Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Committee For Persons With Disabilities - 10/01/2003 • SUMMARY MINUTES REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING COMMITTEE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES October 1, 2003 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting called to order by Ms. Crystal Lyons, Committee Chairperson. ATTENDANCE: The roll was called by Ms. Shultz: Present Absent Ms. Crystal Lyons Ms. Toni Padilla Mr. Roberto M. Flores * Ms. Debra Valenzuela Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover Ms. Mary J. Saenz Mr. Billy R. Sayles Mr. Eloy Soza Mr. Glen Ray Torno City Staff in attendance: David Ramos and June Shultz * of Human Relations; Joseph Harney of Legal; and David Ondrias or Park and Recreation. City Staff Absent: Wanese Butler of Human Relations and Art Sosa of Development Services. The Committee had a quorum. * Arrived late, but present. Public present: Chris Kallas, Abel Alonzo, and Ted Nelson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The September 3, 2003 Minutes were reviewed by those Committee Members in attendance. There was discussion by Mr. Torno regarding a request for a correction of the minutes to show under the Page 5, Paragraph B. - (Committee Reports, B. Legislative Sub- Committee, to move the word "questions" to follow, ...The Chair has come prepared questions ...) add that into the minutes. A motion was made to accept the minutes as corrected by Mr. Soza, seconded by Mr. Sayles. A vote was taken and the motion passed. Corrected as Amended-1 1/25/03 PRESENTATIONS /PUBLIC COMMENTS: Chris Kallas, City of Corpus Christi and Sister City Program Representative provided a presentation and video on the "Wheelchairs For Peace" Project being sponsored by the Wheelchair Foundation. They received a $4.5 million dollar donation for use in matching funds and payment of shipping and handling for the purchase and distribution of wheelchairs throughout the world. They are able to purchase wheelchairs for $150.00 each - $75.00 from a donation and $75.00, plus shipping and handling from the $4.5 million dollar donation. Fifty cities are selected each year to participate in the program. Corpus Christi was selected this year. They are attempting to raise $18,000.00 for the purchase of 240 chairs. Ms. Kallas stated that if our local rotary groups raise $5,000.00 in donations, the District Office has agreed to match it. This would mean only a remaining $8,000.00 to be raised. A handout on the project was distributed. They hope to have all the donations by the end of November. The Mayor has confirmed his plans to participate in a contingency of contributors going to Vera Cruz, Mexico (the selected site for where the wheelchairs will arrive and be distributed to the designated individuals), sometime in February - April, 2004. Contributors are invited to attend. If anyone knows of individuals or groups who would like to receive information about this project, you may call Ms. Kallas at 883-0639. Mr. Flores arrived late. The Chair provided the "SCOOP" Presentation and video. The Chair asked for Ted Nelson to attend as well, due to the nature of his position. The Governor's Committee provided this information and video. They are promoting it for Journalism Students and Reporters or persons in a public media field. The Barbara Jordan Awards are held in April of each year. Communication professionals receive the Barbara Jordan Awards in recognition of the best in the nation. Individuals who have focused on the person, not the disability and/or focus on the content of the story. (Exercises are available to do along with the video - but not done during this presentation.) Ms. Saenz arrived late. 2 CHAIR'S REPORT: The Chair provided a handout. The Chair and Mr. Soza, along with 23 other people attended the recent Housing Forum. The focus group obtained input to be sent to McAllen, where there will be another meeting. Then all the information will be combined and forwarded to Austin. A report of the group information is available upon request - it provides a brief summary of the discussion and meeting. They developed a mission statement and goals. The top three problems/issues were: 1) education; 2) accessibility; and 3) service/enforcement tied for third place. There were three groups of recommendations. Twenty-four problems were also identified. Under public awareness/education - one issue raised was how poor education impacts housing. Accessibility awareness is there now. Regarding service/enforcement, there was discussion about Fair Housing and how items are still being built without meeting minimum requirements. So enforcement is an important issue. The Chair indicated that she would send Mr. Ramos a copy of the report by e-mail. Mr. Ramos may then forward the e-mail to everyone. Those who would like to review would then be able to do so. The handout (saying) reflects a new paradigm shift. The Chair also discussed recently visiting Houston. The Houston Center for Independent Living had a newsletter article on "Visitability in Houston - A Different Approach". They have a housing initiative. They are drafting a new "Visitability Ordinance". There is a Homebuilders' Booklet about visitability and universal design. Also there is limited assistance for new homebuilders, for visitability and universal design. The Accessibility Coalition is meeting on October 28, 2003, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library in the La Retama Room. They will be developing a position statement regarding the transition plan. The Chair indicated that she is now on the Board for the Coalition for Texas Disabled. 