MINUTES

Mansfield Advisory Committee
on Persons with Disabilities

Regular Meeting   - Tuesday December 23, 2008

2:30 PM - Conference Room B - Audrey P. Beck Building

I. Recording Attendance: Present: K. Grunwald (staff), J. Blanshard, Sgt. James Kodzis, Resident State Trooper (guest), J. Tanner, W. Gibbs (Chair), K.A. Easley (staff)

Regrets: J. Sidney, C. Colon-Semenza

II. Approval of the Minutes: The minutes for the Meeting of November 25, 2008 were approved as written.

III. New Business

a. Welcome Sgt. James Kodzis, Resident State Trooper.  Discussion re: accessible parking violations.  J. Tanner stated that she sees frequent violations at the lot at Starbucks. Sgt. Kodzis indicated that officers could be stationed there to increase enforcement efforts.  Citizens can take a picture of violations and send them to the police, although they may not be able to issue a citation on that basis.  He expressed concern about residents getting into arguments with the violators.  He would prefer to try some enforcement efforts first; start by giving warns and escalate to fines over time. Questions were raised about the amount of the fine, and whether or not it is subject to a town ordinance or state law.  Sgt. Kodzis will check into the amount indicated by state law.  J. Tanner has information about the cost of signs being made to list the amount of the violation; W. Hammon will get costs as well.  Sgt. Kodzis also suggested talking with Jim Hintz in the Office of Off-Campus Student Services at UConn about this; look at raising awareness amongst students. 

b. “Other”: K. Grunwald reported on a request for community service from a boy scout who is earning a badge in “disability awareness.”  He has been referred to the Low Vision group at the Senior Center, and it was also suggested that he could be used to assist residents with disabilities shoveling snow.

IV. Old Business

a. Discussion re: a web page for this committee (W. Gibbs/K. Grunwald): The group discussed proposed content for the page including local resources, people first language, web resources (careers, employment, ADA, other links).  In general we would like to include information on   issues pertinent to Mansfield, a suggestion box, identify issues that are raised by this group, provide information about this committee: mission statement, what we can do for you?, accomplishments (about us), map identifying accessible locations (bathrooms, etc.), current events/topics being discussed.  K. Grunwald and W. Gibbs will meet after this meeting to outline the structure and send the information to Jaime Russell.

b. Follow-up on signage for accessible parking slots and moving spaces at the Community Center: K. Grunwald distributed draft copies of a letter to be sent to Curt and the Postmaster at the Storrs Post Office. These letters will go out under Wade Gibbs’ signature as chair of the committee.

c. Status of other accessibility issues previously identified: K. Grunwald will check with Bill Hammon re: his discussion with Louise Bailey about the doors into the library. 

V.        Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 3:15 PM.  Sgt. Kodzis will check on fines and a plan for enforcement for our next meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Grunwald