SALEM COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES
The meeting of the Salem Commission on Disabilities commenced at 4:07 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jean Levesque, Assistant ADA Coordinator, Andrew J. LaPointe member of the Commission on Disabilities, Jack Harris, co-chair, David Moison, computer tech for SATV, David Tracht, Liaison for Regional Massachusetts for the Blind, Dave MarteL member of the Commission on Disabilities. Carole Isaacson, Volunteer Coordinator SCOA and Claire Gauthier, Guest
AGENDA:
Handi-tot playground on the Common was discussed. Everyone was aware of the equipment available for the disabled thanks to Steve Dibble who owns his own company and sells this equipment.. As always funding is a problem.
Salem Depot
Letters were sent to the Police Department, Superintendent of Parking, and also to the Executive Director of the M.B.T.A. in regards to handicap parking problems.
Talk to Jason Silva, the mayor's assistant, to send an invitation for all parties to get together to discuss the parking problems.
Plans for a garage on the site not fully developed.
Salem Police are in charge of the area.
OTHER DISCUSSIONS:
Derby and Congress Streets to light or not to light. Commission strongly supports lights with audible.
Test will come last two weeks in October during Haunted Happenings. Motorists not paying attention to pedestrians.
Ramp for the courthouse was dismantled, same for St. Peter Street, and Marlboro Road. Commission is looking into this problem.
Danvers imposes a fine of $150 which has now been increased to $300 the maximum allowed by the state. Salem's fine is $100. Commission would like to have the councilors vote in favor of the maximum fine.
Putting sound file on city web site. Andy LaPointe had a discussion with Torn Watkins. Mr. Watkins said that 2 or 3 years of archives must be kept to make it legal. A tremendous amount of memory would be used in this case. Andy and David will try to straighten out this matter over the next month..
Market Basket redid signage which is now readable.
St. Peter Church bricks torn up by tree—very treacherous.
27 Charter Street near Salem Housing Authority no curb cut
10 Federal Street no curb cut
Problems will be addressed when funds become available. Contact Jason Silva, Mayor's assistant. .
Mr. Silva must be given a list of Commission's problems.
A meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. at 120 Washington Street, Thursday, September 20, with the Fire Chief Cody, to discuss emergency preparedness. A grant was received for
$50,000.
New Business:
Andy LaPointe demonstrated two new devices for the visually impaired.
Color Identifier:. Made in Netherlands, but can be obtained in Salisbury. Identifies colors by placing it on an object. Not 100% full proof, but very beneficial in matching clothes, sorting socks, etc.. Also useful for the colored blind. Cost is $125 and it runs on triple A batteries.
Talking Tape Measure:
Measures in millimeters, centimeters, meters, feet and inches. The cost is $90.00and takes a 9 Volt Battery.
At the next monthly meeting on October 16 Andy will demonstrate a money identifier to identify bills from $1 to $100 denominations. He will be bringing to the meeting a talking scale for weight management. 4
The meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
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