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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 06/02/2004 Committee for Persil's with Disabilities Page 1 of 7 Summary Minutes for June 2, 2004 Meeting called to order by the Chair, Ms. Fallwell-Stover. Roll Call: Quorum Meeting at Roll Call at approximately 3:37 PM: Present: Ms. Fallwell-Stover, Ms. Padilla, Mr. Soza, Ms. Lyons, Ms. Saenz and Mr. Watson. Staff present: Joseph Harney, Wanese Butler and David Ondrias. Also attending this meeting were Kevin Stowers, Assistant Engineering Director, and Sean McElhinney, Arena's Director of Operations. Mr. Torso and Mr. Flores arrived later. Absent Committee Members: Mr. Sayles Absent Staff Members: Mr. Ramos and Mr. Sosa. Excused Absences: (Padilla and Torno) Member Reason Motion By Second By Result Ms. Padilla Family Death Ms. Lyons Ms. Saenz Passed Mr. Torno Related Business Ms. Lyons Ms. Padilla Passed * Approval of Minutes for May 2004 regular meeting: The Committee reviewed the minutes and there were no amendments. Ms. Saenz motioned to approve the minutes as written, with a Second by Mr. Soza. With no further discussion, the minutes were approved as written by Committee vote. Ill. Presentations / Public Comments: A. Engineering Services Update on Arena Parking and McGee Beach Accessibility — Following last month's general overview presentation, Mr. Stowers returned to the Committee to provide some details: 1. Accessible parking spaces adjacent to arena's accessible route — Mr. Stowers passed out plans (layout) of the revised parking lot, as he reported that there would be more accessible parking spaces than required for this area with: # of Accessible Spaces Adjacent Facility 4 CC Museum 8 Convention Center parking garage 7 Convention Center (exterior lot) 4 Harbor Playhouse 4 Across Heritage park 8 New Arena [Mr. Torno arrived] 2. Access to arena building (spaces, ramps and passenger drop-off zone) — Mr. Stowers explained that construction includes accessibility by a physical link between the convention center and the arena on the same level; additional elevators; and accessible seating in the arena. [Mr. Flores arrived] SCANNED Committee for Pers‘ with Disabilities Page 2 of 7 Summary Minutes for June 2, 2004 3. Access down to McGee Beach - Mr. Stowers explained that three ramps are under design as the last part of the seawall project, in which completion is scheduled in 2006. Mr. Stowers also informed the Committee that the Director of Engineering Se. Cc$ [Angel Escobar] working on an equipment/maintenance ramp that will be in the center of the beach facility, being addressed by Shiner- Mosley. He also indicated that there is some concern due to the size [slope] and cost-effectiveness of the equipment/maintenance ramp. If infeasible, then they will have another ramp for accessibility. Accessible ramps are expected at both the north and south ends of McGee Beach. Mr. Stowers also mentioned that the T-Head an L-Head will have ramps to improve the facilities and to meet compliance through TDLR. Accessible parking spaces along Shoreline are scheduled along the seawall approximately 350 feet apart, with a curb cut, recessed so that vehicles can used while parallel parking Mr. Stowers also informed the Committee that Engineering would return with the plans/layout following plan review by RAS —TDLR Upon completion of Ms. Stowers presentation today, there was discussion per Committee questions. Ms. Lyons expressed it is exciting that Engineering Services is doing these accessibility efforts, and also mentioned switch-backs for access onto the heads [L-Head & T-Head]. Mr. Stowers indicated that they will endeavor to have more accessibility. Regarding convention center parking, Ms. Lyons let Mr. Stowers know that some marked spaces are not accessible due to passengers having to go behind vehicles, and she questioned who is responsible. Mr. Stowers indicate for corrections, to please inform Ms. Butler in Human Relations and that Engineering would work to address any issues. Mr. Stowers had commented that some parking spaces were initially accessible at the time, but may/may not be so today. Ms. Saenz questioned this remark. Mr. Stowers continued that the law has not changed by some interpretations have. The issue of interpretations was echoed by Mr. Torno. Upon Mr. Flores' question of who is SMG and if their employees are familiar with the ADA, Mr. Stowers indicated that this is a private management company, hired by the City to operate the arena and convention center, with knowledgeable management and that they have policies. However, he was unsure if all employees that SMG hires are knowledgeable about the ADA. Mr. Flores mentioned that the parking garage fee had increased from fifty cents to one dollar and that concerns on accessibility parking for vans with lifts were not satisfactorily addressed by the security guard, who had responded that he Committee for Pers with Disabilities Page 3 of 7 Summary Minutes for June 2, 2004 just park closer. Ms. Fallwell-Stover mentioned that another issue is staff training. Mr. Stowers indicated that there will be accessible van spaces available. Staffing and training would be handled by SMG. Mr. Torno asked about the accessible entrance along the steep Resaca Street and wondered if someone had gone through this route. Mr. Stowers indicated that David Walker, RAS [Registered Accessibility Specialist], had not presented an issue. Yes, from Shoreline back down toward the ramp it is too steep, but that the accessible route from the parking lot led to an accessible side entrance, instead up the steep incline toward the Shoreline entrance. At the point of no further questions for Mr. Stowers, Ms. Fallwell-Stover thanked him and opened the floor for Mr. McElhinney's SMG's presentation on the arena. Mr. McElhinney was hired to work at the new arena approximately 6 weeks ago as the Director of Operations. He began discussion of training and protocol. He also indicated that they would look to local groups like the Committee for sensitivity material for the community and related issues. Following-up on the security guard incident that Mr. Flores raised, Mr. McElhinney clarified that SMG was utilizing temporary/contracted workers and volunteers of the CC Ballet until they begin hiring their own staff in August 2004. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked for Mr. McElhinney to speak more about training protocol in which he replied that SMG is referring mostly to sensitivity training. He also mentioned that they would be using groups like the Committee for assistance with the sensitivity training program, including use of correct/appropriate language by various types of employees, including events managers, ticket box workers and ushers. Other areas would include use of other adjacent facilities, awareness of laws, access routes, flow of building and emergency evacuation for persons with disabilities. Understanding that the Committee was interested in SMG standard policies, Mr. McElhinney informed the Committee that the corporate office would not funnel the arena's standard policies because each facility's policies are done on an individual basis. Per Ms. Fallwell-Stover's question on having a formal curriculum, he responded that there was not one. Ms. Lyons commented that sensitivity is customer service and that, as more people become aware of their rights that this could mean more complaints. She added that she, as other Committee members, would be happy work with SMG and that some tools already exist for this industry. Ms. Saenz asked about SMG being a for-profit organization and also about the job positions that SMG plans to fill in August 2004. Mr. McElhinney responded that SMG is a for-profit company and that they plan to have job fairs in filling the jobs. Committee for Persillit with Disabilities V Page 4 of 7 Summary Minutes for June 2, 2004 Ms. Padilla informed Ms. McElhinney that letters were distributed regarding the captioning of the signboards and wanted to know if this will occur at the new arena. Mr. McElhinney commented that the arena's technology has the eapahility but that he did not know the status at this time. Ms. Falk./ell-Stover asked about this possibly being a matter of policy or a policy issue and if so, who will be the contact person to address this matter. Mr. McElhinney indicated that yes it is a policy issue, with Mr. Marc Solis as the contact person, and that currently the lessees/renters for the events are encourage to provide accessibility for people with hearing impairments. Ms. Padilla offered that instead this accessibility could be part of the lessee's contact with the new arena. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked if the policies were a matter for SMG or the City. Mr. Harney responded that is might be SMG but that they would take a look at the agreement. Ms. Lyons mentioned case law on the Alamodome regarding captioning. Mr. Torno informed Mr. McElhinney that he had been involved early on the construction plan phase and that the seating illustration showed a distribution of seats, but some are on portable risers over regular seating. Mr. Torno was concerned about SMG's handling of these seats or removing them. Mr. McElhinney indicated that the platform would remain in place. They will have wheelchair space plus companion space at each level of the building and at each price category. Mr. McElhinney continued that accessible seats are held and not released unless the price category sells out. However not all seats are released for this purpose and that they will hold some accessible seat for people who want to purchase tickets the night of the event and for those who had already purchased tickets but did not make their need known for accessible seating until arriving at the event. Regarding the question on who will handle ticket sales, Mr. McElhinney indicated that most likely it would be done by TicketMaster, but that SMG will control the manifest. He also mentioned that although they would have a section on their website for ADA and their contact person information, their general customer services is "live" with staff. Per Mr. Watson asking about security and police, Mr. McElhinney responded that they would have on-duty police and also officers in t-shirts. There was general discussion on validating processes and best practices to avoid people taking advantage of the accessible seats that would be available. Mr. McElhinney elaborated that they will encourage people on the web to use the box office staff for accessibility needs. Back on the subject of captioning, the Chair asked about having closed captioning built into contracts since SMG runs venues elsewhere but Mr. McElhinney did not know that to be the case in other SMG contracts. Ms. Lyons encouraged him and to start now because closed captioning benefits not only • Committee for Pers with Disabilities V Page 5 of 7 Summary Minutes for June 2, 2004 those who are deaf [with a disability] but also those who may be hard of hearing. Ms. Padilla added that approximately 77,000 people in the coastal bend have some degree of hearing loss from mild to profound, and encourage SMG to let captioning be standard for the arena. Regarding hockey games, Ms. Lyons asked about who would control seating up to the glass around the ice arena. He indicated that SMB will do so and have ice seats and glass seats, and furthermore that the club could not change or get rid of accessible seating as Ms. Lyons indicated had happened while the hockey games were at the Coliseum. Regarding responsibility for handling requests for accommodations, Mr. McElhinney indicated that currently the renter/lessee is handling these but in August 2004 SMG would take over, with a procedure. General discussion ensued again on accessible seating in that the best was to obtain accessible seats is to go through the box office because TicketMaster charges a fee. Ms. Lyons commented to Mr. McElhinney that it is exciting that his company is making these efforts. More general discussion ensued about SMG, its first scheduled event in November 2004 after construction ends and then a possible tour for the Committee. There was general