HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 12/08/2004 \I►
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI - COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Summary Minutes for the Meeting of December 8, 2004
I. The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover.
Ms. Butler introduced Human Relations' new Staff Assistant, Ms. April Moffett, to the
Committee and indicated that Ms. Moffett would be attending the Committee
meetings to record the minutes.
Ms. Butler also informed the Committee that Mr. Ondrias was no longer working with
the City and that Linda Hodge, [Asst. Director of Programs] may attend later if
possible as the entire Park and Recreation staff was in a mandatory meeting
regarding a departmental reorganization.
A. Roll call with a quorum.
Present Committee Members:
Ms. Fallwell-Stover, Ms. Padilla, Mr. Watson, Mr. Sayles, Mr. E. Soza and Mr.
Torno. Mr. Flores and Ms. Saenz arrived after roll call.
Present Staff Members: Mr. Harney, Ms. Butler and Ms. Moffett.
Absent: Ms. Lyons, Mr. A. Sosa and Ms. Hodge (in place of Mr. Ondrias).
B. Excused Absences (no action initially, but returned to this item later in the
meeting for Ms. Saenz's November 2004 absence:
Member Motion to Excuse By Second By Result
Ms. Saenz Mr. Watson Mr. Sayles Passed
II. Approval of Minutes: Approved, as amended
Staff is working on rebuilding the October minutes, and will include expansion of the
meeting discussions as requested by the Committee. For the November minutes,
Ms. Padilla asked to clarify page 7 as the format bundled Items B, C and D.
However Ms. Padilla clarified that B should be separated from the others since the
Committee had approved the updating of C and D only, with no changes to B.
MOTION: Following the Committee's review of the minutes, Mr. E. Soza Motioned to
approve the minutes as amended, with a Second by Mr. Sayles. The motion passed.
III. Presentation and Public Comments: None at this time. However, Ms. Padilla
reminded that the Committee's request for a presentation on the proposed regional
park was still pending.
IV. Chair's Report:
Ms. Fallwell-Stover provided:
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• Remarks that Committee Member, Ms. Lyons, would not be in attendance
today and asked that Members keep the Lyons family in their prayers due
to her spouse's illness.
• Information received through the Governor's Committee for People with
Disabilities that is applicable to accessible parking, including an info card
for vehicle windshields. The Chair suggested that the Committee may
consider something similar as step two to its accessible parking brochure
distribution. Mr. Watson asked if the Committee would need to obtain
permission in distributing such. Mr. Harney indicated that it may not be
necessary, but the Chair requested that City Legal clear their possible
usage of the vehicle windshield distribution card.
• New Federal accessibility standards that she shared. Mr. Torno mentioned
that there will be a seminar in Houston, TX on January 31 , 2005 by the
Access Board - TX Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
regarding the new Federal standards. (8:30 AM — 5:30 PM; Cost of $250)
• Regarding a grid to track Committee items and projects, the Chair indicated
having a grid format in mind and would draft a sample for the Committee.
[At approximately 3:50 PM the Committee moved ahead on the agenda to Staff Reports as
Mr. Harney had a report, but would have to leave early for a required meeting. Also, Mr.
Flores arrived.]
VI. Staff Reports
• Associate Members — Per the Committee's request in consideration of
possible associate members, Mr. Harney answered "yes" to the
Committee's question as to whether the Committee would have to go to the
City Council in order to add associate members to the CFPWD. Mr.
Harney also suggested that the Committee consider what other
communities are doing in that some refer to such members as "advisory
members' (instead of associates) in looking at the reasons of having a
particular individual and how they could contribute to the Committee. The
Chair indicated that the Committee could utilize such members along the
lines of gaining public participation and committee growth for succession as
existing members' terms expire. The Chair asked Members how they felt
about using associate members. Mr. Torno asked for examples of what
she envisioned. The Chair offered that the Committee should have a
balanced reflection of the community, including business persons. Such as
when Mr. Torno's terms expire, the Committee would loose his professional
expertise [architect and ADA compliance background] and not have a
successor with that talent or expertise. She added that another example
may be to have an attorney as an associate member. Mr. Watson added
the example of a recreational professional, such as a golf expert who he
believes would be a good candidate. Ms. Padilla commented on there
being no public attendance at the Committee meetings and there is a need
to foster those serving people with disabilities or those showing an interest
in serving as she reminded that some existing Members' will soon reach
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the maximum number of terms (capped at six years). Mr. Torno was also
concerned about how the Committee would bring in new associate
members when recalling that the Committee has had some difficulty in
maintaining regular members for their terms. Mr. Harney suggested that
the Committee could possibly do so less formally and have honorary
members through a letter of invitation to attend CFPWD meeting(s) and
present a certificate to keep the person connected to the Committee before
going to the City Council. The Chair suggested that the Committee develop
a list of potential candidates. Discussion ensued with Members'
suggestions including: ACi, Accessibility Coalition, CBAD, a professional
contractor (plan reviews and specifications), a representative from CCISD
&/or others with educational perspective, a representative from the CVB, in
which the bureau could become involved with the CFPWD's efforts of an
accessibility guide. There was mention of possibly the CCB through Ms.
