Commission On Disability May 27, 2011 Minutes
A quorum being present, Chairperson Elaine Ostroff called the meeting to order at 9:15 am at the Westport Town Hall basement. Members present: Stanley Cornwall, Selena Howard, Elaine Ostroff, Sybil Burba, John Pelletier, Richard Squire. Member absent: Michael Ouimet. Guest John Branco.
Stanley Cornwall, John Pelletier and Elaine Ostroff met with the School Superintendent to look at the school-wide accessibility priorities and a process for funding the access improvements. They reported on that meeting. There will be another meeting on Monday June 13, 9 AM.
2) Adhoc committee comprised of 2 members each from FinCom, BOS, COD and at large member Jim Coyne. That group will recommend priorities for funding.
3) Rehab Advisory Group---this committee will be involved in reviewing priorities that might be funded through a DHCD grant application process.
Other business, beach access. Dalton Perras concept plan for boardwalks at Cherry & Webb beach was emailed to the COD with links to YouTube. We hope that Mr. Perras will come to our next meeting to present his ideas.
The $300 annual Town allocation in our budget has to be spent by June 30th. Between the Town account and the Gift account there is enough money for brochures.
Announcement: At the Annual Town Meeting on May 24, the CPC allocations were approved, including the COD request of $23,813 for materials to improve accessibility at both the Town Hall Annex and the Council on Aging.
l. Review Community Schools Transition Plan
Stanley Cornwall, John Pelletier and Elaine Ostroff met with the School Superintendent to look at the school-wide accessibility priorities and a process for funding the access improvements. They reported on that meeting. There will be another meeting on Monday June 13, 9 AM.
Both Dr. Coley and Mike Duarte have reviewed all the reports. They were glad to have all the building reports bound in one volume. Elaine had also given them a DVD of all the reports. Dr. Colley wants to include all the critical issues in a long range plan.
The Middle School has the most complex entrance problems. John’s brother is a construction engineer and he will be asked to look at the situation and give an opinion to the Supt as to the feasibility for a solution that will address the major entrance issues.
Elaine talked about the decision making for funding priorities in the ADA Transition plan:
1) The COD identifies its priorities. These are then reviewed with the
2) Adhoc committee comprised of 2 members each from FinCom, BOS, COD and at large member Jim Coyne. That group will recommend priorities for funding.
3) Rehab Advisory Group---this committee will be involved in reviewing priorities that might be funded through a DHCD grant application process.
In addition, Dr. Colley suggested that COD contact the Capital Improvements Committee through the chairman, Jack Baughan to make him aware of town-wide capital needs. The Capital Improvements Committee might include some access improvement items in its next annual request.
Stanley reported that the superintendent looks for ways to cooperate with other Town departments. He gave example of the transportation option that the Superintendent discussed with the COA Director to utilize the new Special Education transportation service for some of the transportation needs of the seniors for whom the COA provides transportation.
Elaine will clarify availability of engineering design money from the Rehab grant program income. Commission members will check Middle School awning at accessible entrance; this would give weather protection to people. who might use an intercom system at that entrance. It was noted that the main entrance to Middle School is not functional for anyone. The office, auditorium and cafeteria should all be reached by an accessible main entrance.
2. Update on access requirements triggered by construction costs. Michael Ouimet prepared a memo for the Dr. Colley that explained when access improvements are triggered. The upcoming repairs to the windows at the high school are over $500,000 and trigger the need for an accessible entrance, toilet, drinking fountain and phone (if phone is present). The COD reassured Dr. Colley that the front entrance only needs automated door openers to be fully accessible. The toilet room and drinking fountain are fine.
The cost of the Middle School roof plus the new stormwater project will go over the $500,000 threshold. Mike Duarte will look at the requirements triggered at the Middle School.
Elaine expressed appreciation of building inspector Ralph Sousa’s knowledge, that he understands the requirements and will review with Dr Colley.
3. Other items
Other business, beach access. Dalton Perras concept plan for boardwalks at Cherry & Webb beach was emailed to the COD with links to YouTube. We hope that Mr. Perras will come to our next meeting to present his ideas.
4. 2011 budget review
The $300 annual Town allocation in our budget has to be spent by June 30th. Between the Town account and the Gift account there is enough money for brochures.
John Branco wants to enhance the COD website so he has been in touch with Greg Stone. Motion made to have John Branco become the COD webmaster was moved by John P. seconded by Selena.
Next meeting subjects: Beach, ADA transition Plan update, Adhoc Committee, Schools.
COD meeting moved to adjourn by Stanley, seconded by Dick at 10:30 am, next meeting June 18 at the COA, 9:00 AM.
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