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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 08/11/2007Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 1 of 5 A. Call to Order was at approximately 3:30 PM by the Chair, Ms. Fallwell-Stover. B. Roll Call was taken, establishing a quorum. In Attendance Linda Fallwell-Stover David Walker Abel Alonzo Cliff Bost David Ramos Harvey Salinas Leon Bazar Wanese Butler Joseph Harney Billy Delgado Lupe Rocha & Jerry Shoemaker Alonzo Garza �CX a t.3 � \ ©" Absent Toni Padilla Rosa Valdez C. Requests for Excused Absences The Chair called for any excused absences. MOTION To excuse the 8/11/07 absences for Linda Fallwell-Stover was made by Harvey Salinas and seconded by David Ramos. The MOTION passed. II. Approval of Minutes The Committee reviewed the minutes. After there being no discussion or questions, the Chair called for the Motion. MOTION To approve the Minutes as written was made be David Walker and seconded by Harvey Salinas. The Motion passed. III. Public Comments - No public in attendance at this time. IV. Chair's Report — No report at this time V. Subcommittee Reports A. ADA Title I/Employment Subcommittee — No subcommittee meeting this month. Mr. Alonzo indicated that he and Ms. Padilla were reviewing a large stack of job descriptions that had been updated by the Human Resources Department. Ms. Padilla was unable to attend today's meeting. B. Engineering Subcommittee — No subcommittee meeting this month. C. Barbara Jordan Media Awards Subcommittee — Tabled. VI. Staff Reports/Comments A. Mr. Bazar provided a brief update on non-discrimination efforts: • National EEOC Award — The Human Relations Department received a National Commendation on outstanding outreach efforts, the 1t of its kind in the Dallas Region, which was presented during a press conference held along with the EEOC Dallas and San Antonio representatives, Mayor Garrett and City Manage Skip Noe. The Chair extended congratulation on behalf of the CFPWD. [At approximately 3:40 PM, Alonzo Garza arrived; Followed by public attendee — Judy Telge, who made no public comments]. SCANNED Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Paae 2 of 5 o Mr. Alonzo added congratulations and a thank you to the Mayor and City Manager. o Open meetings training — Mr. Bazar reminded that training for Committee Members David Ramos and Rosa Valdez was still pending. The Chair clarified that she had completed the on-line open meetings training. [At approximately 3:42 PM, Police Chief Smith joined the meeting] o Engineering Liaison — Mr. Bazar announced that this is the last CFPWD meeting for Engineering Services liaison, Mr. Rocha, who will be leaving for another job opportunity outside of the City. Jerry Shoemaker, Acting Assistant Engineering Director was introduced as the interim Engineering liaison for the CFPWD until Lupe's position is filled. The Chair thanked Mr. Rocha for his hard work, diligence and commitment to ADA issues and the CFPWD. Mr. Alonzo added that it has been a pleasure working with Mr. Rocha and that he appreciated Mr. Rocha's honesty even if they had to agree to disagree at times, but that he now has a better understanding of Engineering's processes now. o Visual Accessibility — Mr. Bazar informed the Committee that it had recently come to his attention of a request for reasonable accommodation on the City's on-line job application in which he found another alternative to having the application read to persons with visual impairments. After sharing a computer program and hardware information with Human Resources, which a magnifier and larger keyboard and monitor are to be installed on Human Resources 2"d floor computer workstation for potential City job applicants. o Complaint from Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) — Mr. Bazar informed the Committee that the TCRP had contacted the City with an accessibility complaint by Austin visitors to the City's Marina for such items as curb ramps, additional signage, and replacement signage due to vandalism. He also reported that during Staff's discussions with the TCRP regarding remedy plans, their representative stated the City of Corpus was "way ahead of the curve". o Mayor's Request for Update on ADA Efforts — Mr. Bazar indicated that the update with three CFPWD Members is set for the City Council Meeting of September 21, 2007. Mr. Bazar will work with the Chair, Mr. Walker, and Mr. Alonzo on the presentation. The Chair added that the presentation should include what also remains to be done for accessibility. Mr. Salinas mentioned that a couple was upset at the American Bank Center regarding an ABC staff member at one of the doors did not appear to know where the accessible entrance was located. Mr. Salinas added that he had experienced a similar problem. Regarding staff training, Mr. Bazar reminded the Committee that assistance and accommodations for persons with disabilities can be requested when calling in for tickets. The Chair