I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Uh if uh uh Pauline, if you could do a roll call of the members, greatly
appreciate it. >> Absolutely. Ralph Dico, >> present. >> Pauline Perno is present. Jason Baron, >> present. >> Mario Gman, >> present. You said you have not heard from a response from >> No response from Ellie >> and Annie Fury
>> present. >> Okay. So, roll call the members. Uh item one um is a motion to approve the meeting minutes from the February 10th meeting. I had sent out the uh meeting minutes to everyone on u last week and
then again on Friday and again um this morning so that you all had it. Uh hopefully you all had a chance to take a take a look at it. Um if uh if there are no omissions or anything that need to be added, uh please let me know. If not, if
somebody can make a motion to approve. >> Motion to approve. >> Before you do that, excuse me for one minute. Um under mobile operations manager, it's mobile M O B I L E. Just as a typo, so nobody thinks that we're talking about the mobile gas station
services under the notes. >> Okay, >> that's it. >> Okay. And who second it? >> Do we have a second? >> I will. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Uh item two um was a guest speaker, but we did not have any uh confirmed, so we could skip over item number two. Um item number three was updates and next steps from the January 13th meeting. Uh that's we usually carry
over every month. The first item was any updates from Pauline and Marie. Uh and for that matter any other commission members that have any future monthly guest speakers. Um so I just wanted to check in and see if we have anyone confirmed. As of now,
>> I don't have a confirmation, but I have a confirmation that one someone is going to get back to me from the um modeling agency that I spoke of. >> Okay. >> So, I'm just waiting to hear back from them and hopefully I can get them for April. So, we meet April, May, June,
>> which is the month not meet >> July. >> July. Okay. Okay. That I wanted to confirm that. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. So, as soon as I have that um updated, I will get that to you. >> Okay. And um and then if you can get
anybody for any other months be greatly appreciated. Anyone else, like I said, please feel free to find anyone to come for as a guest speaker. Um if it's not a Paulina and Marie, please get in touch with one of them. If you know someone with the contact information, uh we can
go on there. The next item I'm getting kind of um kind of um I don't know what the word to say, discouraged. >> Um as a commission member, I really rely on people to follow through when I ask
for something to uh get answered or done. Now, this has been going on since I want to say September. Um and if you're somebody a commission member says they're going to do it, I really need just to follow through on it. um because it doesn't do us any
justice that we keep carrying this over and carrying this over um to get it done. So, I am at I don't know. I'm open for suggestions um on what to do about this. >> I mean, I as far as as far as you know,
going to Representative Turo. I'm willing to give his office a couple of calls. I mean, I'm constantly on the phone. I think I'm >> You still have the letter, >> huh? >> Do you still Do you still have a copy of the original letter? I probably do and if I don't I I'll get it from you. But I
will Oh, you know what? I'll start calling his office tomorrow and you know starting to follow up and if I don't get anywhere there, you know, I'll reach out to Jessica Gene, you know, because she's always in touch with other people and I know that that's not her area. But >> right
>> if we have to start utilizing and this is what I'm doing to find guest speakers is I'm utilizing >> right >> the step method to find you know to go from one if you can't do it to else and sometimes that's what you have to do to pick away but you know I was going to note that the situation on the beach is
getting far worse and it's been really bad in the first thing in the morning especially that area that's under construction because >> not so much today because of the time change but before We changed the clocks back. I was traveling the beach at 5:05
in the morning and you've got big rigs coming in and out and people walking across the street and you can't see anything. There's nothing. And even if they're on the side, the crosswalks, you still can't see them. The illumination
or the crosswalk situation is poor. And I've noticed that especially now today coming home, there are people just darting in and out. It didn't matter if they were on a crosswalk off or they didn't care. And so >> exactly, >> excuse me, we're now getting into, okay,
the weather's going to get nicer. This is going to now escalate even more. So, it's really an issue. So, I I will start calling his office tomorrow. >> And we tried getting this done before the winter time, too. We started in the fall. And you know, that's why we rely
on people in the commission um to not just come to the meetings and if you're going to delegate to do something, we really need just to follow through and do it. >> Well, I will tomorrow morning and leave a >> I'm not overstepping by saying that about the commission members, but
>> we're we're a we're a commission. We're not individual people. We're >> bringing something to the table. and bringing something to the table means doing what you can. And if you're stand still, if you have made 17 phone calls, you're not getting anywhere, then say that, >> right?
>> Not ashamed to say, I've sent out 16 emails and I've gotten one response. >> Okay? >> So, I've I've said it. I've put it out there, but I also a busy time of year people with, you know, spring breaks and other and I personally know that one.
