7/13/2006 ADA COMMISSION Minutes

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i } have control over all projects dealing with the construction or renovation of town buildings. The committee is still working on consolidating all maintenance under one office. Trish reported on discussions with Terrie regarding the ADA Committee relations with the Selectmen and Town Manager. Talks focused on the issue of requiring standard street signs on private ways and incorporating consideration of handicapped parking iii the permitting of special events. Terrie will research the bylaws indicating the Selectmen may mandate actions if they are determined to be in the public interest and discuss the Problem with the board members. Requiring additional parking for special events may be more of a problem since most of them are held on private property, L e.,Mashpee Commons. Commons officials usually consider they have more than the required number of handicapped spaces. However,handicapped spaces across from the Gap,by the bank and behind Color Me Mine are not really appropriate for an events being held at the opposite encs of the Commons or in the open space across from the library. "Suggesting"handicapped parking be considered by applicants for permits is one solution.. It was also suggested we prepare a statement or flyer accompanying the application form stating what we would like to see in the way of parking, seating and access. Trish will work with Terrie to develop a statement addressing handicapped parking, access and seating that we would like to see included in the application for events that are open to the public. Mashpee Night at the Pops usually presents the greatest parking problems. Terrie indicated the police may establish an area where handicapped individuals could be dropped off. But consideration of pickup after the event appears to be lading. Mert then reported Chief Collins has said he will ensure parking for the handicapped during special events even after all marked spaces are filled. We had an extremely productive discussion with Ted Nad of y,Executive Director of the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce. This was primarily intended to be a get acquainted meeting and an opportunity to inform Ted of some of our interests and seek the cooperation of the chamber in improving access.Ted has disabled family members so is very sensitive to the challenges and obstacles the disabled must deal with daily. We mentioned h ndicappcd parking and parking signs as one of our current concerns. we agreed most problems are the result of lank of awareness on the part of businesses, etc.,and an education campaign will go a long way toward increasing awareness and sensitivity. The Chamber publishes a monthly newsletter and Ted writes a column in the Enterprise each month which could be used to heighten awareness of accessibility problems and possible solutions. Additionally,the Chamber has many connections and considerable influence which could be brought to bear to address access issues. Ted welcomes continuing dialogue with the committee regarding access issues and will fallow through on our suggestions to have at least one large print menu available in restaurants and encourage proper marking of handicapped parking,etc. The Chamber is currently remodeling the Welcome Center at Heritage Park and it is Ted's intent to" o it right"by making it properly accessible from the parking lot to the interior. He hopes to be able to point to the center as a"model"for accessibility and give visitors the sense that Mashpee is an accessible community. we also discussed the possibility of developing a brochure for the Chamber of Commerce identifying the accessible features of Mashpee businesses. Mert reported TRIAD continues to cheek compliance with the requirement for house numbers, pproinnately 0 of the structures have been checked for compliance.Fires may be assessed for noncompliance. The TRIAD effort may also assist in identifying residents who may require assistance in the event of an emergency.