Saenz's contacts, but Mr. Flores mentioned that it is not a proactive,
complaint-driven program, in which parents of children with disabilities
contact him (as an advocate). Ms. Padilla commented in reference to
special education that Judith Reader may be a possible candidate. Mr.
Torno suggested that these types of resources could be pooled together for
projects.
[Mr. Harney had to depart - approximately 4:00 PM]
The Chair continued the discussion of doing an invitation letter to potential
candidates, then follow-up calls by Members; thus a list of potential
candidates should be developed and then do a mailout. She also asked
about the City's assistance in doing a mailout and postage. Ms. Butler
indicated that yes the department could assist in having the mailout
materials printed by the City's in-house print shop and then mail since this
effort would be for he Committee's outreach and recruitment purposes. Mr.
Watson suggested that the letter should indicate which Member
recommended the person. Ms. Padilla added that the invitation letter
should somewhere list all of the Members' names, followed by the Chair's
comment that this letter could be a good tool to connect with others in the
community on issues. Members are to let the Chair know of any names of
possible candidates. The Chair had previously mentioned interest in
making advisory board agendas available to the public. Ms. Butler
suggested that during the follow-up calls, obtain the person's fax and/or
address to forward a copy of the CFPWD agenda. The Committee briefly
discussed subject title names to place this matter on the Committee's
agenda as a standing item and they decided on "Public Outreach".
• Continuing under "Staff Report", Ms. Butler provided an update on the status
of curb ramp installations in the Mary Grett School area. Mr. Flores had
complained about barriers along the path of travel from the school, down
Castenon Street on to the bus stop on Gollihar Street. He mentioned that
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he had noticed some work being done prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Through the Engineering Services Department, Ms. Butler learned that the
ADA curb ramp projects in the Mary Graft area were being done in phases,
with Castenon Street scheduled for Phase II. Recently, 10 curb ramps had
been installed under Phase I at the following streets: Shaw & Hudson,
Stafford & Hudson, Sha.. & Harvard, Shaw & !ea and Sha. & Sha::
Streets. Ms. Butler meet on-site with the Project Manager and Engineering
Services to walk the path along Castenon, where Mr. Flores had indicated
that blocking the path of travel by parking on the sidewalks and that the
sidewalks were in need of repair and that meanwhile persons with
disabilities were having to travel in the street. In meeting with Engineering
Services, the Castenon work was moved up from February-March to
December, to provide an accessible path from the school to two RTA bus
stops on each side of Gollihar. Ms. Butler also informed the Committee
that for future reference of vehicles parking on the sidewalks to report the
incident to the City's Neighborhood Services Department at 880-3010, who
will notify the inspector assigned to the area and that she understands
citations are issued upon observing the incident.
Ms. Butler also mentioned that for updates and presentations on the curb
ramp projects, Mr. Lupe Rocha replaced Mary Frances Teniente.
• Regarding Voting polling places, Ms. Butler indicated that she has a meeting
scheduled with the City Secretary's Office to discuss the ADA checklist that
the department had provided and to assist in anticipation of the City
elections in Spring 2005.
• Ms. Butler also reported on accessible seating issues at the arena that she is
working on due to complaints that the accessible seating was in the mid,
upper level. She is working with Sean McElhinney. The Chair suggested
putting Mr. McElhinney in contact with Aaron McCullough, who provides
ADA expertise and training as done this summer for the Committee. One of
the problems regarding Mr. Flores' complaint was that the available staff
person at the time did not resolve nor call back as promised.
[The Committee returned to the agenda order]
V. Subcommittee Reports
A. Outreach/Awareness Subcommittee:
1. Accessibility Guide - Consideration of modeling the guide from
the City of San Diego, CA. Possibly get the Convention and
Visitors Bureau involved and include in the vacation planning kit.
