HomeMy Public PortalAboutWCOD Meeting Minutes April 2013_201401140808305299WATERTOWN COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
Meeting Minutes
Wed., April 17, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL- George Donahue; John Hawes; Judith Herzberg; Fred Isaacs; Kim Charlson; Stephen
Corbett; Jean O'Connell; Carol Wilson Braun, and Gayle Shattuck, Town Personnel Director and ADA
Coordinator. Carol Menton had a conflict this evening and was unable to attend.
GUESTS- Erik Scheier, MBTA and Will VanDinter, Public Health Department
AUDIENCE ISSUES- Erik informed the Watertown Commission on Disabilities about the upcoming
changes to the MBTA bus route in Watertown. Some bus stops will be eliminated to make buses run
quicker, and the remaining bus stops will be improved. Construction will occur during the summer of
2013.
Will presented the emergency preparedness project in Watertown. The department is putting an
emergency plan in place for people with disabilities. He discussed making sure that supplies such as
wheel chairs, communication devices, etc. are available if people need to be evacuated and relocated.
Will will put together a proposal for the supplies that may be needed in an emergency specifically for
residents with disabilities.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES- It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the
minutes from the March meeting. Copies of the minutes may be requested from the Town Clerk's
office.
TREASURER'S REPORT- It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the
Treasurer's Report for March. Copies of the Treasurer's report may be requested from the town's ADA
Coordinator in the Personnel Office.
CHAIR'S REPORT- Everyone on the Commission was reminded to take the State Ethics Commission
online test. Also, there is a two-day Mass. Office on Disabilities Community Access Monitor Training
in Framingham. The WCOD has supported members in the past to attend. If anyone would like to
attend this training please contact Gayle to make arrangements for fee payment.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
a) Plans Review- There is nothing to report.
b) Closed Caption Update- George will find out what happened to the original copy of Shooting
Beauty.
c) Special Education Update- The meeting was successful.
d) Safety and Access- There is nothing to report.
e) Emergency Preparedness- presentation by Will VanDinter.
f) Website Statistics- Gayle will put several years of WCOD annual reports on the Town's WCOD web
site.
g) Restaurant Guide marketing report- Gayle will send a copy to the Watertown Tab.
ONGOING BUSINESS
a) Watertown Riverfront Project Update- There is nothing to report.
NEW BUSINESS
a) George, Jeanne, and Judith will write a proposal regarding paint all the handicap spots and signs in
town. Gayle and Tabitha will find out the legitimacy of the handicap parking spots through the
Watertown traffic commission. John will write a proposal to the Target mall to request more handicap
parking. This will be reviewed at the May meeting. It was MOVED, seconded and passed
unanimously to craft a proposal to the commission.
b) Judith gave an update on a Grant for Live Well Watertown fresh produce initiative. They will meet
April 24.
c) Comcast Contract Provision- Fred will clarify the Comcast contract on the senior discount. The
Commission would like to have an upgrade on line and cable television hookups in the schools. Also,
it was recommended that private schools need to be listed to receive cable service.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
It was MOVED, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:15 p.m.
These minutes are recorded and respectfully submitted by Carol Wilson Braun