12:01 and I show that Eric and Bill and Gary and Diane from the board are here and we have Rob in the audience. All right. Um, welcome everyone and um
and I hope everybody's having a good day. Um, this is the meeting of the disabilities commission and today is December 12th, 2025. Um, so real quickly, our um agenda is quick update on grants and next
steps. approve a support letter to the conservation commission for a grant um for trails. A meeting um update from Bill and Eric um for the moment um public hearing and resource fair.
Update on accessible parking signs language from Bill and advocacy effort. Bill report on discussion with LPS uh staff uh about understanding differences and fostering inclusion in our community. from Bill. Conservation
Commission project uh future land use of town-owned parcel U12-14-0 from Bill inquiring inquiry regarding grant funded project to renovate Littleton Common from Bill Mart
uh expired contract and transportation option from Bill and Eric um topic that was table from the last meeting and proposed town transportation study in 2026 and then an update on town's ADA title 2 efforts.
>> Um, so if I can start a quick update on the grant and next steps. So we were we received the grant >> that we had applied for back in May from the state. It is $45,700 which is what we applied for. Um, which
is great. It has been signed by our town administrator. He signed signed on the 5th. The state signed it yesterday and returned it to us. Yes, I'm sorry. Jim signed it on the 5th. The state signed it yesterday and returned it to us um
yesterday afternoon. So, we are good to go with the contract. I do have a Zoom meeting with the Collins group on Monday to find out our next steps as to how we can proceed. Um so the the grant is for
um our designing an ADA self evaluation and transition plan. Um the full force of what we're looking to do has to be completed by June 30, 2026. Um so Colin's group will help us maneuver all of that and figure out
where what the next steps are and where we need to go. Um so um she is um really good at doing this. She's helped many uh towns around us and so I'm look forward looking forward to hearing from her on Monday and what we need to do. Does
anybody have any questions about that? >> And I'm just checking that my microphone is working. >> Oh. Um >> yeah, I can hear you. >> Maybe I just need to turn it up. >> Oh, no. I can't hear. I just wasn't
being heard initially, but it sounds like it's working now. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. Um the second um thing on the item is approve a support letter to the conservation commission um for a
grant for the um Braille Trail. Um I did take a walk out on the um conservation commission at um the Clover Cloverdale Trail. So, in talking with um Tim as we did the walk,
one of the things we had discussed was perhaps instead of just looking at the Cloverdale Trail for uh supporting that location, um I had talked to them about, you know, we will be looking um probably
in May to be doing some more grant um processes. And one of the things I talked to them about is the fact that the boardwalk that is over there is not actually ADA compliant. So my concern is that if he's going to
be doing a Braille trail on Cloverdale, it's not really ADA compliant. And to put um a Braille trail over there probably isn't a good idea unless we make it ADA compliant with boardwalks.
So, in talking with a builder um and looking at the whole um trail um what what do we think we should be doing as far as the disabilities commission is concerned? Do we make the whole thing um ADA compliant with a
braille oh not with a braille trail but with a boardwalk? And in looking at that, um, we could possibly look at a grant ourselves, the disabilities commission, for about $150,000 to $200,000.
We don't want to take away from the um trail itself as, you know, so that other people can't enjoy the outdoors. However, in order to make it ADA compliant, we really want to be able to have everybody be able to enjoy it as
well as those um in the town. Everybody in the town should be able to enjoy it. Um so, our first choice would be if we're going to make it ADA compliant with boardwalk, we'd have to rip that boardwalk out
that's there and make that ADA compliant. So, in doing so, making that the Braille Trail doesn't make sense. If we're going to make the make the boardwalk compliant, to make that the Braille Trail wouldn't make sense. So, what they're asking us to do is just
change it from the Cloverdale Trail being the Braille Trail to just supporting um a grant for a Braille Trail. So, um, if it is the wish of this board, if we could do a support letter to the
conservation commission to support a grant that they will be writing for a Braille trail in Littleton. >> So, just so I'm clear, Diane, question for you. Like, it's the Conservation Commission that initiated this request. like they are um like
the idea of exploring, you know, creating a braille trail came from the conservation commission. Is that right? >> That's correct. >> That's nice. >> Yeah. And so in looking at it, I said, "Well, I didn't want to make a
presentation to our committee unless I understood what they were looking to And so then when I get out there, I'm like, "Well, the boardwalk's not ADA compliant, so I can't support a braille trail if if our boardwalk isn't even ADA compliant." So I said,
"Perhaps um you could we could support a grant of a brail trail when you figure out, you know, where you might be putting it. Well, support a braille trail >> grant. I'm in favor of Yeah. Like I
mean, if if they can go for a grant, I you know, I'm in favor of supporting that, but like it sounds like Braille I mean Braille Trail on Cloverdale sounds like it really flows off the tongue, but like you know, I don't know. Uh it sounds like that's not going to be the
or potentially not the the actual solution, but >> that's correct. and and so, you know, in walking it, it's a it's a beautiful trail. Um, but like I said, if you don't have it ADA compliant with the boardwalk, it makes no sense to do the
Braille Trail there if it's not going to be compliant right from the start. So, um, >> absolut Yeah, I'll chime in. I agree completely with what Thank you, Diane, for doing that and assessing that because this is what comes up a lot. That's going to be the theme of the day, themes of everything we do. It seems like where there's even when there's
really good intentions and effort there, the details matter. And so it we Yeah, I support exactly your position position there. If the there's a lot of boardwalks there and if they're not ADA compliant, then it doesn't make sense. Um, but I'm somebody I've lived here over 20 years and I used to go those on
the conservation trails almost every day when I could drive. Since I stopped driving, I pretty much almost stopped. But, um, I know there's tons of potential options. So I think assessing what might be the most fit and it's not just another thing to consider in addition to what you're looking at which is really important. Uh other components
that are ADA compliant. The other thing is like where where is it located? Is it accessible for the blind and visually impaired community to actually access the parking lot. You know like that location I would probably never walk it. Although I would love to walk a braille trail, right? And so if I can get to it
by some sort of transportation or walk there or something. So maybe ones that are maybe in a better location that's accessible to get to too. That's not a thing to just throw in the mix in the consideration. But but I do I'm in support of them exploring that that they didn't when I spoke to them they didn't mention something about that. So I'm
glad that they're taking that initiative and I think that's really encouraging and we should work with them to support them and finding a solution because it would be great if this town had one. >> Gary, any thoughts? >> Yeah. No, I'm I'm in support of um the
grant what they're trying to do. I I was just um trying to think of, you know, starting small. Um the only place I can think of that might be conducive to um our first shot at a Braille Trail
