MASHPEE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
MASHPEE TOWN HALL, CONFERENCE ROOM 2
Present: Robert Wooldridge, Beverly Wooldridge, Charles Maintanis, Mert Sapers, Kathleen Moore, Patricia Parolski, Michele Brady (arrived at 2:51 p.m.), and Marilyn Farren.
Selectman Carol Sherman was not able to attend. Catherine Laurent and Heidi McLaughlin were in attendance for the Mobi-mat discussion. Catherine also stayed to discuss a few other agenda items (Status of Boat Ramps Upgrades, etc).
Called to Order
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Wooldridge at 2:07 p.m.
Review and Approve Minutes of July 12, 2012
Patricia Parolski moved to accept the minutes of July 12, 2012. Mert Sapers seconded the motion. Five members in favor. Patricia Parolski abstained; Kathleen Moore abstained. Marilyn F. commented that Kathleen Moore intends to put the minutes on the Town’s A.D.A. Web Page once they are approved.
Comments on Use of Mobi-mat and Beach Wheelchair, including Lessons Learned, by Recreation Dept. and D.P.W.
Heidi McLaughlin, Program Director of the Recreation Department, indicated that the Mobi-mat kept getting dug out from underneath and they had to refill it with sand. Also, the edges of the Mobi-mat kept curling up. Catherine Laurent said that she understands the eroding but she was not sure about the curling up of the mat. She suggested getting more pins to tie it down. Heidi indicated that the mat got quite a bit of use and the wheelchair was a big hit; however, it was tough for people with a handicapped person to get them into the water and get them out without the assistance of lifeguards. Bob W. said that it was difficult to turn and maneuver the wheelchair on the sand. Heidi indicated that she would ask at the beach manager’s meeting scheduled for the end of the month to see if
they had suggestions. Bob W. commented that the Committee would want to see how they can keep the mat flat for next year. Catherine Laurent indicated that the mat did not interfere with the raking of the beach. Bob W. said that putting the accessible ramps was a great idea. Bob gave thanks to the lifeguards and the D.P.W. for all of their support and assistance.
Status of Boat Ramp Upgrades
Catherine L. asked that she be given an overview of the topic. Bob W. advised her that the Harbormaster, Steve Mone, and Police Chief Collins spoke with him approximately three months ago about the boat ramps and parking areas needing upgrades and the fact that some were unsafe. Steve spoke with an architect about plans for a handicapped accessible way. He had designs for all five boat ramps – nothing on the parking lots. A big question was the funding and Bob suggested that he check with the C.P.C. Given the budget and the economy, Joyce felt it was not the time to do this. Kathleen Moore commented that they do need to plan for this. Catherine indicated that the D.P.W. will be doing safety repairs over the winter and they will make improvements so that they will be safe to use. She said
that there has also been some erosion which they will address. Catherine commented that the parking lot is a big ticket item which will have to go into the capital improvement program. Bob commented that he had sent an e-mail to Steve Mone and has not heard back. It was asked if the C.P.C. funding would include handicapped upgrades? Kathleen Moore indicated that it does not include waterways.
Status of K.C. Coombs School Changes
Noting that the student pick-up area has been moved at the K.C. Coombs School as well as the handicapped space, Charlie Maintanis asked Catherine about moving the handicapped sign over near the space. He said that it needs to be a distance from the fire hydrant which has to be marked off and that he would speak with Joel Clifford, Fire Inspector.
Discuss Possible Solution for Placement of a Drive-Up Mail Drop
In follow-up to the Committee’s discussion about the stand alone mail boxes being accessible to the driver’s side of a vehicle, Bob W. indicated that he was thinking of Joy Street (since it is a one-way street). He also suggested that one be placed on the island near the Senior Center. Bob indicated that the Committee would work with the Post
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Office on any site improvements. Mert Sapers commented that he likes the idea of making the entrance to the post office one way. Trish Parolski said that she felt that the Senior Center was the best location. Mert Sapers
commented that he felt the same. Bob W. said that safety would be maximized since there is little pedestrian traffic in that location. He said that he is still waiting for something definitive from the post master and would want to get the Board of Selectmen’s okay and support for the need. Bob has plans to meet again with the postmaster on Friday, September 14, or Monday, September 17.
