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November 18, 2008
        Salem Commission on Disability  

November 18, 2008

Meeting began at 4pm

Those in attendance:  Jean Levesque, Jean Harrison, Jack Harris, David Martel, David Tracht, Michael Taylor, Charles Reardon, David Moisan, Deborah Lobsitz.

Board acknowledged the election of Barack Obama

Old Business – Sidewalks/Curbs
  • Liberty St. and Cambridge/Chestnut Sts. in compliance
  • Universalist Church area needs repairs
  • Salem Public Library needs brick work
  • Eastern Bank @ Derby St. needs brick work (Is Rockett Reality responsible?)
  • “Moon crater” at 10 Federal St. needs to be fixed.  Mayor Levesque highlighted the need for handicap parking at 10 Federal St.  How many spaces are required?
  • List of repairs at city hall, but there’s a question of available monies for repairs.  Surveys are done so people can complain and get their problems solved.  Are private donors a possibility to supplement cost?
  • Marianne McCabe commented on work needed at Willson Rd/Highland Ave. site.  Jack Harris suggested that there is work going on presently at the site (will inform Jason).  David Martel will check this out.  She also mentioned the Mall, Visitor’s Center and Wendy’s regarding difficulty of opening doors.  A suggestion was made to send a letter to management at Wendy’s to rectify.
  • David Martel mentioned that poor signage at the Social Security office needs to be addressed.
  • Sovereign Bank was notified of problems with signage and ATM machine.
  • MAAB bypass road hearing with be held next month.  Hopefully, issues will be resolved.  They have a fair variance.
  • 116 Highland Avenue.  The elevator is still an issue.  Occupant was granted a variance for some but not all requests.  There is also a condo situation.
New Business
  • Health & Education Center is leasing at 39-1/2 Mason St. and renovating the building for services.  It’s an older building and they don’t want to put in an elevator to accommodate the disabled.  They should comply.
  • St. James Church on Federal St. has no accessibility to the main church presently.  The power lift is down for repairs and they need money to repair it.  The back entrance has a ramp and, although it is accessible, it is hidden by a dumpster and difficult to find.  There should be better signage and this should be discussed with Tom St. Pierre.  The issues are more moral than technical.  The church should consider the repairs.
  • The crosswalk lines are gone in front of Loring Towers.  Is this the State’s responsibility?  We should check with Tom St. Pierre.  
  • A letter should be sent to the Knights of Columbus to acknowledge the revamping of the bathrooms for the handicapped.  The work was well done.
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  • Washington St. from Bridge St. to Essex St. will be repaved this week.  The church next to the courthouse on Federal St. will be moved in December
There was discussion on people who do not observe the handicap parking spaces and the possibility of obtaining revenue for the city if these sites are ticketed (possible camera installation).  Also discussed was ADA coordinators. The question was asked, “What does the commission do?” by Marianne McCabe.  Jack Harris stated it handles complaints, publicizes and supports the needs of the handicapped and advises the City regarding ADA laws and as well as local disability laws.  ADA can file complaints.  Legal issues go to the City Solicitor.  To the point of handicap parking, Jean Harrison asked if there was a possibility of cameras to catch people who break the law and use the revenue to help the City’s finances.

Also discussed was the need to check in on the disabled/elderly because of the cuts in health and human services in our area.  Caregivers, in some cases, are neglecting their clients, which is a problem.  We must make sure that people are able to live independently safely.  Also to remember that people need assistance with ice and snow removal in the winter.  

Also discussed was the issue of dealing with parents of disabled children.  Children don’t have a voice, and parents should speak up for them.  

Jean Harrison suggested looking into opportunities for discounts for venues, i.e., concerts, hotels, to promote participation.  Plaques for events that are involved could be placed to acknowledge their investment in the program.  Independent Living Center should encourage the discounts.  Goodwill should be involved.

Finally, Jack Harris stated that he was proud to be participating in the Commission with his colleagues.

The meeting ended at 5:30pm