would be probably Whitetail. Um it's a smaller parcel. Does have a lot out front. Um, but that's just, you know, I'm trying to think of, you know, where where we can start, you know, for something like that, which
would be would which would make uh the most sense. And I, you know, there's other smaller um trails that we could potentially do something like that with. um you know because the much larger trails
obviously in some of the bigger areas are going to be more difficult and and take a lot more work. But but I I would like this just to see this in effect and see you know the costs and and what it actually looks like so people can get an idea why we're doing it and what it in a
smaller parcel might might make sense. But no, this is great that the conservation came forward with the request though. >> Okay. So, if I could um ask for a a motion. >> So, for a motion, a motion to support
>> to support a grant. >> A grant for the >> the um a letter of support for the grant. >> A letter of support for the grant. Um requested by conservation commission for um is it specific to Cloverdale? Is that
>> No, we don't. We're going to take that. Yep. in general. Yeah, >> we have to take that also in general. >> Yep. Go ahead. Have a second. >> I'll second that. >> Okay, Bill. All right. All right. Um, so vote. Uh, Eric
>> I. >> Bill. >> I. >> Gary. >> Gary's I >> and Diane is an I. So, it's unanimous. Great. Thank you so much. And I will talk to uh Tim this week.
I'll get the letter to him and um then they'll go from there and um explain everything that we've discussed today and let them understand where we're coming from as well and per and give the suggestion of whitetail and start maybe
starting smaller. That's a great idea. All right. Um update on accessible parking sign language bill. >> Okay. Um, I mean, I could spend the whole meeting on this, so I'll try to be as quick as I can. >> I should mention I do I do have a hard
stop at one just to just to put it out. >> Yeah. No, I'll try to be quick. All right. So, you already know about the what the goals here. We're trying to get the language updated in the bill. Um, there's a typo that I caught, but no one else seemed to, even though it seems so blatantly obvious, I don't get it. But
um you know our I reached out to our our district representatives um Rier's office as well as um Senator Eldrich way back in June and they just didn't really follow through. Eldrich responded right away and they they recognized the problem and said they would look into it
and then never heard from them again. Um, and then RCRO's office didn't respond, but apparently what I've learned more recently in talking to them, they did try to actually uh bring forward an amendment, but um, unfortunately the group that was lobbying for this bill, the Ark of Massachusetts, um, talked them out of
it. Um, so that was a little Yeah, there's a weird twists to this whole thing. And I don't know all the truths, but I've heard some interesting things. Um, but the meeting of the moment event that we're going to talk about as well, thank you to for allow, you know, supporting us going there and Eric for bringing it up. That was a pivotal shift
in the in this effort because by speaking publicly about it there. Um I've got a lot of people's attention. Um and I was able to get directly connected to Representative Tarski who's from the Norfol district who was there at the event. He helped me get me in touch with a lot the uh governor's office. Um Tony
Wolf who is the commissioner of Massability um was there and she ran over to offer support. We've actually met since then. She's fantastic. So at least through this effort I'm actually learning about politics and I'm learning about who was who the leaders are in the disability community uh and you know
gaining some connections with them. So that that's I guess the good part of it. It's been a stressful trying to you know get attraction on this. Unfortunately what I did meet with a liaison to the legislature from the governor's office >> um >> and oh actually should take a step back. So what happened was at that event I
spoke about it and then the very next day they rushed to a vote and passed it in the house and it had already been passed in the Senate and that's another thing that that lobby group pushed to do cuz they were there. So um their goal is to get this bill signed. They're not really concerned with it being corrected. Um cuz their their goal is to
get the language out. They're not really concerned with the language on the signs. Um so they got their goal, but unfortunately it's it's more complex than it sounds. Um, obviously our concern and my main concern is making sure that they're going to pass a law that they have the appropriate language
on the signs. Um, but I'll just in short because I could go all over the place on this and I could easily do that just thinking it through. Um, I met with RCRO's team. I met with Anita from that team. I met with Immaculate from Eldridge's team. They're after dropping the ball and not responding, they've
really stepped up. So, I can say positive things about how they're working with me now to support this. They both drafted a joint letter and sent it to uh the individuals would potentially be what's on a conference committee and if they have a conference committee that would be an opportunity to amend it before it gets to the
governor's office. So their steps in doing that is is crucial to the potential of resolving this before it's signed into law. Um, I've spoken to uh Denise Garlic Garlic from the who's the commissioner of the commission on the
status of persons with disabilities who also ran that event. She was remarkably amazing about sub giving advice on what to do, how to approach this. So, I wrote a letter to the um Senate President as well as the House um representative
there for our state because they might potentially review it. And I also, as I said, mentioned with met with the governor's team. Um the governor's team basically said, "You're the only one complain about this. So we need you need a public sort of outcry for this to be addressed." So I did write a public letter and posted a video on YouTube and
shared this with other people from disability commissions that I know as well as some other state officials um including reaching out to the Mass Office and disability. And so they responded, no, uh I think it's Naomi Campbell responded. uh they're very concerned about this actually and
actually their concern involvement might help get this resolved because and I'll I'll be short on this uh the one problem is that if this bills is signed into law whether they get the language accessibility right or disability is the word that changes there's no provisions
for how to enforce this. So, um, for example, if it changes the bill gets signed in the law, that's the required language. And so, if the signs don't have required language, law enforcement cannot issue citations for people parking there legally. So, they're so essentially overnight once that bill
sign in line, all the accessible parking spaces in Massachusetts will not be enforceable. And that's that's a logistical problem. And then, and they would only be enforceable if they change it to a language at this point that's inappropriate and it would cost tens of millions of dollars. And there's no plan
or funding or they never considered this cuz they didn't even think about this in the bill. So there's no plan and provisions in place to to you know take advantage you know address this if it were signed into law. So there's a lot of things they're looking into their lawyers to see. So that's probably why it hasn't been signed into law yet and
it and it's being held up. So that's that's the gist of it I guess. Um so there may be a chance to get it amended based on a representative's actions. um and myself and others um a lot of people have been writing in asking for support
on that. And then um you know this legal thing might help impact it too. So we'll see. I don't I don't know where it's going to go from here. Everyone I talked to said it could go any number of directors from being signed into law tomorrow to being dragged out for a while or or who knows what. So I'll keep you posted.
