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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 09/03/2003 SUMMARY MINUTES REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES September 3, 2003 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting called to order by Ms. Crystal Lyons, Committee Chairperson. ATTENDANCE: The roll was called by Ms. Butler: Present Absent Ms. Crystal Lyons Ms. Toni Padilla Mr. Roberto M. Flores Mr. Billy R. Sayles Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Ms. Debra Valenzuela Ms. Mary J. Saenz Mr. Eloy Soza Mr. Glen Ray Tomo City Staff in attendance: David Ramos, Wanese Butler and June Shultz of Human Relations; and Linda Hodge of Park and Recreation (on behalf of David Ondrias). City Staff Absent: Joseph Harney of Legal; and Art Sosa of Development Services. The Committee had a quorum. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The August 6, 2003 Minutes were reviewed by those Committee Members in attendance. There was discussion by Ms. Fallwell-Stover regarding concern over some of the language in the minutes. She questioned if it should be noted more clearly that the CFPWD didn't support the variances, as part of the motion. Alameda was the most important of the three and that they preferred to not support the variances. It was mentioned that is was not part of the motion noted in the minutes, and discussion ensued whether or not to add that into the minutes. The Chair clarified that it was not part of the motion. Ms. Saenz made a motion to accept the minutes as presented, seconded by Mr. Flores. A vote was taken and the motion passed. • PRESENTATIONS /PUBLIC COMMENTS: Viola Monrreal, employee of Accessible Communities Inc. (ACI), indicated that they have received a grant through HUD - Housing Affairs to assist with CHDO's (Community Housing Development Organizations). They will be working with housing managers, developers, etc., to increase affordable housing, rentals and accessible housing, consultants for architectural barrier removal planning, etc. Advertising of affordable housing, surveys, development of registry of affordable housing, and put it in the Caller Times. Ms. Monrreal indicated they wanted to work with the CFPWD. There was discussion about the difference between FHAP's and FHIP's. The Chair mentioned the CFPWD has worked a bit on basic access. They're interested in what ACI is doing. Ms. Monrreal mentioned that basic access was one of their key issues, along with education and awareness about it. She also mentioned education for the community on the process. There was discussion about those projects of $50,000 and over have to comply with TDLR standards. The Chair then mentioned the local Building Code revision that will address those projects under $50,000. "SCOOP" Presentation was postponed. CHAIR'S REPORT: No report at this time. The Chair requested a change in order of the Agenda, to address "Old Business" first, as some members had indicated a need to leave the meeting a little early due to prior commitments. OLD BUSINESS: A. Parking Brochure: Mr. Flores and Human Relations staff met to finalize the draft brochure. The draft will be sent out to CFPWD members for their review and comments. Then it is planned to prepare a tri-fold brochure that could be sent out with utilities, CCPD, or used in other locations. The Chair asked the members for input on some of the best places to consider placing the brochures. Some of the suggestions made were: the County Courthouse, TX Department of Public Safety, TX Rehabilitation Commission, Social Security Administration Office, Post Offices, Libraries, City Facilities, to CFPWD members (so they could hand them out or leave them places). 2 Also place it on the Community Calendar, give some to Ted Nelson, Website, Senior and Recreation Centers, Hospitals, City Hall Information Desk. Mr. Soza arrived for meeting. Mr. Flores suggested establishing a Plan 1, 2, 3 - phased steps. Mr. Ramos indicated that Human Relations would e-mail the information out to the members. There was discussion about use of a possible newspaper article and medical association newsletter. The Chair indicated she would eventually like to go back to CCPD Chief, but also liked the idea of use of PSAs. Ms. Fallwell-Stover suggested a "Park-In" campaign (Ms. Lyons added, like the Flower Child - Sit In). It was requested of members to put their suggestions in with their response/comments to the draft brochure. We will have one last follow-up and then act on it. B. House Bill on $1 Surcharge Fee on Utility Bills for ADA: They still haven't heard. Ms. Telge commended that she believes that it is still on the Agenda. C. BJA 2004 Awards: The Chair indicated that Horton Automatics has expressed an interest in helping on this project. There will be a planning meeting (over lunch) on September 22, 2003, at Boatners. Ms. Saenz, Ms. Fallwell-Stover, and Mr. Ramos will attend the meeting. The Chair will call Linda McIntyre, Assistant to the President of Horton and work with them on planning D. Transition Plan Update: The Chair asked if the Department has moved forward? Mr. Ramos provided an update: He held a meeting with Mary Dominguez, Director of HCD. Mr. Ramos signed the contract to oversee the project. Then Engineering is taking over. They will take the lead and do the design. They will be hiring a Consultant on September 9t. Mr. Ramos also sent Ms. Rose, ACM, an e-mail about the importance of getting this done immediately. Download of the funds has not been done yet. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked about the accountability and checks and balances on the project? Ms. Butler explained that there is a new process. Mr. Ramos indicated that he would update the CFPWD as things progress. Mr. Ramos sent information out to others regarding the General Fund monies, setting 3 up a meeting with the City Secretary for Close Captioning and tape outreach. Park and Recreation will be attending an "Inclusion Conference". There are other funds in the budget, i.e.: public utility bills - will be doing them in large print for everyone; e-mail to Library regarding benches, tables and areas for retrieval of items; and talked with the Museum on accessibility aides needed. They are already working on it. The Chair questioned if Mr. Ramos would be providing a report to the City Council in November 2003? Mr. Ramos indicated yes, probably the second week in November. E. Arena Accessibility: Mr. Tomo has a copy of a letter from the City Manager regarding scheduling a meeting with Mr. Tomo and arena architects (project manager) on plans and the programs that will be addressed. Mr. Tomo is supposed to be included in the planning process. The letter was sent but Mr. Tomo hasn't heard anything yet. Mr. Ramos asked if he would come back and give a presentation to the Committee? Mr. Tomo indicated that he would be going to their office to see if they had something for a presentation. The Chair mentioned two other items of old business she would like followed up on. 1. The Chair asked Mr. Ramos if he knew if the Human Resources Department had received the request for a survey, via the City Manager, in response to concerns raised following Ms. Garcia's presentation to the Committee? Mr. Ramos indicated that he had spoken to Ms. Rose, ACM, and the request was going through the Chain of Command - through ACM, to City Manager, then on to Human Resources. Mr. Ramos indicated he would follow-up with Ms. Rose. 2. Did the City Manager share Austin's accomplishments with City Department Heads? Mr. Ramos indicated that he would be providing training in October and would review it then. The Chair asked if they would have an opportunity to read it? Ms. Hodge indicated that the City Manager has been emphasizing that "you will read it". Additionally, Ms. Hodge indicated she wanted to refer back to an item that was mentioned previously. They will be leaving for the "Inclusion Conference" and if any committee member had any questions, if they could get them to her by tomorrow she would try to bring back information on those questions. 4 Return to original order of the Agenda. COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Outreach/Awareness Sub-Committee: No report at this time. B. Legislative Sub-Committee: Non-Discrimination Ordinance: The Chair had some prepared in writing questions for Park and Recreation. Ms. Lyons asked for response to the questions in order for the responses to help the Committee better understand how those items and figures were arrived at. The Chair asked them to please refer back to the sections that require each of the services/items listed. She also asked that they please explain how the requirements of these sections differ from Title II. Ms. Hodge indicated that what has been shown is what was thought would be needed. A motion was made by Ms. Saenz for Park and Recreation to provide response to the questions raised within the two parameters noted above. Mr. Flores seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed. The Chair provided a copy of the questions to Park and Recreation and Ms. Shultz. General discussion ensued. Update of Outreach Efforts - Organization Contact Information: There was a handout of the new list, in alpha sequence and another one by date. It was discussed about the need for a Committee member to plan to attend each of the meetings. Mr. Ramos briefly reviewed those meeting held so far. There was general discussion by some members on who intended to attend which meeting. The Chair mentioned she had met with the Mayor and he had asked about some of the meetings being scheduled. Mr. Ramos indicated that they might get some more. Ms. Saenz asked why are we doing this? It has been advertised in the paper, it is on the Website and has been discussed at the Council Meeting? Ms. Butler clarified that this is being done at the request of the City Council. Ms. Saenz asked if this is the routine process, with a new ordinance? Or is this discrimination? Ms. Butler indicated she wasn't sure on how it is always done, but it has been done in the past, where City staff were asked to go to organizations/association who might be impacted by an ordinance to get their input. It may be more extensive, but it is at the request and direction of the Mayor and City Council to take this extra effort. Ms. Saenz expressed a concern that she felt this was going way 5 over. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated that it is laudable and better to get input, but if they are doing this outreach, why are they not going to the Area Council for the Deaf, the Texas Commission for the Blind, etc. (other groups). She expressed a concern about the balance of the outreach. It would be a good thing to reach out to persons with diabetes, Alzheimer, cerebral palsy, etc. They have strong support groups and would be positively impacted. Ms. Butler mentioned the Councils emphasis on contacting business connections with the City. Ms. Fallwell-Stover indicated however that there was nothing in the Mayor's directive to preclude other entities. The Chair indicated that when the Mayor saw the first list he questioned some of the entities and mentioned some others not shown. The Chair indicated she asked why aren't we going to groups such as the Area Council for the Deaf? The Chair suggested that members put a list together of potential entities to contact for outreach regarding the non-discrimination ordinance. Those meetings could be held in October, with the same type of presentation as the other meetings. Ms. Saenz mentioned that October was recognized as "Disability Month". Ms. Fallwell-Stover made a motion to compile a list of groups to do additional outreach, regarding the non-discrimination ordinance during the month of October (like the stroke club, disabilities associations, organizations who act as support groups to persons with medical conditions/disabilities, such as cancer or having hearing or vision impairments, etc.). (It was discussed that they could go through the Resource Guide for ideas. Additionally, the Chair indicated let the CFPWD prepare the list.) Ms. Saenz seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed. General discussion ensued to get the list together right away. The Chair also mentioned that yesterday, she received a memorandum from Andy Quittner, Legal Representative, in response to a question raised by Council Member Chesney. Ms. Lyons indicated that she responded to it. She specifically wanted to share information "1.-8." with everyone. (She distributed copies to members and Mr. Ramos.) ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Ramos provided a review of the Monthly Report for August 2003. Ms. Hodge and Ms. Saenz left. 6 Mr. Ramos reviewed an ADA question that came in to the office from the Fire Marshall's Office pertaining to who is responsible for providing accessibility to public sidewalks and common areas, in means of egress, etc. (This came after there were two serious fires where multiple units on multiple floors were destroyed. There was some concern on when it isn't a tenant asking for an accommodation.) Research is on going. The Chair asked for an update at next month's meeting. PUBLIC COMMENT: Ms. Judy Telge of ACI and CBCIL announced that they are taking applications for classes in Advocacy Development Training. The deadline is September 12, 2003. She had handouts available for any interested persons, or for members to take to give to others. Ms. Telge also mentioned they are working for this year's Resource Guide. It will be in the Caller Times. There will be approximately $10,000 in donations. It is due to come out October 24, 2003. They are approaching everyone on any changes or new information, it must be submitted by the September 24, 2003 deadline. Additionally, the Department of Labor will be hosting some web casts pertaining to Workforce Development - regarding access to one- stop facilities. One is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. You are invited to attend at the Corona Street Office of Workforce One. General discussion ensued. Ms. Telge also mentioned that while at a different meeting she was asked by an Architect to explain about the ordinance and the mailing that was sent out. The Chair invited Ms. Telge to attend the September 22, 2003 planning meeting regarding the Barbara Jordan Awards Event. It was mentioned that on Tuesday, September 16, 2003, there would be a focus group meeting on affordable housing regarding funding by the State of Texas. This would be a good time to bring up issues pertaining to accessibility and affordability. It will be at 10:00 a.m. at the Council of Governments. CONCERNS/AGENDA ITEMS: Include on next month's Agenda items that have been reflected in the above referenced minutes. The Chair indicated that we would also need to address the issue of absenteeism at the next meeting. Motion to adjourn made by Mr. Soza, and was seconded by Ms. Fallwell- Stover. A vote was taken and motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM. Minutes Approved: Crystal Lyons, Committee Chairperson Date a