Commission weighs using Chapter 40 Section 22 funds for handicap parking lining and signage
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Summary
Revere parking department asked the Commission on Disabilities to allocate Chapter 40, Section 22 funds (handicap-violation fines) to pay for new painted lines and signage; commissioners clarified funds apply only to municipal property and must meet 521 CMR requirements, and the painted ground symbol is not required by 521 CMR.
The Revere parking department has requested help from the Revere Commission on Disabilities to use funds collected under Chapter 40, Section 22 of the Massachusetts General Laws to pay for restriping and new signage for handicap parking spots in municipal lots.
Ralph DeChico explained how the funds are collected and allocated: "All those funds are allocated to the Revere Commission on Disabilities to be able to use for programming and any type of work done that benefits people with disabilities in our community, such as any type of accessibility to buildings or structures or anything like that that's municipally owned buildings." He told commissioners he asked the parking department for a cost analysis to determine how much money would be needed and whether the city would contract the work.
Key constraints raised in the meeting: the commission stressed that money from Chapter 40, Section 22 must benefit municipally owned property; painted ground symbols are not a required element of accessible parking under 521 CMR and therefore may not qualify for expenditure from the fund if the commission interprets the statute conservatively. Deputy/vice chair Pauline Purnell and others confirmed that lining and signage work would likely be contracted out by the city and that the commission would act after reviewing an actual cost estimate.
Next steps: the commission awaits a cost analysis from the parking department before deciding whether to transfer funds. The transcript records no formal vote authorizing a transfer; commissioners advised staff to follow procurement rules and ensure any improvements meet 521 CMR standards.
Authorities noted in the discussion included Chapter 40, Section 22 of the Massachusetts General Laws and 521 CMR (the state's accessibility regulations).