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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 08/01/2001 MINUTES - QUORUM MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES August 1, 2001 Commissioners - Present Commissioners - Absent Chairperson: Ms. Crystal Lyons Vice Chair: Mr. Jon S. Harwood Ms. Sandra Cabazos Mr. Roberto M. Flores Ms. Frances Garza Ms. Toni Padilla Mr. Eloy Soza Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Mr. Glen Ray Tonto CITY STAFF: (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORIJ' 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 (Absent) Human Relations Management Assistant: Human Resources Sr. Analyst: Ms. June Shultz Ms. Marge Reue - Absent Letter of Resignation presented by Jon Harwood, Vice Chairperson. Regretfully, Mr. Harwood submitted his resignation, due to his pending marriage and subsequent relocation to Ingleside, Texas. You may reach him by e-mail at paincia honey?iholm!' com or (361) 776-3880, P. O. Box 126, Ingleside, TX 78362. (Announcement followed by a brief recess for refreshments and congratulations.) ATTENDANCE — SCANNED Roll Call — Absences: Sandra Cabazos (came late), Linda Fallwell-Stover (came late), Roberto Flores (came late), and Joseph Harney. Audience: Jack Widder. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Minutes of July 11, 2001 were reviewed. Motion to approve minutes by Eloy Soza, and seconded by Toni Padilla. Vote taken and the minutes were approved as presented. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: Jon Harwood's resignation letter was the first item on the Agenda. She asked Jon to give a few words. Mr. Harwood expressed his thanks and enjoyment for participation with this Committee. Editorial page — from a person with disabilities — now it's time to recognize people with respect to disabilities, examples of recent coverage was the weekly radio address of President and an Associated Press article. Last week was anniversary of ADA. We want to jump on this now. The Governor's Office touched upon information of the Executive Order signed in June 2001, regarding the Ohmstedt issue. Unless institutions, merge in the disabled community. They named different Dept. Heads working together to address policies and ensure that there are no barriers. Community based alternatives for persons with disabilities. Ms. Lyons made copies of the information. It should trickle down to local level. She also had a copy of the radio address. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Policy Development Sub-Committee Report: No Report Ad Hoc Committee —Legislative Issues (Ms. Cabazos not here yet.) Outreach Sub-Committee Report: Eloy Soza, Roberto Flores, Sandra Cabazos, and Charlie McMullin met and had conversations. They identified and made contact with resources in the community and media sources. Oct. 15'h there will be a Health Fair, sponsored by the Latino Education Project at Sacred Heart. It was suggested 2 that we partner with these groups to share information. There was discussion about having the information in hard copy initially, but after talking with Ms. Cabazos, it was decided to change from focusing on education to children, to general outreach information to the community. They want to develop information to distribute information to parents, regarding monitoring schools and opportunities to family's, etc. Ms. Cabazos arrived at approximately 4:00 p.m. Ms. Lyons discussed the Committee's ordinance/purpose - the definition for Committee outlines what the Committee should focus on. Community awareness - but we still need the educational aspect. Parents are our constituents. We have a place to do some of that type of outreach. We may need to discuss and come to agreement on it, but it is a good start. There was general discussion about committee members not being sure they want to be a watchdog on schools, but the Committee can provide information to parents on questions to ask. Diabetes is covered by ADA. There was discussion about holding a 2 - 3 hour workshop for development of a Brochure or should the Sub-Committee draft up something first? Ms. Lyons indicated she felt the more information contributed, the better it would be. Mr. Soza agreed with Ms. Lyons - that we need to do policy on it. - Art Sosa raised the question of the City's web site — does the Department has a web page with hot links? We could include a page for the Committee with links to TDI, TDLR, etc. Ms. Lyons indicted that until it's accessible, that on principle, it would be counter productive to be on the web site. Susan Cable's Department knows what needs to be done. There was further general discussion. Ms. Lyons indicated she wanted to avoid having staff drafting the information, it would be better to hold a workshop. But the principle factor is access. Staff can hurry it along, but Ms. Lyons only wants their assistance in the final production. Ms. Cable's Department (Communications and Quality Management) has only 3 staff members. Ms. Padilla asked if we could have Committee Members volunteer to help develop the web page? Mr. Ramos indicated that he would contact Ms. Cable and have her come and give a presentation at next month's meeting. Mr. Cisneros indicted that it would be good for her to provide clarification on what made sites accessible. 