So, I'll go a little leeway, but it's time to really step it up. We can do so much more. And it it is it's very very it's discouraging, but it's also very frustrating when you are calling people,
when you are emailing people, and you don't get any response, and then you say, you know, when is enough enough, >> right? And we don't even know if that's the case. Yeah. >> Right. We don't. So, I will I'll start calling him tomorrow and see if I can at least get >> right because I'm not getting not getting any communications on that. The
only thing I get is I I haven't and I will and you know >> Yeah, we need communications. >> That's why it's that's why it's important. I know we have busy lives, but we only meet once a month. So, you know, we really need to make sure that
we get things solidified. And I I I I I think I don't try and send I don't send a lot of communications out to everybody. I try and do it 10 about 10 days before reminding everyone to put it on their calendar about their meeting about the meeting and just to let let me know so that I know what to expect and
um what was on the the notes as the carryover from the previous month. So in case you haven't done something just as as a reminder to please try and follow through before our meeting so that we can have it. It's on the agenda. I just don't want residents thinking that we're not following through on what we're
trying to get accomplished, >> right? And a huge accomplishment because it's not just something that we are the city of Rever, but we're dealing with state property, >> right? >> Residents and visitors. It's not just
Rever residents. I'm I'm concerned when the spring and summer comes and you've got people parking down there, you're going to have multitudes of children, >> right? >> And youngsters and people in wheelchairs or with assisted devices >> or even people with strollers.
>> Stroller. Well, that's what talking about prior to the meeting is that everybody is impacted by this. This is not a problem. So, I I have a big star next to calling Representative Turo in the morning. >> Okay. Thank you, Pauline.
>> Hopefully, we'll get kind of ball rolling. >> And Pauline, maybe maybe you try um you know, I was thinking when you were thinking about guest speakers, see if and it sounds strange, but see if like Boston casting would want to meet with us. And the reason I'm saying that
because there's not enough people with disabilities in different roles acting wise that would portray reality because it's unfair >> if they bring somebody in that's not part of that. You haven't seen that many of yours. >> This particular casting company all they
deal with it's different. >> So specific and that's why I specifically reached out to them as opposed to a regular casting company. >> Yeah. So we'll get on it. So let's you know we'll move along and and hope for
the best and maybe hey worse comes to worse maybe Representative Turko will be happy to join us on meeting. >> Yeah. That's what Ellie was supposed to find out too and I never heard anything from even know I don't even know if that was even a conversation without any
communication from I don't know >> so on it. >> Okay. >> Uh thank you. I appreciate it. >> Next item four is Kota Commissioner Disabilities Alliance meeting on March 4th. Um that it wasn't ready for the time of the posting because I have to
get everything to the city to post by a certain time frame. So, those weren't there, but I do have the I do have um some some notes for that and updates on that. Um and a there were a couple items at that meeting. Um one of the one of
the um items was a member of the MEOS COOD uh mentioned that they created a guide on on how to make your organization and events welcoming for people with disabilities. Um and they have it they actually have it on their
um their city website if anybody wanted to take a look at it from our commission. So you would just go to the Maro Cood and look for that guide on making your organization events welcoming for people with disabilities. >> Um so I thought that was that was pretty interesting. Neat. Um and uh also uh the
Cambridge a member from the Cambridge uh Cambridge um COOD uh will be giving a presentation to their city department and officials and how they can make sure that they include the needs of the dis the disabled residents in future plans
and projects which is which which sounds really really uh really good. Um, so when they're planning to do projects, programs, um, or or anything in the community, uh, they're they're doing a presentation
with them on what to make sure that, you know, what to look for to make sure the the accessibility issues, the programming, uh, such as making sure that access if it's a if it's a program that it's being held in an accessible location. uh making sure that they have
uh the adaptability for accessible equipment such as um interpretation or any type of uh assisted devices that are needed. Um so they're they're going to be having a presentation on that uh which I thought was uh was very
interesting. And then we had most of the meeting there was a very large uh uh uh group discussion amongst all COOD members that were there uh regarding snow removal especially in handicapped spots. Um and you know what happens uh
everywhere not only uh municipal sidewalks municipal properties is handicap parking spots and access aisles. uh regarding whether it is a municipal property or it is a uh shopping mall parking lot or doctor's
office. Um a lot of these um contractors that they are using uh they're not being told by the property owners that snow cannot go in the handicap spot or the access aisle. Uh and they need to be cleared. Not only that, the access the
curb cuts also need to be cleared. Um especially on the streets that are getting plowed. Uh municipal streets when they're getting plowed. Um in a lot of these municipalities when the trucks are going to plow and they're going around the corners, they're leaving the the snow is staying on the corner. So
they need to make sure that they're getting back there and cleaning uh where there's accessible curb cuts u because people need to be able to get off of the sidewalk uh onto the street, across the street. Um, I know this year was tremendously tough everywhere in the
Commonwealth, uh, with the snow piling up in different places. Um, and it's been extremely challenging. Uh, but not only, uh, the municipal um, business districts and whatnot, but even in your own residential neighborhoods, if you live on a if you live on a corner, um,
