Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 05/02/2001 MINUTES - QUORUM MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES May 2, 2001 Commissioners - Present Commissioners - Absent Chairperson: Ms. Crystal Lyons Vice Chair: Mr. Jon S. Harwood Ms. Sandra Cabazos Ms. Frances Garza Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Mr. Roberto M. Flores Ms. Toni Padilla Mr. Eloy Soza Mr. Glen Ray Torno CITY STAFF: (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORTA Building Official: Park & Recreation Director_: Mr. Art Sosa Mr. Tony Cisneros Human Relations Administrator: Legal Advisor: Mr. L. David Ramos, Interim Director Mr. Joseph Harney Human Relations Management Assistant: Human Resources Sr. Analyst: Ms. June Shultz Ms. Marge Reue - Absent ATTENDANCE - Roll Call — Absences: No absences of Committee Members (Pending Implementation of Attendance Policy) Absences' Review: When applicable, absences will be voted upon to determine if it will be an excused absence. SCANNED Audience: Jack Widder, Abel Alonzo, Fred Haley, Mary Frances Teniente, Norbert Hart, Daniel Gallegos. (Art Sosa had 4:00 p.m. meeting with consultants and informed the Chair that he would need to leave the meeting early.) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Minutes of April 4, 2001 were reviewed. Ms. Fallwell-Stover — Ms. Garza came in. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated a concern of use of language — handicapped. Ms. Shultz clarified that was the language used — it was to properly reflect the discussion. Discussion ensued about proper terminology — such as using "accessible". Page 7 —regarding the Transition Plan — clarify that the Committee would be working with the City Staff and they would provide summaries of information on the plan, rather than looking at the whole plan. Would like it to reflect that they would be working with the City Staff rather than working with the whole document. Motion to approve minutes as corrected by Eloy Soza and seconded by Ms. Fallwell-Stover. Vote taken and the minutes were approved as noted. The Chair requested that the order of the Agenda be changed. In the future the Public Presentations will be held at the beginning of the meeting. Also to move the public comment section forward to this time for future Agendas. This will allow for two presentations today — RTA and CDBG Committee Presentation. RTA: Fred Haley, Director of Service Development. He discussed improving Accessibility to the public. He gave a summary of grant applications they have prepared seeking funding to bring about the accommodations. He asked the Committee for Persons with Disabilities for a letter of support to include in the packet. This is for a TXDOT Transportation Enhancement Project: 1) Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements and curb cuts — tying in two accessible areas and continuing the efforts to make routes accessible (80% TXDOT) - $1.2 Million, would need to fund 20%. 2) a) Landscaping Category — to beautify, b) make three (3) bus stops (Louisiana Parkway, Agnes & 19ih St., and Staples Street Station) more accessible; c) Staples and Alameda Sidewalk renovations and curb cuts. There is a projection of$750,000 for the three projects. Again, he is seeking the help of the Committee for Persons with Disabilities in the application process —through a letter of support. 2 Mr. Ramos asked if the Letter of Support would fall under the Mayor and City Council, as this is a City Committee. He also suggested a presentation to the Human Relations Commission. Mr. Haley asked if this could be supported? Should this be shown as a motion in the formal minutes? Ms. Lyons suggested a formal resolution from the Committee. There were a few questions — I) Were the plans for shelters taking into account to make the 6 feet shelters — make part of the 6 feet accessibility for users of wheelchairs? 2) Would have to involve the Council — must consider the time factor. Application due by June 6th. 3) Landscaping funding — how would it be broken out for funding and who would maintain the landscaping. Consider impediment or bather to persons with disabilities. Would the Del Mar Neighborhood Association on how it would work? What benefit would be there to those with disabilities, why would it be good to endorse it? With these improvements it would make it more accessible. Ms. Lyons made a motion as a Committee that whereas, these projects would be beneficial to the disabled community and greatly improve accessibility to services, that it be resolved that the Committee for Persons with Disabilities that we as the Committee ask the City Council to support the projects on behalf of the RTA. Ms. Lyons made the motion, it was seconded by Ms. Padilla, a vote was taken and it passed unanimously. Mr. Norbert Hart: Provided information regarding CDBG Funds — ADA funding, but there are some restrictions. Can be used for existing construction modifications — not for new construction. Examples provided on things that cannot be funded, such as potholes, sidewalk maintenance, new construction, etc. (Handout distributed.) Ms. Lyons thanked Mr. Hart for the information — it will be helpful for future work. One questions — why can't a sidewalk that is not in good shape, why can't it be fixed? Not to be noted as maintenance, rather to be shown as made accessible? There was discussion about making a non- conforming building accessible. Mr. Hart referred Committee members to handout information. Mr. Cisneros mentioned the CDBG Planning Meeting for next week and asked Mr. Hart to discuss process a little further. Mr. Hart and