HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 01/24/2002COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 24,2002
Members Present: Rob and Romola Fritz, Paul Ostrof, Laura Burnett, Jill Lancaster.
Diane Dittus, Ruth Bell Skogerboe, Susan Williams
Guests: Randy Hensley, Transportation Planning and Parking Manager
The meeting was called to order by Laura at 12:20 pm. The minutes of the last meeting
were approved. Motion was made by Paul and seconded by Ruth.
Accessible Parking: Randy Hensley from the city transportation planning and parking
department joined the meeting to discuss accessible parking spaces. $45.000 was
allocated for an accessible parking space program. Strategy: as opportunities come
along such as construction, remodeling, etc., accessible parking will be addressed. The
first priority for the funds will be installing signs at city controlled handicapped spaces
noting the increased fines. Second priority is to apply plastic thermoform handicapped
parking symbols on high traffic parking spaces that will last longer than the painted
symbols. Rob asked if there are "lines" made of the same material that could be installed.
ACTION: Randy will check to see if there are "lines" available made out of same plastic
thermoform material.
The commission wanted to know how to encourage parking ticket referees to not forgive
those who park in handicapped areas. Randy suggested that we make our concerns
known to Judge Kathleen Lane regarding the referees for parking tickets. Randy noted
that marking officers now have cameras and they take photos of offenders' vehicles and
the area (such as signage, etc.) It seems this procedure has increased compliance.
MOTION: The commission should send a letter to Judge Kathleen Lane and address the
following: thank her for the increase in fines at handicapped parking places, thank her for
the job the referees are doing in enforcing the parking fines in handicapped parking
spaces, and encourage the referees to examine appeals carefully and respect the needs of
the disabled. Motion made by Susan, seconded by Laura. Motion approved.
Action: Diane and Jill will draft the letter and bring a draft to next meeting.
Randy said he would try and add a couple of handicapped parking spaces per year in the
downtown area and asked the commission for specific priorities. Rob suggested a space
near the Walrus Ice Cream store and a space outside of Ace Hardware. Mark suggested a
place at the Lincoln Center on Magnolia next to the curb cut that leads up to the
handicapped entrance on the north side of the building.
The County Administrative building is being built on current parking lot of the "old"
courthouse. The city will remove the current handicapped spaces on Howes and will put
a row of accessible spaces on Oak at Mason for "old" courthouse" parking during
construction of new administration building.
The commission wanted to thank Randy for all his hard work on the accessible parking
issue. Round of applause!
MOTION: To send a letter to Randy's boss recognizing him for his support of the
Commission on Disability. Motion trade by Susan, seconded by Diane. Motion
Action: Rob and Romola will draft letter to Randy's boss and bring to next meeting.
Heavy Doors: Rob has not found any existing handouts that will meet our needs.
Action: Rob will develop "heavy doors" brochure and meet with committee when he
has a draft.
2002 Work Plan: Susan asked if the senior center could display artwork by the disabled
periodically throughout the year. Also research the option of having a one time art show
where the disabled can sell their work.
Action: Tracy, as our staff liaison, will approach senior center and appropriate city
officials with the idea and if they are favorable, the Commission will consider adding this
project to the work plan.
Motion to adjourn at 1:40 pm. Made by Rob, seconded by Paul.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Lancaster
COD Secretary