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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 12/13/2001COMMISSION ON DISABILITY REGULAR MEETING MINUTES December 13, 2001 Facility Services Building Members present: Paul Ostrof, Susan Williams, Laura Burnett, Ruth Bell Skogerboe, Mark Beck, Jill Lancaster, Rob and Romola Fritz, Steve Seefeld, Rachael Palmer, Tracy Ochsner. Guests: Marty Tharp, Council Liaison; Keith Harris, Operations Supervisor of Dial -A -Ride. The meeting was called to order by Mark Beck, Chairman -elect, at 12:20 p.m. The minutes were approved as presented on a motion by Nancy and a second by Rob. DIAL -A -RIDE VIDEO Keith Harris showed the new Dial -A -Ride video, produced with the sponsorship of the Dial - A -Ride Advisory Committee, which will be used as a educational tool in the community -- for agencies, service groups, commissions, etc. It shows what the program does and how it impacts the lives of the disabled and senior citizens it serves. During the subsequent discussion, COD members asked questions and gave suggestions; they indicated they felt the video was very well done. Keith indicated that the committee is working on a script to go with the video and by March should be ready to take it out to community groups for input. Rob requested that an early showing be for the Post Polio Support Group. ACCESSIBLE AMERICA 2001 AWARD APPLICATION Members discussed the copy of the application that had been e-mailed to them by John Fischbach. Mark told the members that he had been in contact with both John and the Mayor concerning the application and wanted members to see it before it is submitted. Romola shared a list of the many people, both COD members and others, who had contributed the information used in writing the application (list attached). Jill suggested that a copy of the Dial -A -Ride video be included with the other attachments to the application. Susan made a motion and Rob seconded it that the application be submitted in accessible format, per an earlier suggestion from the Mayor. The motion passed. The members indicated their feeling that the application was well done. They also indicated their desire to find out what city wins the award, if we do not, and to see other applications, if possible. "HEAVY DOORS" PROJECT Rob led a discussion on his planned project to work with local establishments to encourage them to honor the ADA regulations on the pull weight of entrance and restroom doors. He indicated that he wants this to be a service to business/agency owners/managers. There should be a form designed to be used by the "visitors" to share with the business/agency personnel any problems with the pull weights of their buildings' doors and then to use as the basis of a follow-up later. He also showed a fish scale that can be used to do a simple check of pull weights. He asked members to bring to the next meeting any suggestions about which buildings have particularly hard -pulling doors so they can be visited first. He then asked for volunteers to work with him on this project. Susan, Laura, Paul and Jill indicated a willingness to help. Susan raised a concern as to the cost of any recommended changes, especially for renters. Rob indicated that all suggested changes would be as economical as possible. He also noted that the ones responsible for meeting ADA requirements are the building owners, not the renters. The members then discussed whether there should be a working subcommittee that has this as an ongoing project. Rob made a motion that the COD support and adopt this as a universal access project, including handicap parking spaces, ramps, and doors, so the disabled will have access to all services and buildings as required by the ADA. Laura seconded the motion. hi the discussion that followed, members raised concerns as to whether this type of a project is within the mission of the COD. Mark suggested that we table the motion until the next meeting, to give us an opportunity to look at the role of the COD. OTHER BUSINESS Mark told the members that he had the opportunity to talk to both the Mayor and John Fischbach about the Practical Housing for All project and was pleased to find that the city is considering some incentives for builders who incorporated PHA concepts in their designs. He also asked members to keep their copies of the brainstorming ideas on the Mayor's Awards that had been passed out at the meeting so we can use them later. He noted we would be starting the planning of next year's event much sooner than before. Jill asked when the 2002 Work Plan would be out and when the selection of the incoming COD member would be announced. She indicated that she will be preparing an orientation packet for new members. Steve announced that an orientation session for all members is being planned, and he will bring the information to the next COD meeting which will be on January 10. The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Romola Fritz Secretary CONTRIBUTORS TO AA2001 AWARD APPLICATION COD members who contributed information: Laura Burnett: Adaptive Recreation program Nancy Baker: background and accomplishments of the COD Mark Beck: PHA project Kathryn Johnson: Pedestrian safety, Interfaith Council and CSU Assistive Technology room Ruth Bell Skogerboe: Senior Center and CSU Services Susan Williams: Dial -A -Ride Rob Fritz: Handicap parking project Steve Sutter: list of service providers Others who also contributed: Nancy Jackson (Disabled Resources Services): information on the availability of the AA2001 Award Rob Gilkerson (ADA Technology Center in Colorado Springs. He lived in Fort Collins from 1989 to 1995 and was on the ADA Task Force of Larimer County): background on the history of what the city and the COD accomplished during that time as well as names of others who also were able to provide more background information Jean Batchelder (lives in Loveland; worked with Rob Gilkerson on ADA projects): additional history of COD accomplishments Linda Varona: (Disabled Resources Services): Mayor's "Stop `n Chat" session for the hearing impaired Diane Falan: Foothills Gateway information Linda Conte: Vocational Rehabilitation information Elizabeth Gamer (CSU): Census information Sheila Hageman (MS Society): background on MS Michael Gitter: city staff who did final editing of the application and turned it in to the Mayor and John Fischbach