TOWNSHIP OF LOWER MAKEFIELD

DISABLED PERSONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2005

A meeting of the Disabled Persons Advisory Board of the Township of Lower Makefield was held in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 22, 2005. Chairman Rogers opened the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Those present:

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: John McConville, member

Lisa Huchler-Smith, Secretary

David Rogers, Chairman

Ann Piccinotti, Vice-Chairman

Liz Harbison, member (absent)

OTHERS: Scott Fegley, Supervisor Liaison (absent)

Bob Shanburg

Alex Godun

REORGANIZATION OF OFFICERS FOR 2005

Ms. Huchler-Smith moved, Mr. McConville seconded and it was unanimously carried to keep the officers the same for 2005.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Ms. Huchler-Smith moved, Mr. McConville seconded and it was unanimously carried to approve the December 2004 meeting minutes as written.

BEXLEY WOODS REQUEST FOR AUDIBLE TRAFFIC SIGNAL

Mr. Rogers stated the Board of Supervisors awarded the contract to install an audible traffic signal on Big Oak Road. Mr. Rogers stated he would find out when the audible traffic signal would be completed and would seek publicity for the Board’s accomplishment.

REPORT FROM BOB SHANBURG

Mr. Shanburg stated that Woodbourne Train Station has a new platform and the train platform is not accessible to people with disabilities. He stated he objected to Septa of the installation of only one ramp for accessibility. He stated Septa told him they do not own the North or South bound tracks, CSX does and he should contact them. Mr. Shanburg stated he contacted CSX and they advised him if a passenger has an accessibility issue, the passenger may pass the Woodbourne stop and get off the train at the Yardley station, cross under the tracks and take the next train back to Woodbourne. Mr. Shanburg said a disabled person could also notify the train

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they have needs and the train could be switched onto the southbound tracks for better accessibility.

Mr. Shanburg stated he recently noticed a number of people parking in front of the curb cuts in the McCaffrey’s Shopping Center, and it is not being enforced. He suggested the Board send a letter to the Township about the problem, noting the fire lane is being blocked. He suggested the Board suggest the Township paint stripes designating the fire lane and issue a fine for parking in the fire lane.

Mr. Shanburg noted that after the recent snow storms people who remove snow from the sidewalks are not sensitive to curb cuts or plow/shovel wide enough for wheelchairs.

Mr. Rogers noted where he used to live, taxpayers paid for all sidewalks in the municipality to be cleared of snow and these issues should be brought up with the Township. Mr. Shanburg suggested the Board contact the Boy Scouts or local youth groups to help shovel snow for the elderly or disabled in the Township.

Mr. Shanburg stated that both a logo sign and fine must be posted at a handicap parking space to enforce and issue a ticket to the violator. He suggested the Board contact businesses to install both signs at their places of business. Mr. Rogers said he would draft a letter to Mr. Fedorchak addressing the problems discussed at tonight’s meeting and would suggest solutions.

PLAN REVIEW – Process Letter

Mr. Rogers stated he has not received much cooperation from the Zoning Department enabling the Board to review plans. He stated he spoke with Ms. Frick today and she advised him she has a list of permit applications and plans available on a weekly basis for the Board review and choose what to review.

Mr. Rogers said Ms. Frick advised him there have not been any new exterior construction and any interior renovation of commercial properties other than taking down load bearing wall does not require a permit.

Mr. Rogers proposed that he would go to the Township building each week on Tuesday to look at the Zoning list for any plans the Board should review.

APPROVAL OF LETTER TO BUSINESSES

Mr. Rogers suggested the Board hand deliver the letters to Lower Makefield Township businesses with the ADA Guidelines for Small Businesses and tax credit information. Mr. Shanburg said the Board could site the businesses if they do not comply after being visited by the Board members. Mr. Rogers said the Board is trying to give businesses recommendations to draw more business from disabled people. Mr. Shanburg suggested the Board notify the businesses of their particular accessibility problems and make suggestions on how to correct.

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Ms. Huchler-Smith stated she obtained a list of businesses in Lower Makefield Township from the Sewer hook-up list. Mr. Rogers suggested each Board member take a few businesses from the list to observe and give a letter to the owner.

Mr. Shanburg asked if the Board would follow-up with the businesses that received a letter to see if they corrected the deficiencies. Ms. Huchler-Smith suggested a training session on what to look for before going out to the businesses would be beneficial and suggested Mr. Shanburg train the Board at the next meeting. The Board discussed how to approach the businesses to distribute the materials. Ms. Huchler-Smith suggested inviting the Fire Marshall to speak at a Board meeting in the near future.

ADJOURNMENT

The Committee scheduled the next meeting for Tuesday, March 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lisa Huchler-Smith, Secretary