HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 05/07/2003 SUMMARY MINUTES
REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING of MAY 7, 2003
COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Amended by Committee on June 4, 2003
Committee Members - Present Committee Members - Absent
Chairperson: Ms. Crystal Lyons Vice Chair: Mr. Roberto M. Flores
Mr. Eloy Soza Ms. Debra Valenzuela
Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover
Ms. Toni Padilla
Ms. Mary J. Saenz
Mr. Billy R. Sayles
Mr. Glen Ray Torno
CITY STAFF: (ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT)
Building Official: Park & Recreation Director:
Mr. Kendall / Mr. Art Sosa - absent Mr. David Ondrias for Mr. Dan Whitworth
Human Relations Administrator: Legal Advisor:
Mr. L. David Ramos, Director Mr. Joseph Harney
Human Relations Management Assistant: Human Relations Analyst:
Ms. June Shultz Ms. Wanese Taylor Butler
CALL TO ORDER - Chairperson Lyons called the meeting to order at 3:36 PM.
ATTENDANCE - Roll called by Ms. Butler:
Crystal Lyons — P; Robert Flores — A; Linda Fallwell-Stover — P; Toni Padilla — P;
Mary Saenz— P; Billy Sayles —P; Eloy Soza —P; Debra Valenzuela - A. City Staff: Mr.
Kendall / Mr. Sosa - A; Mr. Ondrias for Mr. Whitworth - P; Joseph Harney - P; David
Ramos - P; and Wanese Butler— P.
Quorum: Yes.
Late Arrivals: Ray Torno — P and June Shultz — P.
EXCUSED ABSENCES: None.
APPROVALS OF MINUTES - Monthly Minutes from the April 2, 2003 Meeting
were reviewed. Mr. Soza made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, with a
seconded by Mr. Sayles. The vote was taken and the motion passed.
PRESENTATIONS / PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Presentation by Cynthia Garcia, City of Corpus Christi's Human Resources Director
due to the Committee's concerns, raised at the April 2, 2003 meeting, regarding a
lack of hiring people with disabilities within the City. Ms. Garcia provided on
information on the City's hiring process and employment practices. SCANNED
Regarding the number of applicants and employees with disabilities, Ms. Garcia
indicated that this number is uncertain while also indicating that the ADA disallows
specifically questioning applicants about having any disabilities. Ms. Garcia
indicated that the City questions simply whether the applicant can perform the job
with or without an accommodation.
Regarding on-the-job training (OJT), Ms. Garcia indicated that the City does not
have any or separate OJT program and that the City's Civil Service Board rules do
not currently allow OJT. Any changes to these regulations may be recommended by
the Board and then must be approved by the City Council.
Ms. Garcia also clarified that (1) the City has two civil service bodies: The Civil
Service Board appointed by City Council for civilian employees and the Civil
Service Commission appointed by the City Manager and affirmed by the City
Council for sworn personnel (Police and Fire); and further indicated that City
employees also have a Limited Duty Policy.
Visitor, Mr. Roland Guzman of the Governor's Committee for Persons with
Disabilities (San Antonio, TX), mentioned during this presentation discussion that
the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) is a resource for training persons with
disabilities and referred to the C.C. Army Depot as an example. Regarding the issue
of lack of funds for OJT, Mr. Guzman also indicated that the City could likewise
have an OJT program through TRC funding.
Ms. Saenz asked about a liaison with TRC to train City employees under the limited
duty policy; and scenarios in job hiring, including scenarios with possible TRC
funding. Ms. Garcia stated that the City has a working relationship with TRC and
that Mr. Stan Terry is the liaison who works cases under the City's Limited Duty
Policy. She also indicated that City departments make the decision in hiring job
applicants. However, Ms. Saenz informed Ms. Garcia that Mr. Terry has not been
employed with the TRC for many years.
After discussion ensued on job hiring scenarios and also possible scenario with TRC
funding, Ms. Saenz indicated that every TRC dollar has a return of$22 and she also
encouraged City collaboration with TRC in utilizing persons with disabilities on City
projects.
