Commission on Disability
10 Mechanic Street
Bellingham, Massachusetts 02019
January 20, 2010
In Attendance: Bert Howe, Richard Martinelli, Patrick Callahan, Roberta Platt,
Melissa Newman (clerk)
Call to Order: 7:02
Correspondence: Bert shared a letter from Oakwood Apartment complex requesting financial assistance to convert one of the units’ bathrooms to an accessible bathroom for a disabled tenant. Richard explained that Oakwoods is a private business collecting rents and therefore we should not assist financially with this renovation. Patrick seconded the motion. Bert then reported that a notice was received from Jackie from the Selectman’s office to hand in information for the annual report. Bert will put information together for Melissa to write report. A news advisory was sent by Laura DiMattia from the National Council on Disabilities. (see attached). Bert also passed a copy of an interesting article regarding a crackdown on fraudulent placard use in Boston. A discussion took place on
illegal parking in handicap spaces. Patrick questioned why, if tickets generate revenue, they are not being written. Richard commented that what needs to be done right now if educating the public about the misuse of these spaces. Suggestions of putting information on the community bulletin board and inviting reporters from the local newspapers to our next meeting would be a good way to start this education.
Guest: John McDonald came before the board asking for advice and suggestions. He is visually impaired and his condition is getting worse. He just wants to know, once his sight is gone, if there are different programs or agencies that he will be able to depend on to help him with his needs. We suggested he contact Laura DiMattia at the Senior Center.
Financial: the report was read and accepted. Vouchers were signed.
Richard made a motion to accept the December minutes, Bert seconded that motion.
Old/New Business: Patrick updated the committee on the progress of the Keough Administration Building. The DPW will wait until the spring to do their needed work. Denis Fraine emailed that he has asked for quotes on the automated and internal door hardware. Patrick said that there is still plenty
of time before the town meeting and Denis will be putting this issue on the town warrant. Bert updated the committee on the ongoing mailbox issue in
Upton. It was reported that the Upton post office will discontinue delivery if the problem continues. Patrick showed the state regulation, 521 cmr 22.2 regarding mailbox placement. Richard feels that our “project mailbox” will have more success if we start with all new developments in town rather than trying to go back to all existing mailboxes. He feels our energies should be put into the illegal parking problems. He then made a motion to put “project mailbox” into action if an area is being altered or in new developments. Patrick seconded the motion. Bert made an amendment to the motion to give a copy of all information gather to date, to Don DiMartino. Roberta will take the next few months to get that information together and get it to Don.
All were in agreement.
Bert asked that Melissa get in touch with Louise to get the keys to the file cabinets and to ask about the “handi gadget” dvd.
Adjournment: Motion made by Richard at 8:20 seconded by Patrick.
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