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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 04/03/2002 MINUTES - QUORUM MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES April 3, 2002 Committee Members - Present Committee Members - Absent Chairperson: Ms. Crystal Lyons Ms. Toni Padilla Vice Chair: Mr. Roberto M. Flores Ms. Mary J. Saenz Ms. Sandra Cabazos Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Billy R. Sayles Mr. Eloy Soza Mr. Glen Ray Tomo CITY STAFF: (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT) Building Official: Park & Recreation Director: Mr. Art Sosa Mr. Tony Cisneros (Replacement: Mr. Ondrias) Human Relations Administrator: Legal Advisor: Mr. L. David Ramos, Director Mr. Joseph Harney - Absent Human Relations Management Assistant: Ms. June Shultz ATTENDANCE — Roll Call— Absences: Toni Padilla, City Staff—Joseph Harney. Mr. Ondrias was present as a substitute for Tony Cisneros. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Minutes of March 6, 2002 were reviewed. Motion to approve minutes as corrected made by Eloy Soza, and seconded by Billy Sayles. Vote taken and the minutes were approved. SCANNED PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS: Presentation by City Manager: Citizen Complaint Process and ADA Citizen Grievance / Accommodation Request Process. (Postponed.) Presentation by Architects/Engineers regarding Santa Fe/Alameda ADA improvements. A handout was distributed on Sidewalk Accessibility Improvements. $400,000 (20% funding source — City) and $880,000 (80% funding source — TXDOT). Total construction cost - $1,100,000. Consultant's fees are being paid in addition to $1,100,000 construction budget. Overlay projects are: Alameda — Louisiana Parkway to Doddridge; Webber— Staples and S.P.I.D., SH 358; and Santa Fe — Doddridge to Robert Street. They could include S. Staples between approximately Mestina to Six Points, if the funds are available. However, funds are not likely to be available due to the new 5-foot requirements with width. Improvements include new curb ramps and removal and replacement of most of the sidewalks and driveways. Various will be sought to allow existing cross slopes on the pavement of intersecting streets along the accessible route to remain. The estimated letting date is November 2002. Austin's Non-Discrimination Ordinance. Handout distributed and reviewed by Ms. Lyons. General discussion afterwards — there is no teeth in our present Public Accommodations Ordinance. It would be a reminder for the City, employees and visitors — we must make reasonable accommodations. Basically Austin lifted 504 and implemented it into their ordinance. There is room to make it better— but this is what Ms. Lyons wanted to share with the CFPWD. We need to look at enforcement and guidelines for: • Accommodation Request Form (separate from grievance procedure). • Breakout for our ordinance. • Report to City Council on status. It is pretty much picking up two federal laws which are in place. This is a serious issue — must ensure that the position is not, "this is a federal law, let someone else address it". Those interested should get involved with the Sub- Committee to address development of an Ordinance Revision. Ms. Fallwell- Stover asked if this was something the Legislative Sub-Committee would handle? Ms. Lyons indicated yes. Those interested can work with the existing Sub-Committee. Mr. Ramos indicated they could hold their meetings in the Human Relations Conference Room. He will assist the Committee in location of the references to Pubic Accommodations in 2 various ordinances, as it is not located in one place. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated that there must be a more efficient way for the City to share information. Ms. Fallwell-Stover, Ms. Cabazos, Mr. Soza and Mr. Flores were interested in working on the Ordinance project. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked Mr. Ramos if he needed some time? Mr. Ramos indicated he needed some time for he and Ms. Shultz to put together some information. Ms. Fallwell-Stover will call at the end of the month. Next month's meeting is scheduled for May la. Plan for a meeting for possibly the following week. Discussion ensued and it was determined that a meeting would be scheduled for the week of the 12th. Ms. Fallwell-Stover will make the arrangements and share the information with the sub-committee. CHAIR'S REPORT: No additional information. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Education and Outreach Sub-Committee Report: Mr. Soza spoke about panel to make presentations around City and at Schools, as soon as possible. Ms. Cabazos, Mr. Soza and Mr. Flores were willing to participate. They need people for panel for various presentations and Ms. Lyons indicated that we already have information for a focus group. Mr. Ramos discussed use of People First Language and the Brochure. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated she had tried to obtain some and currently it is out of print. We will need to call in an order. The brochure was initially prepared for internal use only, but there was a flood of requests once it's existence was known. The Speaker's panel could go to RTA and provide a presentation. There was some discussion about concerns to relay to Mr. Cisneros: counterparts (within the State) — i.e.: San Antonio, Austin, Laredo, etc. What do those City's have in place for adaptive programs? Not segregated, rather integrated? What do they have? How is it funded? What are possible funding sources? How much money is spent on youth vs. youth with disabilities? What does out City have in place for summer or a year round program? There was an expressed interest in having presentations from some of the other cities within the State. Ms. Lyons indicated that we don't need to ask the same questions again — there is nothing in place in Corpus Christi. So now, we need to go forward to the next step — what are other cities doing? 