Disabilities Commission 2.11.2020 minutesNorthampton Disability Commission
Hearing Room
210 Main Street, Northampton 01060
Tuesday February 11, 2020
_X_Gene Page, Chair
_X_Marianne LaBarge, Vice Chair
_X_Emma Cornwell, member
_X_Jeremy Macomber-Dubs, member
_X_Linda Kakos, member
_X_Marilyn Clare, member
_X_Rodney Kunath, member
_X_Michael Morton, member
Staff: Wayne Feiden
Public Comments: None
Approval of January 28, 2020 minutes:
Gene Page moved and Marianne LaBarge seconded the motion. Motion unanimously approved.
Recommendation on purchase of an Assisted Listening System. The Disability Commission discussed the need
for an Assisted Listening System for the Hearing Room and potentially other public meeting spaces. Upon
motion by Marianne LaBarge and second by Gene Page, the Commission voted unanimously to spend $1,708
(estimated amount with the final to be adjusted based on costs) from the Disabilities revolving fund towards
the purchase.
Focus group on the Community Development Consolidated Plan. The commission reviewed future community
development needs for populations with disabilities. Members suggested:
1. Sidewalk improvements on Florence Road from Florence Heights to the Mill River
2. Main Street sidewalk and curb cut ramps
3. Main Street, Florence sidewalk and curb cut ramps
4. King Street sidewalks and snow clearance
5. Pleasant Street sidewalks
6. Conz Street sidewalks.
Updates on projects: The Commission discussed with Wayne Feiden current projects to improve accessiblity,
the Picture Main Street redesign (and the pending survey), plans for the City's Community Development
Planner to become ADA Coordinator and staff the committee, the current CDBG-funded wheelchair curb cut
ramp project, and the final updates to the ADA Transition Plan.
Adjournment at 5:15 PM.