DALTON, Mass. — The Town Hall lift is still out of order so public meetings are only being held when the library is open.
ADA coordinator Alyssa Maschino told the Americans with Disabilities Committee this week that although someone from Garaventa Lift came out to repair it, during a test ride it stopped working again.
The committee is still waiting to hear back from Garaventa Lift on a quote for the cost of a new lift requested last fall.
The committee intends on applying for a Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act Improvement grant to cover the cost of the replacement.
However, the project was delayed because the current lift servicer, Garaventa Lift, informed the town that the new weight limit went from 400 pounds to 650 pounds.
With the new weight limit requirement, the town needs to determine if the current railings can hold 650 pounds, Maschino said during a previous meeting.
Hill Engineering is analyzing options to determine if there is a better place to install a lift, which is currently in the Police Department.
The study cost $5,500 and came from the town engineering budget. The committee hopes to have the completed study by the end of March and will explore funding options at a future meeting.
It intends to request funds for the engineering of a new lift at the town meeting in May.
It was announced during the committee meeting that the town was approved for an ADA grant in the amount of $6,414.31, which will cover the cost of seven accessible picnic tables, two at each of the three town parks and one at the library.
Maschino will talk to the Highway Department to see if it can pour concrete at the parks so that the tables can be installed.
The round metal picnic tables have three seats with one open spot for wheelchair users. The project has to be done by the end of June to be covered by the grant.
In the town ADA evaluation plan, it was noted that one of the general issues throughout town parks and playgrounds is the lack of accessible benches and tables.
Although completion this project has a tight timeline, accomplishing it on time improves the committee's chances in being accepted for future grants, ADA committee member Lyn Clements said
During a previous meeting the board considered getting picnic tables through Amazon at a cost of about $8,000 for half-dozen. The ends of those table extend outward so a wheelchair user can easily sit there
Instead, Maschino said they will be ordered at the lower price of $6,414.31 through Massachusetts Correctional Industries, part of the state Department of Corrections' vocational programs.
In other news:
• The committee invested in a wireless doorbell that will let library staff know when a wheelchair user needs assistance gaining access to the building since there isn't an automatic door system on the inside door. The system cost approximately $40.
Maschino was unsure if this system has a video option that connects to devices.
• The committee hopes to have a full five-person panel next month and intends on voting for a chair and vice chair once the committee is full.
Committee member Patrick Pettit recommended that they look into expanding the seats to seven rather than five so there are still enough members in case a couple members decide to leave or are absent.
Committee members said they have heard from residents expressing an interest in joining.
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