like they say, if you live near a fire hydrant, try and shovel out the fire hydrant. uh it's not only for you, it's for the emergency apparatus so that it's safe for everyone. So the same thing is can be said about curb cuts. Uh make sure that you can clean those those not
only for disabled residents but for students walking to school, anybody walking on the sidewalk so it's clear of obstructions, the ice won't form. Um so that can get taken care of. So, there was a very very um large conversation on
that that handicap spots uh I'm actually going to start using the word accessible parking spots and getting away from the old terminology of handicap spots. Accessible parking spots should be free of clear of snow and not only free of clear of snow, snow should not be piled
there and left there. um along with the access aisles that are usually adjacent to an accessible parking spot. And the the accessible pathway leading to an accessible entrance to a building um needs to also be free and clear of
debris. And that uh free and clear of that pathway uh also is uh ice is ice accumulation is considered that that falls under um under our Massachusetts architectural access board code and
regulations uh which are 521 CMR uh section 3.4 Four is something called maintenance of access features and snow does fall under that that it needs to be cleared uh of of uh any accumulation in
a timely manner. Um just as you know Ree has the ordinance for businesses and residents to clear their sidewalks. Um and um be an added benefit if those residents that live on a corner that has the um
the curb cut, which is when I say curb cut, it's not the curb stone. A curb cut is where you have the the the yellow protruding um pad that's down. That's what's considered a curb cut. That does from the transition from the sidewalk to
the street. you want to make sure that that's if you can if you can clean that because that helps uh that helps the municipality dearly uh and making sure that that's clear for everyone. So I just wanted to uh state that that was uh the three main topics for the uh for the
monthly protocol. So um just wanted to see on that. I don't know if anybody had any questions on that. Um, but that's uh that's one of my uh one of my pet peeves too with the snow removal is I really hate when I see snow piled in those
locations. Not only I hate seeing people parking in those spots that don't have an accessible parking pass uh the parking spot itself or the access aisle saying, "Well, I'm just waiting here for someone." So, not supposed to be parking in those spots and snow is not supposed
to be parked in those spots. So, uh, nothing is supposed to be parked in those spots except for a vehicle with appropriate placard. So, you can say snow does not have an appropriate placard. >> There you go. >> Parking in there. So, that's my little my little summation on that. >> Excellent.
>> Item item number five on our agenda is uh any items from the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board uh for variances. Uh, we did not receive any this month, so there's not many that I have to uh discuss and let you know about. Um, item number six is commission
members layform informationational items. The only thing that I have that I um that I neglected to put on here, it's justformational for the COOD members is the Massachusetts Office on Disabilities is going to be hosting two statewide
commission on disability meetings. Um the first one is going to be on a on on Thursday, April 15th and any commission member is welcome to attend. You would just go to the mass office on disabilities website and you can
register for it. It's right on their front page. If you look under events, it's listed right there. Um it is going to be uh there's one in April and then we're going to be having there'll be another one in October. Um so it's very uhformational. It's a way to uh connect
with other commission on disabilities uh and get some more information from Massachusetts office on disabilities who is a great resource for our commission on disabilities. So I just wanted to uh put that out there for everyone um so that they have it and to see who's
welcome to attend. I should know the hour since I'm going to be part hosting that. Um I believe it is 10:30 10 to 11:30. Uh, and it's a it's a Thursday morning. Uh, and it's going to be via Zoom, so you're all welcome to
attend as a commission member from uh from the city of Riviera. Um, it'd be great to see some of you on there. I'm not sure if any other commission members have any lateformational items that they would like to like to discuss.
I tried keeping this me this meeting relatively short since we had a very long meeting last month. Um, and I was hoping to uh for Ellie to present some information. So, other than that, there's not too much more to go, but I'm just wondering if any commission members
have anyformational items. I don't, but Pauline, I just wanted to say if you don't have any luck with Representative Turco, um, feel free to reach out. I'm happy to kind of add backup. I think hitting it from different angles sometimes, you know, the
>> the squeaky wheel gets the grease, I think, right? Sometimes. So, >> but I'm that you know, if I get in touch with him, you know, I just had this brainstorm is it because he's so tall and I am so envious that he is that tall
and I am not. I'm 5 feet. So standing next to Representative Turo, I am very, very small. And I'm hoping that he would be willing to meet me and anyone else who wants to come along down on the beach just to see the differences
between him being a viable object ready to cross the street versus someone my stature >> or smaller stature. >> Thank you. >> It's not the height, it's the power. We all know that. But anyway, um that's my my hope is and that you know it would be great to kind of sort of get a video of
it with cars approaching just so that you can see the differences in where people where people's sight is what they're seeing on the sides waiting to cross and how much they're really not seeing. And so that's my hope. I have
this vision. So hopefully I'll keep you in my thoughts and Marie and I will be reaching out >> here if you need help. And what I'll do at what I'll do after this meeting, um, Pauline, I'll look for the letter and I'll send it to you just in case you don't have it. >> Okay, that'll be great. Thank you, Ralph. >> Yeah.