>> Um but any questions on that before we move on? Okay. >> Well, thank you. >> I mean I I have one, Bill. Sounds like there's no there's no like sense, you know, it's it's early to >> feel like there's any sense of how possibly soon this could impact like
signs in our town, right? Like I mean that's further out than we can see right now. >> Well, no, it could be a matter of minutes, days. Like tomorrow it could be impacted. So I don't know because >> I was told this is the thing I've been told so many different things. I don't know what to believe. Um, I was told the
deadline of July 31st is they have to get this bill signed or not. I also was told it might be longer. Um, I was told that it literally could be signed by the governor today, tomorrow, any minute, you know. And so once it's signed into law, um, then all of a sudden we then we can go to our public works department and say you got to change the signs. So
yeah, soon as this actually is bill is signed, that's when we can take action. But until then, we we can't really do anything or shouldn't do anything. >> Yeah. >> So we'll see. Everyone I've spoke to agrees this is a problem and a significant one and they realize they made a mistake. No one disagrees with
that. Um other than the Ark of Massachusetts that well they agree with it but they're more concerned with getting the glory of this bill being passed and they don't want it being held up um because their donors and the people they report to um they already they already claimed victory on it and so they don't want to turn back. So, um,
but other than that, everyone else agrees. And so, I'm I'm hopeful it'll get resolved, but I don't know how at this at this late stage they can correct it. And I think a lot of the people involved don't know either. So, they're trying to figure it out. >> Wow. >> Yeah. I don't enjoy politics, I'll tell
you that. >> Welcome to this. My first and last experience hopefully. Fingers crossed. >> Okay. Um, any other questions or All right. Um discussion with LPS staff
and understanding. >> Okay. So, um one of my goals I think been mentioned was in coming in here is to take the work that I do outside of this town and you know things I'm passionate about and advocating for and do that maybe in this town. And so my area is education and advocating around
language and um making inclusive environments, that kind of thing. And so I was curious about what was going on in the public schools. But I also at the meeting moment event met some amazing people from an organization based out of Newton called un understanding our differences. It's a nonprofit that works
with public schools or K12 actually elementary schools specifically um and developing curriculum that helps people understand difference around disability. Um and so I talked to them because I thought their program was fantastic and I really like the design of it. And so
they actually invited me. I'm going to be part just outside of this. I'm going to be working with them and going in as a public guest speaker um because they bring in people with lived experience to talk to elementary school kids to ask all their curious questions about difference and disability and then they have curriculum that goes around it. So um in talking to them about that they
were asking what's happening in Littleton and I was curious as it was. So I reached out to uh two individuals that were really fantastic to meet with and and talk to. Uh Beth Steele who's the director of teaching and learning and Lynn Snow is the director of student services and equity coordinator. Um, I
told them about that program. Um, and I told them about my interests personally and you know how in creating some uh better culture in this town around disability and you know how we can support it in the public schools. Um, and I heard about what they're doing and
they're doing a lot of amazing things already. So I'm really excited to hear that they they're really thinking about their diversity, equity, inclusion, including disability uh in many ways and they were really eager to learn more about that organization. So that's about all I have to share. Um, but hopefully we're going to continue the conversation
and see ways we can support each other in, you know, fostering that culture I'm talking about. >> So, will they be trying to join that group or >> Well, there's a curriculum and that I I sent them the information if they're interested, I will introduce them to Jenny Co Cost Costa, who's the director
of understanding our differences. And then if that's the case, they can either bring them in. There's different options. They could either adopt their program and run it themselves or they could have them do it or not at all. But it's I think it's a kind of the kind of thing that Little could do. They could do it on their own if they wanted. But um if they're interested, I'll put them
in contact with them and you know that they'll handle it kind of a thing. I'm really more of a sort of connecting people that might share you know have mutual interest and an opportunity for addressing this stuff in in a way through a group like that rather than us trying to do it or something like that. But yeah,
>> nice nicely done. >> Anybody Anybody else questions? Okay. uh conservation commission project future land use of town own parcel. >> Okay. So >> that's that's something that you may not
be not be aware of. I know about it because I live in the neighborhood of Long Lake. Um and so there's the parcel of land that refers to is along Lakeshore Drive which is a large part of the waterfront that that that where the road is. Um that's town owned land, but
historically I guess well I know for sure from living here um for as long as I've lived here and many I guess many decades um people some individuals have had docks and boats stored there even though it's you know it's not private land. And so the conference commission now is trying to figure out what's the
fair and equitable thing to do there um and how to manage that land. And so they've had many public hearings that I've watched um just to see what where they're going with it. And I saw that they were in the last one they were presenting a lot of different options. Uh some are just removing everything. Um
but there some of them involve putting in docks or boat storage things. And so I saw once I realized that I reached out to Tim to just say hey make sure that the disabil disability commission and just access in general and inclusive design is part of whatever you do and if
there's if we can support you in that let me know. Um, and so he put me in touch with he said, "Well, you should really be," it wasn't his decision, um, what they do. So, it was really had to speak to the co-chairs. So, he set up a phone call with me and Chase um, and
Sarah, who are the co-chairs. And I just basically told them, whatever you do, it it better be not only ADA compliant, but you really got to think about safety, public safety, um, just universal accessible design in general. Um, and
