Commission on Disability
10 Mechanic Street
Bellingham, Massachusetts 02019
February 17, 2010
In Attendance: Bert Howe, Richard Martinelli, Amy Cook, Patrick Callahan, Roberta Platt, Melissa Newman (clerk)
Call to Order: 7:05
Guest: Melanie Graham, reporter, Milford Daily News
Welcome back to Amy Cook
Melanie Graham was invited to the meeting tonight to help this board gets its’ message across to the public, educating them on handicap parking violations. Our hope is that an article, in the newspaper, explaining the frustrations those who are entitled to these spaces, suffer on a regular basis, helps change the way the public thinks about illegally using the spots. Many thoughts and ideas were shared with Melanie as well as the laws, rules and regulations. She assured us that she would do her best with the piece and we should see this article within the next few day.
Correspondence: A letter to the Board of Selectman was explained and read. The letter was expressing this boards’ endorsement for the Bellingham’s 2010 Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant Application. The funding of this grant will support low and moderate-income property owners with disabilities.
Financial: the report was read and accepted. Vouchers were signed.
Richard made a motion to accept the January minutes, Patrick seconded that motion. Amy abstained from the vote.
Old/New Business: A copy of the annual report for the towns’ annual report was handed out to be read for approval. Richard made a motion to accept it as written; Patrick seconded the motion, with all in favor.
Melissa was asked to check with the Town Clerk to see if any members three year’s was expiring this year.
Amy reported that she had spoken with Safety Officer, Lee Rolls about the problem of cars parking on the sidewalks on North Main Street and he took care of that problem.
Roberta asked where she could direct an out of town resident to get help with obtaining a device he needs on his cars’ steering wheel. Amy advised her to call the Adaptive Driving Program, Inc.
Patrick gave an update on the Keough Administration Building. He said that Denis Fraine had met with the Director of Maintenance to review the quotes. The talk on the repairs is moving forward and he was told that there is monies left from the roof repairs to the building which could be used to make the building more accessible and bring it up to code.
Patrick made a motion to change Article 20.05 in the towns by-laws to now read as follows: The Commission on Disability shall prepare and submit an annual report of its activities to the town, which report shall be printed in the Annual Town Report. The Commission shall meet at least ten times annually. Richard seconded the motion and all were in favor. Bert will take this to Denis Fraine to get advice on how to make this change happen.
Adjournment: Motion made by Richard at 8:23 seconded by Patrick.
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