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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 01/09/2002 MINUTES - QUORUM MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES January 9, 2002 Committee Members - Present Committee Members - Absent Chairperson: Ms. Crystal Lyons Billy R. Sayles Vice Chair: Mr. Roberto M. Flores Mr. Glen Ray Torno Ms. Sandra Cabazos Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Ms. Toni Padilla Ms. Mary J. Saenz Mr. Eloy Soza CITY STAFF: (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT) Building Official: Park & Recreation Director: Mr. Art Sosa Mr. Tony Cisneros Human Relations Administrator: Legal Advisor: Mr. L. David Ramos, Director Mr. Joseph Harney Human Relations Management Assistant: Ms. June Shultz ATTENDANCE - Roll Call — Absences: Billy R. Sayles and Glen Ray Torno (advance notice given). Audience: HCD Department Staff and Judy Telge APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Minutes of December 5, 2001 were reviewed. Motion to approve minutes made by Eloy Soza, and seconded by Sandra Cabazos. Vote taken and the minutes were approved. SCANNED PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS: Motion made by Eloy Soza to open the Public Hearing, seconded by Linda Fallwell-Stover. Vote was taken and the motion passed. Housing and Community Development (HCD): Public Hearing regarding CDBG Funding Daniel Gallegos introduced HCD staff (Norbert Hart, Ken Tyrell, and himself). Mr. Gallegos provided a pamphlet handout for all Committee Members and audience members. He went through the information, reviewed the history of programs and discussed they have been able to consolidate programs by various sources. 1995 was the first year for the City to do a Consolidated Plan. Now there is one submission. The City prepared a three (3) year plan in 2000, due to the lack of Census information. HCD met with Human Relations last week to begin to work on the new Plan. The City's fiscal year runs from August 1s` to July 3151 of a given year. HCD is interested in community input. Information on the Plan is provided on Page 3. Meetings are held with the Planning Commission and City Council, see Page 8. The Schedule is approved by the City Council. Applications are available through HCD. March 20m, 2002, there will be a Public Hearing on CDBG requests submitted for consideration. May 14th, 2002, there will be a Public Hearing at the City Council Meeting. CDBG Primary Objective information is found in the handout beginning on Page 10. We are beginning our 28th year of funding. Mr. Gallegos noted a correction on Page 12, the figure 4.9 million should be reflected on line number 27. Ms. Lyons questioned some of the figures. Mr. Gallegos indicated that they would verify totals for Ms. Lyons. Page 14 reflects an overall map of Corpus Christi, broken out by census tracks. Page 15 further broke out for CDBG eligibility. Page 20 reflects Resolutions, Page 21 — total expenditures, Page 22 — Project Listing, and Page 52 — $30 million + expenditures. Mr. Soza raised a question about organizations or entities making requests, do they have to have a history to be eligible to submit a proposal? Mr. Gallegos indicated no, but they will look at the Consolidated Plan when considering a proposal. Does it fit the need(s) of issues raised in the Consolidated Plan. Do they (the organization) have the capacity to operate 2 and/or implement the proposal? Ms. Lyons suggested that questions be held until Mr. Gallegos has finished his presentation. Mr. Gallegos continued going through the handout touching upon key points of each page. Judy Telge expressed a few comments about the CDBG process and asked about when comments from public could be received. Mr. Gallegos referred everyone to Page 8, which outlines the CDBG Project Schedule. The public can provide comments at the April 1, 2002 meeting. Ms. Telge questioned if they were looking at CDBG priorities? Mr. Hart indicated that they were. Ms. Telge expressed a concern to continue to see City support to provide accessibility, especially for low and very low income individuals. This is a desire of ACI and the Housing Coalition. There was discussion about how the City began preparing for a Housing Assessment Survey last year. The purpose is to capture the needs of persons with disabilities and individuals of low and/or very low income. Mary Saenz asked some questions about eligible activities (as noted on Page 16 of the handout) and housing program options. Mr. Gallegos provided some information on the City's RFP process. Ms. Saenz indicated that this information will help prioritize. Mr. Gallegos discussed income guidelines — at least 80% of median income. Ms. Saenz asked if it can be 1 person or does it have to be a family? Is there any prioritization? Mr. Gallegos said no, income/person served. Ms. Lyons asked for a contact telephone number. Mr. Gallegos said to call 880-3010. Ms. Lyons said there is a need for the assessment. It will show what persons with disabilities