3 COMMITTEE REPORTS: A. Outreach/Awareness Sub-Committee: No report at this time. I. There was discussion of a new video. Mr. Ramos mentioned his meeting with Ted Nelson and Mike Barrera on the bid process for close captioning. He stated that they are on target on this project. B. Legislative Sub-Committee: 1. Non-Discrimination Ordinance: Mr. Ramos indicated that on Friday, October 3, 2003, at 2:00 p.m., the Council of Governments (COG) would be providing a resolution in support of the proposed ordinance. They may have some questions for whoever may want to attend. We've held sixteen (16) meetings this month and several are scheduled for October 2003. Ms. Butler is setting up those meetings that were proposed at last month's meeting. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked if the staff had added RTA's Advisory Committee to the list, who are on the calendar for October 16, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. for a presentation? The Chair asked Mr. Ramos if he was going to Austin on October 17, 2003 as the ADA Coordinator? Mr. Ramos discussed the option of taking a van and others from the CFPWD (as long as it wasn't a quorum). The Chair had some prepared written 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. Lyons indicated this was the second request for a response. Ms. Fallwell-Stover left. 4 Mr. Ondrias indicated that he did not have a response at this time, as he was not part of the original discussion in development of the information. He is looking at the information in the terms of if it should be within the Transition Plan or if this is a new item due to the development and implementation of the proposed non-discrimination ordinance. He is looking at what is listed and if there are any items not listed. He is looking at costs. The costs may go up or down. Items may be changed to a need under the Transition Plan or may be placed under the proposed ordinance. He is trying to sort out what the elements are. He will be asking for Mr. Quittner and Mr. Harney's assistance in identifying the section requirements that has driven the information submitted or to be submitted. Mr. Ondrias indicated that he is trying to get the information in a very graphic and specific format and to make it understandable. The Chair indicated that the dollar amount is important because the Council is asking about it and being criticized for it. There was discussion about what they would like. People are attacking members of the CFPWD, not just the Mayor and Council. He needs to explain how the costs are there. Mr. Ondrias indicated that it was going to be interpretive, but basically he would have it on paper and understandable. The Chair indicated she recognized the difficulty of the undertaking, but it is clearer now. However, the next meeting is the last chance for the Committee to discuss it and take action. If they could receive it before the next meeting, it would be helpful. Mr. Sayles left. Ms. Saenz indicated they shouldn't shoot the messenger, but those numbers were presented and sent to the Council. They asked for a response to the questions but they do not have one now. So can he give the CFPWD a date when the information would be ready? General discussion ensued. The Chair asked if he could have the information to them within the next two weeks? This would allow time to review and discuss it. Mr. Ondrias indicated that if he could have the help of Mr. Ramos and Mr. Harney, they should be able to finish it by next Friday. He needs to have the interaction by October 17th, 2003, as he will be out 5 of town the week of October 20th. (So will Mr. Ramos.) It was determined that they would attempt to have it finished by Tuesday, October 14th, 2003 and get it to the CFPWD members. There was further discussion. The Chair asked if there were any questions? The Chair indicated that one thing she wanted to mention was that throughout the community presentations, for the most part it, the reception has been positive, to very positive, except for one group. RTA may do a resolution in support of it as well. COG will be providing their resolution this Friday. Following the meeting with Nueces County representatives, it is bringing about awareness at the County. Mr. Ondrias left. 2. The Chair asked Mr. Ramos about the request for a comprehensive self- evaluation from the Human Resources Department, via the City Manager, in response to concerns raised following Ms. Garcia's presentation to the Committee? Mr. Ramos indicated that they were suppose to meet tomorrow and discuss it. Ms. Lyons had brought her copy of the Title I - Employment Supplement (Self-Evaluation Guide). She loaned her copy to Mr. Ramos, until he can order another. OLD BUSINESS: A. Parking Brochure: Mr. Ramos sent a copy of the draft to the Corpus Christi Police Department and to Municipal Court. The Police Department indicated that there were no changes recommended and it looked good to them. Judge Tamez has not provided a response yet. Ms. Lyons mentioned sharing some of the new changes in bulletins - Ms. Butler can make copies of the laws (i.e.: a fine has been developed if you park in the striped zone). We'll send the information out via e-mail. It is also harder to pirate the accessibility parking placards. There was discussion about the next steps to finalize the brochure. We want to determine the fold and fit in natural breaks in the text information so it