TheNovember 12 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board included a joint meeting with the town’s Disabilities Commission. The board also met with the Institute for Human Centered Design. The town had received a grant to conduct a self-evaluation on matters related to ADA compliance. The town’s Disabilities Commission reorganized and is now entrusted with the task of identifying a wide variety of ADA issues and offering advice on steps to improve accessibility and inclusion for all.
The IHCD was represented by Project Managers David West and Meghan Dufresne who gave a PowerPoint presentation that fully explored the evaluation process and conclusions. The town’s designated responsible employee is Mike Lorenco, Town Administrator. In this role, Lorenco handles grievance procedures from employees, a main criterion towards ensuring the town is complying with state requirements. The report noted that the town has taken initial steps toward ADA compliance, reasonable accommodation, and effective communication.
Playgrounds, beaches, and popular public spaces such as Ned’s Point were evaluated by IHCD for ADA compliance. They found that ramps leading to restrooms at Ned’s Point were out of compliance. On the plus side, the town offers a submersible wheelchair at Town Beach on Water Street.
The report touched on strategies that would ensure access to recreational areas and programs. It pointed out that Town Hall stair railings were noncompliant, exposed plumbing could be a hazard, service counters were too high, and there was a lack of an access aisle at handicap parking slot in front of Town Hall. Other areas of concern were lack of accessible route at town beach playground and Shipyard Park gazebo. DDC Chairman Chuck McIntyre suggested that children be included when considering adaptations to playgrounds and also suggested playground equipment that accommodated wheelchairs.
Select Board member Jordan Collyer asked the commission members to develop a list of items, changes, and adaptations that could then be prioritized. Cost estimates would also be needed for presentation to Town Meeting.
The next meeting of the DDC will be scheduled for December.
In other matters before the board on this night, the resignation of Jennifer Wong as the town’s representative to the South Coast Bikeway Alliance and the appointment of Pam Haznar to the same. The board also voted during a public hearing with Eversource to grant the installation of a utility conduit at 7 Foster Street.
The appointment of Tyler Hathaway as an alternate on the Conservation Commission was also taken up by the board.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for November 26.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell