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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 07/07/2004 •COMMITTEE FOR PERSOI�JVITH DISABILITIES Summary Minutes for July 7, 2004 - Page 1 of 6 Meeting called to order by the Chair, Ms. Fallwell-Stover. A. Roll Call: Quorum Meeting at Roll Call. Present at Meeting Ms. Fallwell-Stover, Ms. Padilla, Mr. Sayles, Ms. Saenz, Mr. Torno, and Mr. Watson. Ms. Lyons and Mr. Soza also arrived. Staff in attendance: Mr. Ramos, Ms. Butler, Mr. Harney and David Ondrias. Absent Committee Members: Robert Flores Absent Staff Members: Art Sosa B. Excused Absences: Member Reason Motion By Second By Action Mr. Sayles MHMR Training Mr. Torno Ms. Saenz Passed II. Approval of Minutes: Upon review of the minutes by the Committee, Motion made by Ms. Saenz to accept the minutes as written. Seconded by Mr. Sayles. A vote was taken and the Motion passed. III. Presentations and Public Comments — None at this time. IV. Chairs Report: Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated that the Committee should have received invitations to the 2004 Spirit of ADA Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Accessibility Coalition, and that a representative from the Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities is expected to attend and to focus on the "Access for All" program. She also commented that this should be a good opportunity for the Committee to arrange a press conference to raise awareness about the program indicated that a press conference, and per speaking with Pat Pounds of the Governor's Committee, Ms. Fallwell-Stover is making contact with Carlos Olivarez of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). A suggested location is the RTA since Ms. Fallwell-Stover mentioned that one of the RTA facilities has received the "Access for All" designation. She will also run this by Ms. Lyons, as the Chairperson for the Accessibility Coalition. Ms. Fallwell-Stover also reported on getting emails regarding chronic health issues and our aging society and asked the Committee if it has an interest in chronic health issues and that Pat Pounds provided a good resource. Ms. Fallwell-Stover also mentioned that the babyboomers are aging which is another reason for accessible world. She then shared a copy of an article in that the Center on an Aging Society has just released the seventh in a series of Issue Briefs on chronic and disabling conditions. These Issue Briefs are being released in conjunction with the Center's Data Profiles on chronic and disabling conditions in the United States. Workers Affected by Chronic Conditions: How can workplace policies and programs help? notes that chronic conditions are costly for workers and businesses. The Issue Brief also describes efforts to help workers who have conditions as well as workers who need to care for family members with chronic conditions. The use of technology, the implementation of disease management 'COMMITTEE FOR PERSONITH DISABILITIES Summary Minutes for July 7, 2004 - Page 2 of 6 programs, and the availability of flexible work policies are helping many people affected by chronic condition function in the workplace. Ms. Fallwell-Stover then welcomed Ms. Soza and Ms. Lyons and debriefed them on press conference and pians for the Juiy 26 She wiii be sending them the information. V. Committee Reports: A. Outreach/Awareness — No report at this time. B. Legislative: 1. Non-discrimination Ordinance —The Chair asked Mr. Ramos for a report. Mr. Ramos indicated that he will be going to the City Council on July 20th for a quarterly update and that the department is working on the presentation. Once approved then by the Assistant City Manager, then he will forward a copy to the Committee. Mr. Ramos provided a brief history of what has occurred in the manner as the ordinance is written: a. Investigate all complaints received regarding discrimination by a place of public accommodations: Three received regarding restaurants (no accessible parking destination, no accessible restrooms and the other had no accessible entrance ramp); One complaint on a retail shop that had the restroom door locked because it was not accessible; a complaint on a medical center where they had to repair the sidewalk; and one individual called to complain about an umpire position. b. Effects on other governmental entities: Three items on Nueces County Courthouse line to purchase license plates and supposedly was removed. Mr. Ramos indicated that this is one of the other governmental entities so the complaint was referred to the county to address the matter; a complaint about a CCISD IDEA classroom issue; and one on Del Mar College's auditorium, in which Mr. Ramos advised the individuals of the process to follow. He also indicated that he would follow up to see what was done and what process took place. c. Complaints on the City: 1. The Convention Center, as discussed with Mr. Flores regarding the ramp leading to the platform during graduation. 