space outside the accessible lift? 6. Is there an accessible path from the main, front entrance to the accessible entrance? 7. Is the sidewalk on Chestnut Street 48 inches? 8. Are there closures on the lift's doors? 9. Relocate the curb on Chestnut Street so that you can have an accessible path to the accessible entrance. 10. Provide lighting at the front entrance, along Chestnut Street side of the building, and at the accessible entrance. 11. The interior steps, railings, and door hardware must comply with the 521 CMR. Ms. Williams wondered if there is an exit plan in the event of an emergency. And Mr. Rowland wondered if the project required an area of rescue assistance. Mr. Hayford replied that the front entrance would be used as an emergency exit in the event that one cannot access the accessible entrance, and that they are not required by the 521 CMR to provide an area of rescue assistance. Mr. Hayward stated that he will redesign the plans to incorporate all the features listed above and will submit the new plans to Mr. Rowland's office in the next few days. Mr. Rowland will review the final plans for 23 Federal Street and if all our concerns are met, then we will send a letter of support to the AAB. 4:04 p.m. Mr. Hayward left our meeting. * Topics Not Anticipated 48 Hours in Advance of Meeting: Old Business: 4:10 p.m. Parking Permits for Applicants with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Neurodevelopmental disorders are associated with widely varying degrees of difficulty which may have significant mental, emotional, physical, consequences for individuals, and in turn their families. There has been much discussion on the past about issuing permits to families who have someone with Autism. Instead of limiting the diagnosis strictly to Autism, Ms. McDonough thought that if we included all neurodevelopmental disorders and then the Commission can issue permits on a case -by -case basis. There was much discussion on this topic with members wondering how we control who receives a permit and who does not. Mr. Rowland wondered should we look at each applicant and just go case -by -case. He also mentioned that if we issue permits to applicants who can ambulate well but has a neurodevelopmental disorder, that we are actually taking an accessible parking space from someone who has ambulatory concerns and unable to walk long distances. If we are going to broaden our parameters, then safety of the applicant should be a factor. Ms. Williams said that we should evaluate the applicant on their behavior and not just on the diagnostic evaluation. Ms. Snow motioned to further discuss this topic at our next meeting, which Mr. Rowland seconded and all the remaining Commission members voted in favor of this motion. Other Business: Ms. Williams mentioned that there are crosswalks where the paint is worn and needs to be repainted for pedestrians' safety. The Commission wondered who is responsible for the crosswalks and that we should review all the crosswalks. Ms. McDonough will contact Mike Burns and see if there is a list identifying the location of all the crosswalks. One of the Commission members mentioned that the lighting in the SSA's parking lot where the fast ferry docks is extremely poor and it is a very dark area. The Commissioners were questioning if anyone in particular was responsible for handling complaints regarding downtown lighting. Adjournment: 4:34 p.m. Ms. Topham motioned to adjourn Open Session, and enter into Executive Session, and not return to Open Session, which Ms. Williams seconded, and Ms. Topham, Mr. Rowland, Ms. Williams, and Ms. Snow voted in favor of this motion. Submitted by: Brenda McDonough, Facilitator b p4• �P Cape Cod Collaborative �, Board of Directors 418 Bumps River Road ' ;" i 508.420.11950 Osterville, MA 02655 C_ 1 1 Fax 508.420.1959 Cape Cod Collaborative Board of Directors Finance Subcommittee Meeting Agenda 418 Bumps River Road, Osterville, MA 02655 April 27, 2016 at 6:00 PM I. Collaborative Policies / Handbook Review a. "Sick Bank" — accounting, use, oversight process b. "Military leave" — determination of process for approval and remuneration c. Mandatory Sick Time Accrual d. Health Insurance — Review of current Collaborative policies to prepare for further discussion U. Adjournment The matters listed above are those reasonably anticipated that may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Page 1 of 1 www.capecodcollaborative.org