Commission on Disabilities November 6, 2009 Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Town of Westport
Commission on Disabilities
Members present: Elaine Ostroff, Stanley Cornwall, Richard Squire
Members absent: Michael Ouimet, Selena Howard
Also present: Margot DesJardins, Shannon Reynolds, and Lisa Cusick
v It was the consensus of the Commission to adopt the following mission statement: The Westport Commission on Disabilities is a community voice for fair and equal opportunity for people of all abilities in all aspects of life in Westport.
v It was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Richard Squire that Westport Commission on Disabilities be the formal name for the Commission. The motion passed 3-0-0.
v It was the consensus to make minor changes to the list of priorities, to add a disclaimer to the Meetings section that the regular schedule of meetings is subject to change and that residents should check with the Town Clerk, to have the contact phone number be that of the Town ADA Coordinator, to revise the wording of the Volunteer section, to revise the wording of the Activities & Programs section, to add an “About Us” section, and to clarify the wording of the Donations section.
The Commissioners agreed to review the second draft as soon as Lisa Cusick can have it ready.
v Pursuant to the Commission’s vote to request a handrail on the south side exterior steps at the Annex, The Chair reported that Denise Bouchard said that the steps will require repair as well as a handrail and that funding is an impediment at this time. The Chair called the Commissioners’ attention to the Ronald Desrosiers Betterment Fund as a possible source of funding. It was then moved by Richard Squire and seconded by Stanley Cornwall to authorize the Chair to submit a grant proposal to the Betterment Fund for the handrail and/or the brochure. The motion passed 3-0-0.
v Pursuant to the Commission’s vote to request that the Beach Committee issue transferable handicap beach passes, the Chair read a draft letter to the Beach Committee prepared by Michael Ouimet. After discussion, it was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Richard Squire to hold off sending a letter but to authorize the Chair to initiate contact with the Beach Committee Chairperson and the Town Clerk to discuss the matter. Following this informal contact, a meeting will be held with the key participants to see if a solution can be reached. The motion passed 3-0-0.
Commission on Disabilities
November 6, 2009 Approved Regular Meeting Minutes
Call to Order: A quorum being present, the Chairperson called the meeting to order at 10 am in the Town Hall 2nd floor meeting room.
Members present: Elaine Ostroff, Stanley Cornwall, Richard Squire
Members absent: Michael Ouimet, Selena Howard
Also present: Margot DesJardins, Shannon Reynolds, and Lisa Cusick
Minutes It was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Richard Squire to approve the minutes of the 10-15-09 meeting amended as follows: insert the phrase “…detailed next steps of planning for the…” directly before “…proposed Medical Center…” in Section 4, line 3. The motion passed 3-0-0.
Brochure Review: The Chair welcomed Lisa Cusick who has volunteered to design the Commission’s brochure. Stanley Cornwall distributed draft text for the brochure. The Chair suggested that the Commission review each section of the draft and make revisions as needed. Review and discussion of each section followed.
v It was the consensus of the Commission to adopt the following mission statement: The Westport Commission on Disabilities is a community voice for fair and equal opportunity for people of all abilities in all aspects of life in Westport.
v It was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Richard Squire that Westport Commission on Disabilities be the formal name for the Commission. The motion passed 3-0-0.
v It was the consensus to make minor changes to the list of priorities, to add a disclaimer to the Meetings section that the regular schedule of meetings is subject to change and that residents should check with the Town Clerk, to have the contact phone number be that of the Town ADA Coordinator, to revise the wording of the Volunteer section, to revise the wording of the Activities & Programs section, to add an “About Us” section, and to clarify the wording of the Donations section.
The Commissioners agreed to review the second draft as soon as Lisa Cusick can have it ready.
Adoption of bylaws: Given the lateness of the hour and the need to make document changes in the bylaws to reflect today’s votes, the Chair said she would schedule approval of the bylaws for the next meeting.
Community Input: The Chair stated that Selena Howard has requested that edge painting, especially of the top and bottom steps, be done to the Town Hall and Annex steps for better visibility/safety.
Chairperson’s remarks:
v Pursuant to the Commission’s vote to request a handrail on the south side exterior steps at the Annex, The Chair reported that Denise Bouchard said that the steps will require repair as well as a handrail and that funding is an impediment at this time. The Chair called the Commissioners’ attention to the Ronald Desrosiers Betterment Fund as a possible source of funding. It was then moved by Richard Squire and seconded by Stanley Cornwall to authorize the Chair to submit a grant proposal to the Betterment Fund for the handrail and/or the brochure. The motion passed 3-0-0.
v Pursuant to the Commission’s vote to request that the Beach Committee issue transferable handicap beach passes, the Chair read a draft letter to the Beach Committee prepared by Michael Ouimet. After discussion, it was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Richard Squire to hold off sending a letter but to authorize the Chair to initiate contact with the Beach Committee Chairperson and the Town Clerk to discuss the matter. Following this informal contact, a meeting will be held with the key participants to see if a solution can be reached. The motion passed 3-0-0.
Next Meeting: The Chair stated that the November 20, 2009 agenda will include discussion on beach passes, bylaws, and activities & programs.
Adjournment: It was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Richard Squire to adjourn the meeting at 11:52 am. The vote was unanimous.
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