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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2010-03-03DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. March 3, 2010 PRESENT: DAC Chair — Roberts DAC Members: David McElrath George Eberhardt Erin Sember Jason Anderson Andrew Rappaport Allen Walters OTHERS PRESENT: Information Management Specialist — Myers Ithaca Housing Authority Executive Director — Westfall Tompkins County Human Services Coalition Representative — Swayze Co- President of the Cornell Union for Disability Awareness - Shear EXCUSED: Alderperson and CC Liaison- Rooker DAC Vice Chair - Gizewski DAC Member - Jackson APPROVAL OF MINUTES; By DAC Member McElrath: Seconded by DAC Member Sember RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 3, 2010 Disability Advisory Council meeting be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously NEW BUSINESS: Discussion with Brenda Westfall, Executive Director, Ithaca Housing Authority, Regarding the Letter from DAC about Accessible Vans for Outings with Residents at Titus Towers: Ithaca Housing Authority Executive Director Westfall explained that the Ithaca Housing Authority (IHA) oversees public housing programs in the City of Ithaca. She explained that IHA oversees Southview Facility (which is on the south side of the City); North Side Facility (which is on the north side of the City); a ten unit housing facility on Hector Street; and Titus Towers I and Il. IHA also processes all the vouchers for Section 8 assistance. She stated that the funding over the last 8 -9 years has been reduced and IHA is totally dependent upon Federal funding for their operating budget. In response to the concern raised by the DAC about the vans used for outings she explained that the vans were purchased with money from a grant that was for a youth program entitled "Youth Drug Elimination ", and they were purchased in 2001. The vans were used for after school and summer programs to provide outings for the youth of the community. She further stated that in 2002 -2003 the Federal government eliminated that grant program and without the funds from the grant, the youth programs were discontinued as there was no money in the IHA operating budget to continue them. When that program ended, the vans came back to Titus Towers for the tenant council's organized outings with residents volunteering as drivers. She stated that the vans can be borrowed by other agencies and currently they are being used by GIAC for their senior and youth programs. She explained that there is a joint memorandum of understanding between IHA and GIAC for the use of the vans. She stated that Longview also borrows the vans for their senior programs. She explained that the intent of the vans, after the grant program ended, was to provide an opportunity for residents to use them for trips and outings. She has never had a resident come to her and say that they could not go on an outing because they could not get in the van. She explained that the vans have a step stool to assist residents in and out, and that a pulley system will be installed shortly to further assist residents in and out of the vans. She stated that IHA understands that it March 3, 2010 does have to provide reasonable accommodations for everyone to participate in the programs that they offer. She further noted though that the programs are optional, and that IHA does not necessarily have to provide them. She does not want to see the outings or the vans eliminated and is constantly lobbying in Albany for more funding for IHA to help support this program. She stated that she is looking to the DAC for advice and a recommendation on how to proceed now that the issue of inaccessible vans has been raised. DAC Chair Roberts responded that it was not the DAC's intent that IHA should discontinue this program. He is encouraged to be able to have this conversation with Ms. Westfall. He also understands that there is a cost factor and a willingness to look at ways to obtain funding to continue to have the vans and offer the outings to residents. He further noted that DAC members McElrath and Eberhardt who are residents of Titus Towers brought this matter to the attention of the DAC. He is not sure why Ms. Westfall was not aware of this problem and thought maybe the residents who could not use the vans knew that they couldn't access them so didn't raise the issue with anyone. He further stated that residents also utilize Gadabout as another resource to go on outings, but it does not travel outside Tompkins County. He further stated that the DAC is not interested in stopping this program, and understands that a long term solution will take time because of the funding issue. Ms. Westfall stated that the vans GIAC utilizes for its programs are not accessible either because she had thought that perhaps IHA could borrow their vans — similar to GIAC borrowing the IHA's vans and that would resolve this problem quickly. She further stated that the vans are costly to maintain but she does include money in the operating budget for their maintenance because she understands how important the outings are for residents. She