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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 04/02/2003 SUMMARY MINUTES MONTHLY MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES April 2, 2003 Committee Members - Present Committee Members - Absent Chairperson: Ms. Crystal Lyons Mr. Eloy Soza Vice Chair: Mr. Roberto M. Flores Ms. Debra Valenzuela Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Ms. Toni Padilla Ms. Mary J. Saenz Mr. Billy R. Sayles Mr. Glen Ray Tomo CITY STAFF: (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT) Building Official: Park & Recreation Director: Mr. Kendall /Mr. Art Sosa- absent Mr. Dan Whitworth Human Relations Administrator: Legal Advisor: Mr. L. David Ramos, Director Mr. Joseph Harney Human Relations Analyst: Wanese Taylor Butler Human Relations Management Assistant: Ms. June Shultz CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Lyons ATTENDANCE — Roll Call — Crystal Lyons — P; Robert Flores — P; Linda Fallwell-Stover — P; Toni Padilla — P; Mary Saenz — P; Billy Sayles — P; Boy Soza — A; Ray Torno — P; Debra Valenzuela - A. City Staff: Mr. Kendall / Mr. Sosa - A; Mr. Whitworth - P; Joseph Harney - P; David Ramos - P; Wanese Butler - P; June Shultz - P. We had a quorum. EXCUSED ABSENCES: Absences to be excused — Linda Fallwell-Stover SCANNED requested an excused absence due to illness, Mr. Sayles made a motion to accept it as an excused absence, and it was seconded by Ms. Padilla. A vote was taken and the motion passed. Debra Valenzuela was absent and still needs to sign form. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Monthly Minutes from March 5, 2003 Meeting - Mr. Sayles made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Ms. Saenz. Vote was taken and the motion passed. PRESENTATIONS/ PUBLIC COMMENTS: a. Public Comments—Judy Telge (ACI and CBCIL) submitted packet of information to Legislature regarding budget cuts. She thanked members of the CFPWD. Velma Luna was impressed with the information. (Judy Telge of ACI and the Coastal Bend Center for Independent Living, provided comments regarding the movement underway through the Center for Independent Living to assist with impact on up-coming legislation and budget concerns. She had asked if the CFPWD could present a resolution of support to the City Council, County Commissioners, and Council of Governments (COG) to go to State Legislation — solicit support for efforts on individual level. A sample of a Houston Resolution was utilized to rework it for this area. Cuts will eliminate approximately 70,000 people with disabilities, Medicaid and CHIPS recipients, and Medicaid reimbursements and the elderly. Bottom line is that it is devastating. If we were to lose the funding, local levels would need to pick it up, and there is nothing available at the local level. The Coastal Bend is one of the lowest socio-economic areas.) Ms. Telge also mentioned the upcoming Fair Housing Seminar to be held on April 22, 2003. Brochure will be e-mailed to the CFPWD. b. Abel Alonzo (Citizen and Advocate) indicated that he wanted to recognize the positive action and efforts of the CFPWD and Park and Recreation regarding inclusion. c. Presentation from Park and Recreation and City staff regarding Las Vegas National Institution on Recreation Inclusion Conference held September 8-11, 2003. Attendees: David Ramos, Linda Hodge, Maureen Mahoney, and Elsa Munoz. 2 (Ms. Lyons and Mr. Flores came in late) Staff indicated that the City is adopting inclusion philosophy. Ms. Lyons expressed a concern about using the terminology inclusion philosophy. The proper language is integration, which is federally mandated. She would like to push the word integration, in educating the community. Staff indicated at the conference, they learned from others, those in the forefront in successful programs, as well as networked with other attendees. Staff expressed an interest in having a team attend the next conference. There was discussion about attitude and sensitivity, client base, looking beyond classification factors, assistive technology, something for everyone, inclusion in everyone's responsibility. Another staff member continued with discussion of the Mechanics of Inclusion, starting with top leadership — everyone needs to support the concept, what is legally required, behavior issues, ensuring staff are trained sufficiently, etc. Training also addressed strategies for marketing inclusion. We would be remiss in not showing opportunities, things on-line and on web pages, leisure days, and community outreach. There was a presentation by Steve Climan, regarding when "no" is an acceptable answer, discussing fairness, compliance, imagination and inventiveness. He also addressed when "yes" is appropriate. This has resulted in some changes with the Latch Key Program. Ms. Mahoney then discussed programming. The focus was to include fun and how to promote marketing. Changes to make access to facilities, programs and equipment. The Park and Recreation Department is re-evaluating the entire Park and Recreation programming (total package), looking at what they are going for now, want it benefit based, not outcome based. All five Park and Recreation Centers have been renovated. They are reviewing and/or developing policies and procedures. They are committed to change. This is an on-going process. Mr. Ramos provided information on an ADA Update regarding the Final Rule on Accessibility Guidelines for Recreational Facilities (October 2002). We are currently looking forward to its adoption by the Department of Justice. There was discussion about outreach and the summer Park and Recreation brochure and a review of how they plan to accomplish it. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked about using past accommodation request lists for outreach. Ms. Lyons asked if Park and Recreation could include a collage of pictures of children with disabilities. Ms. Saenz then mentioned a concern of lack of hiring people with disabilities within the City. Mr. Ramos indicated that she should meet with Cynthia Garcia, Director of Human Resources. She could answer any questions Ms. Saenz has. Mr. Ramos also 3 mentioned that he could possibly put it on the Agenda as a presentation by Ms. Garcia. There was discussion about the scheduling of the next Conference in 2003. It has been scheduled for September 4-7, 2003 in Bloomington, Minnesota. The 2004 Conference will be held in San Antonio. There will also be a Texas Recreation and Parks Conference in 2005. Ms. Lyons suggested TDLR — TAS Training for Park and Recreation staff. This might assist them in the performance of their duties. Additionally, there was discussion on redoing the form shared with parents of children with disabilities. On the form, it was suggested to include application and response by e-mail. Ms. Hodge indicated that it would also include revisions recommended by others from out of town. It would also be visible when opening on Park and Recreation Board. Ms. Lyons asked for a copy of the brochure (and Ms. Shultz asked for one for the CFPWD Administrative File). Ms. Lyons asked about the timeline? Mr. Whitworth indicated that they are already working on the brochure, but if the CFPWD would give him names of two committee members, they could be included in on the review of the brochure prior to production. It is staff's intention to include "inclusive philosophy" language and opportunities in this summer's brochure, estimated to be complete in May 2003. It is currently 95% complete. There was further discussion on outreach, community surveys and collaboration with the University (TAMU-CC). Ms. Fallwell-Stover and Ms. Padilla volunteered to participate with the brochure review process. The brochures will be distributed through area schools. Approximately 60,000 brochures will go out and it will be posted on the web site (ccparkandrec.com). CHAIR'S REPORT: Ms. Lyons deferred the Chair's Report due to time constraints. COMMITTEE REPORTS: (Discussion, with possible action.) Outreach/Awareness Sub-committee: No report. Legislative Updates: Non-Discrimination Ordinance Final Draft — Mr. Ramos has continued work on the impact statement response. It is still in draft stage, once it has been approved Mr. Ramos will e-mail a copy of it to the CFPWD. They reviewed contracts and dollar amounts, those over $15,000 must go through the City Secretary's Office, and those below $15,000 were provided by ADA Coordinators and financial people of the various departments. The draft was provided to Margie Rose, ACM on 4 March 28, 2003. Ms. Lyons indicated that she has continued to visit with Council Members about this matter OLD BUSINESS: (Discussion, with possible action.) 1. Resolution — Ms. Telge gave an update earlier. 2. Transition Plan — Mr. Ramos discussed budget efforts. Mr. Ramos included a portion of it in his departmental budget, under a supplemental budget. He will e-mail when the Budget Hearing is scheduled before the Council. (Staff requested Mr. Ramos send out budget dates.) 3. Accessible Parking Brochure: We have prepared a draft brochure and provided it to Mr. Flores for review. The subcommittee (Ms. Saenz, Mr. Soza, and Mr. Flores) will meet again next Wednesday, at 4:00 p.m. Some committee members provided their comments/suggestions for changes. 1. Training Schedule: Tabled. Ms. Lyons asked committee members to bring their calendars to next month's meeting. We need to schedule a 4 to 6 hour retreat. NEW BUSINESS: (Discussion, with possible action.) Administrator's Report — Mr. Ramos handed out monthly report (March 2003 Information). Mr. Ramos proceeded to give an overview of the month of March ADA and EEOC statistical data and general information on housing and capacity building. Mr. Ramos also discussed a curb ramp request. Committee Concerns / Request For Agenda Items / Announcements: 1. New Member Orientation Training and possible retreat for strategic planning. 2. Update on Ordinance. 3. Mr. Flores mentioned a concern over the Selena Auditorium — only one elevator— is anything being done to get more? It is a very small elevator. 5 A question was raised if it is sufficient on the volume of use? Mr. Ramos indicated that he would follow-up on it. 4. Ms. Lyons asked a question about the Pedestrian — Route of Travel Plan for the area surrounding the Convention Center. Is it sufficient for the needs of the community? Mr. Ramos indicated that he would follow-up on it. Adjourn - meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Minrltes Approved: 5 /07 /Ca._ ry/al Lyons, C mittee Chairperson Date 6