1/12/2006 ADA COMMISSION Minutes

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r i Minutes of the Meeting of the Mashpee Americans.s with Disabilities Act Committee, January 12, Zoo } The Mashpee Americans with Disabilities Act Committee met Thursday, January 12, 2006 at Mashpee Town Hall Meeting Room 42. Members in attendance: William Dundon co-chair Beverly Wooldridge co-chair) Marilyn Farren .r Charles Maintanis Patricia Parols i Robert Wooldridge w The minutes of the December 85, 2005 meeting were reviewed and approved. The members noted for the record that the automatic door on the front entrance to Town Hall is now operational. Thanks to the Torn manager and Catherine Laurent, DPW for all their help. The lame cement"ashtray"has been positioned directly beneath the exterior button and could block some people from reaching the button from a wheelchair. It shouldn't be difficult for Buildings & Grounds staff to move the fixture. The members were 'Informed o the articles about the ADA Cottee letter of k appreciation to Kathleen Moore that appeared in the Mashe me se. Two items proposed for resubmission to the hoard of Selectmen for the May 1, 2006 Town Meeting warrant were reviewed and approved. one item pertains to accepting M.G.I . chapter 40.. Section 8J which will authorize the town to establish a Disabilities Commission. The other addresses the need for proper street signs on private ways. The committee briefly discussed a new initiative aimed at increasing the awareness among town officials and developers of the need for a significant amount of accessible housing,particularly, in Chapter 40B projects. Presently, available statistics show that more than 33%of seniors in Ma hpee have some form of disability. Now that the"baby boomers"are reaching retirement age the numbers will increase significantly in the next years. The Mashpee Commons project that is just entering the permitting stage presents a good opportunity to highlight this issue. Committee members will stay in contaet with the Zoning Board of Appeals,the 1' ax�niand an any other board or agency that may be able to influence this effort. Additionally, we ,1 meet with the :} } CORD Director to benefit from their experience in this area. This is going to be a topic } :r f continuing high interest. Y Joyce Mason, Town Manager,visited with the committee providing us with the r opportunity to brief her on our current initiatives. x