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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 06/06/2001 • MINUTES - QUORUM MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES June 6, 2001 Commissioners - Present Commissioners - Absent Chairperson: Ms. Crystal Lyons Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Vice Chair: Mr. Jon S. Harwood Ms. Frances Garza Ms. Sandra Cabazos Mr. Roberto M. Flores Ms. Toni Padilla Mr. Eloy Soza Mr. Glen Ray Tomo CITY STAFF: (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT) 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 (Absent) Human Relations Management Assistant: Human Resources Sr. Analyst: Ms. June Shultz Ms. Marge Reue - Absent ATTENDANCE — Roll Call — Absences: Frances Garza, Linda Fallwell-Stover and David Ramos. (Joseph Harney came late, left early due to Legal Department responsibilities.) Audience: Judy Telge, Accessible Communities, Inc. and Charlie and Sue Morris of Scooter Mart. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Minutes of May 2, 2001 were reviewed. Ms. Padilla indicated that on Page 4, there was an incomplete sentence — Paragraph beginning with Abel Alonzo — the second sentence is SCANNED not a complete sentence. Need to include the work "thank". Mr. Cisneros mentioned that on Page 3, in the middle, there was a motion of support —not noted who moved (Ms. Padilla) and seconded (Ms. Fallwell-Stover). Motion to approve minutes as corrected by Vice Chair Harwood and seconded by Mr. Soza. Vote taken and the minutes were approved as noted. We've moved Public Presentations and Public Comments to the beginning of the meeting. This will free up staff members and visitors, however we encourage you to remain for the rest of the meeting if you can. We have two visitors today. Ms. Lyons asked if there were any Presentations that developed overnight. Ms. Shultz provided an update for Joseph Harney, Legal Advisor. Mr. Harney has been working on the Transition Plan "Public Notice" requirement, and is preparing an e-mail to the City Secretary, Human Resources, and Susan Cable, Director of Communications and Quality Management regarding the public notice, designation of the designated ADA Coordinator, location and telephone number information, and alternate communication methods. Presentation by Judy Telge, Executive Director of Accessible Communities, Inc. (ACI). She provided a brief presentation to the Committee asking for the Committee's support. ACI is applying for funding and support of an Independent Living Center. This is highly competitive. The opportunity comes only once in a blue moon, and ACI has been gearing up since 1996 for this. They are now down to the wire and asking for support for their proposal. Only two centers will be funded. Ms. Telge is aware of six groups trying to be funded. There is the possibility that an outside group may bid to come and do an Independent Living Center here, but she believes it would be more advantageous for it to be handled locally. Ms. Telge passed out packets of information about ACI and discussed the items in the packet. Ms. Telge requested a letter of support for their proposal. Ms. Lyons indicated she wasn't sure how the Committee could provide support, to pass a resolution, to have Ms. Telge also appear before the Human Relations Commission, or individual Letters of Support? Mr. Cisneros asked about the due date? Ms. Telge indicated the end of July 2001. There was some general discussion, then Mr. Cisneros provided information that ACI could possibly seek endorsement by the City Council, during the public comments section; the Committee could receive the request and put it on the agenda for an Action Item; if within the deadline, it can be placed on the Agenda for next month, otherwise we could do a called meeting. We don't 2 vote on an item, if it isn't on the Agenda — because of the Open Meetings issue. There was discussion about philosophical support and putting on the Agenda for discussion and possible action. Ms. Padilla indicated that there is still time for it to be on next month's agenda. Mr. Cisneros asked if this was a request for just endorsement? There was more discussion about how to establish criteria for endorsement, and it was determined that there would be no determination on the request today, but it would be put on July's Agenda. Charles and Sue Morris of Scooter Mart were also in attendance. They came to sit in on the meeting because of their interest in disability issues. They left business cards for those interested in contacting them. Their business pertains to wheelchairs, lifts and other adaptive devices. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: There was no Chairperson's Report today. COMMITTEE REPORTS: There were no sub-committee reports. NEW BUSINESS: Crystal informed the Committee of the next scheduled Texas Accessibility Academy, which is set for Thursday, July 19th. (NOTE: Later learned that it has been scheduled for July 12'".) It is a one-day crash course. It is $50.00, which pays for the Book and Registration. The Human Relations Department will pay for this. Those interested in attending need to contact Marge Rene, Human Resources Department, 880-3320 or call the Human Relations Office. Ms. Lyons informed the Committee of a meeting for parents about the TEA Public Forum, by the Office of Special Education. They are doing an audit of the State of Texas in Special Education and TEA is bringing them here to have a public forum. Will be held in July. If you hear of a parent who would like to participate, please have them contact Ms. Lyons. Another request has come in to Ms. Lyons. We will need to