Attendees: Stephen Marginson (KC), Manny Terezakis (FC), Edna O’Neill Mattson (KC), Joanne Jacobs (FC), Jim Ellis (KC), Bob Antonson (FC), Richard Robinson (FC), Mary Baker (FC), Dennis Melander (KC), Bill Mercer (KC), Tracy Karasinski (KC)

Dean Marginson opened the meeting by stating that he is in the midst of preparing a draft of what will be the new policies and procedures for smoking on campus and the disciplines and enforcement of such. He stated that the draft would be distributed to the Tobacco Action Committee as soon as it is ready. President Sepe would like to review the new policies and procedures as soon as possible

Tracy Karasinski was invited to this meeting to discuss the handicap accessibility to each of the campuses of CCRI as well as other concerns of the Access to Opportunity Department. Tracy spoke of the lack of accessibility to certain areas of the building and the committee responded to her concerns as follows:

• Accessibility to each campus will be noted by Tracy and brought forth to the appropriate Physical Plant Manager of each facility and the effort will be made to clearly mark entrances and exits with signage where it is not readily noticeable.
• With regards to the new addition in KC it was not clear to Tracy how close the nearest elevator is to the new entrance and Bill Mercer will meet Tracy some day at KC and will walk her through the area in question.
• Tracy recommended that there be a way in which the student population can learn of all of the special accommodations that are already in place or being implemented throughout the campuses. Steve suggested that Tracy get a link between the Access To Opportunity website and the website that Jimmy Ellis has for the Security Dept. This website would show the special assists, safety egresses, harassment policy, etc. that are available on all campuses.
• The corridor fire doors, which don't open easily for everyday use or are difficult to open especially during a fire drill are a concern with regards to accessibility. Jimmy said there are push bars on each door for that purpose and he will check operation.
• Tracy mentioned that there are no TTY capable public phones for students or visitors on any of the campuses. There should be at least one on each campus along with correct signage to direct the public to such. Bill Mercer will request from Bruce Barrett.
• Steve responded to all of the concerns that Tracy had at present and put into motion a subcommittee of Dick Robinson, George Sousa and Manny Terezakis to define what is necessary on all campuses as well as publishing such assessment.
• Bill Mercer stated that he is in constant contact with the Governor's Commissioner of Disabilities (Bob Cooper) to see if there are any funds available. In the past, the college has been funded by that Commission, but is no longer.
• Bill also noted that as the requests arise from Tracy's office they try to respond to each individual need.
• Steve asked Tracy to produce a list of requests and forward them to the subcommittee as soon as possible with a report on what is implemented and what is to be done at the time of the next Environmental Committee.
• Tracy stated that she has forwarded a list to George Sousa. Steve will check with George.

Bob Antonson reported to the committee that there are chemical respirators available in the Physical Plant Department at the Flanagan Campus, yet the maintenance staff is still not using them. The entire department has been tested, fitted and trained to use them. Steve will talk to George about getting them out to those who need them within 30 days.

Steve invited Tracy back at any time and requested a report from her subcommittee whenever it is available.

Meeting was adjourned at 11:00a.m.