3 Ms. Lyons discussed an example of the City's Council Agenda being posted on the web page. An E-reader can't read it, it can read html, but the agenda is scanned in rather than scanned in on disk for html. Other considerations are having Forms on-line. There are software costs and you can't download them. Also there are several levels of BOBBY. You can access it to see if your web site passes or complies with BOBBY standards. The City didn't pass. If there is too much information to link to or move around, it causes problems for those with dexterity problems. Mr. Cisneros discussed the Council's Agenda and package being on the web site. He agreed everything should be on html. Ms. Lyons indicated that it is also hard to read. Example: it takes a long time to get to item 23. Therefore, if preparing a web site for accessibility, go to www.cast.ow — to plug in any web site. It's just the right thing to do. Mr. Sosa suggested the Committee contact Mr. Larry Lee, of Del Mar College, to see if students can help develop a web page for Human Relations, the Committee and the Commission. Dr. Phil Davis normally assigns class projects on web page building. There was discussion about letting Ms. Cable know not to have anything too flashy and cumbersome, otherwise some may not be able to access it. Ms. Lyons returned the discussion to Workshop issue — we need to develop a product that reflects goals and principles, to give at locations, to raise awareness. Ms. Lyons asked committee member's feeling about holding a 3-hour workshop meeting with all committee members. Mr. Cisneros suggested that the Sub-Committee bring forward preliminary information to work from. Ms. Lyons discussed all members participating and having ownership of the task. Mr. Cisneros indicated that it would be time well spent. Ms. Shultz indicated that help was available from Department staff. Ms. Garza asked how frequently the Sub-Committee meets? Ms. Cabazos indicated that they were holding telephone conversations. Ms. Garza indicated though that this was to draft a brochure. Ms. Lyons asked the Sub- Committee if they could bring ideas back to the Committee and an outline. Ms. Padilla indicated that after that, the Committee can get together and discuss what points they want to bring or make modifications. Ms. Garza indicated she would like to help on the task. Mr. Soza indicated that he would call her. Ms. Garza indicated that the decision then was to bring the information back to next month's meeting? Yes. 4 Ms. Lyons then introduced Ms. Cabazos, who has been working on the Ad Hoc Sub-Committee — Meeting regarding legislative changes. Ms. Cabazos, Mr. Soza and Ms. Falwell-Stover haven't met yet, but they will be getting together. Ms. Lyons reviewed that there are over 100 new laws, and she has approximately a third of them. She's pulled off the analysis. There is rule making authority information on some. We will hear from Ms. Cabazos on top 10 at next month's meeting. OLD BUSINESS: ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Ramos indicated that it was good to be back. For the month of July, there were 32 ADA inquiries — including provision of technical assistance and addressing Title III issues, as well as some Title II. Provided specifications, etc. We had a lot of calls from Solid Waste, and are going to provide new trash cans to automated service. We anticipate a lot of requests for ADA assistance. We are looking at forms to improve process. We had Housing issues, Head of Household, and a presentation on ADA at the CCHRC Annual Training Conference. 1 Public Accommodation Complaint (ADA) was not resolved — we are looking at filing the complaint with the Department of Justice. We have been working closely with the Charging Party to fill out complaint forms, then process them and wait to see what they will do. Ms. Lyons asked to be kept informed on the process. Mr. Ramos gave a very general overview of local businesses not complying with contact letters regarding ADA complaints. Ms. Lyons asked if they had exhausted all options with the administrative process? Mr. Ramos indicated that yes. It was all documented. Mr. Ramos indicated that the City Manager has sent out a memorandum with designation of the City's ADA Coordinator (which is Mr. Ramos). The number of inquiries has really increased. Now he's getting all the ADA calls, which will be captured and shown in our statistics. Ms. Lyons indicated that the brochure might help cut down on the number of telephone contacts. Mr. Ramos explained that the majority of the calls pertain to ramps and bathroom or restroom facilities, need for specifications, etc. 5 Mr. Sosa questioned if the Department received calls regarding curb cuts. Yes, they do get a lot of calls on this, especially now with new construction occurring. Mr. Ramos has been speaking with Ms. Teniente about the work, which is being done in phases. Ms. Lyons indicated that we need to continue to keep track of the calls. At some point, there may be a need to address the public, if there continues to be a lot of calls. Mr. Ramos indicated that he is maintaining a file. Mr. Ramos indicated that he had a call regarding the School District and the Fire Marshall on fire evacuation issues — non-removal of a child in a wheelchair. Mr. Ramos followed up on the CCHRC Annual Training Conference. He asked the Committee Members that attended if they had any comments or suggestions for next year's Conference? We will be moving next year's conference to a different time of the year, as it has been difficult with planning crossing over two fiscal years. We will look at earlier in the spring or early summer or in the fall. Additionally, there