flows properly. Ms. Lyons and Ms. Shultz will work on the prototype. A motion was made to accept the text and to move forward with the final draft for printing (once Ms. Lyons and Ms. Shultz has finished the layout) by Mr. Soza and was seconded by 6 Mr. Tomo. A vote was taken and the motion passed. We are now authorized to move forward with the final draft for printing. B. House Bill on $1 Surcharge Fee on Utility Bills for ADA: Pending. C. BJA 2004 Awards: The Chair held a planning meeting (over lunch) on September 22, 2003, at Boatners. A timeline was established, along with a list of potential sponsors. No vote has been held for the date yet. They need to determine a location, accessibility needs, parking, etc. They asked Mr. Ramos for information on a possible checklist for necessary areas. Several dates are on hold. A list of items has been forwarded to some of the planners. Two weeks from now, they will try to set the date. There was discussion if this should be a "Black Tie" event or "Business Casual", it is leaning toward the "Business Casual". They are looking at catering, possible bands, forming a "Setting Up" Committee, ticket sales, and what to do if they make a profit. Mr. Ramos offered to check into tickets and invitations being printed by the City. There was discussion if we could get a better deal going through use of City property. However, there was a concern that they are not certain if the bus stop near the Convention Center is accessible. There was discussion about possible use of the Museum, Auditorium/Convention Center, Art Museum, etc. They are checking to see if Rudy Trevino would be willing to be the M.C. They are looking into a photographer and discussed printing options, such as raised embossing on items and programs. The City can only do black, white and teal. Once we have a sample, the City Department can pay for a negative plate by a professional, then print the items in house. There is fund raising to do. Additionally, CFPWD members were asked to pass along any potential sponsor names. They obtained budget information and know what it cost in San Antonio, TX. The location and food will be key - they can develop a wish list for other items. They want media exposure and the Governor's Committee will help also. D. Transition Plan Update: They will be going back to the City Council in mid November. Mr. Ramos will provide information at the next meeting (same information and format) for the report to be given, including information such as: who spent monies, design, monies in the Human Relations Department's ADA Budget and the hiring of consultants, etc. E. Arena Accessibility: Mr. Tomo has spoken with some people working on the project. They want him to meet with the Engineer. Mr. Ramos mentioned an up-coming walk through. Mr. Torno indicated he is scheduled to meet with the Engineer tomorrow. A manager (Mr. Soliz) has been hired. He will be included in the walk through. Mr. Tomo said that Raymond has been cooperating with him. General discussion on the need for the Arena to be "User Friendly". Mr. Flores asked what is being looked at, i.e.: restrooms? Mr. Tomo indicated he would be included in the walk through and raise issues on "User Friendly" concerns. Mr. Flores asked about family "unisex" restrooms - one is needed. General discussion about how builders are now trying to include them in new construction items. Mr. Tomo indicated he can ask, but it is not a "minimum" requirement. Mr. Tomo will report back to the CFPWD and if appropriate, he will ask them to come and provide a presentation. Ms. Lyons asked if he could look to see if there are any "red flags" and to jot those items down before the project gets too far along. Mr. Flores also asked about fixed seating - distance between chairs and rows, lack of leg room. Further discussion ensued. F. Fire Marshall Inquiry - Mr. Harney provided an update on the inquiry. The Fire Code was revised on September 19, 2003. Chapter 10 deals with "Means of Egress". The Fire Department is in charge of enforcing it. An Inspector had made the original inquiry. There were ADA and Fire Code elements. Ms. Lyons asked if this is an area for education and outreach for designers, builders, and new construction? Mr. Harney indicated yes and to pass along violation information. Mr. Soza left. Mr. Torno touched upon responsibilities of builders versus site development. There was discussion about items outside of the door, then no where to go. Accessible routes are always required. There was also discussion on areas of refuge. NEW BUSINESS: None. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: 8 Mr. Ramos provided a review of the Monthly Report for September 2003. There have been an extensive amount of Solid Waste Services Accommodation Requests in response to implementation of the third phase of the new automated system and large 96 gallon trash cans. Mr. Ramos reviewed the number of Non-Discrimination Ordinance - Organization/ Association meetings that have been provided. There were three "Cause" findings on ADA Cases. Since the cases were closed, Mr. Ramos was able to discuss a key component of the cases, in that an employer cannot ask an employee to waive their rights in order to get a retirement package. The three cases were deferred to the EEOC-SADO for work as class action cases. CONCERNS/AGENDA ITEMS: None were raised, other than noted as above. Motion to adjourn made by acclamation. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 P.M. Minutes Approved: Crystal Lyons, Committee Chairperson Date 9