just as someone who knows that area very well intimately from being around there for 22 years and walking around there, um, anything they try to put in there will invol, you know, that involves people pulling up with vehicles and parking and then there's it's heavily walked, you know, really needs to be considered in a lot of detail just to
make sure it's a safe whatever they do is going to be safe for everybody as well as accessible. Um, and I also just encourage them to consider reaching out to other departments because um, if they're going to be doing any renovations or changes to that space, they should also be talking to public works or other spa other individuals
that maybe have some sort of interest in this because um, that road's in really bad shape as it is. So, if they're going to be doing any kind of infrastructure changes, maybe that's an opportunity to get a sidewalk or pave that area. And basically the whole theme of my thing was let's let's make it whatever we do here, whatever decisions cuz it's up to
them to decide what they want to do. But whatever it is, let's make sure we do it in a way that's considering safety and access um as well as you know the health of the lake which is really important because it is a protected pond. So um that was really just me just saying hey make sure we do this. They said we'll
make sure that re to u they to present it to us as so once they're through their process and they've decided what they want to do um I'm based on what they said I'm hopeful they will reach out to us me you whatever uh about coming to one of our meetings and sharing so we can get feedback so
>> Oh great >> great >> any questions on that >> sounds good >> the the select board's very um well verssed on that property we've we've had meetings on it as well and with with
conservation. >> Yeah, I think I saw one of those. That was the first one I then watched. So, yeah, >> I just want to make sure, you know, we're considering all the important details there. >> Great. All right. Uh, grantf funded project to
renovate the common. >> All right. This is another one. Uh, I only know about this because I guess because I was reaching out to Senator Eldridge. Um it then became an advertisement in my social media center. So there was one of these advertisements I think on LinkedIn or something that
said showed a picture of him with our select a board uh holding a big cardboard sign uh cardboard check and it says something about renovating Littleton Common. If the community has any input, please share or something like that. So um as in keeping with the things we've talked about in the past
where there's any kind of major projects I want to make sure that uh we're considered and giving feedback on that particularly because it's related to the thing I brought up at the last meeting which was you know we it'd be great if we could be part of the King's Street Common project but most importantly related to that was the infrastructure around it can like the common for
example and how people can get from the common safely to that space. Um, and so that particular area of the common is the I don't know what the plans may be or what they're thinking about in that renovation, but um, it is a very dangerous place to drive or walk. Actually, someone was killed on the
crosswalk there just less than a week ago right there on the corner of Goldmith and King. Um, and so as someone who walks there and someone who used to drive there and have seen a lot of accidents and things, I just want to make sure uh we're not just thinking about, you know, basic safety, but sight lines and different things that will
help make that people navigating that space. And me personally, you know, if I were to walk to the center or to the King Street Commons, you know, that's how I get around walking. So, I don't want to be taken out like that person was last week just trying to get to some get some groceries or something, you know. Um, so it'd be great if we could
be a part of that, wherever that part of the process or whatever that is. I just want to I don't know as the first I heard of it so I want to make sure it's on our radar that's all. >> Okay. Sorry Rob I didn't see your hand raised. Did you have a question? >> Yeah question with regard to Bill and the sidewalk around uh the Long Lake uh
Lakeshore Drive parcel. Um I just want to share that according to DPW Director Yan Lee that Lakeshore Drive was either going to be up for this year being repaved or next year. And because of the
discussion that Bill's aware of is underway, Gary, et all of you. Um, I just want to throw out that if you I'm curious, would you folks be interested in having the sidewalk, Bill? I've been taken by your comments previously with
regard to how dangerous that road is with all the potholes in it and then with the traffic that comes on that you're moved off to the side and the side has its own set of significant challenges because of the gradation
differences between the roadway and then whatever is you know a foot foot and a half off the roadway. and it's very unstable and very problematic. So, because I don't know where Conscom's going and I don't know where DPW is going, I just want to throw that out of
I think it's happening in the next year and I think Conscom is likely to come forward with whatever they decide to do in that property. And I somehow I see it all connected um in a way and and just want to encourage that discussion. I'm
very much for the safety of that roadway because it's so extensively used and I don't want this opportunity to pass because once the opportunity passes it's so much harder after the fact. So that I appreciate the opportunity to speak. >> Yeah, I'll just respond to that. Yeah,
thank you Rob. I agree completely. I don't know if a sidewalk is the answer just because I've I've looked at it walked that space recently with that kind of perspective. Um, I'm not an expert enough to know because there's tell there's like power lines and things that'll be right against the road and so there'd have to be some assessment as to
the feasibility of that, but I like the an idea of it in general and certainly whatever can make that space more safe to walk. I mean, yes, the potholes I had a pretty nasty fall in March um because of it. So, I I've stayed away from that area for the most part just because of it, but so yeah,
thanks Rob. Appreciate your support. All right. Anybody have any questions about or comments about the Littleton Common Project? >> George. >> George, go ahead. >> You hear me? >> Yep.
>> Uh, sorry that I'm late. I was meeting there with uh >> State Representative Jim Merio there. So, um, I'm just uh >> Wait, you didn't get a meeting with Jim? I'm just trying to uh catch up here with
uh what's going on here. I was uh >> wondering before we close out, you give me a brief update there from what I missed there with uh the grant and so forth. >> Sure. So, the grant we received the grant for 45,700.
