Amanda Purcell is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson has named his aide, Michael Chameides, to serve as the city's coordinator for matters related to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Common Council President Thomas DePietro made the announcement at the January 13 meeting of the Common Council. Chameides will be paid $5,000, in addition to his $30,000 salary as mayor's aide, for the extra duties. The funds were set aside as part of the contingency budget during budget talks last year. Chameides said, “I want to create a shared culture and commitment to accessibility. We need all city of Hudson departments to be aware of opportunities to improve and actively contribute to solutions.” The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public spaces, including jobs, schools, transportation and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Under the ADA, public entities with 50 or more employees must designate an employee to coordinate compliance. NOTE: DePietro is an active volunteer WGXC programmer. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.