1/12/2006 ADA COMMISSION Minutes

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I' The committee thanked her for her support in acquiring the automatic door for'down Mall and for her support for introducing the Communications Access Realtime t `translation CART service at the October Town Meeting. She said CARS`was a resounding success and lochs forward to being able to continue to provide it in the future. She was briefed on our intent to resubmit two items for the Town Meeting warrant. The rationale for accepting M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8J was explained to her with emphasis on the provision allowing the Disabilities Commission to receive property and funds for ADA purposes. If we could acquire some funds we could fand some of the small projects, such as automatic doors, CARS`, etc.,which currently must come out o the budget. Joyce indicated she would support this item but wanted to check again with t 'town Counsel Joyce also said she would do what she could to inform the selectmen of the need to take this step. The item on street signs on private ways may face more hurdles. She recognizes the importance of taping steps to ensure the disabled are not missing out on the timely delivery of services because of inadequate street signs. There may be better ways to approach this issue than this bylaw amendment. She stated she would bring the issue to the attention of other officials and seek recommendations for a reasonable solution. In the meantime she suggested ut in the proposed item forward to get the proper people co # ant of problem and the need for solution. 9 rt w Regarding setting new fines for handicapped parking violations, she advised us to send a letter to the selectmen once the state Adjutant General approves the results of town w Meeting, requesting they establish new fmcs The committee made her aware of our interest in insuring a requirement for accessible r housing is included in the review and permitting process for new housing projects, particularly,, Cha ter 0 projects. She recommended we maintain close contact with the Zoning Board on this effort. Putting it in writing will be the most effective approach.. Sheled ed to keepthis issue alive in discussions with other officials. p g Another means for increasing awareness of access issues is through the new I lannmg and Constructionuilding Committee. She Will talk to the Selectmen about appointing an ADA Committee member to this committee. Finally, we provided her feedback from some seniors indicating the distance from parking lots to the high school entrance and the limited amount of handicapped parking is discwging many from attending Town Meeting, We reed to keep close contact with the Selectmen's Office to keep these issues moving orwar . Charlie reported he has been trying unsuccessfully to meet with Mr. Brown, Mashpe High School Principal,to discuss the entry doors and check out the handicapped seating