Westport News

Call to Order: A quorum being present, Chairperson Elaine Ostroff called the meeting to order at 10:00 am in the Town Hall 2^nd floor meeting room. Members present: Stanley Cornwall, Richard Squire, Michael Ouimet, Selena Howard, and Elaine Ostroff. Member absent: Shannon Reynolds

Community Update
The Chair welcomed Julie Reitzas who was present to make an informational presentation to the Commission concerning the school department budget. She stated that additional funds should be appropriated to the schools to maintain level services and provide for the needs of all students including students with disabilities. She pointed out that Westport has the capacity to do more to support the schools given that Westport’s Per Pupil cost and tax rate are both below the state average. Following a brief discussion, the Chair asked how people might help. Ms. Reitzas said that it would help if people spread the word about the current school department deficit, review the school budget when it is published, and learn about Town Meeting.

Approval of Minutes          
It was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Richard Squire to approve the minutes of the 1-15-10 meeting as amended. The vote was unanimous.

Board of Selectmen
The chair reported that at their last meeting, the Board of Selectmen unanimously voted to increase the size of the Commission from five to seven members, establish a Commission on Disabilities gift account, and appoint Shannon Reynolds as the newest member to the Commission.

Transition Plan Questions
The Chair asked if anyone had questions regarding the Transition Plan handout she distributed at the last meeting. Hearing none, the Chair pointed out that the most important thing about the plan is that it focuses on services, not just code specifications. As an example, the Chair pointed out that physical access to governmental meetings may be available but when the meeting is in progress, individuals cannot always follow what is going on because of poor acoustics or ineffective sound systems. Michael Ouimet pointed out there is equipment to handle those issues and offered to contact the Cable Access Coordinator to investigate what equipment is currently available and determine if additional equipment is needed. Richard Squire mentioned that sound equipment can also be rented if purchasing is cost prohibitive.

Town Beach Information
Michael Ouimet reported that he has not had a chance to get additional information and will report at the next meeting.

RMV information re: placards, fees
Michael Ouimet reported that individuals with a loss of two or more limbs are eligible to apply for the excise fee waiver and must complete a form MVU33 that requires physician certification. The RMV then forwards notification of the waiver to the local town. Disabled veterans, Mr. Ouimet stated, do not have to pay for registration plates. Richard Squire reported that where the purchase of a vehicle with special equipment is concerned, the dealership completes and submits a form to the Registry of Motor Vehicles for a sales tax waiver. There was consensus that this information may not be widely known. It was then moved by Richard Squire and seconded by Michael Ouimet to prepare the information on tax exemptions and fee waivers to qualifying individuals for public dissemination. The vote was unanimous.

Promotion
a)    Brochure: The Chair reported that the brochure would be ready to go to the printer as soon as the Board of Selectmen approves the seventh Commissioner appointment.
b)    Other area publications: The Chair reported that the Council on Aging is working on a new phone book and distributed the price list. She also stated that the Evergreen newsletter is another source for small articles and ads. The Chair suggested that Commissioners think about using the remaining balance of $268 in this year’s budget to place an ad in the COA phonebook. Selena Howard stated that the Commission should place at least a ¼ page ad and that she would be willing to pay for it. Other information dissemination sources mentioned were church bulletins and restaurant menus. Stanley Cornwall and Michael Ouimet agreed to work on an information dissemination plan.
c)     Facebook: Since there is no Wi-Fi at Town Hall, Commissioners agreed to hold a special meeting on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at Lees Supermarket café to set up a Facebook personal account and fan page.

Given the hour, the Chair postponed discussion of Fundraising, related process for deposits, New Business – ADA 20^th anniversary celebration, and Other Business agenda items.

Adjournment
It was moved by Stanley Cornwall and seconded by Michael Ouimet to adjourn at 11:35 am. The vote was unanimous. 

Next Meeting:  February 19, 2010 at 10am