← Appropriations & Oversight Committee · 2024-06-06 · Appropriations and Oversight Budget Hearing
APPRO-2024-31 : An Appropriation from Free Cash in the amount of $10,000, to the Human Resources Department, for ADA Needs
Agenda original PDF
Minutes original PDF
APPRO-2024-31 Appropriation An Appropriation from Free Cash in the amount of $10,000, to the Human Resources Department, for ADA Needs Ought to Pass City Council
Transcript
▶ 6:57 Maya Jamaleddine: um, next we have appropriation 2024 dash, um, 31 in appropriation from free cash in the amount of $10,000 to the Human Resources Department for a DA needs. Welcome.
▶ 7:12 Speaker 1: Good evening. Good evening. I'm here tonight, um, to request $10,000 in free cash to meet the city obligations under the, uh, Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure that we have equitable access to information services programs to residents with disabilities. Uh, this was a recommended next step in the 2023 a DA self-evaluation and transition plan. And we currently don't have a line item in our budget, uh, to meet the a DA needs. So it'll build that financial capacity to be able to provide essential auxiliary services, um, adaptive technologies such as, uh, a SL translators, card services, assistive listening devices to residents who are deaf and hard of hearing. And the, I'm the a DA coordinator for the city, and I will work with the Office of Massachusetts, commission of Death and Heart of Hearing, Massachusetts Office of Disability with the Melrose Commission on Disability for guidance and to procure these services. So, thank you.
▶ 8:22 Maya Jamaleddine: Thank you. Any
▶ 8:27 Robb Stewart: question? Uh, councilor Stewart? Uh, thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you Ms. Lada, for being in front of us. Um, which events are you targeting for these? What, what events do you have in mind that would require these services?
▶ 8:40 Speaker 1: Um, any events, anything from, um, city council meetings to larger events such as graduations, um, events that require, uh, city events that require, uh, larger participation.
▶ 8:54 Robb Stewart: And how does that work then? Do, do, are you contacted saying that, uh, I am, uh, someone that has a certain need that, uh, would require assistance. Can you please help? And then we go and allocate those resources?
▶ 9:09 Speaker 1: Yes. So, um, S-D-A-D-A coordinator, um, my information is on the website and I'm working with departments to publicize these services as well. So, uh, I'll be contacted that there is a need, uh, identify what the need is and how we can best meet that need. And then, uh, I will reach out to, um, the appropriate vendor, Massachusetts, uh, commission of Death and hard of hearing, for example, and, um, get, um, the services.
▶ 9:42 Robb Stewart: I think this is a good service, and I appreciate, uh, you coming forward to us. Uh, is there a way that you could get the word out, uh, perhaps write an article once this passes? If, uh, if it, it does pass so that way the community is more aware of it. My concern is someone that isn't necessarily going to the website and looking at at things may not be fully aware that this service is available. So, Absolutely. Yes. I would encourage that. Um, the administration take that as an action. Yes. Great. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair.
▶ 10:15 Maya Jamaleddine: Thank you. Any other question?
▶ 10:21 Speaker 2: What is the will of the committee? Councilor
▶ 10:26 Robb Stewart: Stewart? Yeah, Madam Chair. I'll make a motion to recommend this to the full counsel.
▶ 10:29 Maya Jamaleddine: Second, we have a motion to recommend, uh, made by Councillor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Vandiver. Um, on discussion, seeing none, Mr. Clerk,
▶ 10:39 Speaker 1: Vice Chair Williams? Yes. Councillor Repe. Yes. Councillor Stewart? Yes. Councilor Hamilton? Yes. Councillor Vandi. I'm sorry. Yes. Uh, Councillor Romanul? Yes. Councillor Finocchiaro. Yes. President Elli? Yes. And Chair Jamal Dean? Yes. That motion passes unanimously.
▶ 10:56 Maya Jamaleddine: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
▶ 11:01 Maya Jamaleddine: Ms. Lara Appropriation 2024 dash 33 and appropriation from free cash in the amount of $20,000 to the planning department. 0 1 1 7 5 2 dash 5 2 9 0 2 6 for FY 25 Messina grant funding.