Um the work has to be completed by June 30. Um we I am meeting on Monday with uh Collins group uh in which they will give me next steps as to um what we need to do and how we need to proceed. Um it is
for the um self-evaluation and transition plan. Um but it has been signed by both um Jim Dugen and the state. So it has the the contract has been signed and returned. So we are good to go and get get started as soon as we
know what we need to do. >> So that's June 30 coming year >> 2026. Yep. >> Yeah. They don't give you a lot of time money. Huh. >> They they don't give you a lot of time. But you know um >> Okay. >> We should be able to get it all done. I have
>> I have the full confidence in us that we will get it done. >> All right. Thank you very much on that. >> Sure. Um, so then Mark, connect. Um, Eric and Bill. >> Yeah, well, I'll leave it to you, Eric, if you want to start with that. I can
talk. I actually used transportation this morning, so I can give personal feedback, but I know and the next item might be related to this item. So, I don't know, Eric, maybe best to just leave this one. Yeah, I was going to suggest like the uh I think there's probably overlap like I noticed this
after I added um you know the proposed proposing a transportation study in town for the coming year but yeah um you know I think you know um I have maybe expressed previously in a previous
meeting that you know I was a little distressed uh to learn that the mart connects um you know I hadn't realized ahead the time that, you know, it was a grant-f funded thing that was going to go away. And, um, you know, I I did get
a lot of great use out of that service. And, um, you know, I I think some of my more challenging experiences with scheduling rides kind of using the town van and and the dispatch service uh, are are somewhat documented. I I feel like
I've shared those previously. So um you know rather than you know being alone or a small group of um people kind of expressing our concerns about this. Uh what I wanted to
suggest was maybe in the coming year we could take on and I'm happy to you know take a lead uh on this but um you know more of a um organized study to better understand you know the tr like the town
transportation utilization and patterns like within our community right like who's using it. um you know just kind of connect with you know what um the use patterns have have looked like for the town's transportation because you know
when Mark connects went away um I don't have any sense you know on how long our contract with you know cross town you know or whatever the dispatch company is like you know what that contract duration is or you know I would just
like to be more informed on kind of the transportation or the paratransit picture in our town. Uh so that then we could maybe make some informed uh suggestions or recommendations to make sure that whatever the transportation
solution in town is uh it is one that is conducted with dignity and respect for the rider and you know kind of prioritizes the things that that we as a committee would prioritize. Right? So um initiating a formal process rather than
you know contacting and and expressing concerns and having them say you know we don't hear these concerns from a lot of people. So um you know I I thought a more formal approach to it might be warranted and uh you know perhaps a good idea. So that's what I wanted to put out
as a uh a possible uh suggestion for the year uh ahead. >> That's a great idea. >> Uh Madame Clerk. >> Sure. Um I mean madam chair um with regards to our uh request there um I don't know if
that's going to cost uh money to send out the or how you plan on send out where they going to send it through the mail or try to do email or whatever the avenue of approach to do the survey. I would first say perhaps maybe he needs
to uh sit down uh with Liz and Liz should be able to give him uh across the board um where people in the town are putting in requests because they're on
that program and I would think that she would be able to enlighten him with regards to um what the map look like uh as far as Lilton citizen u getting transportation requests.
>> Well, I well that's a good idea. I think well a couple things. We could probably um put something in the light and water bill. I know I know not everybody gets a light and water bill. We put put
something in there. We could probably put something in. Ask Liz if we can put something in that monthly newsletter. >> Um I know that the library put something out. We could probably put something in there. We could also put something in
the town's monthly um newsletter. Um the newsletter costs nothing. um the light department. Um it would probably just be us printing it, which we could
probably print here. Um and then I think that if we asked Liz, it would probably if we just put something in there and ask, you know, what would it cost to, you know, add a small little blurb in there? Um, and then if we put something
on a Monday night, a couple Monday nights, a select board meeting, like please, you know, this is what we're looking for, the information we're looking for, so people that are watching the select board meeting and
then maybe do a a quick PSA with um LCTV, >> Sure. >> um pod a podcast or something with them. um and say what we're looking to do. So it would avoid much cost in my opinion.
We probably avoid having to mail do a full mailer. Um >> yeah, I'm very much of the same mind. I mean, Liz was going to be, you know, if if we have agreement, I mean, Liz would have been my first call and and, >> you know, I'm also on the same page
with, you know, keeping little or no cost associated with this as we can, you know, but also >> uh tapping into the existing resources that the town has to better understand this picture, right? So, yeah, I'm I'm uh I'm of the same mind on that for
sure. >> Yeah, I think that's a great idea. I I like Eric, have been using Mark Connects and really depended on it and um lately I've been going to physical therapy appointments. It was fantastic. So when that ended on November 11th, it's been a little bit tricky figuring out how to get around. I actually used the town
transportation service this morning. Um cuz it's the first time in a long time. I've tried many times, but they usually can't accommodate cuz it's after 4:00 or it's a Tuesday or what it's you really have to get into the schedule. It's a coin toss in most cases. It doesn't work out. Uh but today it did. But in that
even in in it working, it got me to the my my appointment on time. Um and then I had to wait I was scheduled to wait 40 minutes after my appointment to get picked up. But then they still didn't come up show up and then 15 minutes after my pickup time. So this is good hour after my I was done with my
appointment. Um they finally I was already in an Uber cuz I gave up cuz I had to come back to this. I would have missed this meeting. Um and they called and said it'll be another 30 minutes. And so I would have been there over an hour and a half or something waiting. So, um, you know, it's it it can work. It can be an option, but it's not
dependable. I wouldn't use it for something where it's timesensitive or critical to be there. Um, and then they don't do anything after 3 and certain days of the week, they don't have a van. And so, it is limited. That's what Mark Connects filled that gap. So, >> for sure, just a little testimonial.