discussion on emergency preparedness. Mr. McElhinney elaborated that they would have emergency stations with EMTs that would be set-up by Christus-Spohn and also his work on an emergency plan and policy to include such things as being adjacent to the Port [homeland security issues], fire evacuation; General training areas for SMG employees will be emergency preparedness, ADA and sales. Literature for people with disabilities should be ready in approximately 2-3 months and will be shared with the Committee, which can provide feedback and recommendations. The discussions ended and the Committee expressed appreciation to Mr. McElhinney, who commented that he looks forward to coming back. IV. Chair's Report Regarding follow-up to the 2004 Barbara Jordan Media Awards, Ms. Fallwell- Stover reported that a letter to the editor was submitted to the CC Caller-Times and that final thank you letters were mailed. She also commented that the CBAD Graduation was wonderful and that the Accessibility Coalition Conference was great, and encouraged everyone to attend next year. V. Committee Reports A. Outreach/Awareness Subcommittee — No report at this time. B. Legislative — Regarding the Title I Comprehensive Self-Evaluation of the City's Human Resources Department, the Committee asked for status on Human Resources intent to contract out this process, as mentioned by Ms. Butler. • Committee for Pers with Disabilities Page 6 of 7 Summary Minutes for June 2, 2004 VI. Old Business A. Accessibility Parking Brochure — No report at this time. B. 2004 Barbara Jordan Award — Previously addressed during Chair's report. — n2baraerAdd d that another letter was prepared to credit the law firm f L Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP as a sponsor, after inadvertently overlooked in the first recognition letter. C. Accessible Route at Convention Center/Arena - Previously addressed during Presentations. D. McGee Beach Accessibility - Previously addressed during Presentations. Added: Committee Members were glad to hear that access down to the beach will be provided. However, since this is not estimated to be complete until 2006, Ms. Lyons made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Flores, that a letter be sent to the Engineering Services Department expressing the CFPWD's hope for accessibility in the very near future even if this is done by temporary measures. There was brief general discussion. Ms. Lyons commented that hopefully some creative means could accomplish access while the seawall project is underway with an estimated complete date of 2006. The Motion passed by vote. Mr. Watson asked about any anticipated barrage of complaints regarding the arena project. There was general discussion where Members indicated that being proactive would hopefully avoid a barrage of complaints. E. CFPWD's Position Statement on Recreation Inclusion — Ms. Lyons had not yet received any suggestion on language from other Committee Members, but already has some information. She will work with Mr. Flores on this matter. There was general discussion of possibly obtaining support or buy-in from the City's Park an Recreation Advisory Committee and to maybe get on the PRAC agenda for discussion and action item in seeking PRAC's support of the CFPWD's recreation inclusion position statement. Ms. Lyons commented on having Committee consensus on the philosophy. [Mr. Harney had to leave due to the Planning Commission meeting, scheduled to begin at 5:30PM]. General discussion regarding the position statement continued, with comments on having it balanced. Mr. Torno cautioned that it should not create an overhead burden with limited resources that could disappear. Thus, not loose what little we have in summer programs. Ms. Padilla commented that inclusion does not cost anything for some facility access. Ms. Saenz commented on a desire to have inclusion in everything possible and sees as working together. Mr. Flores and Ms. Lyons would work together on the position statement. • Committee for Pers with Disabilities Page 7 of 7 Summary Minutes for June 2, 2004 F. Education Project—Very Special Arts/Beyond Access Ms. Lyons provided an overview of the various topics and gave insight on the types of presentations expected by Ms. Hughes and Mr. McCullough. Accessibility training would be provided mid-week in the areas of: arts/culture, Title II and Title III, along with some history of persons with disabilities and low-cost integration. One of the speakers, Mr. McCullough, has just agreed to conduct Title I training at the Annual Human Relations Conference on Friday (7/16/04). Ms. Lyons also asked for at least two Members to volunteer their assistance. Ms. Padilla, Ms. Fallwell-Stover and Mr. Soza all volunteered. After further general discussion, the Committee agreed on the event name of "Access to All" to be held on July 14, 15 and 16 by Motion from Ms. Padilla and Seconded by Mr. Soza. The Motion passed by vote. VII. New Business Mr. Watson commented on having greater interaction with veterans. After brief discussion, Mr. Watson agreed to contact Mr. John Taylor locally, who is the president of Veterans Affairs. VIII. Administrator's Report Mr. Ramos was away due art out-of-town conference. Ms. Butler provided copies of the Administrator's statistical report with data through May 31. 2004. Ms. Butler also mentioned that the department met the EEOC's contract production period requirements of equal employment cases. Regarding the how to improve the level and flow of information regarding Committee issues, concerns, presentations, etc., the department will begin using a grid or tracking log that will be provided to the Committee on a monthly basis. IX. Committee Concerns/Request for Agenda Items: None at this time. X. Announcements: None at this time. * [Returned to Agenda Item I regarding Absences] Motion to excuse Mr. Torno made by Ms. Lyons and Seconded by Ms. Padilla. A vote taken and the motion passed. Xl. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Lyons, with a Second by Ms. Saenz. The Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:24 PM.