determine how to handle this, but she wanted the Committee to know the request — the Coalition for Texans with Disabilities — they are trying to get a $12,000.00 Grant. The Grant is to provide telephone access for persons with 3 disabilities, not just deaf and hard of hearing, but also for telephones with larger buttons for persons with mobility impairments, etc. Won't go very far, but it will help some families in the area that have been cut off in the past. Ms. Lyons wasn't sure if the deadline had already passed, but wanted the Committee to know about the project. Ms. Padilla asked if the purpose of the grant was to distribute equipment? Ms. Lyons indicated "Yes, for free". Ms. Padilla said that the State already does this. Ms. Lyons indicated that this is sub-contracted out by the State. By sub-contracting it out — this gets it further out into the community. If the deadline has not passed, we may try to get it on the Agenda. C-Bay Committee — went to it today, prior to our Committee meeting. We need to keep a liaison involved. (Linda Fallwell-Stover is a member of the committee.) It is an organization that has been around approximately 12 years. It was started to address some of the juvenile problems, problems with juvenile offenders. A new sub-committee has been meeting for three months, a sub-committee that was brought up yesterday. I went to their meeting today, luckily it is earlier in the day, so we can make it. It has persons from MHMR, Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, Red Cross, Park and Recreation, etc. We need to liaison with this group. The next meeting is scheduled for July 11th at 2:00 p.m. Meetings are held at various places. The contact person is Cindy Del Torro (MEIMR). The purpose of the sub- committee was that there was a need for summer events/programs for kids. Parents were calling and there doesn't seem to be anything out there, so they formed the Sub-Committee — "Special Needs Focus Group". They're trying to find programs just for kids with special needs. Ms. Lyons clarified to them that no, that okay for some kids where there may be a need for a specialized program; however, we need to include kids in other programs that are available. There is still a sense that these agencies aren't aware that they are subject to 504. It showed her that we have a need for outreach and education. Most of these are agencies, rather than non-profits. They are going to work on "Special Day by the Bay", which we worked with last year, and Ms. Lyons wants to bring this two groups together. They wanted to do something in July, and we were planning a second annual event in September— so we're trying to bring the two together. The more we can get everyone together, the stronger we will be and the more creative solutions we will come up with. Mr. Cisneros suggested inviting the C-Bay members and sub-committees to our meetings. Ms. Lyons concurred with this suggestion. There was further general discussion. 4 There was discussion about the next meeting. Due to the holiday, it was moved from July 4, 2001, to July 11, 2001, the following Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. Ms. Padilla asked the Chair to appoint an ad hoc committee to develop procedures and guidelines for our meetings, for things that come up, like how we will consider public comments, how to decide what we would support and what we wouldn't, chain of command, proper flow of things for getting items on the agenda. Ms. Shultz suggested point of contact as the Human Relations Department, as the City staff are the support staff. We draft your intent or bring back before the Committee the things you want to review. Ms. Lyons discussed her past experience with other committees and that it has been a past practice to utilize City staff. Anything of importance will go through Joseph Harney, the Legal Advisor. Ms. Lyons strongly believes that we need to be developing policies. We can address it in Old Business, under formation of sub-committees. Mr. Cisneros provided information on how the Committee has an opportunity to format the agenda for any purpose. There can be a section called Committee Concerns / Requests for Agenda Items. A catch-all opportunity at the end of the meeting, which could be used, in example: a Committee member is approached at the HEB by someone wanting to know how we were tackling this issue. How we set up the agenda is our prerogative. Ms. Lyons thinks this would be very helpful. After the Administrator's Report would be good. OLD BUSINESS: a. Planning Phase — Identification of Projects for development of Calendar of Events • Transition Plan • Convention Center Expansion and Arena • City Ordinances (Review for ADA Revision) and Department Information We're not really ready for this. Under this, regarding the Transition Plan, a draft memorandum was provided to all the committee members, which has a tentative calendar for the Plan. Ms. Lyons was a little confused about part of it. Items 3, 4, 5 and 6 — Task Force? Ms. Shultz clarified that there needs to be designation of a City Task Force. Why do you have 3 before 4? Ms. 5 Shultz clarified, it was because the City Manager will designate several key City Staff members to work on a core group. There's a core group that will be compiling the data and information. Ms. Lyons indicated we might want to insert terminology "Core Group". Ms. Shultz explained that's why it's a Task Force. Mr. Cisneros indicated that is how they normally handle it. Ms. Lyons continued to review the tentative calendar with the committee. Mr. Cisneros explained about assignments. Ms. Lyons asked that we change the language to persons assigned as