added that training should help in a way so people do not have to call ahead of time for items like the accessible entrance. Continuing with the discussion on the upcoming ADA update presentation to City Council, the Chair added that along with efforts thus far, we should celebrate the successes, and share any unmet needs. o Engineering Services Staff Report — An updated ADA project status report, listing 16 projects, was distributed and reviewed, along with a color map. Other issues discussed included, obstacles to path of travel such as vehicles parked on sidewalks which (1) block passage for persons with disabilities, (2) leads to sidewalk damage, and (3) callers directed to contact the ADA parking monitor program. The Committee discussed possible solutions such as use the direct Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 3 of 5 patrol officers (DPOs) instead of traffic patrol to communicate, educate/follow- up with alleged violators reported by citizens. Mr. Alonzo reiterated education can be done through public service announcements (PSAs). Mr. Salinas asked for status on PSAs. The Chair recognized Chief Smith in attendance and along with staff, which will be working with Kim Womack in the City's Public Information Office. Mr. Bazar informed the Committee that staff is in the process of getting cost estimates. o [Mr. Walker stepped away briefly — no loss of quorum — 3:58PM] o Discussions continued on PSAs in that accessibility is good for everyone: people using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, baby strollers, bicycles, etc. The Chair suggested a planning meeting before the Council Meeting [9/21/07] and to develop a time table for doing PSAs. o Mr. Rocha continued with his overview of the ADA project status list and report. There was general discussion of those projects that have TXDOT matching funds by Mr. Rocha; clarification by Mr. Garza that TX Dept of Licensing and Regulations does inspect sidewalks, but Mr. Bazar indicated that some sidewalk repairs are the responsibility of the property owner; clarification by Mr. Garza that the City's Development Services has oversight of standards applied, typically in design of subdivisions, sidewalks, driveways and in conjunction with Engineering and Unified Development Code (UDC) staff. He added that the department is in the process of doing policy revisions and will conduct outreach. The Chair asked that Mr. Garza provide information/data on what type of revisions and outreach at the next CFPWD meeting. o Mr. Rocha continued with project status item number 9. Discussion ensued about a citizen's request under Item 16-G to make an alley accessible as a shorter route of travel between Tarlton and Lanier. Although the Committee recognized they may be limited resources, there were concerns of setting a precedent of turning an alleyway into an accessible path instead of improving neighborhood sidewalks as the path of travel. Regarding concerns of drainage issues in this alley, Mr. Walker cautioned that fixing the issue of a smooth, leveled path could potentially create another problem, so that the drainage situation should be assessed. The Chair raised the issue of City enforcement of property owner compliance on sidewalk maintenance and repair. Mr. Alonzo suggested economic disadvantages may be a factor for some neighbors in making sidewalk repairs. The consensus was that this citizen request did not meet the CFPWD's criteria for individual accessibility projects and thus not to pursue this requested project o Mr. Jones mentioned another path of travel concern for persons with visually impairments along the Marina steps and suggested that some type of railing be added at the intersections. Staff will look at this during a site visit to the Marina. o The Chair thanked Mr. Rocha for his service to the committee and wished him well. o Park and Recreation Marketing — The Chair opened with remarks on the Department's history on access to programs in that staff has done a great job over the 3-5 years, but there is still a concern of mitigating past perceptions that kids with disabilities cannot get into the programs. Regarding the CFPWD list of organizations for outreach, Mr. Delgado indicated that staff does forward the Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Paize 4 of 5 program information and brochures to these organizations. There was general discussion on possible "accessibility fair" in conducting outreach meetings here at the City by inviting these various organizations to attend, instead of the staff going from one to another agency organization, and provide an opportunity for dialogue, Q&A. Another item of interest from the Chair is statistics on the number of kids with disabilities and how to obtain the numbers. o Park and Recreation Response on Committee's Latchkey Questions — The Committee reviewed the response letter provided by the Department. Upon reading, Mr. Salinas indicated that this discussion could take much longer and asked