2. The balcony that is inaccessible. Mr. Ramos indicated that he would mention the presentation on McGee Beach, seating for the arena football, a street curb ramp request, and a request for parking fee exemptions. Regarding the status on hiring the two NDO staff positions, one he was authorized to hire the Staff Assistant but is still working with Margie Rose, ACM, on the Compliance Officer position. Ms. Lyons asked about what period of time does the list that Mr. Ramos read cover. He indicated that this list is for the quarter of March, April and May 2004, and also part of February since the NDO went into effect mid-February. There was discussion on whether or not the NDO was the driving force for these complaints or if they would have occurred normally without the NDO, and a possible comparison to this particular quarter in 2004 to that of 2003 and if there 'COMMITTEE FOR PERSOI10WITH DISABILITIES Summary Minutes for July 7, 2004 - Page 3 of 6 were records for these type of complaints prior to the NDO. Mr. Ramos indicated that he would check into this comparison. Ms. Fallwell-Stover added in reference to the complaint at McGee Beach that she heard a presentation for the Master plan and wondered what type of timeline is there in addressing accessibility at McGee Beach sooner than or within the next year, two years or do we know. Ms. Lyons reminded the Committee that this question was posed during last month's presentation with 2006 as the estimated timeframe. Ms. Lyons also mentioned that there was another complaint from last month's meeting that was not on Mr. Ramos' list regarding parking at the Convention Center being too close and inadequate for van accessibility, and that she hoped that it would not have to be filed formally, since told to Ms. Butler at the last meeting. Mr. Ramos indicated that this one would be included on the next quarterly report to the City Council and would definitely be addressed, in going through Margie Rose since the SMG contract is under her supervision. Ms. Saenz raised the issue if there were any complaints given the severe recent rains and the concern of flooding creating problems for people with disabilities. Ms. Fallwell-Stover commented that as an employee for the Regional Transportation Authority, she knew that there was one day when the buses were sent to higher ground and people waited in buses until they could travel. She also indicted that the RTA was unaware of any individual conditions and did not get any calls related to that. Mr. Ramos mentioned that if there were any complaints, they would go though the NDO ordinance and follow up with RTA. Mr. Ramos indicate that the NDO PowerPoint presentation would be emailed next Thursday, before Tuesday's City Council Meeting. There was more discussion about the loss of the NDO compliance office position and where that leaves the department and its ability to respond to complaints without enough staff. Mr. Ramos indicated that it would create some issues but that the department still has to work under the ordinance as he did the quarter's (March — May) cases himself. However, he indicated that he had submitted a supplemental budget request. Discussion ensued about the budget process and decision-making process with the First Reading on 7/13/04 and the Second Reading usually follows the next week on 7/20/04. The 20th is also when Mr. Ramos is scheduled to make his NDO presentation. The Committee members discussed the usefulness and appropriateness of making some type of recommendation to the City Council about supporting the compliance officer position. Motion passed requesting the Chair to speak at the budget public hearing on 7/13/04 regarding the supplemental request for the compliance officer for the Human Relations Department, and that the Committee is in support of that position. • ' COMMITTEE FOR PERSOUNITH DISABILITIES Summary Minutes for July 7, 2004 - Page 4 of 6 This motion was made by Ms. Padilla, with a Second by Mr. Sayles. There was discussion about the job qualifications and questions about the public hearing dates to speak on the matter. Mr. Ondrias stepped out to the meeting to check with the City Secretary s Office. There was clarification of the budget pubic hearing dates, budget ordinance reading dates and general public comment time before the City Council. The Chair agreed to attend the next City Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 to speak on the matter of the compliance officer position at the appropriate time on the City Council Agenda. B (2) Title I Employment Comprehensive Self-evaluation from the Human Resources Department: There was a letter from Cynthia Garcia, Director of Human Resources, indicating that the self-evaluation will be begin on June 14, 2004 and should conclude by July 31, 2004 with a final report delivered in August 2004. There was discussion on the consultants to conduce the evaluation gets selected. Mr. Harney indicated that this type of selection is usually done through a Request for Information (RFI). The Chair asked about the qualifications of the Waters Group and its familiarity of the ADA. Staff will check with Purchasing. VI. Old Business A. Accessible parking brochure: No report at this time. B. CFPWD's position statement on recreation inclusion: Ms. Lyons reported that she has prepared a packet which Mr. Flores is also reviewing, but that he could not be here today, There was discussion on getting ahead of game and using this Committee for the opportunity to discuss materials with Mr. Ondrias, such as the packet sent to the Committee by Linda Hodge. Mr. Ondrias indicated that the department would work with the CFPWD for future review of printed materials. There was a question from Ms. Lyons on the Latchkey