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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 01/08/2009Commission on Disability January 8, 2009 Members Present: Terry Schlicting, Mare Franklin-Gaumer, Bev Hageseth, Sam Cavallaro, Michelle Miller, Mike Devereaux, Karen Perry, and Lydia Wiatrowski. Absent: All members present. City Liaison: Bruce Byrne and Jenna Stieben Guests: Bob w/KRFC 1. Introductions 2. Call to Order: Terry called the meeting to order at 12:23 p.m. 3. Approval of Minutes Lydia moved to approve the December minutes. Terry seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Open Discussion General Public & Community News Bob from KRFC wanted to follow-up on the issue of snow and accessibility. We have not had any major snow storms so it hasn't really been an issue this season. Bob then also inquired about the Bike Plan and the COD'S stance on it. Bob wants to provide a reminder to the community about snow days and get ahead of the snow and be prepared to ensure accessibility. Mare brought up the 211 emergency services for those who may be confined to their homes during snowstorms. This process is supposed to help identify people who may need assistance during an emergency such as the evacuation that is currently occurring in Boulder due to the wildfire. Bob will air the bike lane story on Wednesday or Thursday. 5. New Business Terry asked the new members to introduce themselves and give a little bit of background as to why they joined the commission. In-depth Member Introductions: Mike Devereaux is involved with Barrier Busters and has joined the commission in hopes of helping others who need services and get connected with resources. They offer an email address for people to submit questions: ftcbarrierbusters@yahoo.com Michelle Miller is the Disability Program Navigator for Larimer County and they offer services to the public regardless of their ability or disability. They also help people fmd employment. Karen Perry joined the commission to share her experiences and help others understand. One of her greatest challenges is where she lives and accessing the bus. The nearest bus location is several blocks away and during cold weather she is required to walk on busy streets and has to use special clothing for such cold weather. She discussed the challenges of the amount of time required just to get where she needs to go because of the limited bus lines and the amount of transfers she has to make. Karen has limited access to Dial -A -Ride. Karen is also concerned about the bus access to the mall. The mall only allows buses in to a certain time. There isn't enough help available for the volunteer bus line. Karen does not have any depth or peripheral vision and it is very challenging for her to see where she is at and has to recognize sound or smell or recognize large buildings or landmarks. Terry asked if she has had any mobility training for her visual impairment and explained there are people who help train people for greater mobility based on their visual impairment. Karen said libraries do not have online application training for the visually impaired. Terry said Deb Spotts works for the Center for Community Partnerships and they may offer training to help her. Disability Resources, Insight, and other resources are available but are limited. Terry also commented the resources are severely underfunded. Karen explained lighting also impacts her ability to see. Karen wants to help others deal with the issues and challenges they also have. Note: Minutes printed for Karen should be printed in a size 17 font. Sam Cavallaro has joined the COD because his wife is visually impaired and he has a muscle disorder but does not consider himself impaired because he is able to work. Sam wants to get more involved and is concerned with transportation in Fort Collins. The closest bus is about two miles away from his home and poses a challenge for his wife to get around. Bev Hageseth explained we are not a unit of power or authority but we are a unit of influence. She explained we have access to Mayor Hutchinson and we do have influence. Bev provided information regarding her background in nursing and shared how she was injured several years ago but is able to walk "by the grace of God". Bev also shared how she volunteered to the commission and is her fourth year of serving the commission. Lydia Wiatrowski shared background regarding an injury that brought her to want to serve on the commission. Bruce Bryne added that Boards and Commissions are on the organizational chart dotted line directly under the City Council and if there are any concerns, the commission will be heard. Bruce is the Staff Liaison and has been with the commission just over two years. Jenna Steiben is support to the Board and the holder of all COD records. She is the contact between the City Clerk's office and the COD. If members are unable to attend a meeting, please notify Jenna. She handles almost all administrative issues. 6. Old Business Terry asked Mare and Bev to tell us about their meeting with the Mayor. Bev had received a call from the Building Review Board and asked COD members to attend their meeting because there was a builder who was building several condos throughout Fort Collins and did not want to comply with ADA requirements. Bev explained she was not comfortable providing her full name in her testimony because she was concerned about people who do not want to comply with the law. The builder/developer contacted Bev after the meeting at her home and was verbally berated. She was upset and scared after the conversation. Bev and Mare met with the Mayor and explained the situation and Bev asked for an apology from Felix Lee. Terry would like to write a letter from the COD regarding how the members were treated at the Board meeting. We will wait to hear back from the Mayor. Mare and Bev will follow-up if we do not hear back from the Mayor by next month. Here is the URL for U.S. Census Data regarding demographics for the City of Fort Collins: City of Fort Collins Fact Sheet Jenna shared a letter sent to former COD members from former COD member, Vivian Armendariz. Meeting Adjourned at 2:02 p.m.