are a lot of people taking vacation during the summer. Ms. Falwell-Stover arrived at approximately 4:45 p.m. Mr. Ramos asked the Committee Members to turn in suggestions. Accessibility Academy - if you want to attend the training, please let Mr. Ramos know. Ms. Lyons indicated that someone from the public approached her about it. The Instructor will be coming back for another City presentation and then there will be one for Architects for an area away from the City. It has been scheduled for approximately in October 2001 for a two-day event. Mr. Cisneros indicated to not forget the Landscape Architects, although they are not an organized chapter, they should plug in with the other Architects. Mr. Sosa suggested including ASID too? Mr. Ramos will find out who spoke with Marge Reue. Ms. Lyons indicated an interest in fmding out if other schools have a Title B Transition Plan. Other schools might like to use F.B.I.S.D. as an example. Mr. Ramos provided a brief update on the Transition Plan Project. He met with Joseph Harney, Legal Advisor, to make arrangements for a presentation to Department Heads. However, right now is an unusual period — there will be no Department Head meetings until 8-21-01. So they can't schedule a 6 presentation until after the meetings begin again. He will be placed on the Agenda, once the meetings begin again — to hold the presentation and to request designation of Department Liaisons. Each Department will receive a copy of what is currently on file, so they can have a starting point to begin with. Mr. Ramos will try to provide the presentation this month. Mr. Ramos indicated the emphasis will be to focus on the highest traffic areas first and the Convention Center, with it's remodeling project. They will also be looking at exempt areas, based on Title II. Ms. Lyons asked if the Department has a facilities list? Mr. Ramos indicated that he and Mr. Sosa have worked on one. Mr. Sosa indicated that the City Manager has indicated that he has been assigned to transition of City Departments to the Frost Building. Ms. Lyons raised a question about the timeline? She expressed a concern about not wanting to get away from the timeline. If we only work on one or two items, it could get away from us. She asked why the Public Notice hasn't been posted on the City's Bulletin Boards? Mr. Ramos indicated that Ms. Caraway has requested this be done. He will follow up on it. Ms. Shultz indicated that she had provided the Public Notice information to appropriate parties for this to be accomplished (City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Legal, City Secretary and Director of Communications and Quality Management). Ms. Lyons referenced the approximate 13 point tentative calendar. Mr. Ramos indicated he has asked about the development of the Core Group. Assistant City Manger Ron Massey has shown an interest. Ms. Lyons reminded Mr. Ramos that it has been 1 year and 1 weeks since the lawsuit has been filed. She expressed a concern that it will keep slipping out of the attention of the City and that it will get lower on the scheme of things. There was discussion about a steering committee, to break out the task into areas of expertise - i.e.: communications, accessibility, policies, and employment. Ms. Lyons asked if Mr. Ramos could work on a revised timeline? Ms. Lyons indicated that it would be difficult for the Committee to do public awareness, if the City is not in compliance. A question was raised regarding the Resolution for ACI — Mr. Ramos indicated he would follow-up with Ms. Telge. NEW BUSINESS: October 26, 2001, the Citizens United For A Better Corpus Christi will be hosting a "Celebration of Cultural Diversity" Conference. October is also "Disability Employment Awareness Month". We may want to have the 7 Mayor provide a proclamation for the event. There was discussion about possibly holding a special luncheon or awards ceremony at that time. Ms. Falwell-Stover mentioned nominations for awards. There was further discussion about Ms. Falwell-Stover, Ms. Cabazos and Ms. Padilla working together to bring back a recommendation to the Committee. There might be one or more awards. It was requested that we put this item on next month's agenda. There was a question about the need to formally accept Mr. Harwood's resignation letter. Ms. Padilla made a motion to accept Mr. Harwood's resignation letter; Ms. Falwell-Stover seconded it. The vote passed unanimously. Committee Concerns/Items for Next Agenda: • Presentation by Susan Cable and follow-up report on possibility of Del Mar Class helping with development of Web site update. • Transition Plan—Timeline update. • ACI Resolution— Update from Ms. Telge. • Presentation by Mr. Sosa— Ordinance update. • 2 Ad Hoc Committee Reports—Legislative and Award Issues • 2 Sub-Committee Reports — Outreach and Policy Development. • Vacancy Appointment. Ms. Falwell-Stover asked about a policy on Board composition, i.e.: expert vs. professional and definitions. Mr. Cisneros indicated that we might want to discuss this issue with the Mayor, as there may be possible inside advantage for recruitment. Ms. Lyons indicated that we might want to have bio forms for the public. Is there a policy on this? Adjournment Ms. Falwell-Stover made a motion for the meeting to adjourn, which was seconded by Ms. Padilla. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting adj. . ed at approximately 5:26 p.m. LIJ ,D cilOs/a Cry /1 1 Lyons, C i: person Date Minutes Approved s