Disability panel presses mayor on funding gap

Commission on Disability · Meeting of October 8, 2026

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Commission on Disability discussed asking the mayor for a small operating stipend after members said police are not collecting disabled-parking fines, the panel's charter-designated funding source. Member Leslie Tane, who drafted outreach language but held off amid mixed member support, estimated the commission needs about $200 for flyers and small events. Vice Chair Eli Damon called objections to fine-based funding "always ... a valid" concern but said he lacks "the energy ... to advocate for my position right now." Planning Department staffer Johanna Stacy, attending as the meeting's required staff liaison, said her office's role is "really to ensure compliance" rather than proactive outreach and confirmed a staff position remains unfilled.

Member Bruce Homstead cited an AARP Livability Index score of 56 for Easthampton. The commission's next step is confirming fine-collection status with police before approaching the mayor directly, bypassing the City Council.

In the full story:

• Roll Call and Member Transitions
• ADA Coordinator and Planning Department Update
• Current Events and Winter Accessibility
• Accessibility Ordinance and Checklist Subcommittee
• Licensing and Liquor License Accessibility Requirement
• Disabled-Parking Fine Funding Proposal
• World Disability Day, Resource Materials, and Recruitment
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,840 words

Source: the Commission on Disability meeting of October 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.