Melrose Commission On Disability Established

MELROSE, MA — The City Council Monday night officially established a Commission on Disability in Melrose, unanimously voting to codify what had already been approved two years ago.

The move helped Mayor Paul Brodeur make good on another one of his campaign promises as he settles into City Hall.

In April 2018, the then-Board of Alderman unanimously approved the creation of the commission, but no steps were ever taken to select members or convene meetings. One disabled woman told the Council Monday she was "appalled" the commission hadn't yet been brought online.

The commission is proposed to have seven members. A "majority" of members would be people with disabilities, one would be an immediate family member of someone with a disability and another would be either an elected or appointed Melrose official.

According to the order, the commission would:

• research local problems of people with disabilities
• advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws and regulations that affect people with disabilities
• coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability

• review and make recommendations about policies, procedures, services, activities and facilities of departments, boards and agencies of the City of Melrose as they affect people with disabilities

• provide information, referrals, guidance and technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses and organizations in all matters pertaining to disability
• assist and coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The Commission shall hold at least ten meetings annually.

Brodeur said during the campaign season on Patch that state data estimates about 9 percent of Melrose residents live with a disability, and that the true number is likely higher.

It's a public commission, so the Council will approve Brodeur's nominations. The openings, along with a description, will be posted on the city's website, Brodeur said.

City Councilor Shawn MacMaster encouraged Brodeur to take steps to ensure the Commission on Disability and the Human Rights Commission do not duplicate efforts.