The discussion about Luigi’s absence took center stage, as board members expressed concern over the impact of his lack of attendance on the committee’s effectiveness. Luigi, whose health issues have been cited, has reportedly attended only one meeting in the last couple of years. The board, led by a member who had been in communication with Luigi, explored the possibility of asking him to step down. This action would allow the appointment of a new member who could contribute to the committee’s goals and maintain the quorum necessary for decision-making.

The board reached a consensus to send Luigi a letter, respectfully requesting his resignation and providing him with a deadline to respond. Should Luigi fail to respond, the board plans to escalate the matter to the Select Board, which appoints committee members.

Another issue discussed was the town’s transportation services, specifically the Mart Connects system and town van. A board member shared personal and community feedback regarding the challenges faced by residents with disabilities in accessing these services. The outsourced dispatch service was criticized for unprofessional behavior, leading some residents to avoid using the service altogether. This sentiment was echoed by seniors in a Tai Chi class, who faced similar issues and opted for more costly ride-share options instead.

The board underscored the urgency of these concerns, emphasizing the need to improve customer service to restore confidence in the transportation program. Suggestions included implementing a customer service survey to gather feedback and improve the user experience. The need to communicate these issues to Liz, the director responsible for transportation services, was highlighted, with a recommendation to document the concerns in writing for formal acknowledgment and response.

Moving on to infrastructure improvements, the restoration of the Frog Pond area was discussed as a vital project to improve accessibility and make the site ADA compliant. The board agreed on the significance of supporting this project, which includes repairs and enhancements to the overgrown and neglected area. It was noted that the restoration had not been undertaken for at least a decade, and current plans aim to revitalize the site, particularly addressing the narrow walkway across Shore Drive.

The potential for securing funding through state grants was considered, with recent allocations of $5.4 million to 54 communities for similar projects. Board members expressed optimism that a well-defined ADA compliance initiative could enhance their chances of obtaining financial support. They also discussed the importance of integrating this project into the broader town plan aimed at improving ADA compliance throughout Littleton.

The meeting also touched on procedural and administrative matters, such as accepting the minutes from the previous session and discussing the logistics of recording meetings. The introduction of a new Zoom setup was confirmed to streamline the process, ensuring recordings are easily accessible via LCTV.

In a lighter moment, the scheduling of the next meeting was discussed, with plans to convene on the second Friday of February, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. The board entertained the idea of inviting interested individuals to attend the next meeting to gauge their potential interest in joining the board. However, there was a debate over expanding the board’s size, with some members voicing concerns about complicating the decision-making process and maintaining efficiency.