Gwendolyn Lay Sabbagh

The meeting began with the acceptance of the agenda. Old business discussions included status updates on a non-compliant ramp at 5 East Main Street, the Institute for Human Design's proposal for an ADA website review, ADA trails in Greenbelt, the Annual Report status, and issues regarding the pull weight of the door to the platform lift at Town Hall. New agenda items involved a $50,000 earmark request to refinish the basketball court surface and create accessible access points at the Donaghue School, and correspondence from the Merrimac Light Department concerning ADA website review requirements.

The meeting addressed several ongoing issues and future funding opportunities. Key discussions included a Section 504 Complaint filed with the US Access Board regarding Post Office doors, the non-compliant ramp at 5 East Main Street, and the ongoing ADA website review by the Institute for Human Design. For new agenda items, the commission discussed the utilization of MOD grants, noting they have historically not been awarded for flashing lights but for sidewalks and curb cuts, with the grant opening on May 1, 2024. Progress on the AARP Grant for Sidewalks was noted. The commission also addressed missing handicap parking signs at 12 School Street and inadequate handicapped parking space configuration and missing signs at Dunkin Donuts. In open discussion, concerns about non-compliant Exit signs at the new Middle/High School were raised, with confirmation that ADA compliant signs will replace them soon.

The report outlines the Town of Merrimac's ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, assessing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in programs, services, activities, and facilities. It identifies administrative requirements such as a designated ADA Coordinator, grievance procedures, and effective communication policies. Additionally, the plan details physical accessibility improvements needed across public buildings, schools, parks, playgrounds, and sidewalks. The recommendations aim to achieve full ADA compliance over a recommended three-to-five-year period, ensuring equitable access for individuals with disabilities.

The meeting included a discussion regarding the Stormwater Management for 1 High Street, where the board expressed concern over limited progress and the status of remediation for a previous stormwater violation. A motion was passed to contact the property's lawyer for updates on the remediation plan. Project updates were provided for 118 East Main Street/Merrimac Crossing, Abbey Road, and Regency Mixed Use. New business involved reviewing and confirming the 2024 Planning Board Meeting Dates, noting a request to schedule them by fiscal year instead of calendar year, and reviewing the 2023 Planning Board Annual Report. The board also discussed the upcoming Planning Board Election for a new Chair, scheduled for May 6th. Correspondence included referrals to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding special permits for properties at 1 Town Forest Rd. and 7 Skunk Rd. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved one financial warrant for Horsley Witen.

Key discussions included filing a request with the United States Access Board regarding push button power door openers for the Merrimac Post Office. The commission followed up on a non-compliant ramp at 5 East Main Street, planning to request updated plans for issuing a building permit. Financial matters addressed the payment of an invoice for computer backup services and payment for new inclusive cafeteria tables for Sweetsir School. The commission reviewed concerns regarding the number of handicapped spaces and ADA compliance (picnic tables, exit signs) at the new Middle/High School building and discussed ensuring ADA compliance for the planned new playground at Sweetsir School. The commission noted that snow obstructing a handicap parking space at the Post Office was promptly addressed. Planning for the annual report submission was initiated. Discussions also covered securing grant funding, including a received MOD grant of $12,440 for website accessibility, and exploring partnerships for future sidewalk improvement grants. Furthermore, the commission plans to verify the ADA compliance of the recently started Boat Ramp replacement project.