Ms. Garcia clarified that hiring process usually includes panel interviews, while the
Human Resources Department reviews the respective department's hiring process
and also sometimes sits on that department's panel for interviews. Regarding the
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applicant selection process, Ms. Garcia indicated that the selection is based on the
panel recommendation for the best qualified.
Ms. Padilla indicated that language used in some of the City's job announcements
could be considered exclusionary for essential functions to certain segments of the
population, and upon reading this language some potential applicants do not even try
to apply. Ms. Padilla further indicated that the City could gain a wider pool of
applicants in addressing each job announcement's language. Ms. Garcia indicated
that she was unaware, but could address.
Upon Ms. Fallwell-Stover's inquiry, Ms. Garcia clarified how members are
appointed to the Civil Service Board and also the Civil Service Commission in
staggered terms.
Upon Ms. Lyons' inquiry to enhance summer programs and staffing with persons
having disabilities, Ms. Garcia indicated that the summer program positions are
classified as temporary and filled with persons having experience in dealing with
children and who meet minimum job criteria and background checks. Ms. Garcia
also clarified that there is no OJT for the summer program jobs.
Ms. Lyons made inquiry about the City recruiting young persons and person with
disabilities, and reiterated the need to reevaluate the essential functions/elements in
the job announcements. Ms. Garcia agreed to help facilitate improving job
announcement language.
Upon Ms. Lyon's question on department head decisions in make accommodations,
Ms. Garcia indicated that Human Resources will assists with the accommodation the
department unless too costly and that the accommodation is reviewed by Human
Resources and Risk Management.
[Mr. David Ondrias arrived at 4:06 PM]
Regarding requests for accommodations, Ms. Garcia clarified those requests received
by Human Resources are on behalf of City employees, not really applicants.
Occasionally, an accommodation request may surface for an applicant during the
pre-employment physical.
Ms. Saenz had questions on the duration for the jobs under the City's summer
program and applicant physicals. Ms. Garcia indicated that job descriptions are
forwarded to the City Physician who makes an assessment for physicals. Upon Ms.
Saenz's inquiry of hiring persons using wheelchairs to work with children, Ms.
Garcia stated that she believed it would be difficult for persons using wheelchairs to
work with the children in the summer program.
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Mr. Guzman offered to send Ms. Garcia a resource book from the Governor's
Committee on the key laws of Texas, concerning persons with disabilities.
Public Comments (4:16 PM) — Abel Alonzo (Corpus Christi Citizen) indicated a
need to challenge the City to make changes/improvements for accessibility in the
area of employment and hiring processes.
Ms. Garcia indicated willingness to work with TRC to conduct an assessment of how
to accommodate applicants with disabilities for the summer program.
The Human Resources presentation concluded at 4:21 PM.
B. Presentation by Roland Guzman with Governor's Committee for Persons with
Disabilities - San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Guzman made a presentation and, on behalf of
the Governor's Committee, requested the CFPWD's support to host the 2004
Barbara Jordan Awards (BJA) in Corpus Christi, Texas. A handout on the "Key
Planning Elements" was distributed to the Committee.
Regarding accessible lodging for this event, Mr. Guzman mentioned that one of the
local hotels was following a model by the Western Hotel in San Antonio, Texas for
ADA compliance.
The Committee also viewed a video provided by Mr. Guzman on the 20th
Anniversary Celebration and 2002 BJA.
Mr. Guzman also offered "Scoop" training and speaking engagements on how to
write articles regarding persons with disabilities.
Regarding the "Key Planning Elements", Ms. Lyons indicated the Committee could
modify for their own ideas, per Mr. Pat Pounds of the Governor's Committee.
Upon Ms. Saenz's inquiries, Mr. Guzman clarified that the Governor's Committee
will assist with proceeding and planning for the BJA event.
[Mr. Harney departed at 4:42 PM] and [Mr. Torno arrived at 4:45 PM]
MOTION: Ms. Fallwell-Stover made a motion for the CFPWD to host the BJA in
2004, which was SECONDED by Ms. Padilla. A vote was taken and the motion
PASSED.