3 There was a request for a report on the proposed supplemental grant pertaining to CCISD and Park and Recreation. It is only for children with disabilities (not inclusive). The Committee would like more information. Mr. Ondrias mentioned that the Park and Recreation Department have submitted a relatively long list of supplemental budget requests. There was a relatively long request along this line. He recalled seeing it among the submitted items, but it would be for FY 2002-2003. Mr. Flores made a motion to prepare a letter to Park and Recreation Department: 1. To know what the City has in place. 2. Does Park and Recreation provide an inclusive program? 3. If City doesn't have anything in place, what is available? 4. Do other cities have inclusive and adaptive programs? Provide information. 5. How are the programs funded? Provide potential funding sources. 6. Have update on or before May 1s`, 2002. Mr. Soza seconded the Motion. There was further discussion. We should look at Austin, El Paso, Laredo, and San Antonio. We need to look at long range goals. Mr. Soza asked at what point in time that parents are involved in the planning? Discussion on what the Committee could do in the infancy stage in planning goals. A vote was taken and passed unanimously. There was more discussion on inclusive adaptive programs and the interest of the Committee to possibly help the Park and Recreation Department with support in their requests for staffing and program funding during the budget process. Legislative Updates Sub-Committee: No report at this time. Steering Sub-Committee: No report at this time. OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Ramos and Mr. Tonto visited on the Transition Plan work sheets. There was a substantial amount of documents accumulated. Basically the City is using the Title Guide as a basis for the Transition Plan. Some information was a little general, but it has been pretty effective for people who aren't technically qualified. Good faith effort was demonstrated to show they are sincerely trying to address the issue. In a lot of instances there is limited 4 access. Mr. Torno reviewed a few random projects that he was familiar with and the Coliseum; to look closely at the responses provided. He was very impressed. It will be a valuable document for Mr. Ramos to work with. If they work to implement it, then they will go a long way to addressing community needs. General discussion followed. Ms. Lyons asked if there were any recommendations? Mr. Tomo indicated that he was comfortable with the information and Mr. Ramos is trying to compile a master list. Ms. Lyons mentioned a website — ADAcompliance.com, a tool discussing physical disability issues, but it is not free. The software provides for report generation. She discussed an 8-hour in-service for school. It is pending and is very good. It may help. Mr. Ramos scanned a document to be used for the public forum and transferred it into Word. Park and Recreation has 20 Senior Centers that should be completed during the summer. So we can monitor input later. He has spoken to the Deputy City Manager and is presently scheduling a meeting with the Core Group. Tape Review: Toni Padilla and Linda Fallwell-Stover both made comments expressing concerns. Ted Nelson has picked up the video. Mr. Nelson wants to air it. This would help push the PSA. Mr. Ramos indicated that he could call Mr. Nelson and stop the airing if the Committee says to do so. Ms. Padilla expressed a concern that the video does not offer open/closed caption. Mr. Ramos indicated he had spoken to Mr. Nelson about it, but that Mr. Nelson indicated they could not insert open/close caption, it was a cost factor. However, he had spoken with the City Manager and he wants us to do the PSA. There was a recommendation to notify the City Manager, to make it a priority. It will be informative. Mr. Soza and Mr. Ramos were interviewed. They discussed Title II/Title III. Mr. Nelson and Mr. Ramos discussed the Human Relations Department, Employment, Housing and Public Accommodation issues. The first message was not on hearing impairments - only mobility issues and people first language. There was discussion about touching upon RTA and Sea Wall. They are going to splice it together with music. It should last approximately 15-20 minutes. There were questions about a City Department; it covered mainly ADA, and a little on EEOC and housing. It touched upon improvements in and around the City and how to contact us. There were two concerns: I) close caption; and 2) focus on mobility. The PSA's will last approximately 30 seconds, convey good messages and community involvement. The video will be aired on Channel 10 at different times. It will provide needed information on where to call with concerns and/or problems. Ms. Lyons asked if the Committee recommended that it be aired? Mr. Torno expressed a concern 5 that if it is pulled now, we may have trouble getting momentum again. Mr. Ramos indicated that we would be momentum with the PSA. Ms. Lyons expressed a concern that the language is still condescending. She is concerned about some of the verbiage. There was discussion about captioned scoreboards. Shouldn't spend money on a government service that won't equally service the public. They would miss 10% of the population without the close caption. Mayor got a reprimand for not having the Agenda in Braille and alternative means. Ms. Cabazos discussed priorities — the video should be captioned for Human Relations. If it isn't what is the message that is being sent out the community? We need to see it first or it not be shown. What is the cost for the close caption? Ms. Lyons mentioned the self-evaluation of Communications and Quality Management Department — PSA's and information on programs and services are not properly funding for close caption. Mr. Ramos indicated that they would not air it without the close caption. He will talk with Ted Nelson about the PSA. Mr. Sayles asked the Committee