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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 01/12/2005 V V CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI-COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Summary Minutes for the Meeting of January 12, 2005 I. The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Ms. Linda Fallwell- Stover. A. Roll call Present Committee Members: Ms. Fallwell-Stover, Ms. Padilla, Mr. Watson, Mr. Sayles, Mr. E. Mr. Tomo, Ms. Lyons, Ms. Saenz. Mr. Soza also arrived. Present Staff Members: Mr. Harney, Mr. Bazar, Ms. Butler, Ms. Moffett, and from Park & Recreation were Maureen Mahoney and Santos Villarreal. Ms. Rose also arrived. Absent: Mr. Flores B. Excused Absences: No action initially, but returned to this item later in the meeting to address Ms. Lyon's December 2004 absence. Ms. Butler clarified that since the meeting date was changed, the absence will be automatically excused because the meeting was rescheduled from its original date. II. Approval of Minutes: MOTION - Following the Committee's review of the minutes, Ms. Saenz motioned to approve the minutes as written, with a second by Mr. Sayles. The motion passed. III. Presentations and Public Comments: None at this time. However, the Chair informed the Committee that Accessible Communities, Inc. - Coastal Bend for Independent Living, (ACI), requested to come make a presentation. They would like to organize/collaborate with the Committee to do a community awareness presentation on visitability and basic access. It was stated that the Committee needs to ensure the ACi receive a copy of the Committee's policies on endorsements before they make their presentation before the Committee. (The Chair recognized Ms. Margie Rose, ACM, who was also in attendance.) CFPWD 2/2/05 1 IV. Chairperson's Report: Ms. Fallwell-Stover provided a handout in reporting on the following: • Governor's Committee Information was received via email on recommendations from the TX Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities to the Governor and Legislature (7-page document). She asked that the Committee review the handout and she also asked Committee to keep in mind the goals for this coming year. • SMG The Committee would like to schedule a presentation on the experiences, seating and training of staff thus far at the arena. Possibly Mr. Sean McElhinny can discuss these items with the Committee. • Parks and Recreation - Accessibility of Programs The Chair suggested that the Committee have a presentation from the Parks and Recreation Department regarding their plans to reach out to families who have children with disabilities, especially during the summer months. Ms. Padilla indicated that it has been the Committee's desire to see City Parks and Recreation especially target families who have children with disabilities. Ms. Lyons indicated that it was recommended to the Committee to start inquiring in January and she truly felt that January would not be too early to ask for communication for things to be done because years ago parents have come to some of the Committee Members saying that they had been told that their child could not participate. Ms. Lyons' added people still have the perception that City Parks and Rec. does not offer anything for their child. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked the questions "How do we quantify success?" and "Do we see children with disabilities in natural proportions in recreation programs?" Ms. Fallwell-Stover then stated this is our goal. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked Ms. Mahoney, "How is Parks and Rec. going to measure or quantify those questions?'; "How will it be managed?'; "What is the outreach going to consist of?" Ms. Fallwell-Stover offered the Committee's help. Ms. Mahoney introduced Ms. Santos Villarreal. Ms. Villarreal is Parks and Rec.'s marketing projects person and also handles the department's printed materials for programs. Ms. Santos said that it is their goal to have the Parks and Rec. Summer Programs publication out in May due to registration. Ms. Santos said that she could put a calendar together before the next meeting to provide the Committee with a timeframe CFP WD 212/05 2 4.0 tid in publishing the summer program. Ms. Fallwell-Stover said that would be great. She also remarked how good it is that the Parks and Rec. Department has been to conferences focusing on inclusion. