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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 06/06/2007Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 1 of 8 A. Call to Order was at 3:35 PM by the Chair. B. Roll call was taken and the quorum was established. In Attendance Absent Linda Fallwell-Stover Lee Jones David Walker Toni Padilla Abel Alonzo David Ramos Cliff Bost Leon Bazar Harvey Salinas Rosa Valdez Wanese Butler Guadulupe "Lupe" Rocha Robert Stoddard for Alonzo Garza Wendy Ogden Sally Gavlik/Billy Delgado/Margaret Prieto/Isabel Huerta. [Mr. David Walker has arrived at end of roll call.] C. Requests for Excused Absences Lee Jones, Toni Padilla, David Ramos, and Clif Bost were excused due to work commitments. MOTION To excuse the 6/6/07 absences for Lee Jones, Toni Padilla, and David Ramos was made by David Walker and seconded by Abel Alonzo. MOTION passed. MOTION To excuse the 5/2/07 absence Clif Bost was made by Abel Alonzo and seconded by David Walker. MOTION passed. I. Approval of Minutes The Committee reviewed the minutes. The Chair requested a Revision on page 4 to clarify the minutes to better reflect that the response to Mr. Alonzo's question regarding the Citizens Police Academy: • Regarding Mr. Alonzo's on why do the ADA parking tickets have to be given by people with disabilities, the Chair clarified that as a City program, the ADA parking monitoring program should be inclusive for participation by all individuals. • Chair also stated that based on the presentation by Ms. Carol [Human Relations 2007 Intern] Corpus Christi's program is more restrictive than some other cities in have a barrier for someone with a disability in that volunteers have to use a City vehicle versus their own; and that several people with disabilities would like to participate. • Mr. Alonzo commented that he believes the Committee is an advisory committee not a board that can make those policies and procedures and ultimately it stops at the City Manager; and that anyone who wants to be a SCANNED Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 2 of 8 volunteer should apply and go through the program and then see if they are denied and work on a complaint. • Other Corrections to Minutes: Type of the word "liaison". MOTION To approve the Minutes as amended was made be Harvey Salinas and seconded by David Walker. The Motion passed. III. A. Public Comments The Chair recognized a citizen in attendance who indicated that she was only there to observe and that she works with WorkSource. The Chair asks if Ms. Irene Martinez would like to speak to the Committee. Ms. Martinez indicated that she is a Disability Program Coordinator with the WorkSource and informed the Committee that this is a new program funded by the Department of Labor, Social Security Administration. She also commented that she would like to see the social service agencies who work with people with disabilities collaborate and discuss all the issues and barriers. IV. Chair's Report — Linda Fallwell-Stover The Chair response welcomed Ms. Martinez to the meeting and also that she knows the importance of employment for persons with disabilities and how WorkSource can be important in ensuring that this would occur. She also spoke of Mary Ann Rojas with WorkSource being selected to the Community Transportation Association of America, along representatives with the RTA (The Chair), MPO (Tom Niskala), TXDOT (Steven Nadema), REAL (Gloria Ramos), and CCHRC (Crystal Lyons) All are planning to attend an institute in Washington D.0 in August 2007 with a goal of developing relationships and partners to focus on transportation. This grant was a competitive process out of 88 applications nationwide only 20 were selected and glad that the local team was selected. Hopefully, we will return and provide information about mobility improvements in the region. In response to Mr. Alonzo's questions, the Chair added that there are 7 people on the local team, but that none have a disability themselves as the CTAA asked for certain representatives from certain organizations, and proud to see our community represented for that. We have some folks that are representing us who I think will have the ability to move things forward in terms of coordination and improved mobility within our community and region it goes beyond Corpus Christi. Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 3 of 8 V. Subcommittee Reports A. ADA Title I/Employment Subcommittee - No subcommittee meeting but Human Resources had updated approximately 63 job descriptions. Mr. Alonzo was optimistic that the new project coordinator, Sylvia Wilson, would do a good job. The Subcommittee would need to convene for review these updated job descriptions. B. Engineering Subcommittee — Since no subcommittee meeting, Mr. Rocha was asked to give an update under Staff Reports. C. Barbara Jordan Media Awards Subcommittee — Ms. Padilla was unable to attend today's meeting. The Chair indicated that: • Ms. Padilla has developed a recording that will be presented; • A few final bills; • Some unfinished business of donations that will be coordinating maybe done in July in conjunction with the ADA anniversary; • Gifts/toys that were used as center pieces will be presented to donors. VI. Staff Reports/Comments A. Non -Discrimination Ordinance — No report at this time; Move into Engineering staff update. Mr. Rocha distributed a project map dated 8/25/06 regarding $1.4 million. [Ms. Fallwell-Stover stepped away briefly; Mr. Walker presiding.] Mr. Rocha mentioned that the hike and bike trail project had begun. Regarding the color coding of the project map for curb ramps and sidewalks along Weber Road: Green=Completed; Yellow= Work to be done with drainage project (not now and then replace new work with the drainage project begins); Blue=Incomplete east side of Weber Road. Discussion ensued regarding the uncompleted east side's curb ramps and sidewalks: • Street Reconstruction • East side of Weber Road from McArdle Street up to Staples Street. • Estimated costs for options to complete projects Weber Road's west side has been completed but that Engineering Services sought the CFPWD's input and guidance to address accessibility on Weber's east side curb ramps and sidewalks from South Staples to McArdle, given funding constraints after some change orders. (Not through McArdle since this intersections curb ramps have already been completed.) Engineering staff went on-site with Human Relations Director, Leon Bazar, and Committee Member, Abel Alonzo who uses a wheelchair. [Ms. Fallwell-Stover returned to the meeting and presided.] Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 4 of 8 Mr. Alonzo was able to navigate the east side except four (4) intersections that were identified as to ones to most in need of improvement for an accessible path of travel. Mr. Alonzo shared that he did this on-site with the perspectives of both electric and manual wheelchair users. Although his current wheelchair is an electric, he previously had a manual wheelchair and never forgot what it felt like. Although the preference of the Committee is that whole east side of Weber Road receive curb ramp installations and replacing all the sidewalks just as done on Weber's west side, potential funding constraints may further delay completion of this project. Mr. Rocha informed the Committee that approval of a change order at this time would allow this project work to continue without further delays; and that Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) was now turning over the project to the City as TXDOT recommended terminating this project due to expired time and expended funds. He asked for the Committee to provide input and guidance on options for additional funding and scope to finish this area for accessibility on the east side of Weber. In response to Committee Members' questions, Mr. Rocha provided the following options in seeking Committee input before the project goes before the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): a. ADA improvements of curb ramps at the four intersections most in need at an estimated cost of approximately $30,000. b. ADA improvements of all Weber Road's east side curb ramps while replacing/repairing only those sidewalk sections in need at an approximate cost estimate of $80,000. c. ADA improvements of all Weber Road's east side curb ramps and all of the east side sidewalks at an approximate cost estimate of $516,000. Regarding the specific locations of the 4 curb ramp intersections that were more difficult to navigate, Mr. Rocha did not recall and did not have that data with him at the time, but indicted that they are between Golihar and Staples streets. The Chair asked that Mr. Rocha provide the actual 4 intersections. Mr. Salinas and the Chair both suggested the $80,000 option, believing that this was not too much money to do the right thing. The CFPWD had recommended "b" by resolution as the more feasible financial option to continue this project to provide accessibility at this time given existing RTA bus stops and need of residents with disabilities to have more immediate accessibility on Weber Road's east side. Engineering will take project and the CFPWD's recommendation to the Metropolitan Planning Organization before the item goes to the City Council. Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 5 of 8 MOTION Recommending that Engineering repair the sidewalks between McArdle and Staples on Weber Road's east side, while replacing those sidewalk section that are not repairable and install new curb ramps along this route, was made by David Walker with a Second by Harvey Salinas. After Mr. Alonzo's question on funding, there was brief discussion on if there is inadequate funding, that the project should concentrate on intersection with high usage. Mr. Bost asked if he should abstain from the vote due to working with TXDOT, receiver of the Federal funds and handle administration and oversight. Mr. Bost works with TXDOT's Public Information Office. He asked to be provided with any special guidance from Legal for future votes and elected to abstain for today's vote on this Weber Road project. Mr. Rocha clarified that the City's funding portion of the initial $1.4M was $240,000. Without any further discussion the vote was taken with Mr. Bost abstaining. The Motion passed. Mr. Rocha also mentioned that the Staples project plans will hopefully avoid so many change orders; and that the MPO meeting would be on July 7, 2007. B. Other Items: 1. Park and Recreation Outreach/Marketing Effort — Brochures have been distributed; the Summer Program going well; and the full-scale evacuation drill to assist persons with any special needs received good comments. The new database worked fairly well, very few kinks. Discussion ensued with Committee comments. • Mr. Walker suggested placing information as a utility bill insert. Mr. Delgado indicated that it would happen this month. • The Chair reminded all about "2-1-12. Mr. Delgado indicated that the "2-1-1" team is part of the Emergency Operations Center and that Sr. Community Services staff works to get folks on the registry for those individuals needing evacuation sistance. • Chair's question of durable medical equipment (DME). Ms. Delgado indicated that a plan is in process to address DME. • Regarding recreation programs, Ms. Valdez asked about programs for people with disabilities that are out of school and those who may need financial assistance. The Chair remarked that the goal is to try to encourage inclusion and get kids with disabilities involved. Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 6 of 8 The Latchkey staff was introduced as the discussion led. The Chair asked about programs for kids with disabilities in the program. Ms. Huerta stated that parents ask if their children can be apart of our program, then the child's file is reviewed for any requests for reasonable accommodations, a call is then placed to the parent, and they discuss the needs of the child to try to meet the reasonable accommodations. Other discussion included: • Committee concerns on the status of "2-1-1" and what its education level/efforts are in the meantime. • The Chair inquired about the condition of parks, number of those that are accessible and possibly update the transition plan, as a living document, to incorporate the update of parks. Mr. Delgado informed the Committee that 15 parks will be accessible with playground equipment, and that the department is hopeful to continue doing 15 or so at a time. 2. Development Services Key Projects and Initiatives - Robert Stoddard provided an update: The department is currently experiencing problems with architectural barrier projects and getting plans, however Alonzo Garza is working own ways to improve the process in terms of getting current and accurate information on plans that are submitted. In response to the Chair asking about Unified Development Code Project, Mr. Stoddard indicated that the subcommittees are still working and meeting in their areas. Mr. Walker sits on two subcommittees: Landscape and Shared Access. Mr. Valdez sits on the Landscape, replacing Eloy Soza but has never been contacted to attend a meeting. Human Relations to assist in getting meeting information from UDC's Landscape Subcommittee. Mr. Walker indicated that there was so much that transpired before Mr. Soza left and was replaced by Ms. Valdez's appointment that it would be difficult to catch up at this point. There was discussion on having Mr. Walker represent the CFPWD on both UDC subcommittees and since he is a Registered Accessibility Specialist. Ms. Valdez would still like to serve on the subcommittee and Mr. Walker could even assist her so that she too can participate. Mr. Walker informed the Committee that regarding the UDC's Share Access Subcommittee and its feelings of duplication of efforts upon learning of a consultant hired by the City to also do an analysis study. This subcommittee is in a waiting mode on the firm's findings/recommendations and hopes to get a copy of this study. The Chair reminded the Committee that City Management, Assistant City Manager, Ms. Rose, came to the CFPWD to consider having its Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 7 of 8 members be representatives on these UDC subcommittees to provide