HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 03/13/2008Commission on Disability March 13, 2008
Members Present: Terry Schlicting, Vivian Armendariz, Mary Elizabeth Lenahan,
Kimberlee Imig, Lydia Wiatrowski, Harry Meyer, Alva Vineyard, Marc Franklin-
Gaumer.
Absent: Jason Holland, Laura Burnett, Bev Hageseth
City Liaison: Bruce Byrne, Jenna Stieben
Guests: Britney Sorensen, Traffic Operations and Michelle Miller, Disability Program
Navigator — Larimer County Workforce Center.
1. Call to Order 12:20 by Terry Schlicting.
2. Approval of Minutes
Minutes were reviewed. Jan. 10, 2008 minutes were reviewed with changes noted in
Snow Removal section; changes were noted.
Lydia moved to note highlighting guests in future meeting minutes by underlining their
names. Mary Elizabeth seconded the motion.
Motion passed with one opposing vote by Vivian Armendariz.
Mary Elizabeth moved to approve the January 2008 minutes. Terry seconded the motion.
The motion was passed unanimously.
Mary Elizabeth moved to approve the February 2008 minutes. Kimberlee seconded the
motion. The motion was passed unanimously.
3. Introductions
Michelle Miller & Britney Sorensen
4.Open Discussion General Public
Guest Michele Miller discussed the job development role she fulfills with the Larimer
County Work Force. She and Deb from the Center for Community Partnership would like
to enhance their program for honoring employers in the community who employ people
with disabilities. Mary Elizabeth asked if they are familiar with the Mayor's Awards of
which one honors employers who were influential in hiring individuals with disabilities.
Yes, the Work Force is familiar, but would like to have more involvement in the Mayor's
Awards as in the past and to collaborate and contribute their resources to what is
currently done. Potential for funding from these resources could help to create a larger
celebration to re -connect with the community and increase the number of nominees.
Terry Schlicting asked guest to return next month with Deb from the Center for
Community Partnership and others involved to visit with the COD and discuss their
proposal for increasing the size and scope of the awards.
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Michele Miller handed out fliers for the Older Worker Job Fair to be held April 16, 2008
12:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m. Thank you, Michelle.
Bruce shared an e-mail message from Clint Skutchan of the Natural Resources Advisory
Board proposing a boycott of funds for food at meetings. Clint suggests the funds be re-
directed to local programs. COD does not provide refreshments, however, we host the
Mayor's Awards, a Work Plan session, and an annual Appreciation Ceremony for less
than $900/year.
Terry moved to keep the status quo for the COD with regard to food being provided at
meetings and events.
Mary Elizabeth seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously
Harry moved to table the discussion.
Motion passed with one opposing vote — Vivian Armendariz
Mare wants to know if there is a height requirement for evacuation signs. She explained
that evacuation signs appear to be too high for people in wheelchairs to read. Mary
Elizabeth offered to check with Mike Gebo.
5. New Business
Britnev Sorensen. Traffic Operations was invited to discuss concerns about using
crosswalks safely when crossing in a street in a wheelchair. Vivian Armendariz expressed
concern about the cross time in Old Town and Alva Vineyard shared his concern with
Lemay & Main (Alta Vista neighborhood). Terry explained there are several crosswalk
signals that are inaccessible from a wheelchair. Old Town and Maple has a crosswalk
signal with a curb located around the pole and inaccessible by a wheelchair. Terry and
Vivian will provide a list of inaccessible signals to Jenna and Britney. Vivian has
volunteered to accompany Jenna and city employees to illustrate the challenges posed by
inaccessible signals. Harry shared the crosswalk on Swallow & Lemay is difficult to
cross in the time allocated. Vivian will follow up with. Jenna to schedule time to
accompany the city crew and Terry will send an email with the list of inaccessible signals
(bsoeensen@fcgov.com). Terry also noted Meldrum & Mulberry as a difficult crosswalk.
Alva mentioned he believes there are federal guidelines when the ADA was passed.
Brittnev can have auxiliary buttons placed at crossings where a person in a wheelchair
cannot reach the button as placed
Oft. /second is the standard amount of time allocated at crosswalks as per the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Time is added to this at the Senior Center
and near school crossings. This can be up to 8ft/second for high pedestrian volumes with
a minimum of 10 to 20 seconds for crossing.
Thank you, Britmey.
Mary Elizabeth shared DVD on the proposed Mason Street Corridor currently in the
design phase. Mary Elizabeth asked if the COD had a liaison with the Transportation
Commission. She is concerned that the bike/pedestrian lane is planned to share the
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corridor with the MAX bus, trains, and two-way traffic, possibly creating safety hazards
for those not in vehicles. Terry asked if wheelchairs will be strapped in the buses. Terry
mentioned having a light rail (MAX) between Fort Collins and Denver which will
initially be within the city limits, then connect to Loveland, and eventually to Denver.
Bruce suggested that the COD keep apprised of progress and attend public meetings on
this topic. This proposal will be a major community asset and sets a framework for future
growth.
6.Old Business
Vivian has been working with a City Council member on gaining access to the Bean
Cycle coffee shop located in Old Town on Mountain and LaPorte, a building that is
considered historic. She has looked into a portable ramp with an estimated cost of $100.
Vivian has offered to help them get a portable ramp and would manage all the logistics
and show them how to use it if they wanted her to. Vivian will provide an update at the
April meeting regarding her request for reasonable accommodations.
Community Access PowerPoint & Brochure
Vivian has provided copies of a PowerPoint and a brochure to be used for educational
purposes. Mary Elizabeth requested that the font be at least a size 12 font and that the text
have clearer placement for easier reading. Vivian is working with a graphic artist and can
accommodate this request. Harry asked to add the Volunteers of America as a resource
to the brochure. Kimberiee asked that the weblink address to COD be added to the first
section and that the brochures be printed on recycled paper. Mare corrected the spelling
of amendable.
Mary Elizabeth moved to approve brochure and PowerPoint with edits and the chance to
view the script at the April meeting. Terry seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously. Once the versions are finalized, COD can recommend that it be reviewed
by City Council for use in the community.
Disability Rights Forum
Terry & Vivian reported that there were approximately 25 people at the first meeting,
March 19t and that the group focused on brainstorming ideas for enhancing community
participation for person with disabilities.
A second Disability Rights Forum will be held again Saturday, April 12s` 10:15am —
12:15 pm. No location was announced.
Access Day for People with Disabilities Contact: 720-865-5065 RSVP appreciated but
not required.
Terry mentioned the Board and Commission Member training is difficult to attend due to
the time requirement. The next training is March 27"`, however, a DVD will be created
for those who cannot attend. Karla will have these (416-2525)
Meeting Adjourned at 2:05pm