Chair's Report - Ms. Lyons reported on four items:
1. News article to possibly submit for a Barbara Jordan Award (BJA). This article
Corpus Christi Caller-Times article was on a local high school student with a
disability who assists his school's football team, which considers him an asset.
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2. Non-Discrimination Ordinance
a. The Chair has spoken individually with most City Council Members, one
pending.
b. The Chair provided individual information packets to City Council Members
regarding information on business organizations, including tax incentive
information.
c. The Chair reminded all of tax incentives for hiring and training persons with
disabilities.
d. The Chair offered to conduct training.
3. BJA - Need to assess what services are accessible to provide to event attendees.
4. Status of State of Texas House Bill 1098—This bill is pending in committee, with
the Legislative Session ending soon on June 2, 2003. Interested persons may still
contact State legislature.
Committee Reports
A. Outreach/Awareness Subcommittee —No committee report at this time.
B. Legislative — No committee report at this time. However regarding the Non-
Discrimination Ordinance, Mr. Ramos indicated that the information that the City
Manager had previously mentioned would compiled for City Council has been
forwarded to management by the Human Relations Department. Ms. Lyons
mentioned hopes for a balanced report on ordinance impact, both if done or not.
[Ms. Shultz arrived at 5:01 PM] and [Ms. Fallwell-Stover departed at 5:01 PM]
Old Business
A. Transition Plan— Budget Efforts:
Budget process underway — pending. Committee reminded of public hearing
dates: 5/13/03 is the CDBG Public Hearing and 5/20/03 is anticipated CDBG
Adoption.
B. Accessible Parking Brochure:
Brief discussion ensured. Ms. Padilla confirmed that her comments had been
incorporated in the draft brochure, yet Ms. Lyons' changes pending. No action
taken since Mr. Flores, Brochure Committee Chair, was absent.
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C. Retreat:
General discussion ensured as Committee members reviewed individual calendars
to determine time and date for the Committee's retreat on new member
orientation and strategic planning. Ms. Lyons mentioned that if new member, Ms.
Valenzuela, does not attend next month's meeting, then seek a replacement
through the City Council. After discussion, this retreat was set for Monday, June
16, 2003 from 1-5PM at City Hall, with meeting room to be determined.
D. Report on Fair Housing Conference:
Ms. Lyons mentioned (1) that although there is a lack of information on fair
housing with the apartment association, some representatives of the Texas
Apartment Association attended the conference; and (2) the presenters from the
United Cerebral Palsy could hopefully come again, but that the speaker with a
disability had accessibility issues with transportation from the airport on his last
trip to Corpus Christi and then on this trip had accessibility problems at Landry's
Restaurant.
[Mr. Guzman departed at 5:19 PM]
Administrator's Report
The monthly report for April 2003 was distributed. Mr. Ramos provided an overview of
the month's statistical data and general information.
Committee Concerns / Request For Agenda Items /Announcements
1. Ms. Padilla asked to maintain the Barbara Jordan Awards as a standard agenda item
since the CFPWD is the host in 2004.
2. Mr. Soza asked to maintain the House Bill 1098 as a standard agenda item as well.
3. Ms. Lyons asked the Committee for interested members to attend the City's Civil
Service Board meetings for the next few months to gain a better understanding and
then report back to the full Committee, which would consider any recommendations
for the City Manager and/or City Council. The members who expressed an interest
in attending and representing the Committee as an ad hoc committee are as follows:
Mr. Sayles, Ms. Saenz, Ms. Lyons, with a mention that Ms. Fallwell-Stover may also
participate.
Additional Public Comments
1. The Chair recognized Mr. Jack Widder of Villa Del Sol. Mr. Widder had fair
housing issues and ADA Title II issues, which he agreed to discuss with Mr. Ramos
after the meeting due to another meeting commencing. Mr. Widder would contact
Mr. Ramos and also intends to complete forms for complaints.
[Ms. Butler departed at 5:23 PM]
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2. Mr. Abel Alonzo expressed concerns of problems with City Human Resources
Department and Director's comments of 5/7/03.
Adjournment—This meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 PM.
Minn s Approved:
Gap Ll16,14 � /®4loa
Crys Lyons, Comm}�tee Chairperson Date
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