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Southampton committee seeks creation of Accessibility Commission under MGL c.40 §8J
Summary
A bylaw to establish a seven-member Accessibility Commission to implement ADA self-evaluation recommendations and advise on facility access was presented; the draft follows MGL c.40 §8J and specifies member composition, staggered terms, quorum, and duties.
A draft bylaw to create an Accessibility Commission under MGL c.40 §8J was presented to the Select Board and Finance/Capital Committee for recommendation to the special town meeting.
The bylaw review advisory committee recommended a seven-member commission (majority persons with disabilities, one immediate family member of a person with a disability, and one municipal official). The draft sets staggered terms to establish continuity, a simple-majority quorum of four, and duties to support implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the town’s ADA self-evaluation.
Committee members said they selected the term "Accessibility Commission" to emphasize broad benefits beyond disability-specific issues. The commission would review town facilities, work with department heads and the town administrator on remediation priorities, and draw on an ADA self-evaluation completed in October that identified building- and site-level accessibility issues.
Board members asked about likely volunteer recruitment; presenters said several residents had already expressed interest. The board did not finalize language in the meeting; the draft will be posted with the warrant for voter consideration at the June 20 special town meeting.
