WCOD Meeting Minutes - July 2021
MINUTES OF THE JULY 26, 2021 MEETING OF THE WESTPORT COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
Members participating: Anders Newcomer, Martin Costa, Susan Sherman, Rick Grundy, Brian Gallagher (by telephone), Ray Phoenix (by telephone).
The meeting was opened.
Remote participation by two members.
The minutes of the June 28, 2021 meeting were approved.
At their July 19, 2021 meeting the Select Board approved the proposed expenditures by the Commission on Disability. These expenditures include:
- Money to be spent to help begin the process of improving the Hixbridge Landing and making it more Handicapped accessible.
- Money for the purchase and installation of GeoGrids which will stabilize the handicapped parking area at the end of Beach Avenue.
- Money for two new swings to be placed at the two playgrounds in town.
- Money for the purchase of new mobility mats to be placed at the beach at the far end of the Cherry And Webb beach overflow parking lot.
With respect to the swings, Mr. Gallagher has advised Dana Stewart, the town recreation director that the expenditure has been approved. When she decides on a vendor she should contact the town accountant to confirm the process she has to follow to obtain payment for the swings.
With respect to the mobility mats, Mr. Costa has picked them up from the vendor at the vendor’s New Jersey location. Mr. Costa has also spoken to the town accountant about obtaining payment for the mats.
Mr. Sean Leach of the Beach Committee has been helping our commission. Mr. Leach appeared at the meeting with maps of the area which he has presented to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for approval. The signature of the Westport Town Administrator will be required on a form for the state. Mr. Costa will present the form to Tim King, the Town Administrator for signature. Due to time issues and the piping plover season the grids will not be installed until next season. Abutters must be notified.
Possible new handicapped accessible trail at Westport Woods: Mr. Ross Moran is still scheduled to address our commission at our August 23, 2021 meeting.
Thoughts/concerns: We should do what we can to be sure the Planning Board and Building Department are aware of the need for compliance with ADA.
We have extra money to spend. Rick, Kim and Sue will inquire about needs the school system might have for adaptive devices, learning tools etc.
The WCOD website needs to be updated. Tim King advised us that Nadine in the Planning Office is the place to look for helpful information.
The WCOD Street sheets were discussed as was the protection afforded to mental health by the ADA
Next meeting: August 23, 2021 in the Select Board meeting room due to a conflict with BOH meeting
Meeting adjourned.