HomeMy Public PortalAboutWCOD Meeting Minutes March 2012_201401101411599532WATERTOWN COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
Minutes
March 21, 2012
The meeting was called to order by Vice -Chair Fred Isaacs at 7:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL- Counselor Steve Corbett; George Donahue; John Hawes; Judith
Herzberg; Fred Isaacs, Vice -Chair; Carol Menton; Jeanne O'Connell, WCOD Intern;
Gayle Shattuck, Town Personnel Director and ADA Coordinator; and Carol Wilson -
Braun.
Guests- Mike Mena, Zoning Enforcement Officer, and Steven Rothstein, President
of Perkins School for the Blind.
AUDIENCE ISSUES -
1) Steven Rothstein- He is part of a Stewardship group working on the Charles
River Waterfront Pathway Restoration Project. A 1.5 mi stretch of the path
between
Watertown Sq and the Watertown Yacht Club is not in good shape. The Solomon
Fund paid for a study by Sasaki to create a "shovel -ready" project, started in '06.
The path will be re -done with docks, an accessibility component, such as a sensory
trail with Braille markers and will include a light at the foot of Irving St. for
pedestrians to cross. The total for the entire project is $1.6 million. The state
doesn't have the money and a federal stimulus didn't work out. The funding is
being divided up, with $800 thousand for the first half of the trail toward
Watertown Square. They are trying to obtain $100,000 from community and have
a $25,000 pledge from Perkins, $25,000 from the Solomon Fund and are talking to
Watertown Community Fund (WCF) and another foundation, and are exploring a
town match of $100,000 to make $200,000. Mr. Rothstein is coming to WCOD to
ask for a commitment for a contribution of $15,000. This would help add
additional accessibility that isn't currently in the plan, raise awareness and build
momentum. The piece from the community would be the "last piece of the
puzzle" according to Steve Corbett. We wouldn't put money in unless the project
was well underway. $200,000 has already been spent, mostly by the Solomon
Fund. Ongoing upkeep was briefly discussed, and that would be a partnership
between the DCR and private groups, such as possibly the WCF and Trees for
Watertown. Mr. Rothstein is the official coordinator for funding. The Stewardship
group includes Jennifer from the WCF and Steve Corbett, and is meeting with the
state.
After further discussion, it was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously that
WCOD would contribute $15,000 contingently to the establishment of the fund for
this project.
2) Mike Mena, from the Watertown Zoning Office- Regarding a request for
"reasonable accommodation" related to private property. The zoning ordinance
doesn't allow parking in front yards without a variance. The town provides
waivers for the disabled. They came up with a questionnaire to help process
requests for "reasonable accommodation", and are asking for feedback from the
COD. The feedback was positive regarding the questionnaire. Follow-up needs to
be worked on for when the individual is no longer there, including "undue
hardship" to remove the change. WCOD makes referrals to MAAB and would make
recommendations to the Zoning Office as well. This will eventually be a part of the
ordinance.
CHAIR'S REPORT- No report because Kim was not present.
MINUTES- It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to accept the minutes
for January as corrected. Copies of our 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. Copies of the Treasurer's report may be requested from
the town's ADA Coordinator in the Personnel Office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS-
Website- George announced that "website updates" will be used to announce
posted articles.
Closed Caption- Carol is working now. There are plans to go on the road to Lowell
and Salem CODs with Stephanie. The people inviting us would pay. We may donate
the first use of CART, but we'll discuss more at another meeting. It was suggested
that we connect our cable person with their cable person(s), and that Lowell and
Salem CODs watch Watertown cable in action. Perhaps Mona should go too. There
is a substitute being trained for council meetings (Mona).
Snow Updated- Steve reviewed that the proposed ordinance was overwhelmingly
voted down. There was discussion on taking an educational tactic. There is
evidence in being educated vs. unwilling to do it. The commission will promote an
awareness campaign in the fall.
Special Ed- There was a presentation in March on support for siblings. April is
awards. It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously that WCOD cover the
cost for communication access interpreters and CART at the annual awards night.
Fred Isaacs abstained. A grant proposal is being worked on for communication in
the schools. Five ipods and 5 ipads in each school would be checked out like
books. It is blanket grant proposal renewal time again.
OLD BUSINESS -
Year end report. George put together a detailed long report. Gayle submitted a
condensed version to the town. It was agreed that a summary was fine to submit,
and suggested that George might post the full version on the website. George will
send it to the commission for review.
NEW BUSINESS -
Coolidge Village Condos Variance- Gayle will check to see if our letter was sent to
MAAB.
St Stephens School Variance Request- They wanted approval of a limited
use/limited access elevator. The whole building has to conform to code because
the new addition is 30% of the value.
24-26 Bridge St review- Is basically renovation of the existing building. The
commission had no further comments and Gayle will send the summary of John's
comments to Giddeon.
John and George will form a formal sub -committee for architecture access review.
Watertown Open Studios- We've reserved the library gallery for November.
Victory Field Renovation Fund- Jeanne talked with Peter Centola about a plaque.
There was a motion for the wording of the plaque, and the commission liked
"ensuring equal access to all", but after some discussion, it was MOVE, seconded
and voted unanimously to table the motion in order to discuss the wording further
since it will be permanently etched.
It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to adjourn at 8:52 p.m.
These minutes are recorded and respectfully submitted by Carol Wilson -Braun,
Secretary