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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 04/21/1997COMMISSION ON DISABILITY MEETING MINUTES April 21,1997 2:00 pm Council Liaison: Alan Apt Staff Liaison: Nancy Stirling Chairperson: Kathy Lassen Phone: (H) 204-0614 (W) 491-5930 Members Present: Members Absent: Amy Rosenberg Frank Blakely Ray Sanderson Mark Kramer Jacqueline Hyatt Angela Byrne Shirley Reichenbach Mark Cummings Kathy Lassen Initha Stuckey City Staff Present: Jean Helburg, Recreation Jennifer Fesperman, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Shannon, Intern Ralph Powers, Dial -a -Ride David Lilly, Transfort Tom Hofman, Shamrock Taxi Nancy Stirling, City Staff Liaison to COD Meeting was brought to order and begun at 2:12 pm. I. March Meeting Minutes Chairperson Kathy Lassen asked if there were any comments or changes to the March meeting minutes. There were none. Frank moved to put the minutes to vote. Ray seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous to accept the March minutes as they were. II. Discussion/Update: Jennifer Fesperman, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Jennifer was invited to this Commission meeting to provide an update of a couple of projects she had brought to the Commission last year, as well as an update of what is currently being addressed in the Therapeutic Recreation area. A changing table/mat was installed in the Family Changing Room at the EPIC Center. Seems to be working real well. Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes April 21, 1997 Page 1 As for a new lift for the swimming pool at EPIC, this has not yet been decided or completed. The idea is "not dead", just has not moved from where the Commission last heard of it. Jennifer says she will follow-up on this and get information back to the Commission. Therapeutic Recreation Program Update: Jennifer provided a copy of a newsletter "Adaptive Recreation Opportunities" for Commission members. This newsletter describes various types of opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in recreation activities. The program is actively engaged in increasing interest in programs available for persons with disabilities. (see copy of newsletter for more information discussed here). The Therapeutic Recreation Office is located at 214 North Howes Street. Chairperson Kathy Lassen asked about the "Master Plan" — have items outlined in the plan been met? What is the status of items? Are there barriers to accomplishing items that the Commission could assist with? Several items were mentioned and were either fulfilled, in progress, or on -going. As for how can the Commission help, it was suggested that the Commission let the City Manager and City Council know of the Commissions support for an additional Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Jennifer was asked if it was possible to get a list of names of persons who have "used" Jennifer's assistance. Jennifer said she would be able to get that information to the Commission. III. Human Rights Ordinance A copy of the latest revision to the Human Rights Ordinance was sent out to Commission members in their agenda packet for this meeting. Members were asked to review the document and provide their thoughts, comments, suggestions, etc. at the meeting. Chairperson Kathy Lassen asked if there were any members uncomfortable with or in disagreement with the Ordinance. Shirley stated she was uncomfortable with an item pertaining to a "religious problem." Other than that, no other comments were made. It was agreed that Kathy would write a letter of support for the Ordinance on behalf of the Commission. At least three members stated they wanted to be left off the list of Commission members supporting the Ordinance. Kathy will state in the letter who or how many of the Commission support the Ordinance. Kathy is to write up a draft letter and forward it to Nancy who will format it onto Commission on Disability letterhead and send it on to the Human Rights Commission. IV. Dial -a -Ride Ralph Powers of Dial -a -Ride and David Lilly of Transfort asked to present to the Commission on the topic of "Dial -a -Ride Self -Operation." They wanted "direction" from the Commission concerning the idea of letting go of Shamrock services and moving the operation of Dial -a -Ride in-house. Ralph and David provided information on the history of Dial -a -Ride service and its cooperation with Shamrock Taxi services. Currently, the City has a month -to -month contract with Shamrock. As well as dollar savings if move the operation in-house, other considerations were: a. Adequate training for DAR drivers. Training such as sensitivity training to seniors and persons with disabilities. b. Driver appearance. Currently, Shamrock drivers do not have or wear uniforms that Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes April21, 1997 Page 2 00 00 identify them as DAR drivers. It is their (transportation services) opinion that a uniform and identification would help customers readily identify the person from DAR who can and will assist them. c. Efficient use of resources if DAR is operated in-house. Drivers could be cross -trained to work for either the Transfort system or the DAR system. This could reduce the need for the number of drivers overall and improve the service of both systems. Providing full employment and benefits to drivers encourages them to remain on the job longer and feel appreciated and worthwhile. Tom Hofmann of Shamrock then discussed with the Commission the affect dropping Shamrock would have to his business. Currently, Shamrock Taxi services is the only taxi service available in Loveland, Greeley, and Fort Collins. DAR has already taken customers away from Shamrock. Shamrock would probably have to decrease their hours of operation if lose contract with City. Shamrock has received comments from customers that they prefer taxis to the buses, and that taxis get them from A to B in good time and a direct route. Tom also mentioned that the City has not requested a bid from competitors to find out if there is another service (or if Shamrock) could provide service at lower costs. Also, Tom says, a month -to -month contract does not allow them to plan or provide training for drivers. Chairperson Kathy asked Ralph and David if a decision has already been made to make DAR an in-house operation. At this point, they are just getting direction from relevant Boards and Commissions. There is no specified timeline to accomplish this but they would like to do something in June or July of this year. Chairperson Kathy asked Mr. Hofmann if you could provide the Commission with a cost comparison (like one presented by DAR). It was agreed that the Commission needed something substantial they could compare and weigh in making their recommendations. Mr. Hofmann said he would. At the conclusion of the presentation and the departure of Ralph, David, and Mr. Hofmann, Commission members had a brief discussion. It was agreed that their decision must be non -emotional and non -personal. Focus needs to be on "cost, service, and who can do the best job." V. Committee Reports A. Mayors Awards / Disability Awareness City-wide Event Kathy has received two letters from City Manager John Fischbach giving his support to a community -wide awareness event. Would like to include the City's Diversity Team and the Multi -Cultural Commission in planning the event. An Ad -Hoc Committee (six members) of community/business representatives is needed to be formed to work with the group who will plan the event. Kathy asked for suggested names of individuals that could be invited to participate on the committee. Commission members interested in being part of the Ad Hoc committee are: Frank, Kathy, Mark Kramer's wife (?). The Mayor's Awards is hoping to be a luncheon or a dinner and would be the "highlight" of the community -wide event. Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes April21, 1997 Page 3 Need to have another proclamation done up to proclaim October "Disability Awareness Month" (as done last year). Nancy can assist with this when time comes. Kathy is trying to find a speaker for the Mayor's Awards — one that can pull in interest from various groups and businesses. She has approached Marriott but has not heard back from them yet. Are there any other alternatives? Please let Kathy know. B. New West Fest —-_-- Frank has been "nominated" to head the coordination efforts for the New West Fest this summer. Nancy has received the application forms for a booth at the Fest. Frank asked that we request electricity for our booth — he wants to bring his voice -activated computer to show. Nancy will also arrange for rental of tent, table, and chairs. Kathy will assist in soliciting and coordinating volunteers to help man the booth and provide brochures from organizations. Letter for volunteers should go out end of May or early June. Ray will take care of arranging handicapped parking for Fest attendees. Tom Brannigan (hopefully) has the wheelchair ramp and brochure stand. He has offered his assistance. C. COD Video Mark C. has been actively pursuing how to go about putting a video together. He has spoken with Carson Hamlin and Michael Gitter of the City's Cable office to discuss options and costs. Right now, for $1,000 the COD can get a 6-8 minute video of photographs put on to video; a volunteer person would need to do voice-over or speaking parts. Carson and Michael will attend the next COD meeting to discuss arrangements or other options. Meeting adjourned at 4:35 pm. Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes April21, 1997 Page 4