need. Mr. Gallegos indicated that yes, we will work with Human Relations and also be using a consultant. Ms. Lyons indicated the results of the survey will be very helpful to this Committee. Mr. Gallegos indicated that he would include this Committee. Ms. Lyons asked when the neighborhood meetings would be held? Mr. Gallegos indicated that the letters went out to numerous non-profits (Judy Telge showed a copy of the letter she received). Additionally, information was in the newspaper on Friday and today. Ms. Lyons asked for a copy of the RFP. (It was provided.) General discussion ensued. A question was raised if the Committee could get a complete report on CDBG monies - what was sent on projects for persons with disabilities? The Committee asked for a report beginning from 1992 and continuing to the present. Ms. Lyons questioned if the City was monitoring TDLR or State laws regarding building permits for projects over $50,000, some are issued permits but they are not accessible? The CDBG projects, since they are federally funded, must comply with ADA laws, and in every sub-recipient 3 agreement. Mr. Hart indicated that each project has a plan review, the legal requirement is in place and engineers and architects have to comply with state laws. The contract contains that language. If they do not comply, then the City would need to address it. Ms. Lyons indicated that they wish to have a pro-active solution. Title H is in place to guarantee that the funds are used on projects that include being build to accessibility standards before funding. Mr. Hart indicated that the language is built into the RFP and contracts. Ms. Lyons asked if his department could guarantee that the projects are accessible. Mr. Hart said that he would look at the projects. He asked Ms. Lyons to send him a letter on her concerns, questions and what report information she would like. Ms. Lyons asked if HCD has a complaint process? Mr. Hart said, to just write him a letter. Ms. Lyons asked if there was a written complaint process? Mr. Gallegos referenced Page 7 of the handout (citizen participation process). Ms. Lyons questioned if there was no policy on deadlines? Mr. Hart indicated that there are no deadlines. Mr. Hart indicated that if someone perceives a violation has occurred, send a letter to him. He will then take it to Legal for enforcement of the contract. Mr. Hart indicated that there is a certification process and provided examples. Mr. Lyons indicated that she had researched information to see which projects were filed with TDLR and that many were not there. Mr. Sosa asked when? Ms. Lyons indicated 2001. Mr. Sosa explained that there currently is a backlog on reviews, but that it could be that his group might end up with that responsibility. Mr. Hart indicated that he's not sure of contracts, but that he will follow-up on breach of contracts. Ms. Shultz asked a question about type of eligible requests pertaining to creation of jobs, new positions for persons with disabilities. In example some type of training or program that would have the end result of having permanent employment for the participant. Mr. Hart explained that there are different types of requirements, but if it met the criteria, that it might be considered. Ms. Saenz asked if this had been done? Mr. Hart indicated that this is not a priority of the City Council. Ms. Saenz asked, "so this hasn't been done"? Mr. Gallegos indicated that there are Housing Programs and they have hired skilled workers for related work. Ms. Saenz indicated however that there are other means for creating other positions. Ms. Lyons referenced Page 20, which reflects the City Council's priorities. Mr. Sosa discussed looking at requirements for certification of occupancy, prior to the Building Permit. Ms. Lyons shared an example — bleachers. Mr. Sosa indicated that there is still a requirement. Mr. Hart indicated that he could obtain a list of ADA Projects since 1994. Most have been completed, if not 4 on the handout then the projects have been completed. Ms. Cabazos asked if the projects have not been completed, are they prevented from other funding? Mr. Hart indicated no. Mr. Soza made a motion to close the public hearing, Ms. Cabazos seconded the motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed. The Committee Meeting resumed normal business. The Chair indicated that the Public Hearing took longer than anticipated, but this is an important source for looking for ADA funding. General discussion on Texas Accessibility Standards. Ms. Padilla indicated that payment is not given to a recipient until the project is done. Mr. Sosa indicated that there is a fairly small design community, but if someone loses their license, it would have an impact on the community. Ms. Lyons indicated that she would prefer a pro- active standard or process. Mr. Sosa indicated that possibly they could follow some City compliance process or each department have a compliance process in place. Each department has latitude with how to resolve problems. Ms. Lyons indicated