>> Just to add my testimonial since we last met as a committee. Um actually it may cuz we weren't we didn't meet in November but um anyway since like in the last month I've used um you know called and scheduled a ride since the expiration of the Mark connects program
I have returned to using uh the town van and out of the two experiences I've had since that time which was what November 14th that Mark connects uh expired um you know I had what I would call an
improved experience the first time like the very first time after Mark Connect expired. Um, you know, they were cordial and and polite and, you know, were responsive and I was able to get a ride scheduled and it it went smoothly. And
then the the second time um I was not able to get a ride scheduled. And I was informed actually for the first time after over a decade living in town that you know I should be calling on the third Monday of every month to book all my rides for the following month because
that's they book up quickly. And I've never heard that in my life the whole time I've lived here. So um just you know not consistent and you know not always reliable as Bill said. So just to add that for the record. Yeah, I got that same spiel. It's it basically they they open up this calendar of like on a
certain day of the month for the next month and I think people call that day to make sure they get it cuz you know there's only one vehicle and a lot of people Well, we'll find out through the survey hopefully more but I think there's a lot of people that use it. Yeah, >> for sure. For sure. >> Uh Mer.
>> Yeah. Uh through you to Gary, how many vans does the town have in operation the COA? uh two I believe >> one is brand new. It's really nice. It's an 11.
>> We um you know I'm kind of taking notes on some of this because this problem or this challenge is only going to get bigger. So >> Oh yeah. >> I think if we can get in front of this um we need to budget for this. We need
to get a more comprehensive look at our our transportation strategy for citizens that need >> Yeah. >> on that because it's only going to grow and we're not meeting the need now. So, we've got a we've got some work we can do here. We might have to do uh create a
a subcommittee specific to address this issue. And so that's going to be probably uh something that I'm going to try to formalize with the select board to see if we can create a subcommittee um to you know identify these these needs but
also come up with a solution that's probably going to end up having to have a budget line um much more um rigorous than the one we're currently you know putting we're not putting enough towards this. It's obvious just
listening to your two testimonials that we don't this this problem if I bet if I went to every citizen that uses it or those that don't because they don't know that it exists or can't rely on it we it would be staggering. So, >> I think I've mentioned before, Gary. I
know that, you know, just from some co- riders that I have spoken with previously that were going to the same Tai Chi class as me. Like, um, you know, I know that we do have some residents that are suffering in silence. Like, you know, they dread if they have to call.
So, like it is a little bit more pervasive than it might appear initially. But um you know and part of my thinking you know not you know not that I'm I'm gunning for cross town dispatch or whatever but like you know if we're devoting however many funds to
a service and it could equally go to something like Mark connects that was a pleasant and you know um like customer first oriented experience versus one that is more challenging like you know we can be a little more thoughtful about
directing those funds. So like you know part of my thought with this potential study is to kind of you know get that picture clarified if that makes sense you know. >> Well I have a I have a comment here Gary to you with regards to uh
uh this point of booking uh transportation on a particular day for the following coming month or whatever the case is. Uh I don't know where uh the COA uh health and human services is
is putting that information out to people that may be being called there uh to tell them. Well, there's nothing uh in the newsletter about transportation that if you're going to
sign up or whatever the case is, you need to call on this particular date. So if this is the case with the transportation that needs broad uh dissemination throughout the town here, letting people
know that because if this is an element of surprise that somebody said, "Well, you you you should have called when uh that doesn't cut the mustard." Uh we need to be better proactive than that. Yeah, I could speak to that specifically
because I did call, as I said, I had an appointment today. So, when I called and part of the reason I called is I was reminded, oh yeah, I I got an email. So, I'm guessing everyone I don't know if you got it, Eric, too, but um I got an email this week reminding me of that. So, because I'm listed as as somebody who is eligible for those services, reminding me of this, you know, that
something of the was the 29th of the month, you got to do this. Um and then I was calling them anyway, and they mentioned it on the phone, too. It's not that you have to call on a certain date, Gary. Uh George, sorry. um it's that you have to um there's there's a certain day of the month when the next month's
appointments become available. So, it's the first time you can actually book that next 30 days or whatever, something along those lines, right? And so, they're just letting people know that's the day when you can start, but any day after that you can book it as long as the day before you have to take the ride as far as I understand it. The only catch is that it may be booked. And so
they they mention that date is the first available time you can book for that following month to let people know that if you want to make sure you get an appointment, you need to call book it that 30 60 days in advance, whatever it is. Um that's not how I generally making my appointments when I need to go to the doctor. It's, you know, it's like something I I'm booked the night before
or that day sometimes. So a lot of these things don't work out. But >> I agree with that. >> And just to say just one more thing to say about this this challenge that we have in our community. It's it's where we're located, right? um that's going to force our town to have to be more involved in other communities, right?