for more time — another day. The Chair suggested that maybe Members could review the responses and then possibly form a subcommittee. Mr. Bazar suggested that the Committee clarify any specific problems/complaints/concerns. Mr. Salinas indicated that if the program has to be accessible and that there needs to be some policy changes. Mr. Delgado indicated that staff was asked to respond to the Committee's latchkey questions and that staff has complied. Mr. Salinas that he and other parents have experienced problems with Latchkey and that he could have submitted up to 30 complaints but that these were resolved with the staff on site. Discussion continued and Members acknowledged that staff has State guidelines to meet. Mr. Salinas and Mr. Delgado again reiterated and affirmed their positions. Mr. Salinas is asking for policy changes while Park and Rec staff is asking for what specific changes because of staff's concern in State requirements/guidelines. Mr. Bost spoke on the issue of staff -to -child ratios, variation in ages, and that he has heard from both sides of the bus stop issue of wanting staff to go pick up and escort children from their bus stop while other children remain in the Latchkey facility. Discussion continued leading to a consensus to hold a meeting to discuss specific issues and potential solutions before the Committee's September Monthly Meeting. Mr. Salinas interjected for the record stating that he is willing to file a lawsuit. The Chair continued seeking volunteer Members to participate in a subcommittee meeting which was agreed to consist of the Chair, Ms. Fallwell-Stover and Committee Members Mr. Bost, Mr. Salinas, joined by Mr. Garza as a Latchkey parent and Mr. Bazar. The Chair encourages all other Members to review the Staff's response letter to Committee Latchkey questions and provide any comments. Mr. Bost commented that he believes that the Park and Rec staff is working on this issue and understands. • Park and Rec Assessment of Parks' Accessibility — Mr. Delgado provided an update in that 190 parks had been assessed, of which 88 are already accessible. Handouts and photographs were shared with the Members. He also indicated that the Department intends to continue its plan of improving 15 parks per City bond program and also utilizing CDBG enrichment funds in older neighborhood. [Mr. Rocha and Mr. Alonzo had to leave the meeting — Quorum remained] • Development Services Department Update — Mr. Garza indicated that: (1) there were a few projects in which and individual had been using the same id number over and over again. Therefore, the Department would be making some procedural changes to require printed sheets from the State's website that the project is registered; (2) the streamlining of the Department's permitting Committee for Persons with Disabilities Summary Minutes Page 5 of 5 procedures is effective July 23, 2007 and thus there should be more comprehensive and complete drawings, instead of "piece -mill"; (3) the job search for a Director is still underway, but as an upgraded position as Assistant City Manager of Development Services to report directly to the City Manager and to address community concerns for more swift decision-making. The Chair asked for and update on the UDC subcommittees. The 3 subcommittees of Landscape, Signage, Planning Development are all moving forward. Mr. Garza asked that he too be included in the PSA regarding protruding objects on accessible routes and driveway standards. • ADA Volunteer Parking Program — The new program supervisor was introduced, Mike McKinney. Former supervisor, Officer Vessey was promoted to another position. [Mr. Garza had to leave the meeting.] Officer McKinney continued sharing his experience with the Police Department and also his experience in having to use a wheelchair giving him a greater sensitivity to accessibility issues. He reported that 348 of the 876 citations in the past 7 months were issued by the citizen volunteers; the remainder by police officers. [Mr. Shoemaker had to leave the meeting] For interested citizens, Officer McKinney indicated that the next citizen academy should be announced soon on the CCPD's website. [Mr. Harney had to leave the meeting (5:28PM)] Since Officer McKinney will be attending the Committee's regular monthly meetings, it was agreed that he should arrive by 4:00 PM due to other items ahead of his report on the agenda. There was general discussion of ADA vehicle placard abuse, sign language, and Officer McKinney acknowledged that not all disabilities are obvious. In response to Member questions on ADA parking compliance at apartment complexes, Officer McKinney will follow-up and provide information to the Committee regarding criteria and fees. IX. Committee concerns/Agenda Item Requests — UDC Update Presentation. X. Announcements — There were none. XI. Adjournment - MOTION to Adjourn was made by Harvey Salinas, Seconded by Clif Bost. Passed in unison and meeting adjourned at approximately 5:35PM.