HomeMy Public PortalAboutWCOD Meeting Minutes September 2013_201401140808338893Watertown Commission on Disability
149 Main St. Watertown, MA. 02472
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 18th, 2013
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chair Kim Charlson.
ROLL CALL- Kim Charlson, Chair; Steven Corbett, Town Councilor; George Donahue; Jeanne
O'Connell; and Carol Wilson -Braun.
Absent- John Hawes; Judith Herzberg; Fred Isaacs; Carol Menton and Gayle Shattuck.
Visitor- Rachel Natalie.
AUDIENCE ISSUES- Rachel Natale followed up on her housing complaint, including the
height of her door peephole. Mass Commission Against Discrimination sent her a packet. She
will have more info next meeting.
CHAIR'S REPORT- See Riverfront Project report below.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES- It was MOVED, seconded and passed unanimously to accept
the minutes from the July meeting as corrected. 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 July, noting that additional clarification was wanted about the line item
for 9/6/13 concerning Lucille Traina Library Discussion. Copies of the Treasurer's report may
be requested from the town's ADA Coordinator in the Personnel Office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS -
No reports for Plans Review, Closed Caption Update, Special Ed or Safety and Access.
a) Emergency Preparedness- Kim went to the emergency shelter meeting a couple of weeks
ago, attended by police, fire, health officials and Perkins. Plans were discussed for shelters at the
high school, and Phillips school (warming shelter), accommodations for pets, services and extra
space for people with disabilities, having available wheelchairs, cots and chairs (stored in
trailers) and supplies. Will vanDinter, RN from the Health Dept will come to us with a proposal
for funding of supplies such as batteries, hand held magnifiers, radios, etc.
b) Website Stats- George said there were fewer than 40 visits. An updated list of restaurants is
being requested from the Board of Health. There was discussion about how to organize the
information on the website. Kim asked how corrections and updates were managed and asked if
we needed to talk to an IT person.
c) Art Show update- George said that post cards and applications have been printed.
Applications are also being emailed. Accepted people receive postcards they can send out.
There are eight submissions already. UCP, AANE, Perkins have been contacted. Art must be
prepared and delivered.
d) Faire on the Square- George said there are brochures about WCOD, Perkins and some first aid
kits from Home Depot in the 70 bags to hand out. A schedule was made to staff the table.
ONGOING BUSINESS -
a) Mt. Auburn Street project- The last action of the council was to authorize more design work.
There is state and federal involvement and it takes a long time to get money. There will be a
complete rebuilding of sidewalks, bus stops, traffic calming, single lane.
b) Watertown Riverfront Project Update- Kim attended a meeting with DCR, Sasaki and the
Braille trail designer. Design elements and costs are being finalized. Steve said that the
DCR talked about the signal at Irving St. and is looking for public input about light and
sound. A Federal grant application of $250,000 is crucial. Total budget is $780,000 and the
project will go out to bid over the winter. DCR and Perkins are discussing maintenance.
Braille trail will include 9 stations, guide wire, different grades of rock, an overlook, boat
made of logs, marimba bench and carvings in granite pillars.
c) HP locations- Jean stated that the goal of the recommendations of WCOD is to encourage
action. The DPW will use this guide to improve the spots. Municipal lots are a priority and
they are trying to decipher private vs. municipal. Gerry Mee should be invited to our Oct
meeting. Steve said the recommendations will be finalized next month and submitted to
council, which will pass along to DPW.
d) Social Service Coordinator position- Final vote will be taken at next Tuesday's council
meeting. Kim will be present to support the vote.
e) Comprehensive plan- no update.
f) Snow Removal Ordinance discussion at last council meeting 7/30. Steve said that it was
voted to continue plowing private ways for public safety and emergency access. It is an issue
that private ways don't have to follow parking bans.
NEW BUSINESS -
a) MBTA Bus Island Delta Concern is deferred to next meeting.
b) George asked for help with accessibility for a Younger and Sideris debate to be held at the
Coolidge School auditorium on Oct 17th, moderated by Will Twombly. He is requesting
CART and sign language interpreter, and will advertise on fliers and cable. It was MOVED,
seconded and passed unanimously to recommend up to $800 for CART and sign language
interpreter for the Oct 17th town council public debate at the Coolidge School auditorium.
George was authorized to proceed and the final vote will be taken at our Oct meeting.
Next meeting will take place on Wed., Oct 16th' 7 p.m.
It was MOVED, seconded and voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:50 p.m.
These minutes are recorded and respectfully submitted by Carol Wilson -Braun, Secretary