Area of Refuge at the School
Bob W. indicated that Michele Brady sent him an e-mail stating that the Principals and their staff were aware where the gathering points were for the area of refuge. Charlie M. commented that he does not know if they know (referring to the Fire Department) and that he would check with Joel Clifford, the Fire Inspector to ask if he has been notified of the locations. He said that they need to inspect those areas for alarms and for the communication system. Bob W. indicated that they need to have an identifiable spot. Trish Parolski commented that there is an evacuation plan which would be outside.
Michele Brady arrived at the meeting after the above discussion. She mentioned that she spoke with the principals about gathering spots for disabled as opposed to the regular spot. Charlie indicated that the Building and Fire Departments have not been asked to inspect and according to Joel Clifford, the Fire Inspector, a place has not been established and it is a concern of the Fire Inspectors. Charlie said that the area should be designated by Building and with the Fire Department’s support to designate an area of refuge. This is in accordance with the requirements of Title II of the A.D.A. regulations. There is a periodical inspection every year, but this is not something typically checked.
Bob W. asked if the doors were working. Michele commented that as far as she knows, they are working. There is a structural issue at Quashnet. Both doors do not open at the same time. The whole entrance would need to be rebuilt. Charlie M. mentioned that the there were reasons why vestibules do not open at the same time due to the energy code requirements. Mert has a relative who provides accessible doors and Mert indicated that he would ask about options.
Town Meeting
Kathleen Moore indicated that the warrant will be in the newspaper tomorrow and it is on the Town web site. Sherry Bergeron will help out with the recording of the warrant, and it will take two days. It is scheduled for September 24. Stefanie of C.A.R.T. is reserved and the large print warrant and designated parking is also being planned. (NOTE: Stefanie subsequently cancelled due to a family emergency).
Discuss Progress Toward Developing An Accessibility Brochure for Mashpee Similar to One Produced in Eastham (PACE)
Bob W. mentioned that Carol Sherman has been working with Marylou Palumbo on initial research for an access brochure. They were going to check out different businesses and then list them in a brochure and give them a sticker to put in their window to show A.D.A. compliance.
Discuss Need for Closer Coordination with Human Services Department/Committee
Bob W. indicated that he has not had any response from the Human Services Coordinator. He asked how he might make a connection with this department. It was discussed that he contact the Chairman of the Human Services Committee – the name of which is on the department’s web page. He said that the Human Services Committee has a contract with Sight Loss Services and pays them $20,000.
Update Efforts to Provide Full and Equal Access on Buses Used for Day Trips Off-Cape
Bob W. mentioned that there has not been much progress with accessible buses locally. He has been pushing to get clarification on regulations that affect transportation through the Mass. Office on Disabilities He commented that their guide has good interpretations from Federal agencies which oversee the transportation work. There is a formal complaint process and there are agencies in each state.
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Bus companies must provide alternative transportation or rent a bus or buy a bus. If there are any differences on the cost for people to travel on accessible buses, it will fall into the category of the cost of doing business. Bob W. indicated that he will meet with C.O.A. and C.O.R.D. and a travel agent next week to discuss getting people together Cape wide. C.O.R.D. was to be in contact with the Charter bus companies. The C.O.A. is pushing the same things and the Chambers of Commerce also are trying to get things under control.
Resurfacing of Roads – Mashpee Commons
Charlie M. mentioned that the resurfacing of the roads at Mashpee Commons is deficient with the arrangement and establishments. The spaces are supposed to be 5’ x 8’ or 8’ x 8’ for van accessible. The two spaces by the post office are three feet wide. It was also mentioned that the handicapped spot by Panera Bread is diagonal to the curb cut and the cross walk offsets from the curb cut three feet or more. There is no van space by C.V.S. and no van space by Color-Me-Mine.
Snack Shack – Coombs Schools
Charlie indicated that he would follow up with Catherine on the snack shack. They were working on accessibility for the disabled.
Projects for C.P.C. Funding
Bob W. mentioned that the Committee should look at the seven-year plan and projects. He made reference to the recreational land on Route 130. Once they fix up the trails and put in educational signs, he would think it would be similar to the Braille Trail. Charlie commented that there needs to be clarification on the C.P.C. funds as to which things are exempt.
Adjournment
Trish Parolski moved to adjourn the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Motion Seconded by Mert Sapers.
All in favor.
Respectfully Submitted:
Marilyn Farren, A.D.A. Committee Member
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