HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 11/17/1997COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
MEETING MINUTES
November 17,1997
2:00 pm
Council Liaison:
Michael Byrne
Staff Liaison:
Nancy Stirling
Chairperson:
Kathy Lassen
Phone: (H) 204-0614
(W) 491-5930
Members Present:
Members Absent:
City Staff Present:
Guests:
Mark Kramer
Initha Stuckey
Ray Sanderson
Alan Apt
Mark Cummings
Don Fish
Nancy Baker
Laura Burnett
Nancy Stirling, COD Liaison
Mike Byrne, City Council Liaison to COD
Chairperson Kathy Lassen called the meeting to order at 2:10 pm.
I. APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MINUTES
Kathy Lassen
Stacey Abate
Amy Rosenberg
Chairperson Kathy Lassen asked if there were any changes or comments for the October
meeting minutes. There were none. Mark Cummings motioned to accept the minutes as they
stood. Stacey Abate seconded. Voting was unanimous to accept the minutes as there were.
II. 1998 WORK PLAN
The members present today reviewed the 1997 Work Plan and made some changes and
additions for 1998. Members volunteered for the items/projects they would like to work on.
Chanties/Additions Highlights:
A. ADA Access & Accommodation
The Emergency Call Boxes item was removed. It was the understanding and the feeling
of some of the members that Emergency Call Boxes fall under the County's or State's
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jurisdiction. But the Commission will assist with requests on an as needed basis.
B. Communication & Education
The Commission agreed to add a "COD Retreat" to the 1998 Work Plan. The retreat
would be for the COD members and possibly invite members of City government. The
retreat would include a facilitator and would determine and focus on how to communicate
with various others on issues relating to disabilities.
"Review Public Access Survey" is going to be revisited by the Commission at a later
time. They will determine if there is a need for another survey and what it's purpose
would be.
"New West Fest" - the Commission has decided to not purchase a booth next year.
Instead they will make efforts to include their information with other non-profit agencies
and also sponsor to have "Kids on the Block" perform at the NewWest Fest.
City Disability Awareness Events will take the place of "HP/City Disability Awareness
Month". Also, the Commission will work with the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for
their "Alternative Recreations" event next year [if they have one].
For "Disability Sensitivity Training" the Commission will explore ways they can provide
sensitivity training for City employees. One suggestion is to give use the "Wake Up to
Diversity" series from the Human Rights Office as a vehicle to give sensitivity training.
[Nancy is to follow-up on this idea with Laurie Fonken-Joseph, Human Rights Officer.]
A new item was added to the "Coordinate City-wide Awareness" column: Media
Relations. The Commission wants to create communication with various city medias to
support issues relating to disabilities (i.e., the Winter Outdoor pamphlet — put activities in
it that can be enjoyed by those with disabilities).
Also added "Create Business Partnership." The COD will plan to develop relations with
community businesses for support and sponsorship to fund Disability Awareness events
and the Mayor's Awards Luncheon.
C. Policy & Procedure
For the most part there are no changes to this section. In regard to the "procedure for
issuing statements or letters of commendation or complaint" the Commission has decided
to change this to an "as needed" basis.
III. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Building Review Board Appeal: will be heard at the City Council meeting on Tuesday,
November 18 at 6:00 pm. Nancy spoke with both the Assistant City Attorney and the City
Attorney to get information about whether members of the COD can speak at the hearing.
Unfortunately, the way the City Code currently reads that only "interested parties" who
participated in the BRB meeting or discussions can speak at the hearing. This leaves a glitch
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November 17, 1997
in that the COD was never told of the meeting to begin with or asked to participate in
discussions.
B. Building Code Review Committee: Alan Apt has volunteered to represent the COD at
meetings of the Building Code Review. Unfortunately, sometimes his employment takes him
out of town and he is unable to make a meeting. Such is the case for tomorrow's meeting
(11/18/97). Felix Lee would like to have a representative from COD at most, if not all,
Review meetings. Mark Cummings has volunteered to attend and/or be a back up for Alan
for the meetings.
C. Video Presentation: Mark Cummings has spent most of the past year putting together
information and photographs to be included in a video that the Commission members will be
able to use for presentations. He will touch bases with the City's Cable people who will be
putting the video together. Mark is hoping to have a script by next meeting to give to the
COD members to review.
D. RE: Handicapped Parking issue that was brought up at last meeting. Don Fish volunteered
to follow-up on this and try to get more details. It concerns handicapped parking at an
apartment complex. Evidently there is a handicapped parking space available but it is not
wide enough and there are not enough spaces available for the number of individuals who
have disabilities. Don's question is what can be done? What can the COD do? Can the
COD do anything about this since it's on private property? Mark C. is attending the Building
Code Review meeting tomorrow and will ask these questions and bring answers back to the
Commission or pass them along to Don. Nancy will also talk to some City personnel to find
out what the COD can do.
E. Dial -A -Ride Scholarship: Ray announced that the scholarship idea has been replaced.
Instead, Transportation Services will institute "sliding -scale rates" for customers of DAR
based on their income. Ray handed out copies of the breakdown of fees and incomes.
Meeting adjourned at 4:35 pm.
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ANNOUNCEMENT: For the December meeting, members of the Commission will each bring
an edible item (dessert, appetizer, etc.) to share. Kathy has already
volunteered to bring drinks.
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November 17, 1997