JoAnn Dominguez briefly reviewed how CDBG planning meetings would be scheduled and handled (2 public hearings, one scheduled for May 8th before the City Council), staff and Planning Commission Recommendations, agenda items and tentative presentation items. Process begins in January of each year — schedule and application information is 3 provided together — deadlines for submission provided. Applications are reviewed for eligibility and priority of City, etc. Thee was discussion about 30 day approvals and preliminary clearance, but by August 0, our projects should be approved — they will find another, if a specific project is declared invalid. The process takes about six (6) months to complete. There is a web page, which has the schedule and application information. The applications go through Housing and Community Development, Intra-structure, 3 publications, 2 Public Hearings, the Public comments. The Chair indicated this is a lot of valuable information at a late date, but the Committee hopes to be actively involved in the process next year and in the future. The Chair indicated she would like to note for a suspense calendar, that before next January, the Committee to schedule a meeting with Daniel Gallegos, to come in and discuss the CDBG process. The meeting for next week is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The Chair asked if there were any further Public Comments? Mr. Widder, a citizen, was present, but he was there to listen to the monthly meeting. Abel Alonzo, a citizen and ADA advocate, was present. He wanted to thank the RTA and Housing and Community Development. He also asked that the Committee look at furthering the use of"people first" language. If there are instances you observe improper usage, point it out to others. It took a long time on how to show respect to the disabled community. David Ramos mentioned the example about the minutes — the minutes reflected actual verbiage used in presentation and information provided. Although staff were aware of the proper terminology, documents, handouts and/or presentations given did not reflect the latest verbiage. The Chair suggested in the future to italicize or highlight inappropriate verbiage — with proper verbiage following. Ms. Fallwell-Stover suggested that this presents an opportunity for the Committee to educate the public. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: Postponed until later in the meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Postponed. (Committees pending formation.) 4 NEW BUSINESS: Art Sosa, Building Official, distributed a Bulletin (Handout) to Committee members. Mr. Ramos asked the Committee members to read the bulletin on their own time, and we can have Art go over it with us at the next monthly meeting. OLD BUSINESS: Transition Plan: Mr. Ramos clarified that the Committee would be reviewing just specific sections, rather than the entire task. It has information pertaining to all City Departments. Different forms were used, each have individual non-compliance issues. The Transition Plan information started for the period of 1991-1993. Each Department looked at individual facilities, services, and responsibilities. All Departments' had their liaison do a walk-through. Time frames or time lines were established for particular areas. The Chair asked Mr. Ramos if he could show examples. Toni Padilla expressed a concern that this project could be problematic. Mr. Ramos used the Coliseum as an example. He discussed their checklist. Committee members were curious about when and/or if it has been made accessible. Mr. Ramos and Ms. Shultz provided further discussion about prior work done by the City to make various City Departments and services accessible. The Chair discussed the Committee's role in making recommendations to the City Council, as needs became aware. There was further general discussion by the Committee regarding the Transition Plan and how CDBG planning ties in. Some areas may have been overlooked. The City currently uses ANSI standards. The Chair mentioned that the City Council Chambers are not accessible. The Committee indicated that they needed separate time to talk about the Transition Plan and evaluation of the information. There was discussion about memorandums from Carl Crull. The Committee indicated they couldn't do anything without more information and spend a lot of time on how to best address it. Mr. Ramos indicated that surveys have been done, there has been a general identification of non-compliance areas, there were 2 years of CDBG 5 funding, where 4.6% of the funding was spent on ADA improvements. It was pointed out however, that there is no Transition Plan at this time, it is not a priority of the General Fund. Mr. Eloy Soza suggested recommendations to the City Council for a one (1) year, three (3) year and five (5) year plan on an ADA/Transition Plan. There was further discussion that this was not the Committee's project, rather it was an assigned City Project to the Departments, which impacts City services and City Ordinances regarding discrimination and accessibility. There has been no big buy-in by people who govern the situation. We need to look at the big picture. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated this should be policy oriented. The Chair discussed areas of expertise of various committee members, which would be beneficial during the review of the Transition Plan (such as Toni Padilla's expertise for the Deaf community; Ray Tomo's expertise in Architecture, etc.). It isn't the Committee's position to do the Transition Plan; rather the City Departments have to take ownership. There was discussion about a Committee Workshop Day. The Chair will review the Committee's purpose, then work on a Mission Statement, and work to establish Goals and Objectives. The Committee will participate in things, but they need to look at the big picture. Ms. Padilla asked if there was a set time when all Departments' meet? Mr. Ramos discussed the weekly Department Head meeting held each Wednesday. Ms. Padilla discussed the opportunity to hold "Sensitivity Training" with management. Mr. Cisneros discussed the approach to take — putting your self in someone else's shoes. Apply this to agenda items, or anything, to cover "People First" presentation. He doesn't believe that there are any staff who intentionally want to abuse someone, rather it is simply a matter of ignorance and lack of education. The Chair felt that this would be a good opportunity for education and outreach regarding disability awareness. Mr. Ramos indicated he would check into requesting time during an up-coming meeting. Additionally, the Chair mentioned the possibility of holding similar training with the Career Development Program the City holds each year. Mr. Cisneros mentioned another opportunity — through the Supervisor's Academy/Supervisory Training programs. Discussion returned to holding a policy-making meeting. The Committee members wanted to hold a Retreat for establishing and setting priorities. 6 There was discussion on a possible date — and it was determined that the special "Retreat" meeting would be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2001, from 10:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. at the Corpus Christi Area Council for the Deaf Center. The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 6, 2001. Mr. Ramos discussed the Convention Center Expansion Project. Another meeting is to be scheduled later in the month (date is pending). Mr. Ramos will provide an update at the next meeting. Mr. Ramos will also inform those committee members who indicated an interest in this project, so they may attend as well. Mr. Ramos explained that he was working on the "walk-through". Dik Johnson volunteered also, so both will be doing it. Ms. Padilla asked if they had considered amplification needs. Mr. Ramos indicated yes. The Chair then mentioned the prior draft memorandum regarding ADA issues pertaining to City Departments and Ordinances. We need to set a date that responses must be returned by, as well as use "People First" language (examples: accessible parking—rather than disabled or handicapped). It was determined that the Committee would not address Sub-Committee formation at this time. It will be a pending item, until Committee priorities are established. The Chair discussed HB-1912, which would add $1.00 to the water bill, changed from the original, and would be used by Municipal Parks and for Municipal Improvements. If you have the Internet, you can review information at www. ao n s mc.us. It has to go to the Floor and Senate Committees. Truan and Capelo are warring over it. If it goes through, it will be fantastic. You can contact the Congress/Senate to support it — through Truan's and Capelo's Offices. Mr. Ramos then provided his Administrative Report regarding the Human Relations Department. He touched upon the work being done regarding the Convention Center/Arena Project; also the Internet Sub-Committee, which is working on recommendations to the Steering Committee. He discussed a presentation that was given regarding accessibility issues for web pages. Susan Cable, Director of Communications and Quality Management is looking those standards. There is a timeline that accommodations will need to be considered and once needs and remedies are determined, implementation should begin immediately. It is estimated that work will begin on this within the next six (6) months. They will start the process of making information accessible. Additionally, there will be standards and a process in place for City Departments to follow. The Chair asked if Ms. Cable has developed ten (10) requirements? Mr. Ramos indicated she already had ten (10) requirements and development of all future web pages will be based upon them. There was discussion about a free Internet service to review web pages for accessibility. You can go to www.cast org — where there is information on BOBBY, an Internet Accessibility System, you can get a print out of accessibility problems. Mr. Ramos reviewed the statistical report, which indicates that the Human Relations Department has received 225 inquiries regarding ADA issues since November 2000. There was discussion about the ADA Coordinator posted on Legal Notices. There was discussion about the Texas Accessibility Academy training. There was discussion about the Agenda for the next monthly meeting. Use of proper verbiage. Also there was a prior error of referring to the Committee as Commission. This will be corrected in future correspondence. There was general discussion about the Attendance Policy. The Chair expressed a concern that there should be no "excused" absences. The Committee members only meet once a month and they have a responsibility to be present to address the Committee's work. Various committee members expressed pros and cons regarding the attendance policy, ranging from no excuse is a valid excuse to the need for flexibility. The Attendance Policy issue was tabled until next month's meeting. Mr. Soza made a motion for the meeting to adjourn, which was seconded by Ms. Padilla. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 p.m. aonfig, Crylailyons, Cha on Date Minutes Approved 8