that there needs to be a written ADA Complaint process. Mr. Ramos indicated that the City does have a written ADA Complaint Process. ADA complaints are handled through his office. Return to Presentations: Ms. Fallwell-Stover provided a report on the Mobility Planning Training Institute she attended with Barbara Grasses, MHMR and Consumer Education Program; Judy Telge, ACI; Twinkle Morgan; and Pat Cullen, Purchasing Transportation Coordinator. There was discussion on mobility planning services, a concept to enhance accessibility transportation. Mobility belongs to the entire community. Need to address gaps in the community. The training was provided by Project Action — mobility planing services, best practices culled by actual work in the field. Tool kits were provided. There was a meeting with Karen Hetch regarding a model for eligibility standards. There is a concern about not having full access to the community. There was discussion about possibility to try to eliminated Care B, but incorporate transportation opportunities with all society. Third element, operator awareness training — talk with the community during the process. Barbara - MIAMR — discussed consumer/student aspect, consumer education, what resources are available, because most people don't know what opportunities are available. This was collaborative expertise. Ms. Lyons asked if they were trying to do a COG Regional effort? Ms. Fallwell- Stover indicated yes. Ms. Telge wanted to ask questions relative to mobility 5 requirements, environmental barrier analysis and options element, and discussed the need to remediate and get entities to the table to look at it. Consider things at the federal level, pedestrians, assisted technology (wheelchair), no access on sidewalks, etc. Ms. Lyons mentioned that now Texas allows wheelchairs in the street. Twenty-seven (27) community representative groups from throughout the nation attended the training. Next month the RTA-Transportation Committee (COG plus others) will have a meeting, the local representatives who went, will go and speak to the Committee. They plan to speak with MPO too, this is not just for transportation entities. They wanted to ask the Committee that since they will be working on a needs assessment, could this also be addressed? Ms. Fallwell-Stover and Ms. Telge attended and would like to see environmental barriers issues addressed. Ms. Telge reviewed a booklet she received. Mr. Sosa asked if he could get a copy? Yes. There was general discussion on the up-coming housing assessment. Ms. Telge mentioned a February 16, 2002 meeting at the Class for Advocacy, which is held each month on the third Saturday. She will provide an expanded presentation at CBAY. CHAIR'S REPORT: Ms. Lyons will skip for now and pick up in the meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Policy Development Sub-Committee Report: no report at this time. Ms. Lyons suggested members e-mail Ms. Padilla any information. We can eliminate from report area at this time. Education Sub-Committee Report and Outreach Sub-Committee Report: Ms. Lyons indicated that they are trying to finalize the Committee Brochure. Ms. Cabazos spoke with David about PSA's and information distribution — on hold until possibly January. Mr. Ramos asked Ms. Cabazos for a letter to be included in a payroll distribution. Ms. Cabazos to follow-up with Mr. Ramos on working with Ted Nelson. There was discussion about getting together with Ms. Lyons and Mr. Ramos. Regarding the PSA project, the Committee may turn it over to Mr. Ramos. Ordinance Revision Project — Mr. Harney has done research on various ordinances. Ms. Lyons asked for a copy of the list of ordinances. Mr. Ramos provided a copy to her. Ms. 6 Lyons asked Mr. Harney how the changes could be implemented. Mr. Harney indicated that if a Director asked for an ordinance revision, then he will flag those ordinances to also include People First verbiage change when the next revision occurs. Mr. Ramos indicated that he is getting together with Mr. Nelson, but he would like Ms. Cabazos to be present at the meeting also. He will schedule a meeting with them to discuss filming a segment on the Human Relations Department, but include PSA information, issues of Human Relations, but emphasize ADA or People First language. Mr. Ramos will call Mr. Nelson tomorrow. Legislative Updates Sub-Committee: No meeting. Steering Committee: A meeting was held on December 20, 2001. They are holding working meetings at TAMU-CC. They will try to bring in Del Mar. They discussed development of an Accessibility Guide. They passed around a copy of the City of Lubbock's Guide. Everyone expressed their thoughts and a vote was taken on criteria for businesses that would received the survey and/or could receive (TDLR) certification. Could use TAS checklist rather than use a consultant. Use industry specific checklists. There was discussion asking if the Committee agreed or not, or if they should go back for different type of criteria? Tentative Schedule: first week in April — mail out information, ask for it to be returned by September. Celebration / Dinner for those with accessible facilities to be held in October, since it is Disability Awareness Month. Mr. Soza made a motion to accept the Plan, and was seconded by Ms. Saenz — further discussion ensued. A vote was taken: 1. The criteria was approved; 2. The tentative schedule was approved; 3. The recognition celebration was approved. There was further discussion that the locations that appear in the Guide are because the met the established criteria. Ms. Saenz asked if the criteria would be noted in the Guide? Yes. There was discussion on sample types of categories — restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, senior centers, hotels, parks, attractions, banks, theatres, day care facilities, etc. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked if we could work with the Caller Times, i.e.: weekend guide? Ms. Lyons indicated that she doubted it, we could try, but it's doubtful because need to consider that normally vendors pay for ads in the weekend guide. Ms. Saenz suggested holding a contest, which restaurant is the most accessible or awareness. Ms. Lyons indicated that public input is needed. Ms. Padilla mentioned a Lip Read Contest. Ms. Saenz discussed "Best of the Best" and have category "Most Accessible". Ms. Lyons indicated that Mr. Soza had reminded her that one of the Committee Members (Gonzo) liked to go to the "Outback" 7 because he noticed that the staff there had been trained by Management to treat him with courtesy and respect. Ms. Cabazos asked when the next Steering Committee Meeting would be held. Ms. Lyons will call Ms. Shultz and send out an e-mail. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Ramos gave a report on enforcement — he reviewed Human Relations Office monthly statistics. Regarding ADA issues, the majority were related to accommodation requests regarding the new trash containers for Solid Waste Services. There were 8 citizen complaints = 100 accommodations to date. He had five (5) technical assistance requests — all different. There were 20 ADA related inquiries. There were no EEOC resolutions pertaining to ADA or Housing. Mr. Ramos asked the Committee if they wanted copies of the report in the future. Yes, some people are more comfortable with visual items. Mr. Ramos will provide the report to them next month. Mr. Ramos indicated that with regard to the ADA Transition Plan, various City Departments have been calling him for assistance. They are half way down the calendar, and he has begun to receive information back from some of the Departments. He will be sending out an e-mail tomorrow to follow- up on the Self-Evaluations. Once the information is turned in, he will schedule a meeting with the Core Group. They will work on information during February and March and provide a report to the City Manager for his review. Mr. Ramos has started planning Public Meetings, around April. There was discussion of holding them at City Hall, Flour Bluff or Calallen. He asked the Committee to come up with ideas, and they'll discuss it at the next meeting. Ms. Fallwell-Stover mentioned holding them at Sr. Centers, because RTA has used them in the past for some of their meetings and it has been successful. Ms. Lyons asked Mr. Ramos to start advertising next month. Mr. Ramos asked about suggested times for holding meetings, day and evening for City Hall or the Deaf Center. Ms. Padilla said lunch meetings are good. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked what information has been given to the Directors? Mr. Ramos said he provided training, has walked through facilities with them, went through the process. He has some noted some concerns. Ms. Lyons indicated that Committee Members have offered to provide assistance, if asked for or needed. Mr. Ramos indicated that he would use Committee Members and some may want to get involved,just let him know. Ms. Lyons asked members to let Mr. Ramos know. 8 Mr. Ramos discussed follow-up letter to CCISD Superintendent. It was sent on January 11, 2002. He enclosed copies of the City Ordinance and all pertinent information that reflects authority to address ADA issues. A question was raised, had CCISD contacted the parent/guardian yet? Not to date. Mr. Ramos will follow-up on the matter. NEW BUSINESS: • Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked about identified projects from the Transition Plan, and other Projects — such as CDBG, would the City Council identified those items are priority items? Added weight because of ADA issues? Ms. Lyons indicated that Committee Members needed to find ways to provide input. Members need to be at the CDBG Hearings. It couldn't hurt to put forward particular projects, and ask for staff recommendations. Adjournment Mr. Soza made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Ms. Lyons. A vote was taken and passed. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:25 p . �r (' /A dr /1-I %a/6Q_ C /stal Lyons, . hairperson Date Minutes Approved 9