So, for example, those of us that are legally blind, you can get access through the ride program, but it only goes as far as conquered. So, the whole Boston area all the way to conquered. Um, and then there's like Worcester has a radius, too, but we're like in between those two. And so, there's services that
the state supports that we could have taken advantage of, but it doesn't come as far out to here, you know? So that might even be something to explore is try to convince the ride program to you know extend a little because supposedly they they only service communities that have MBTA stations but and I asked them what about Littleton we have a station
but there is a certain radius around Boston they stop at um so anyway it's a unique challenge unfortunately where we are um there's a lack of taxi services Ubers are spotty it's just we're in a spot where the transportation is just challenging >> well this is um you know brings up
something you brought up earlier about getting in touch with our our legislators on things as well. I you know maybe through the chair that when you have some of these requests that you're trying to get information from um Jim Marcier's office, Jamie Aldridge's
office um I can I can be charged with reaching out to them. I mean I actually have their phone numbers in my cell phone. So we they're we're constantly um in conversations with them on different obviously different topics around other
communities and things. So >> um probably I can get more traction but um Jim Rierro you know is I guess we'll kind of strike while the iron's hot. He's he's transport he's the under secretary right
now of transportation I think it is >> at this year. So I think um reaching out to him on the two issues that you just well the big issue that you just brought up the more regional issue on how hard would that be to extend the the range of
that service >> um 5 miles or whatever it takes to cover Littleton. Right. So those those are things that I think >> in his position he can directly affect. I'm hoping so. Um, >> and how how much of a caveat would that
be in its cap, you know? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, true. You know, I know I know what how they they operate for sure. But >> yeah, >> they're every time that I see them and I'm going to see them
>> tomorrow at the um Toys for Tots event at the police station. So, they're both going to be there >> and there'll be cameras there and those are the times that I like to speak to them. Unfortunately, that's what politics and I know why, Bill. I know why you can't stand being >> No, I'm I'm I get, you know,
>> that's what that's what it takes sometimes. And uh that's where, you know, you'll get Anita um you know, get her attention and she'll take the notes and it kind of forces them to get back to us. Um but they're usually pretty good when
>> um when we reach out to them directly. So, >> so it's unfortunate that you weren't able to get a response in a timely manner. You kind of >> it's it's not a good experience for you and that's not the way it's supposed to be. >> Yeah, it did stink. I mean, it should have been something where they went, "Oh, yeah, you're right. We'll take care of it and that I'd have to do nothing
and I wouldn't have to." But it it is what it is. Um I what I have learned the key thing in politics is I you're alluding to is that, you know, if public the public isn't concerned about it, if there's a large enough, you know, people noticing, then then they that's not a concern. So like one of the things like bothered me just is that in voting for
that in the house both RCRO and Tarski both knew cuz I know for a fact they they now admit they knew about the problem in the bill but they still voted for it so it wouldn't be one of the two you know 154 to zero vote right so and I get it if they were that one vote and then the name of the bill was to remove
archaic language around disability out so most people think don't know the nuance of the problem so I think if I were in their shoes I would have voted against it just on principle knowing it needed to be fixed. But they they went that way and even the governor office said, you know, we we would sign this into law even though it's flawed just
because no one else is complaining. So then I have to then pull public support to get it attention, right? That's just the way it goes. Um but you know, and that to say I appreciate all your support, Gary, with all these different topics. Um um but I know that reaching out I know if Eric or I were to reach out on this topic or anything else, I
think I'll get a response now cuz um I had direct contact with Anita and she's been very responsive as of late. So, at least if they get my email, they they're going to reply now, I think. >> Good. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Um, >> and they've been very, again, I can't say enough. They've been they've really 180ed. They've really been very
responsive to everything. >> No. And you got to remember locally, they don't have huge communities. That's why they're representing a small amount of town. So, >> yeah, >> you know, we can get their we can get their ear on these things. I you know when I talk about the larger
picture one that you just brought up about the regional services for transportation >> because Jim is the under secretary of that right this year that's why we can probably facilitate something like that a little more aggressively >> and we should use this king street commas as leverage on that saying oh
there's going to be 11 thou 1100 units going in here low-inccome housing I believe right so there's going to be people there that need transportation too and people coming coming to little and going from there that spot it's going to be a destination and a home for people. So, yeah. >> Yeah. And we've got a lot we've got a
lot of work to do down on the common and we've been aggressively addressing it with um the crosswalk situation and and >> yeah, >> trying to make that a much more walkable experience for everybody. But >> yeah, I appreciate that. >> As you know, it's a it's two state roads
run right through there and that's what makes it difficult for us. We have no control. >> That's where different things. It's like that the the church the sign for the church if you're pulling down Goldsmith to look you can't see the traffic because the street the sign of the church right I don't know if you have jurisdiction to tell tell the church to
move their sign so people can actually see traffic you know there's a lot of there's it's nuance but we can hopefully get into it and look at some point and address yeah >> and for whatever it's worth and Bill I know you know this but like you know when they are responsive like when Anita and others are responsive like being you
know very very appreciative goes a long way like being very clear that on our behalf like we really appreciate what you know what they're doing and all that like you you can't express too much gratitude I don't think in these things you know so >> no I I agree and I can yeah I can yeah I
I've made those efforts but I'll I'll try to put keep that in mind because you know sometimes that slips through the cracks I I agree >> for your information madam chair I did talk to uh Jim this morning about a crosswalk light there at that uh Baptist
church I told that crosswalk walk uh coming from um Goldmith there across over to the other side of King Street. Probably the longest crosswalk that we have in the in the town. So, he's going to look into that uh about getting the
light on there. And I guess the other light that they had where the kid got killed, he want to check and see if uh >> if the DOT uh brought that in line with that also at uh putting a light in there
at u at the Baptist church there. >> Great. >> Thanks, George. I don't know if you were in the meeting earlier when I brought that up, but I'm guessing you may be aware uh last week someone was killed in that crosswalk. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, >> so Diane, just to
>> on to that piece that I met with the district attorney um relative to that crosswalk and a chance encounter that I had with her. So, she's very aware of the situation and unfortunately deaths and major injuries are some of
the driving forces behind the state doing something. >> Yeah. um as besides you know the local um select boards and everybody petitioning for it. So there you know the state police have been out there >> creating you know trying to recreate
what happened. all of those reports um get looked at and what I think what we might end up seeing there, believe it or not, is an island um that kind of splits through there to where you'll also have a crosswalk light on because it's such a like George had mentioned, it's such a
wide >> Yeah. >> street and we'll have um you know just a another safe place for people a walker could actually stop in the middle of the road on that island like you see in some other wide >> things. So, there's a lot to come on that. >> Okay, good.