input. The Chair asked for next month's meeting that staff get clarification from the City Manager's Office on the Shared Access Subcommittee since learning of a consultant working on this. We have people involved in that we want to make sure that the input is authentic and genuine and inclusive. VII. Old Business A. Volunteer ADA Parking Program The Chair asked to get an update of ADA parking violation citations from Municipal Court Judge Tamez at the next meeting to see how things are going. One concern was the large number of citations that were dismissed as dispositions. Also we would like to dialogue with Chief Smith since previously discussed doing some PSA's, and we would to share with him some information from presented by Human Relations Intern, Ashley Carroll. There was also discussion for the PSAs to be inclusive and have representation by having people with disabilities in the PSAs. We want to present the Chief with the report that Ms. Carroll providing to us prior to him coming to our meeting in July or August. VIII. New Business A. Committee Questions on Latchkey Program Mr. Salinas presented concerns of: the Latchkey forms in that he felt parents of kids with disabilities are discouraged when completing the forms; knowing who was in charge of Latchkey; and training of staff. The Chair suggested by identifying those barriers that he was talking about that would prevent kids with disabilities from participating. Latchkey Manager, Margaret Prieto and Supervisor, Isabel Huerta explained that there are children with disabilities participating that they do have forms to request reasonable accommodations and staff tries to accommodate. Mr. Salinas indicated that the site staff are very accommodating but the he was concerned with staff at City Hall and their decision-making and also about the interaction with the school district and picking up kids from the bus stops to go to Latchkey. Staff asked to know what specific questions on the program, process, forms, etc. and that it would address school district issues also, but that there are regulations and licensing requirements. The Chair asked that staff provide what preventatives and specific requirements. We are pleased with efforts over the past several years but we know there are still some barriers to full participation. Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 8 of 8 Further discussion ensued about: opening lines of communication; getting a better sense of the number and type of kids with disabilities that are participating, without disclosing any child's name; parameters that Parks and Recreation may have; possible consideration of support of Park and Recreation funding before City Council if and when necessary; shared passion/compassion for the kids among Staff and Committee Members so that the two would work together. The Chair asked Mr. Salinas, Mr. Bost, and if any other Members would be willing to meet with Park and Recreation staff to discuss some of these issues, possibly before the next meeting. Ms. Salinas, Mr. Bost, and any other interested Members are to email their specific questions/concerns ahead of scheduling a meeting with Staff hopefully before June 27th per Mr. Salinas' schedule. The Chair asked if they would try before the next meeting, but that we would need to control the number of Members at this meeting so she would yield to Ms. Valdez to attend. Ms. Butler suggested that staff could send an email to those Members not present in case they too had any questions or heard of concerns by parents of children with disabilities, but not to disclose any names only the situation by email. The Chair commented that with Members meeting with staff to discuss Latchkey issues and report back to the Committee, this could lead to a Subcommittee. As a committee we may need some sort of workshop to do some prioritization, so Members were encouraged to return with their calendars. [City Latchkey Staff excused at approximately 5:06 PM, followed by Abel Alonzo at 5:11 PM and Lupe Rocha at 5:13 PM.] IX. Committee concerns/Agenda Item Requests Mr. Walker -Read an article entitled "Riverside ordered to pay wheelchair user and repair 189 curb cuts in 4 months", stating that the judge ordered damages to the plaintiff and if these judges get the idea that they can award damages to the plaintiff instead of to make accessibility improvements, then we will not be able to handle all of the law suits. The Chair added that as a Committee, we like resources going to make communities better and more accessible community. The Chair asked Mr. Delgado to keep the Committee abreast of EOC Emergency Preparedness. X. Announcements — There were none. XI. Adjournment - MOTION to Adjourn was made by David Walker, Seconded by Harvey Salinas. Passed in unison.