Departmental ADA Coordinators, this is what the Department of Justice calls them. Ms. Padilla also indicated that anyone who is appointed should attend the Texas Accessibility Academy Training. Also at one of these meetings, the Department Heads need to receive the information provided by Mr. Burke of the Legal Department (the information we received at yesterday's Retreat, during Mr. Burke's presentation.) Because the Department Heads to read the information about the Self-Evaluation Transition Packet, before they make assignments of coordinators. (It should go under number 4.) At some point at the end, give to the City Council to review, but they also need to vote on it. Ms. Lyons feels that there are just a few words that may make it clearer. Ms. Lyons asked how long before Mr. Noe or Mr. Garcia say yea or nay to it? Ms. Shultz indicated she could insert language asking for their comments or changes by a set date. Convention Center and Expansion Project — David Ramos is on the committee, but he has missed one. Mr. Tomo indicated he hadn't attended a meeting. Mr. Cisneros indicated he is on the committee. Ms. Lyons asked a question about hearing about an Airport project that might be included in on this? There is a possibility, but not probable. The City is still trying to keep on target with the original dates and plans. Right now it is still very much in the master plan stage. Ms. Lyons indicated that this might be an important time for us to be involved — i.e.: the Barge Dock area, if there are steps, how would someone in a wheelchair get down there? Mr. Tomo also raised the issue of what status a committee member would have if they went and attend the meeting — could they contribute to the discussion? We'll get clarification on that. John Myers is the Convention Center Manager and he may be reached at 880-3692. We can call regarding the meetings. City Ordinance review — no one has had time to begin the initial review of the information. But this will come out in the future. 6 Art Sosa provided information about the review of a present City Ordinance, to initiate the requirement of an inspection prior to release of occupancy permits. He hopes that the process will be revised and/or implemented by November 2001. There was further general discussion and a question was raised about public hearings, and Art indicated that there should be some public hearings. The timeline is a matter of needing policy to adopt regarding inspections and training of staff. b. Formation of Sub-Committees Suggestions: • Policy Development • Systemic Advocacy, CDBG, MPO Funding • Education and Outreach Ms. Shultz mentioned some of the education and outreach opportunities where the Committee might want to work in a joint partnership with the Human Relations Commission, when they schedule training or public forums, etc. Ms. Lyons said that the Committee could be involved in Diversity Training, but we are so far behind that we need to do above and beyond that. We need to have 3-4 on a Sub-Committee, not more than 4. If we want to try to break off in those sub-committee and look toward developing mission statements. Ms. Lyons clarified that we will all work on policy development. The sub-committee would draft policies, but the entire Committee would vote on them. Persons indicated interest in the following sub-committees: 1. Policy Development —Toni Padilla, Ray Tomo, Roberto Flores 2. Systemic Advocacy— Crystal Lyons 3. Education/Outreach —Eloy Soza, Sandra Cabazos There was further general discussion about the sub-committees. If any of the others would like to consider and get back with Ms. Lyons. My of our staff members would be welcome. Ms. Shultz explained that normally staff members sat in on the meeting and took the minutes of the meetings, often meetings were held in the Human Relations Conference Room. There was discussion of need for alternate sight. Mr. Cisneros indicated that we might want to consider that we only maintain notes of the meetings, we only need formal minutes during our regular monthly meeting. Recommendations from the sub-committees can be submitted to the Committee in a written form for consideration. We'll need to have good coordination for items for the Agenda in this type of instance. c. Attendance Policy • Discussion • Vote Ms. Lyons moved that the committee accept the attendance policy as written, with the exclusion of any excused absences. Mr. Soza seconded the motion. Ms. Padilla asked for clarification of which section to eliminate. There was some general discussion. Eliminate — Section IR, 4 and following sections that are impacted would need to be amended. Mr. Cisneros mentioned that the policy indicate a calendar year or time for duration of the year. Further discussion and then it was suggested to assign it to the Policy Development sub-committee. A Motion to table this was made by Ms. Padilla, and seconded by Mr. Harwood. A vote was take and it passed unanimously. ADMINIS IKATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Ramos was out of the Office —no report at the time. Committee Concerns: Ms. Lyons indicated that she would like to include the following items on next month's Agenda: • Letter of Recommendation • Attendance Policy • C-Bay Invitation—to come and talk with us. Mr. Soza mentioned the Mission Statements of sub-committees (bring ideas to the next meeting). Mr. Sosa mentioned Mr. Hart and Ms. Dominguez, that there was a program for providing ramps. Hector Vallejo at 880-3027 can provide information to the Committee on it. 8 Adjournment 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 5:10 p.m. / Cry.tal Lyons, C . /serson Date Minutes Approved 9