Observation reports are submitted by Marblehead League of Women Voters members who have attended meetings of various town boards and commissions. Observers are solely responsible for accuracy of the information. Complete reports can be found on the LWV of Marblehead Website www.lwvmarblehead.org.
Marblehead Disabilities Commission 6/8/23 Hybrid Meeting
LWVM Observer: Nancy Powell
Member Updates: The commission welcomed Brigitte Duffy as its newest member. Over the next month, Chair Laurie Blaisdell and member Amy Hirschkron will each be sworn in for an additional three-year term. Member Katie Farrell announced her resignation at last month’s meeting.
Devereux Beach improvements: The ramp at the restaurant is in a state of disrepair. Blaisdell reported that (per Kyle Wiley) responsibility for repairing the ramp falls to the restaurant owner. Blaisdell will follow up on Wiley’s forthcoming communication with the owner regarding this issue.
The pavilion at Devereux additionally presents an accessibility issue as the step/lip is too high. Blaisdell spoke with Peter James of Parks and Recreation who explained that a ramp will be built to improve access to this area.
Public bathrooms: Hirschkron has been working with Harbormaster Mark Souza to address the longstanding issue concerning wheelchair-access to the bathroom/shower facilities at the harbormaster’s office building. The wheelchair ramp leads to a back door that lacks an electronic opener, making it impossible for a wheelchair user to access the building. Hirschkron was informed that a consultant from the Collins Center for Public Management included this site in its town-wide facilities audit conducted in December and made recommendations for remediating the issue. A potential grant to cover the recommended updates was discussed.
It was noted by Blaisdell that the public restrooms at the State Street Clark Landing have not been opened for the season due to either vandalism and/or a burst pipe with no sign of repairs in the works. As the lack of accessible restroom facilities negatively impacts the general public, but especially those with mobility challenges, Blaisdell will speak with the harbormaster about placing a handicap-accessible porta potty near the docks while repairs are being made.
Accessibility to Town Meeting: Blaisdell noted that the Massachusetts Office on Disability recently issued a memorandum entitled “Reasonable Accommodations at Town Meetings.” Towns have a legal obligation under the Americans With Disabilities Act to make their Town Meetings accessible to people with disabilities and to respond to requests for reasonable accommodations. Commission members will review the document thoroughly to ensure that Marblehead is in compliance. Member Andrea Mountain will link the memorandum to the commission website. Hirschkron recommended publicizing these accommodations prior to next year’s Town Meeting.
Signage for Abbott Hall: Hirschkron found that the only handicap-accessibility sign denoting an accessible entrance to Abbott Hall is located at the top of the stairs at the rear of the building, requiring individuals to climb the stairs in order to read it. No handicap symbol is displayed either. Wiley was informed and has since ordered three new signs which will be suitably placed.
Accessible van: Former member Rich Ramos’ newly purchased accessible van is available should someone be interested in purchasing the vehicle. The commission will spread the word, with inquiries being directed to either Ramos’ sister or Blaisdell.
Rail Trail upgrades: Blaisdell did a site visit to the newly-renovated Rail Trail and reported the trail now has stone dust over pavement, making it more accessible to those with mobility limitations.
Treasury account: Blaisdell will obtain an update as to the current balance in the commission’s account (as acquired from handicap-parking violations). Update will be forthcoming.
WATER & SEWER COMMISSION – June 6, 2023
Remote access available on Zoom. Meeting will not be interrupted due to problems with remote access. Meeting recorded, audio only.
LWVM Observer – Steven Levy
Superintendent Report for Water. – Contract 185, Loring Ave, is essentially done. New water main installed and in service. Contractor is working on landscaping and fencing.
Superintendent Report for Sewer
-Repair on Elm Street due to a pipe settling, excavation went from 7 ft in depth to 17 feet.
– The Resump project is an effort to locate private sump pumps connections to the sanitary sewer system and have the homeowner fix the problem. Sump pump water can overwhelm the sanitary sewer system during storm events. More than 400 sump pumps were found connected to the sanitary sewer system during the 80’s. records do not confirm if these connections were removed. Through RESUMP FY 24 effort will be made to investigate those connections and confirm they have been removed from the sanitary system.
– Contract 183 Green Street Pump Station Rehabilitation- Work to start mid-June.
– Sewer Regulations review – South Essex Sewerage District has updated their regulations. Marblehead will need to review and update to be in compliance with SESD Regulations
Superintendent Report for Admin
– Account Receivable update. 9 customers got collection letters with accounts overdue by 270 days and warnings with door tags were delivered to those customers with accounts overdue by 180 days.
Report on Massachusetts Water Authority (MWRA).
– MWRA Loan update. MWRA loaned $3,059,400 for the Humphrey Street project was closed out and the earlier loan for $2,200,000 for the Tedesco street was also closed out. The projects were completed under budget by $771,300 which can be applied to future eligible projects. The Loring Ave project will be submitted for approval of this remaining funding.
The Commission decided not to apply for additional loan appropriation at this time.
Report on South Essex Sewer District (SESD)
Infiltration and Inflow project: There are funds available for a sewer lining project in SESD Budget. The Commission opted to hold prior to issuing use of these funds until the awards for Congressional Directed Funding were known. Funding should be awarded to winning projects Mid July.
Contract 188 – ABC (Asphalt, Brick and Concrete) Material Processing Contract was publicly bid and awarded to N Granese and Sons for materials processing at $599,000.
Contract 185 – Loring Transmission Water Main Replacement change orders 1, 2 and 3 were approved.
GIS Field Technician appointment was made. Duties will include maintaining and operating the GIS (Geographic Information System). Samuel Lippmann, the appointee, has an Industrial Engineering Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.
Rate Study Public Hearing and July Regular Commission Meeting were set for June 26, 2023.
The meeting ended at 9:50 PM.