if they have the final say on this video? Who paid for this video? Mr. Ramos indicated that they could possibly use it later with captions and some language being taken out. He will recommend to the City Manager that they use close caption on commercials and PSA's. Ms. Cabazos suggested that he provide the recommendation and federal law information how the City should comply. Mr. Ramos indicated that he would tell Mr. Nelson not to air it. Mr. Tonto asked why the close caption is not possible. Is it a lack of equipment? If inappropriate don't air it. However, sometimes you have to take what you can get. Further general discussion. A motion was made by Mr. Soza to postpone the airing of the video until it is remedied, seconded by Ms. Cabazos. Vote was taken and passed unanimously. There was a request for a Legal Department Opinion on the sidewalk eligibility issue. Mr. Harney passed that responsibility on to Lisa Aguilar. She pulled the information on the matter and provided information to Mr. Ramos, who distributed a handout. This is initial information with a cover memorandum. Mr. Ramos called several cities — Alice (no call back); Dallas (no call back); Arlington (not using money for that, but it can be used, nothing to stop it— he will follow up on it) they are mainly using it for housing; Austin (not used for sidewalks) per Jim Williams, Attorney who handles CDBG issues for Legal Department. Ms. Lyons commented that they recently passed a million-dollar bond for accessibility issues — so they don't need it. Ms. Lyons indicated that she was told verbally that there was nothing concrete that couldn't be discretionary to persons who were 6 awarding the funds for projects. Follow-up on the CDBG Meeting —the first was held on the 20th, the second on the 27th. April Is` was the Citizens Comments Period. May 10th the Consolidated Annual Plan will be submitted, May 14th the City Council will review the information. Ms. Fallwell-Stover attended the 20th meeting. She asked them to consider some information. There was good dialogue. Whoever can go on May 14th are asked to go to show support. There were questions about CDBG reallocation of funds? This is pending a written response on the process. A request will be submitted to Hector Vallejo, Acting Director of HCD to provide that response. Scheduling of Sub-Committee meeting regarding ordinance was discussed in earlier part of the committee meeting. NEW BUSINESS: 1. None at this time. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Ramos gave a report on enforcement, for the Month of March — he reviewed Human Relations Office monthly statistics. Mr. Ramos discussed addressing an ADA Park and Recreation Complaint. It was an unusual circumstance. Mr. Ramos was able to assist in resolution of the case—working with two entities. Mr. Ramos met with the City Manager and Legal regarding accessible parking and parking fees. A disabled vet didn't want to pay to park, however the law changed and everyone is supposed to pay, except for parking meters. The City can pass an ordinance revision for free parking, but they are not going to change it at this time. Ms. Lyons asked about number of accessible parking spaces in accessible places? Mr. Ramos indicated they are not as close. Ms. Lyons asked if there were the correct number of spaces? Mr. Ramos said yes. They are building more on the water garden side. Ms. Lyons asked where is the accessible route? Is it striped and marked? No. General discussion ensued. Need to ensure that what is free is according to standards. Mr. Ramos will talk with the Convention Center Director. He will discuss the striping and right amount of equal access spaces. 7 Mr. Ramos discussed a calendar for People First Language training. He provided a handout (a copy of the memorandum from the City Manager about the training). The City Manager wants Ms. Lyons and Mr. Ramos to provide a presentation to the City Manager and City Council. Mr. Ramos will asked Judy Telge for additional People First Language to draw from. Additionally, he will provide training to Department Heads, Department ADA coordinators, new employee orientation (which are held every Monday, but we will have a set time to go provide the information), work with Marge Reue to provide training by individual departments; and Del Mar Supervisory Training. If anyone wants to help, please call Mr. Ramos for details. There will be a Fair Housing Seminar on April 17th. Please provide the names of anyone who would like to attend, the Human Relations Department will pay for registration, which includes luncheon. We will e- mail a reminder to committee members. The budget packet was submitted for initial review and it includes supplemental budget items. Specifically of interest to the Committee, is Item Number 4 —a request for funding for a Recognition Banquet in October and funding for printing of the Accessibility Guide. There was discussion about the budget and supplemental items. It was discussed that they may want to start discussion for a supplemental budget item — an ADA staff position. Probably not for this year, but possibly for the following year. The CCHRC Annual Training Conference will be held on June 28th. We need to know if any committee members are interested in attending and/or participating as moderators. Please contact Mr. Ramos. COMMITTEE CONCERNS/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: The City's and Citizen's Complaint Process Presentation by the City Manager and Mr. Ramos. Scheduling of Ordinance Revision Sub-Committee Meeting for week of May 12th. Park and Recreation Integrated Adaptive Programs and related questions. 8 Questions raised regarding re-allocation of unused funds. Looking into meeting or process and timelines. Adjournment Mr. Soza made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Ms. Cabazos. Adjo ed by acclamation. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:28 p. . / J j' ry .1 Lyons, C .irperson Date Minutes Approved 9