handout regarding "...able to mobilize without the assistance of staff..." and questioned on the "list of children that were accommodated without a request" if there was no formal request made. Mr. Ondrias responded that the department would get an answer of interpretation to the Committee. There was further discussion of the Committee's willingness to have discussions to help aid Parks and Recreation early in January or February, and also develop a statement to help aid parents in an early outreach for summer programs for students with disabilities before the school semester ends. The Chair commented that on contacting the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and to finalize the position statement to gain PRAC's support, which is needed very soon. Mr. Butler reminded the Committee it initially requested that the Chair attend PRAC's July meeting, which is next week at 5pm. Ms. Fallwell- Stover indicated she plans to be there and asked if anyone else would like to be present to please let her know or if they have any suggestions to take to the meeting if unable to attend, please let her know. C. Education Project—VSA/Beyond Access Blue COMMITTEE FOR PERSOI110VVITH DISABILITIES ,11111110 Summary Minutes for July 7, 2004 - Page 5 of 6 Ms. Lyons provided a report and gave an overview of guest speakers and what to expect at the three training sessions with copies of the respective brochures and registration forms, the possibility of putting together an evaluation slip to get feedback on what attendees want or may need for next year. There was discussion of assistance with the panelists for the Arts training and the idea of doing a press release in conjunction with brochures. D. Veterans and Disabilities Mr. Watson indicated that contact with Mr. John Taylor is pending. He also commented on veterans being excluded, from the political process, because of their disabilities and the need for awareness of where to get help for them. There was discussion on the timeliness to reconnect with veterans and in anticipation of those coming home from the current war. He can collaborate with other programs. Look into collaborating and helping the veterans group. VII. New Business: A. Regional Park - Ms. Padilla commented on attending the Coastal Bend Regional Park Foundation presentation of a regional park including camping, archery and many amenities. There was discussion on making contact while they are in their planning stages for the regional park, and asked to try to schedule a presentation for next month. B. Hike and Bike — Ms. Padilla mentioned that the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is conducting a needs assessment for a hike and bike trail and that their survey is online at www.corpus-christimpo.orq. There was also discussion in which a presentation is requested for the following month. The Chair mentioned that the Committee would possible support this but it needs more information and needs to know that this be accessible. Mr. Torno commented that the MPO is looking for a broad base of support. The Committee in interested in having presentations on both of these new business items, one next month and the other the following month. Human Relations is to contact these groups to schedule the presentations. C. YWCA Discounts — Mr. Watson indicated there is a form for persons with disabilities for discounts and discussed where to place and distribute these forms. The Chair also suggested the possibility of placing the discount information in the Disability Resource Guide, with Ms. Lyons and Ms. Padilla also suggesting senior publications and monthly utility bills, respectively. D. National Parks' Discounts — Mr. Watson mentioned that some national parks have discounted fees for persons with disabilities. The Chair asked the Mr. Watson provide some information for the Committee due to the importance of reaching people to make them aware of these discounts. VIII. Administrator's Report: Mr. Ramos provided an overview of the monthly statistics for June 20041, per the 3-page report he distributed to the Committee. He also reminded the Committee of the upcoming Human Relations Conference on Friday, 7/16/04. 'COMMITTEE FOR PERSOITH DISABILITIES Summary Minutes for July 7, 2004 - Page 6 of 6 IX. Committee Concerns! Request for Agenda Items: A. Committee Retreat — Ms. Saenz asked about possibly having a retreat for the Committee. Ms. Padilla mentioned that she and Ms. Fallwell-Stover had also been considering this. Mr. Ramos suggested if the Committee wanted to have a retreat to possible do so after August due to the budget. B. Agenda Items - Previously discussed under New Business. X. Announcements: Ms. Lyons informed the Committee of an upcoming conference in September by the National Institute for Recreational Inclusion (NIRI) and that this year's conference would be close in Austin, Texas. She also mentioned that the Governor's Committee is conducting some State employment awards. There was discussion on funding possibly by the City. Mr. Ramos indicated that maybe the department could fund one Committee Member to attend. The Committee began discussing fundraising for training dollars, but decided to defer this discussion until the Committee Retreat. XI. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Ms. Padilla, with a Second by Mr. Soza. The meeting was adjourned.