>> Yeah. Excellent. Excellent. >> Yeah. The way King Street splits to that side street by the convenience store and then continues, cars will fly and all of a sudden the last second just fail there without signaling. It's caused so many accidents and issues I've seen over the 22 years I've been going down there. It's insane. >> It's a four lane. It's a four-lane road
when you really look >> and and people drive really fast, too. >> And people don't literally don't stop at the end of Goldman Street. They pull way out like >> Well, it's because of that the sign from the church. You can't see. They have to go past it. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But then they're in the way of people cutting down that side street and they get hit.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um, one last item, update on town's ADA title 2 efforts. >> Um, I've got a fair bit of an update, so I'm going to request that we table this until the next one and I'll I'll bring
it up then. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Um, anything else we want to go through or just make a decision on our next meeting? Second Friday of January. Is that >> second Friday of January? All right.
Sounds great. Oh, >> okay. Is that the 16th? >> Uh, >> let me pull up my calendar. I may not be able to make that. >> Hold on. That is >> Let me pull up my calendar, too. >> So, it's the ninth. The ninth if we
don't look at full full week. >> Oh, I see. Yeah. Okay. >> But if we're looking at full weeks Yes, Rob. Yeah, just very briefly, >> I want you to know that I went to the Shaker Lane building committee meeting
uh this past month and and formally asked them to reach out to disability commission to notify you folks that the Shaker Lane group, you know, initiative having passed is now in detail design. And so as I'd previously discussed with
you folks involvement of disability commission with an aspect of do it early and Mary Lee Mercy Studio G architect for the project said the time for your council best in her opinion is before
not after. And so I've reached out to them and trying to reach out to you folks as well, asking each group to reach out to the other one in order to start the process in order to make accessibility something that happens. I think they're going to be in this design
phase for several months. So it's not an immediate urgent matter, but just wanted to go on record and and try to encourage engagement between the two groups. The second thing that I just learned on
Tuesday night, I think it was at the park and recreation um commission meeting is that they're going forward with a capital request. It's either 150,000 or 175,000 to do a
study of some sort involving FA Park and redoing Fay Park. and hearing this meeting as well as some of your other meetings, I think it behooves disability commission that to watch whatever happens with that capital study I I or
capital request. I don't know that it'll go forward, but if by chance it does, then I think getting you you your your group involved with them ahead of time so that you can really draw out and and get aspects much of what I just heard
earlier and those are the two items I just wanted to mention briefly. >> Thank you so much, Rob. Appreciate it. >> Before you log me off, Diane. >> Yes. Um just to Rob, I just let you know uh through the chair that so that capital request has come to the um
finance committee and select board a few years ago I think when we first saw it um with what some of the plans were going to be with FA Park to have parking along the street more of a di a u parking uh pull-in parking all along Foster
Street there on a diagonal type situation. We've seen all kinds of possible designs. Um, so I, you know, we're getting into the habit now of every time these things come before us that we're, we're just going to have to start saying, has this gone in front of
the disability commission? And that's kind of the language I we it just has to become a natural check off because it's it's just such an important thing that has >> historically has been looked at but really not heavily considered and and it's it's a driving force behind a lot of the some
of the select boards decisions. And I and I apologize for missing that meeting um leading up to town meeting because the chair um chairman uh chairwoman Morrison had told me that they didn't need our
um go-ahhead because they rely on us to say if things are not um acceptable that we're going to let the select board know and that would obviously steer a different conversation. and chairman or chairwoman's um remarks at town meeting
for the Shaker Lane school. So, that's kind of I wanted to tie that in because I know Rob had brought that to the committee uh in October, >> but >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> All right. Um so, yeah. Do we want to do
the 9th or do we want to do the 16th? Because I know that Bill said that he had to leave. >> Yeah. I couldn't make >> I have a meeting at the Gardener Museum on the 16th, but the 9th I'm a free. I have that available. I have it on my calendar actually already there. But >> okay, >> either way is fine. I just won't be able to make it if it's a 16.
>> So, do we want to do the ninth? Does the ninth work for everybody else? >> Uh, yes. For me. >> Okay. George, does the ninth work for you? >> What? What about the 16th? We got one person can't make it. >> Bill, >> I can't. You can meet the 16th. If it's
better for everyone else, that's fine. >> Well, I guess the ninth I guess if it's uh >> Okay. >> Better for everybody. That's uh >> Okay. It feels very soon, but I guess it's a month away, right? >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. All right. We'll set for the ninth and if for some reason it
doesn't work, then we'll look at the 16th. >> All right. Uh look for a motion to >> Before you go, Madam Chair, I just wanted to say to Gary, uh if this request is coming in from uh Park and
Rex, I hope it has some sort of diagram of design. if you're going to reject and say you need to go before the disability commission because what is it that you know FA Park I mean if you don't have
anything that is in print to tell us what it is that you want to do how do we determine whether or not you know you need to do this for disability or you don't need to do this or whatever the case is because I think just coming
before us just to talk that's fine too But if they got a plan that they're wanting to present that they're wanting to go in, I I think you need to have some print as to what you're looking at. >> Yeah. you know, with the capital request
so tight um this year, we say it every year, but this year, you know, with a with a $2 million deficit that we're going to be cleaning up, and we are, um that all requests are going to have to come to us ready to go to some degree, you know, with the more information the
department heads can provide us or the departments and the better off they're going to be with getting their uh capital request on our calendar, whe it this year or next year. you know, we kind of look at these things in threeear cycles. So hopefully,
yeah, you know, they're going to be scrutinized. George, you've seen our meetings. So, >> all right. With that note, can I have a motion to adjurnn? >> I make a motion that we are doing. >> I'll second that,
>> Bill. Okay. So, uh, can I have a vote? Uh, Bill. >> Hi, >> George. >> Hi, >> Gary. >> Gary's an I. >> Dian's an I. >> Thank you guys. >> All have a great weekend.