Meeting Minutes 12/11/2015

Meeting date: 
Friday, December 11, 2015

Westport Commission on Disability

Meeting of Dec. 11, 2015 at Town Hall Annex

Meeting was called to order at 3:45 p.m. with the following members present: Chair Stanley Cornwall, Vice Chair Anders Newcomer, John Pelletier, and Robert Alves.

Commissioners met with graphic designer to discuss updates and revisions to the commission informational brochure. Members were tasked with securing new photographs for the brochure, and obtaining price quotes for the printing. A follow-up meeting with the designer is planned to discuss further suggestions for revisions.

The chair updated members on the proceedings at the Dec. 1 special town meeting; it was agreed that the dune crossing project be put on hold until the lawsuit against the town over the proposed road closure is resolved. Mr. Cornwall also noted that he discussed the issue with Highway Surveyor Chris Gonsalves, who suggested that the cutting of a passage in the dune for the installation of a boardwalk be considered; that option to be investigated at a later date.

The chair reported on his meeting with the Community Preservation Committee regarding the planned installation of an access ramp for the disabled at the Acoaxet Chapel with $10,000 in approved funding. Mr. Cornwall said new plans with a different design have been obtained, and will have to be reviewed by the Historical Commission again.

The chair noted receipt of a $427 invoice for newspaper advertising for the recording clerk position, and the lack of sufficient funding to pay that bill; he was advised by the Town Administrator that other town funds will be used to pay the invoice. Members questioned why parking ticket revenues were not being provided to the commission as required by state law; that issue will be investigated. A motion by Mr. Alves to request $1,000 in town funding for the next fiscal year was seconded by Mr. Newcomer, and approved unanimously.

Commissioners discussed public playground accessibility, with general agreement by members to seek a meeting with the Recreation Commission to talk about accessibility issues and improvements. It was noted that school playgrounds also be included in future discussions. Mr. Pelletier raised the possibility of planning a Disability Awareness Day in Westport sometime in 2016, and members were in support of the idea.

A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Pelletier at 4:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Newcomer, and approved unanimously.