PUBLIC ACCESS COMMITTEE OF EASTHAM
August 4, 2009
Present: Richard Adelman, Helen Derman, Peggy Kern, David Kern, Grady Scholl, Jeanette Marcucci
Town Officials: Frank DeFelice, Building Inspector, ADA Coordinator
PACE /PLANNING BOARD EFFORT re: VISITABILITY BYLAW: Richard spoke to Sarah Raposa (Planning Board) after 6/9/09 PACE meeting. Sarah researched, but did not find any examples of Visitability Bylaws from any cities or states. Richard found an article online in the Disabilityonline newsletter (http://www.newmobility.com/articleView.cfm?id=428) that states that Austin, TX and Atlanta, GA have Visitability ordinances. Frank will speak to Sarah to encourage the Planning Board to do
further research. Richard will talk to Cathy Taylor from CORD re: her investigation into Visitability Bylaws in the USA.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: A brief explanation of Visitability was sent to Jan Moore for the Chamber newsletter that is sent electronically twice a month. Her suggestion was to print it in September when businesses are less busy.
Richard found a 2006 revised document on HP parking regulations. He will rewrite the handout for the next PACE meeting. Once PACE has a clear, concise handout, we will submit it to the Chamber for the newsletter along with pictures of the proper signage and pavement markings. (Pictures with captions have already been sent.)
TOWN PROJECTS:
Frank’s report on businesses: 1) Mac’s Seafood – Frank will check for front ramp again. 2) Lobster Shanty - HP space markings/sign are in place. Still need “van” sign. 3) Frank said that Messina’s bathrooms have been made accessible.
3) Shellfish Shed at Salt Pond – Frank asked if accessibility is required (previous building was torn down; this is a new structure). The floor is 5 feet above the ground to accommodate tidal water levels. Natural Resources Dept. uses the building to grow seed clams. Consensus of PACE is that the building will not be open to the general public therefore the Town could request a waiver. Grady will speak to Sheila and thank her for her diligence in addressing accessibility in Eastham. 4) Friendly Fisherman has no HP parking spaces. The owner said she could put one behind the building. Jeanette asked if a HP spot could be in front, facing Route 6. Richard will speak to owner again. 5) Wiley Park Bridge and paths: Richard successfully negotiated
the bridge and path beyond in his electric wheelchair. He said a sign is needed at one place where the trail branches; he took a wrong turn and got off the accessible path. Jeanette will write a letter to Natural Resources thanking them for making the bridge and path accessible to all
BEACHES/RECREATION: Grady attended the orientation for Beach Attendants on July 9th. PACE pamphlets were handed out to the 15 attendees and Grady discussed their role in dealing with the HP spaces. The beach wheelchair was not available for demo. The PACE pamphlet was E-mailed to the Rec. Dept. so more copies can be printed as needed. Prior to the PACE meeting, Mark reported to Helen that his biggest problem has been bicycles. Many more people are biking to the beaches this year and parking in the HP spaces.
PACE members continue to monitor the Town beaches throughout the summer.
Richard spoke to Peter Noble-Cass, owner of Idle Times Bike Shop and the owner of Little Capistrano re: possibility of having a beach wheelchair available for rent. Both asked for more information re: cost, etc. Richard will speak to Mark, then the bike shop owners, re: possible date(s) in October to meet and discuss the possibility of the shops’ purchasing/sharing a rental beach wheelchair.
Richard spoke to Neil Andres re: putting Mobimats into the capital budget for funding in future years.
LOWER CAPE OUTREACH COUNCIL:. Have requested that PACE speak on Visitability at their December 11th meeting. Grady agreed to be the speaker.
STATE/DISABILITY COMMITTEES MeEETING, SEPTEMBER 16th:
Juan Donlin, Dennis DC is organizing a regional meeting of disability committees on September 16th in conjunction with MOD. The meeting will be held at Dennis Senior Center. Grady will contact Juan re: doing a Power Point program on Visitability. PACE has not received any info yet as to the focus/topics for this meeting.
PACE BROCHURES: Mady, Building Department made corrections and created a large-print version of the brochure. Ed Atwood, front desk at Town Hall, will get 25 copies of the large-print brochure to the COA at Richard’s request. PACE members will refill the brochure holders around Town as needed. Jean Ann McLaughlin delivered the new Cape Cod Disability Access Directory to Town Hall. She asked for a copy of our new brochure; it has been mailed to her.
WINDMILL WEEKEND: HP parking for WW was discussed. Richard will speak to the Police Department to request the 3 temporary HP spots along the Green and signs that direct additional HP vehicles to the Town Hall HP spaces. He will also request that the PD monitor those HP spots periodically during the weekend. Helen will speak to Jane Fischer, Chair of WW to inform her re: HP parking concerns
NORAH JANE SCHOLL:. Grady’s daughter has helped PACE over the last few years, particularly in developing our Power Point presentation on Visitability and in the beach-accessible wheelchair demonstration for beach attendants. After successful back surgery this spring, Norah Jane is off to college on August 27th. Jeanette will send PACE’s Best Wishes!
These Minutes were approved electronically on August 11, 2009.
NEXT MEETING – TUESDAY, September 29, 2009 at 9:30 AM in the LARGE Meeting Room.
Respectfully Submitted,
Helen Derman, Secretary
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