Commission members spent substantial time on snow removal and its accessibility impacts after members raised recent guidance from the Massachusetts Office on Disability.

Member Amy told the commission she attended a Select Board discussion about snow removal and shared that the Massachusetts Office on Disability issued guidance on accessibility and snow removal standards earlier in February. Commissioners discussed municipal responsibility, private-owner liability for sidewalks, and whether local bylaws could be adopted to require clearer maintenance standards.

Public commenters and commissioners reported recurring problems: snow or mulch dumped in accessible parking stalls and sidewalks left uncleared in front of homes or businesses. Commissioners recommended documenting incidents with photographs to support enforcement or policy changes; members proposed submitting those reports through the town’s bias/incident reporting form and asked who in town receives and acts on those reports.

Amy said she has a scheduled meeting with Assistant Town Manager Jen Breker to discuss the incident-reporting form and to clarify how complaints are routed and addressed. Commissioners also suggested exploring volunteer-based snow-removal support (for residents unable to shovel) and outreach to local partners — including the high school, Essex Tech, the senior center and Danvers Cares — to organize volunteers and channels for requests. Several members volunteered to raise the issue at Danvers Cares and to compile photographic documentation.

The commission did not adopt a new bylaw or regulation at the meeting; it agreed on follow-up steps to gather documentation and to meet with town administration.