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Residents raise parking, absentee-ballot and utility-billing accessibility problems with Danbury commission
Summary
During public comment, commissioners heard reports of illegal use of handicap parking, an ADA complaint and absentee-ballot usability problems, and a delay in an Eversource heating-assistance credit; commissioners discussed follow-up with the town clerk, ADA office and utility regulator.
Several commissioners and attendees used the public-comment portion of the Jan. 13 meeting to report accessibility problems and consumer issues affecting residents with disabilities.
A commissioner said he has been coordinating with the police department to address illegal use of handicap parking spaces. Another commissioner described encountering a vehicle using a handicap placard while occupying two handicap spots, underscoring uneven enforcement.
Isabelle said she contacted the Americans with Disabilities office and that it made an appointment to discuss two complaints. She also said she had difficulty with an absentee ballot's tiny print and small selection circles and has not received confirmation from the town clerk that the ballot was processed.
"I have no idea if my ballot was counted," Isabelle said, describing using a magnifier and a Sharpie to mark the ballot and not receiving a callback from the town clerk after leaving a message.
A separate commissioner described repeated customer-service calls with Eversource after receiving notice of a heating-assistance credit. The commissioner said a credit reported in September did not appear on December or January bills and that the utility suggested the credit might appear in a later billing cycle; commissioners said they may escalate the issue to the utility regulator if it is not resolved.
Commissioners offered to follow up: the Chair agreed to contact the town clerk about the absentee ballot concern and commissioners planned to share contact information for Eversource billing staff. The commission did not take formal enforcement action at the meeting; members discussed next steps for follow-up and resources for residents.