>> Okay, sounds like a plan. >> Okay, >> any other members? >> Okay, item number item number seven is um residents concerns and issues. Um, I
want to just uh want to mention that um if anyone knows of a handicap parking spot um that's not being in use, what it has to be, that's if it's in front of your home, if you purchase the home and there's a handicap sign, you need to
submit a a formal email stating that you're the new homeowner uh along with a copy of your um uh your purchase and sales that you are the new homeowner and you do not need that handicap sign there. Um, if you
know of a sign in front of somebody's home um that no longer needs it, they need to send a a letter um stating that it's no longer used along with their property um their their purchase and sales because what what had happened in
years past, not saying this, not saying anyone would do this, but there are people out there that um would be mad that there's no parking in their area and they falsify saying that a handicap sign is no longer used uh because the person's
either moved away or deceased, which was not would not be true. And years ago, um DP would go to traffic commission to get removed. DPW will remove the sign and then they would get a nasty call from the resident saying, "Why was my handicap sign removed?"
So, we need something in writing from the from the new homeowner or landlord documenting uh with proof that they're the new owners of the property, that that handicap sign is no longer needed. Um because or else, you know, he'd like to
be able to take people that they're worried, but some instances we just need to have something on file that it was properly uh documented from the proper people that that handicap sign was no longer needed from either a new uh new
land from the landlord um on file for that property or the new u property owner with the documentation showing their name in the the property along with the sign being in front of that home. Hoping that was clear enough. If I'm not Pauline, could you please um
>> that that's clear. Um where would they send the letters to? >> The letter the letter can come the letter can come to the to the uh disability commission. It could be sent to disabilities.org or they could send it to ralph.ico.org.
A lot better if you send it to disabilities rever.org just in case there's ever hit by bus syndrome or if I'm not here, it's out there that it always goes to disability.org and then I formally submit that to the traffic commission to go to their following their next month's traffic
commission meeting to take it up on their agenda to have the sign removed and then they have the documentation um that it was the official way to that it was done to be removed. >> Okay, great. Got it. >> Yeah. And same thing with an entity such
as River Housing. Uh if there's a sign on their property, they they should know that they have to send me a formal letter that a resident has either moved away or passed on that the handicap sign was no longer needed. >> Okay, great.
>> Um that's all I have for uh residents concerns issues. Um next steps we will just carry over um item three as usual that we had from this month um as the
next steps for our uh for our following um our following meeting. Um item number nine is our um monthly reminder. Pauline, if you wouldn't mind uh reading that.
>> I'll give it a whirl. >> Thank you. If the vision doesn't fail me right now, the Commission on Disabilities Office number is 781-2868267. Residents can also call REIA 311 directly and speak to their staff Monday through Friday. They will answer most
questions, but if they are unable to assist you or if you prefer to talk with the Commission directly, please ask to be transferred to the Commission on Disability direct number. Please leave a detailed message and we will respond to you shortly. As always, please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like
to discuss or add something to our monthly meeting agenda. You can also let us know if you want to discuss any concerns. The commission is here to help you and assist all residents with disabilities and their families in reair.
>> Um item number 10 is um motion to have to for meeting adjournment. >> Motion to seconded. Motion to adjourn made by Jason >> and Mario. Second >> second by Mario. Our next meeting is
going to be on Tuesday, uh, April 14th, 20126 at 6 PM. Um, I wanted to thank all the commission members for attending. I tried doing my best um to not make it too long of a meeting. We just had one
item that we still had to carry over or else we would we would have had a little bit longer of a meeting, but like I said, last month we had a a longer meeting. And as always, please let me know commission members if you would like something added to the agenda. As you notice, I am trying to send um send
you the meeting agenda draft sooner um within 10 days of the meeting so you have it a little bit sooner um to work on it. and then a couple then there's a couple couple of days to get back to me. Uh but you can let me know anytime during the month. You don't have to wait
till I send you out the draft agenda um when you want something added. This way we we meet the proper rules and getting the information out in a timely manner and then getting it posted um within the amount of business days um city business
days to get it posted on the um the city website and on the board in front of the city clerk's office. Um, but again, thank you. And, uh, I know it's going to be warm for maybe another day or two and it's going to get cold a little bit, but
hopefully um, as the Italians say, matzip. So, M is March is crazy. So, as you're seeing, it was 78 today. >> Uh, and it can go all the way back down to the 20s, but that's March for you.
>> Hopefully hopefully this springtime is coming soon. I hope I'll second that. >> Yeah, we all hope. But thank you again. Have a great night. >> Good night now.