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated that the Committee would like to hear information brought back from that conference. Ms. Saenz said that the Committee would also like to see more pictures of children with disabilities. Ms. Mahoney responded that most the families do not want pictures of their children taken. Ms. Lyons then indicated that this is proof that we do not have enough children with disabilities in the Parks and Rec. programs. Ms. Lyons went on to say that there are about 6,000 children with disabilities in Corpus Christi and that does not include those with learning disabilities and that should be a red flag. Ms. Lyons also stated that the Committee could help Parks and Rec. find a child who would like their picture taken. Ms. Villarreal replied that this would be helpful. She also said that they do indicate in the brochure which facilities are wheelchair accessible and that Parks and Recreation does include proper verbiage. Ms. Lyons responded that their verbiage is fine; however, the problem is in the requirements regarding participation. Ms. Lyons then asked that the Committee be involved when Parks and Rec. addresses their requirements for program participation. Ms. Padilla indicted the she would like to see physical contact made with the families with children with disabilities to inform them that there is room for their children in the Parks and Rec. Programs. Ms. Mahoney and the Committee agreed to have better communication and exchange of information now in order to have information ready before the summer brochure goes to print. Ms. Padilla recommended the information be ready by the March meeting. Mr. Bazar recommended Ms. Lyons as a liaison person based on her indication to assist. • Habitat For Humanity — Seeking grants: Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked Mr. Art Sosa if there is anything the Committee could help with. Mr. Sosa indicated that Ms. Butler had already been in contact regarding a presentation from the Habitat for Humanity board. • Regional Park: Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated that there had been a request for a regional parks presentation. Ms. Butler indicated that she has CDP WD 2/2/05 3 already spoken with Greg Perkes, and that he is available to make a presentation next month. • Police Department: Ms.Fallwell-Stover that the Committee would like to receive information on the accessible parking violators. She suggested inviting the police department to come to speak to the Committee. Ms. Butler has contacted the police department and they informed her that the information is being generated by the municipal court. Ms. Butler did not know if it could be broken-up by area. Ms. Lyons expressed more concern. Mr. Bazar recommended contacting Judge Tamez to speak on this. • Engineering projects (curb ramp projects) What is the status of our project? The Committee needs to make contact with city engineers to find out status of project. Ms. Lyons had a question about the funding year for the use of CDBG funds on the curb ramp projects. • Polling Places: Ms. Fallwell-Stover questioned the accessibility of polling places. Ms. Butler did meet with Mr. Chapa's office. In meeting with Mary Juarez of the City Secretary's Office she indicated that the City Secretary's Office contacts the polling places to check for ADA compliance by conducting walk-throughs. Ms. Butler is waiting on the list of polling places to be forwarded to her. The Committee voiced many concerns regarding the ADA awareness of the persons conducting the walk through and doing so and/or making any changes in time before the upcoming elections. Ms. Rose stated that there is a process to follow through the City Secretary's Office but that they need to be contacted again right away to clarify and resolve these issues. Ms. Fallwell-Stover is requesting that the list be placed in the packet for the Committee's next meeting. [THE COMMITTEE RETURNED TO THE AGENDA] CPP W D 212/05 4 1.10 V. Sub-Committee Report: Accessible Guide: Mr. Eloy Soza was not in attendance, but the Chair indicated that he had emailed her regarding the accessibility guide and that he had contacted the City of San Diego. Legislative: Ms. Lyons prepared a handout regarding people with disabilities. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked all Committee members to review the handout. Committee members added comments. VI. Staff Reports: Non-Discrimination Ordinance Ms. Butler stated that the quarterly reports will be done differently. The first of the combined Quarterly Reports will be done on the 25th of this month. • ADA Title I— Human Resources Ms. Butler said that Human Resources was to follow up. Ms. Padilla indicated that no one has contacted her. Ms. Saenz commented that she was contacted and she did not see anything extra. Ms. Fallwell-Stover questioned the city's successfulness in hiring people with disabilities. Ms. Saenz also questioned how does the Committee follow-up with someone who has been hurt on the job. She asked, "Do they know that this Committee is here for them if they can not work anymore?" (5:21 pm— Mr. Soza arrived) • Mary Grett School: The memorandum and report was provided by Mr. Lupe Rocha, who took over ADA projects from Mary Frances Teniente. Phase I work has already been completed. Mr. Flores had been contacted regarding his complaint and progress in this area for an accessible path of travel from the school to the RTA bus stops on Gollihar Street. (4:25 PM Ms. Saenz had to leave) Old Business A. Accessible Parking Brochure: Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked has the city identified place brochures for distribution. Ms. Butler read off the names of places from the list provided to the Committee at the last meeting. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked the Committee about a cover letter to accompany the brochures ('FPWD 2/2/05 5 %tale 1.10 when they are given to location for distribution. The Committee agreed. Ms. Padilla stated that the department heads could distribute the brochures. Ms. Butler said that the staff could inter office brochures. The Committee agreed the staff could also make contact with facilities. She asked that this occur before the next meeting. B. CFPWD's Position Statement on Recreation and Inclusions: Ms. Lyons provided copies of the draft position statement for review again. The Committee reviewed the handout and noted places in the draft that needed changes and additions. Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that the Committee needs to take the position statement to PRAC (Park and Recreation Advisory Committee) and possible to the Human Relations Commission. MOTION: Mr. Soza motioned to accept the additions to the Position Statement on Recreation Inclusion, with a Second by Mr. Sayles. The motion passed. Back to Sub-Committee Report— Outreach: Mr. Soza had arrived and reported that he had contacted Mr. Wes Johnson, in San Diego regarding funding and resources used in developing its accessibility guide. Ms. Fallwell-Stover suggested a teleconference and she asked that the Committee members, who cannot attend, should e-mail her their questions. Return to Old Business: • Veterans with Disabilities: Ms. Fallwell-Stover and Ms. Lyons stated that Mr. John Taylor's information would be given to Mr. Watson to contact him regarding collaboration with Veteran's Affairs. • Parks and Recreation — Printed Materials: Parks and Recreation provided copies of event flyers for the Committee to review. Ms. Mahoney stated that Ms. Villarreal will be starting a time line for the summer programs. Ms. Mahoney stated the Parks and Rec. Department is doing training all of the time to make their staff more aware of requirements and what is needed in the community. • Barbara Jordan Awards Update: Ms. Padilla informed the Committee that it has $1,900 to work with. Ms. Lyons asked Committee members if it would be possible to earmark the monies for 90 days. Ms. Fallwell-Stover added that the Committee needed to do some prioritization for this. CFP W I)2/2/05 6 t . 4100 1110 • Arena Parking: Ms. Fallwell-Stover spoke to Mr. Flores. He had noticed only eight parking spaces for the disabled. Ms. Lyons also mentioned problems regarding parking. Mr. Sosa said that he will bring more information to the Committee regarding parking. (4:50 Mr. Harney had to leave the meeting) • Prioritization of Planning Retreat Items: A handout was provided to Committee members by Ms. Padilla. She asked the Committee to review and prioritized items on the handout and that Committee members could e-mail the form back to her. • Public Outreach: Exploration of associate/advisory members Ms. Fallwell-Stover stated that the Committee will be doing research to get more involvement. She asked that any suggestions be e-mailed to her. VII. New Business: (Discussion, with possible action) • Committee Secretary Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated that there were no nominees at this time. VIII. Committee Concerns: A. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated that she had previously addressed some concerns. B. Accessible Parking Signs - Mr. Sayles noticed that the City's parking lot was still using the word handicap versus disabled on parking lot signs for designated parking spaces. Ms. Butler informed the Committee that as the City is using up all of their old signs and replacing them, that they should not see the word handicap on the new signs. C. CFPWD Reappointments - Ms. Butler reminded the Committee that there are five Members whose terms will be expiring. She also stated that if they are seeking reappointment, the City Secretary's Office would need to know. Mr. Bazar suggested that if those Members present could now let staff know of their intentions, Human Relations would inform the City Secretary's Office. Ms. Saenz indicated that she will not seek reappointment as another coworker would like the seek appointment to serve on the Committee. Mr. Tomo will not be seeking reappointment and expressed his enjoyment in serving on the Committee. He also would like to recommend a candidate. . Mr. Flores, Mr. Soza, and Mr. Watson will all seek reappointment. CFPWD 2/2/05 7 IX. Announcements: (Discussion, with possible action) Mr. Soza mentioned that after 2/15/05, the Committee would receive information/invitations regarding getting infrastructure ready. Mr. Sayles mentioned that he noticed a police officer issuing a citation to a person who has apparently violated the accessible parking space. (HEB on Nueces Bay Blvd.) Mr. Watson mentioned the desire for discounted bus passes for persons with disabilities. Ms. Fallwell-Stover mentioned that she may have some information to provide later and in the RTA's consideration of a freedom pass. X. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Sayles, with a Second by Ms. Padilla. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:15 PM. • CFFWU 2/2/03 8