Mr. E. Soza agreed to contact the San Diego regarding
background on how it developed their accessibility guide and who
were the participants. The Chair suggested that possibly other
local agencies serving people with disabilities may partner with
the Committee on the rode-
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B. Legislative
1. Non-Discrimination Ordinance — no activity/report at this time. Ms.
Butler indicated that the next City Council report was scheduled for
January 2005. The Chair suggested relocating this update item to the
"Staff Reports" section of the agenda.
C. Title I Employment Comprehensive Self-Evaluation Human Resources
Department — Also moved to "Staff Reports" for future updates. Ms. Saenz
was contacted by Human Resources. She was interested in knowing how
many City of Corpus Christi employees have disabilities. The purpose is to
improve employment opportunities. The Chair expressed a concern of people
with disabilities being employed in natural proportions of the local workforce.
There was general discussion in which a possible survey could be done to
obtain statistical data on persons with disabilities who are employed. The
Chair asked if Members were interested in doing such a survey. Mr. Torno
commented that it may be difficult in getting people to give [disclose] this
information about having a disability.
[Ms. Saenz arrived — approximately 4:45 PM]
VI. Old Business:
A. Accessible Parking Brochure - Ms. Padilla provided a list of possible parking
brochure distribution sites throughout the community of City-owned and non-
City facilities. The list was compiled from suggestions by Committee Members.
There was discussion of which Members could possibly make contact with the
listed facilities/organizations for the accessibility parking brochure. For
distribution at City facilities, Ms. Butler could address through supervisors.
Citizens Academy: Could be good to funnel the information
TAMCC — Rachel Cox is the contact person
Ms. Saenz— She will handle the DHS offices
Ms. Saenz— Mathis/Sinton DHS offices
Drivers Education — Ms. Fallwell-Stover will handle.
(Ms. Butler will contact Richard Bullock also)
Mr. Watson suggested that a forum/column/article in the Caller-Time may be a
good place for the brochure information. He agreed prepare a draft that the
Committee could then edit.
B. Recreation Inclusion Position Statement - Ms. Fallwell-Stover commented that we
would want this in place soon by finalizing and sharing with the Park and
Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) before the summer programs. She
added that Members' input is needed.
C. P&R Printed Materials — The Chair commented that this was done, but it can stay
on the agenda under "Staff Reports" for the updates and new printed items that
Park and Rec will be provided copies to the Committee
D. Veterans with Disabilities — No report at this time as Mr. Watson has not been
able to meet with the President, Mr. John Taylor
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E. Barbara Jordan Awards — There is one outstanding bill to reimburse the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing Center for postage used at this year's event.
F. Arena Parking — Ms. Butler did speak with CCPD Administration, Chief Bung who
clarified that the officers can ticket and enforce violators in accessible parking
spaces. For the Cher concert as the first large event that the Committee was
concerned about showing a piaaoii�c, the Chief did have more officers to monitor
and patrol for violators. Also, the Committee would like to see if it is possible to
get information on the number of vehicles ticketed, and also possibly get a
breakdown of local accessible parking violations by zip code/area and the number
of violations and where they are occurring.
MOTION: Due to the late hour approximately 5:20 PM, a Motion to table the rest of
the business on the agenda was made by Ms. Saenz, with a Second in unison.
Motion passed.
Before loosing the quorum, action was taken to excuse Ms. Saenz's absence from
the November 2004 meeting and so noted in the appropriate agenda heading of
"Excused Absences", under agenda item #1.
IX. Committee Concerns/Requests:
Ms. Padilla asked Mr. Art Soza to speak on Habitat for Humanity or have the head
person possible make a presentation regarding its grant seeking efforts and
accessible housing.
The Chair mentioned that for the Sweetheart Awards the Committee will need to pull
something together really quickly in anticipation of February 2005. Ms. Saenz said
that she would help; for Disability and Employment Awareness Awards, October is
the month for this award and that the Committee could have a luncheon, including
recognizing employees and employers. Members are to let the Chair know if they
would be able to assist.
X. Announcements - Before adjournment, there were a few announcements:
A. Mr. E. Soza mentioned a Holiday Craft Sale by the Accessibility Coalition for
the blind. Mr. Soza is spearheading the craft sale.
B. Mr. Torno announced that the new developer who is proposing to renovate the
Memorial Coliseum is willing to make the coliseum accessible and would add
shops.
Xl. Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. Padilla, with a Second by Mr. Torno. The
meeting adjourned at approximately 5:26 PM.
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