Westport News

Disabilities Planning Committee
Town of Westport
August 26, 2008           10:30-11:45 AM
Minutes approved September 9, 2008

 

Members present: Norma Judson, Denise Bouchard, Ralph Souza, Elaine Ostroff. Absent: Richard Squire
Community participants: Nelia Williams, Debbe Hueneke, Julie Reitzas, and Jen Letourneau

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 10:30. Chairperson Elaine Ostroff explained the purpose of the committee was to develop a proposal for a Westport Commission on Disabilities for the Spring 2009 Town Meeting. Those present introduced themselves: The appointed members are: Norma Judson, who wrote the letter to the BOS  about lack of access to local businesses; her daughter Sally uses a wheelchair. Denise Bouchard, Town  ADA coordinator; Ralph Souza, Building Inspector, responsible for Building Codes enforcement including new construction and major renovations under the ADA; Elaine Ostroff, worked on ADA voluntary compliance through non-profit organization in Boston, now the federally funded New England ADA Technical Assistance Center. Toll-free tel is 1800 939 4232. The 5^th member Richard Squire may not be able to attend the next few meetings as he is in the hospital.

 

Interested community members introduced themselves: Nelia Williams, Town Grants Manager, works for the Building Inspector. She is trying to get ramps for East Beach and an elevator for American Legion Hall through a rehabilitation grant to be written by SRPEDD (Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District). Debbe Hueneke, Westport resident and-Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for M.R.C.; Julie Reitzas, representing WePAC – Westport’s Parent Advisory Committee. They represent families of children living with disabilities and Jen Letourneau whose daughter uses wheelchair . She noted many place are not accessible – won’t do business with them.

 

2. Elaine presented the duties of the Mass. Disability Commission (MOD), the state advocacy agency that serves people with disabilities of all ages.  MOD's primary mission is to ensure access. They helped start the local commissions across the state and provided advice to Westport to get the planning underway.

 

She noted that the list of local commissions on the website does not include Fall River and New Bedford.  Also noted that ADA was signed in 1990 – 18 years ago on July 26th

 

3. The Community Access Monitor Program Training of the MOD will be held on Sept. 24-25 in Harwich.  The cost for the 2-day training is $15 for consumers and $85 for professionals. Parents and/or family members are considered consumers. Registration deadline by Sept 12 if accommodations are needed and by September 17 otherwise.

 

4. Westport Updates on ADA
Denise explained that the Town did a complete survey in 1992 of Town buildings to create the ADA Title II Action Plan. The ADA Plan is in the Town Library. Upgrades were made in many municipal buildings – as required by the ADA Title II. The intent is for all people to be able to use town services, either by renovations or accommodations for individuals to be able to access all services.

 

Elaine explained that under ADATitle III, businesses have a lower level of accessibility required unless they are being renovated or are new construction. This lower level is called ‘Readily Achievable, and there is a checklist that can be used for building surveys based on that lower standard. Ralph talked about buildings in town.  He inspects buildings being renovated to meet the standards required by ADA regs. Individuals can file an ADA complaint on various levels against businesses not following ADA requirements

 

There was a discussion that suggested we review Town by-laws, the permitting situations and other opportunities where the town can add some requirements about improved accessibility. The Town can provide incentives but cannot have a higher standard than the Building Code. There are federal tax incentives for businesses that renovate. Debbe suggested we obtain a product list for employers/businesses so they will know what products are available and the cost. Julie provided website with useful information: http://cdd.unm.edu/products/tips_web020205.pdf

 

5. Discussion about increasing the number of members to include everyone attending. It was agreed that the number of 5 be kept for a few months to see about attendance, as a quorum is needed

 

6. Brainstorming of what should be accomplished by the Town Meeting when the vote is taken to establish a Commission (the group is only a planning committee). Future meetings will review the list, set goals and develop the plan for the Commission
a. Clarify what powers we have.  Can we go on site?
b. Public hearings – have the opportunity for wide input at public hearings
c. Learn from other towns and their by-laws
d. Product lists
e. Develop priorities for facilities
f. Clarify GOALS
g. Public education – Cable and videos
h. Identify resources
i. Have collection of info at the Library.
j. Access Mass Rehabilitation Commission for info
k. Develop website for info on the town site
l. Personalize – collect personal stories from the community
m. Sports related issues to be identified

 

7. Future meeting times set through December – all at 9 AM
Tues. 9/9          Tues. 10/7        Wed. 10/29      Thurs. 11/13     Tues. 11/25      Tues. 12/16

 

Notes taken by Debbe Hueneke, transcribed by Julie Reitzas and Elaine Ostroff