Maine town finally works on ADA compliance

From The Times Record:

FREEPORT, Maine — Months after a Freeport woman with severe multiple sclerosis filed a human rights complaint alleging discrimination by town officials, the Town Council at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 will consider adopting an Americans with Disabilities Act policy for the town.

At Tuesday’s meeting, councilors also are scheduled to consider other agenda items related to the disabilities act and human rights.

In May, Marianne McGettigan confirmed that she filed a complaint against Freeport municipal government after she said she was not able to sign a petition because the town clerk had been given no information about accommodations.

On Tuesday, the council will consider action relative to adopting an Americans with Disabilities Act policy for the town, and action relative to approving a form to provide “Notice under the Maine Human Rights and Americans with Disabilities Acts.”

According to the proposed “Town of Freeport Maine Human Rights Act and Americans with Disabilities Act Policy,” a clause titled “Accessibility to Town Buildings” reads, in part: “When possible, the town will provide accessible and barrier-free access for qualified individuals with disabilities to town-owned and leased buildings and will make all reasonable modifications to programs to ensure access in the event a building is not accessible to a qualified individual with disabilities.”

In addition, the council on Tuesday will consider appointing the town’s human resources officer as the town’s human rights coordinator.

In June, Freeport Town Manager Dale Olmstead told the Town Council that the town made — and the Maine Human Rights Commission “signed off on” — a settlement offer to McGettigan, adding, “I think it will be resolved fairly soon.”

But in early July, McGettigan said she has had no communication about any offer, and referred questions about the petition to her attorney.

Patricia Ryan, executive director of the Maine Human Rights Commission, said Thursday that no case involving McGettigan or the town of Freeport has been closed. Ryan said she cannot comment on open cases or confirm that a case has been filed until it has been closed.