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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2008-04-02DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. April 2, 2008 PRESENT: Chair — Larry Roberts Vice Chair - Greg Gizewski David McElrath Kendrick Kemp George Eberhardt Charlie Dorsey Otis Jackson OTHERS PRESENT: Recreation and Support Services Intern — Siobhan Whalen City Clerk — Julie Conley Holcomb Historic and Neighborhood Planner — Leslie Chatterton Ithaca Festival Director — Jake Roberts EXCUSED: Erin Sember ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chair Roberts reported that Sustainable Tompkins is hosting a presentation, "Sustainable Transportation for All" on April 10, 2008 from 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm at the Human Services Building. The Disability Advisory Council (DAC) is one of the program sponsors. The Finger Lakes Independence Center (FLIC) is sponsoring the 13th Annual World of Skills Job Fair on April 10, 2008 from 9:00 am — 12:00 pm at the Holiday Inn. More than 300 job seekers and 40 employers are expected to participate. More information on this event can be found at www.tomokinsworkforcenv.ora ITHACA FESTIVAL: Chair Roberts introduced the Executive Director of the Ithaca Festival, Jacob Roberts to the Council. Chair Roberts gave a brief history on accessibility issues and the Ithaca Festival and noted that both the FLIC and the DAC have brought accessibility issues to the attention of previous Festival organizers such as the need for American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation Services for some of the venues. Chair Roberts also noted the accessibility requirements included in the City's Special Event permitting process. Mr. Jacob Roberts stated that he is new to the Ithaca Festival and he will strive to maintain an open line of communication with the community. He reviewed some of the changes that will be included in the Festival this year including a change in the date to June 19 -22, 2008. Mr. Roberts noted that the Festival will largely remain in downtown this year and all craft and food vendors will remain downtown until 12:00 pm on Sunday for a "Sunday Brunch" type of atmosphere. Live music and special youth programming to honor the Ithaca Youth Bureau's 60th anniversary (including a 60th birthday cake) will take place in Stewart Park on Sunday afternoon. The Festival will be expanding its footprint west to Albany Street (on West State Street). A main stage element may be moved to Geneva Street to accommodate the bigger bands that are applying to participate. There will also be a local grown foods element similar to a Farmer's Market. The Festival will be "districting" zones of interest and activity to make venues easier to find. The craft fair will be on Cayuga Street and a mini - theater district will be created near the Clinton House and the State Theater. A family -fun area will be set up in the Disability Advisory Council April 2, 2008 Pirro lot on West State Street and the "Green Expo" will be placed on the Commons along with food vendors. Festival Director Roberts will be meeting with TCAT to develop park & ride solutions to encourage festival goers to use mass transit and alleviate downtown traffic and parking congestion. The DAC suggested that the Festival promote the accessibility of TCAT buses in their advertising and contact Gadabout for information as well. DAC member Charlie Dorsey noted that crowd control is an accessibility issue that needs to be addressed. He suggested that either stanchions or volunteers be placed in a way to keep people moving and that the vendor layout on the Commons should be considered carefully. He further noted that the presence of dogs and other animals has also been an issue in the past. DAC Chair Roberts stated that he also views vendor layout as an accessibility issue but also encouraged the Festival to educate their vendors on how to set up their booths and wares in a way that everyone has access to them. Festival Director Roberts stated that there is a mandatory food vendor orientation scheduled in May. DAC Chair Roberts questioned which events would be ASL interpreted. Festival Director Roberts responded that the issue hasn't been determined yet but that he was open to providing a mix of programming for kids and adults. He encouraged DAC members to e -mail him with their ideas and concerns at director ithacafestival.org Accessible America Grant Program Chair Roberts reported that a meeting is being scheduled for May 7, 2008 at 11:00 am in Common Council Chambers (immediately prior to the May DAC meeting) with members of City staff to discuss the Accessible America program and to identify what initiatives are already in place and what needs to be done to see if the City could be competitive for the 2009 program. The winner of the competition receives a $25,000 award. Gimme Coffee Counter Recreation & Support Services Intern Chevon Wheeler noted that the recent renovations at the Cayuga Street Gimme Coffee store resulted in a very high counter that is all one level. She questioned what options the DAC had to provide feedback. DAC member Otis Jackson reported that the Ithaca Fire Department and the Ithaca Building Department work together on these types of projects and noted that he will investigate this issue and find out who the assigned Building Inspector is. Ms. Wheeler stated that she would submit a "Thumbs down" to the Ithaca Times as an individual statement. Titus Towers Flooding DAC member George Eberhardt reported that Titus Towers spent a lot of money on leveling their parking lot to avoid flooding in the area and recently the storm drains on Plain Street overflowed and flooded the parking lot. He questioned what could be done about the situation. City Clerk Holcomb noted that she would advise the City Department of Public Works of this issue and request that the drains be cleaned if needed. Membership Chair Roberts noted that the DAC currently has 3 vacancies out of a 12 member Council. He requested that DAC members notify him if they know of people who would be interested in serving on the Council. Discussion followed on the floor regarding how the Mayor handles outreach to attract community members to serve on committees. Collegetown Historic and Neighborhood Planner Chatterton reported that the City is working with consultants to develop a vision plan for the Collegetown area. A planning charette was conducted with a stakeholder and community group recently and the consultants will be 61 Disability Advisory Council April 2, 2008 returning on April 22, 2008 to meet with the Steering Committee with a draft plan. A public comment session on the plan will be scheduled for the 2nd week of May. Ms. Chatterton offered to distribute copies of the draft plan to the DAC and make a brief presentation at the May DAC meeting. In addition, she will try to schedule a meeting for DAC members and the consultants in May. Future Meetings An idea for future meetings is to invite the Information Technology Department to a meeting to discuss the new website project. A suggestion was also made that a Thank you note be sent to Former Police Chief Lauren Signer for her dedication and service on the Council. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Julie Conley Holcomb, CIVIC Larry Roberts City Clerk Chair, DAC V