HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 05/19/1997w • •
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
MEETING MINUTES
May 19,1997
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:
Angela Byrne
Ray Sanderson
Mark Kramer
Initha Stuckey
Amy Rosenberg
Jacqueline Hyatt
Shirley Reichenbach
Mark Cummings
Kathy Lassen
Frank Blakely
City Staff Present: Debra Passereillo, Facility Services Director
David Lilly, Transfort
Tom Frazier, Transportation Services
Carson Hamlin, Cable 27
Michael Gitter, Cable 27
Guests: Tom and Kathy Hoffman, Shamrock Taxi
Jean Batchelder, Access by Design
Richard Spomer
Dane Talmedge
Meeting was brought to order and begun at 2:10 p.m.
I. March Meeting Minutes
Chairperson Kathy Lassen asked if there were any comments or changes to the March
meeting minutes. Shirley requested that the term "religious problem" be changed to "personal
issue" in Section III regarding the Human Rights Ordinance. The change was noted and the
minutes were approved.
II. Downtown Multi -Modal Transit Center: Debra Passariello, Facility Services Director
Debra thanked the Commission for taking the time to meet with her and asked for their
input regarding potential construction of a transit center. Debra explained that the Center
would serve as a hub for Transfort busses and would enable passengers to easily make their
needed transfers. The center would also house commercial carriers.
Currently, the City had received a grant to undertake a feasibility study for the Center. At
this time, some preliminary sites and selection criteria had been identified with most locations
in the downtown area. At this time, only the feasibility study is underway with a target
completion date of July. Funding for the actual construction of the center has not been
identified and it is unknown when funding for construction would be made available.
Various members spoke in support of the following sites: Freight Depot, Lee Martinez Park,
or any site in the heart of downtown. One member suggested that we not displace existing
parking with a Transit Center, an example is the LaPorte Lot. An additional site selection
criteria was suggested: City already owns the land. Also, another member noted we should
seek consumer input in the study.
III. COD Video: Carson Hamlin and Michael Gitter, Cable 27
Michael informed the members that a $1000 video credit was available to the COD for video
productions. This allows for a video of COD slides with voice-over. Any additional video
production would cost more than $1000. The Commission decided that effective use of the
$1000 credit would be a practical move.
The process for producing the video is to 1) determine the content of the video, and 2) provide
memos, minutes, brochures, etc. to Michael for scripting. Actual production of the video can
begin once content and information are provided. However, at this time, it is anticipated that
production will not begin until late summer due to the current video production commitments
facing Cable 27.
Commission members will provide photos of the New West Fest, parking issues,
employment, housing, Mayors Awards, etc.
IV. Dial-A-Ride/Shamrock Taxi: Tom Hoffman, Shamrock and David Lilly, Transfort
The objective of the presentation was to gain Commission member's input regarding the
continuation of Dial -A -Ride (City -operated) in conjunction with Shamrock Taxi or if
members preferred to have Dial -A -Ride operate without Shamrock Taxi. David and Tom
Hoffman had been asked back to the Commission during the last meeting because Shamrock
had not provided financial information regarding operating costs. Indeed, Shamrock did come
to this meeting prepared to share this information. However, it did not provide the same type
of financial information, provided by Dial -A -Ride. Consequently, most Commission
members felt they were being asked to compare these programs using financial information
that could not be compared.
Throughout the discussion David Lilly and Tom Hoffman often refuted one another's
financial operating information. As the discussion grew more and more lengthy it became
apparent that the Commission members were not in a position to make any decisions
regarding which paratransit system would be the best to use. In fact, it was often mentioned
that perhaps the best solution would be to continue to use Dial -A -Ride and Shamrock. Since
the major issues are 1) cost of operation, 2) driver sensitivity, and 3) vehicle preference by
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riders it seemed to Commission members that a continuation of the marriage between both
operators seemed most sensible. For example, both operators could conduct simultaneous and
comparable sensitivity training, riders would have greater flexibility in vehicle choice, and the
cost could, potentially, stay comparable. In fact, Tom Hoffman presented a manual (it also
has an accompanying video) that is currently being used in sensitivity training for Shamrock's
drivers. David Lilly questioned why it took so long for Shamrock to get the sensitivity
training in place.
As it became apparent that the Commission was not going to make a recommendation they
did decide to take the following action. In order for the Commission to get the information
needed, Mark Kramer will review the financial numbers with the City and Shamrock and
report back to the Commission. Similarly, after ironing out the financial information, so that
it can be compared, Shamrock and Dial -A -Ride will return to the Commission (next month)
with the continuing objective of getting the COD's recommendation.
Other Business
WalMart Entrance Way: Blair stated that Felix Lee, City Building Official, had been
informed of Wa1Mart's inaccessible entrance way. In a memo format, Felix explained
that WalMart was within the City guidelines that there was nothing the City could do.
He further suggested that the issue was within the purview of the Commission and that
Jean Batchelder may be able to offer some assistance. Jean offered to look into the
situation and report back to the Commission.
Dial -A -Ride Proclamation: The proclamation has been scheduled to be presented at the
June 3rd City Council Meeting. Shirley will take Kathy's place in the proclamation
event.
Nancy Snow: Shirley wanted to invite Ms. Nancy Snow of the Colorado Civil Rights
Division to come and speak to the COD on the topic of Housing. Nancy is scheduled
to present to the COD at the July meeting. Personnel from Building Inspections and
members of Council will be invited to attend.
Disability Awareness Committee: Kathy and Blair have met to form a community and a
City committee to bring in speakers, plan events, and prepare for Disability Awareness
Month in October.
Access Survey: Mark K. reported that the existing Public Access Survey (and results)
were useless and that it would be beneficial to do a new one. A survey discussion will
be placed on next month's agenda.
Mayor's Awards: Shirley suggested that the nomination process for the Mayor's Awards
be placed in City News (months in advance). Nancy Stirling will investigate.
Shirley was wondering what can be done if a building (multi -family residential,
commercial), as approved by the City in terms of accessibility, is not built according to
the plans (i.e. it is not accessible). How can the building be reported? Who needs to
made aware? Can any action be taken?
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
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Respectfully Submitted this 28th Day of May, 1997,
Blair D. Leist