The Yarmouth Commission on Disability has reached a significant milestone in its effort to modernize town infrastructure, announcing the completion of the first phase of a comprehensive ADA audit covering 13 municipal properties. Vice Chair Jean Bole, who spearheaded the effort alongside member Drew Krauss, reported that the review provided a deep dive into the town's current physical assets. We did 13 properties... all I can say is I got to know the town. I think it's very pretty, Bole said, adding that the next phase will tackle more complex outdoor locations. The parks and beaches are slated for this summer. We do need volunteers.

Chair Gail Sharet formally recognized the work of the audit team, noting that a detailed report has already been submitted to the Town Administration. The push for accessibility comes as the town navigates a broader period of modernization, including the massive municipal sewer rollout and school facility upgrades. To support these efforts, ADA Coordinator Sarah O'Reilly informed the commission that she is pursuing state grant opportunities to consolidate the town’s accessibility policies into a single, cohesive ADA Transition Plan. The intent is to apply for a grant to bring in a consultant, O'Reilly explained, noting that current plans are currently embedded into all the various division bylaws or policies.

The commission is also taking direct action on local parking compliance following concerns about worn signage at the Long Pond Road CVS and Stop & Shop locations. Sharet identified ADA-compliant replacement signs available for just $10.95 and drafted a letter to the businesses. While discussing whether to explicitly list the $500 fine on the signs, O’Reilly clarified that the police and building departments can enforce the law regardless of the specific text on the sign. They said to us that it's not necessary. They can still enforce the books as a law, O'Reilly noted.

Financial constraints at the Senior Center are prompting a shift in how the commission communicates with residents. Due to a strict 19-page limit and rising printing costs for the Milestone newsletter, the group will no longer submit full-length articles. Sharet expressed frustration after a recent recognition piece was trimmed, stating, I really think that we had a story to tell and they cut out the most important thing. Instead, the commission will move to a permanent three-line blurb featuring a QR code and URL. Motion Made by G. Sharet to stay in the Milestone publication with a canned format for redirecting to our website. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

In its annual reorganization, the commission voted to maintain its current leadership while streamlining administrative tasks. Motion Made by Jessica to appoint G. Sharet as chair, J. Bole as vice chair, and rotate clerk duties on a rotating schedule alphabetically. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Prospective member John Mitchell, who attended the meeting, is currently awaiting formal appointment by the Select Board, which O’Reilly expects to occur before August.

Looking ahead to summer outreach, the commission decided against staffing a formal table at the upcoming Health and Wellness Fair, citing the loud environment and difficulty in recruiting members in a crowded space. Sharet suggested that members instead attend as individuals to network directly with other organizations. I'm not sitting at a table... I am going to actually go out and fish and go to every single table and give them a card, Sharet said. While O'Reilly cautioned that skipping the table might mean missing direct contact with Yarmouth residents, the group ultimately decided to pivot their strategy. Motion Made by G. Sharet to not have a table at the fair. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The commission also received a legal update regarding transparency. O’Reilly warned members against serial communication, or discussing commission business via email or phone outside of public sessions, and cautioned that text messages sent during meetings could be subject to public records requests. If someone sees me on TV on my phone, they could actually question what I was doing, O’Reilly warned. To accommodate scheduling conflicts, the group also adjusted its calendar. Motion Made by G. Sharet to move the June 13th meeting to the 6th. Motion Passed (3-0-0). Earlier in the session, the board also adjusted the day's agenda. Motion Made by G. Sharet to add an unexpected friendship report to new business. Motion Passed (3-0-0).