suggested that perhaps all the involved agencies could work together to look for ways to obtain funding to purchase accessible vans that could be shared. DAC Member Sember stated that it would be more cost effective to purchase an accessible van rather than try to retrofit the current vans to make them accessible. She suggested that perhaps one van be sold to help pay for the cost of a new accessible van. She also thinks that the other involved agencies should be asked to help provide or look for funding as well to purchase accessible vans. DAC Chair Roberts stated that he would check with the City's fleet manager to obtain a report of the City's accessible vans. He agreed that a collaborative effort among the different agencies to investigate possible funding sources would help solve the issue. He also stated that the City does have a connection with IHA and it would be good to see what it might be able to do to help resolve the issue as well. DAC Member Rappaport stated that the intent of the law regarding accessibility is to provide reasonable accommodations and one solution would be to next time purchase vans that are accessible. Tompkins County Human Services Coalition Representative Swayze suggested that this request be added to the agenda for the county wide transportation plan. He noted that there are limited funds in the program that may be targeted already for certain things, but that this item should still be added to their agenda for discussion and consideration. Ms. Westfall stated that she would like residents who are not able to participate in the outings to come to her because so far she has not been made aware of any problems or concerns of residents not being able to go on the outings. DAC Chair Roberts suggested that this issue be reported on at the next tenant council meeting so that all residents will know that it is being investigated. He further suggested that IHA obtain input from the residents on the issue and involve them in this process as well. 61 March 3, 2010 Ms. Westfall asked whether IHA could borrow an accessible van from the City if it is determined that the City does own one in its fleet. DAC Chair Roberts responded that he would investigate that and let Ms. Westfall know. Ms. Westfall stated that she is developing a sign up sheet for outings so that accessible vans can be provided for those trips when they are needed as they may not be needed for all the trips. DAC members Sember and McElrath offered to act as point people between IHA and the DAC as this matter is worked on. Tompkins County Human Services Coalition Representative Swayze suggested a coordinated transportation services plan be developed where there might be a pool of accessible vans available to different agencies as needed — similar to "Ithaca Car Share ". DAC Chair Roberts suggested that Ms. Westfall speak with Dwight Mengel at DSS herself since IHA represents a whole host of residents for whom this program would benefit to see what assistance he might be able to provide. Ms. Westfall thanked the DAC for inviting her to their meeting and discussing this matter with her. Presentation by Cornell Union for Disabilities Awareness: Co- President of the Cornell Union for Disability Awareness (CUDA) Talia Shear explained the work of CUDA, its history and development, and future plans. She explained that CUDA is a student -run awareness and activism organization consisting of members with and without disabilities. CUDA serves as a resource for students on campus with concerns about disability issues. They are actively working with administrators, faculty and staff, to heighten their awareness of accessibility concerns on campus and implement appropriate improvements; by uniting and empowering students to improve the physical, programmatic, and attitudinal accessibility of the Cornell community; and by bringing a greater awareness to their peers and the community about disability issues. Cornell has created a disabilities studies course and is developing future curriculum for additional courses. CUDA has also organized a wide variety of events on campus in order to educate their peers. They have also hosted different speakers, including Judy Heumann, an internationally recognized disability rights activist, and Jon Herrion, the Director of Disability Rights for the New York State Division of Human Rights. CUDA is now seeking to extend its impact into the Ithaca community and learn about what Ithaca is doing to serve its citizens with disabilities. CUDA would really like to become more involved with the DAC and become educated about how disability rights are protected at a city and state level. DAC Chair Roberts stated that the city has been investigating the possibility of a student DAC member, if Ms. Shear is interested. He further stated that even if Ms. Shear could not become a member, she could attend meetings, and participate anyway. He further stated that as Director of Finger Lakes Independence Center he would be really interested in speaking to the class. Updates. DAC Member Anderson stated that the food court tables at the Shops at Ithaca Mall are really low for someone who is disabled. He wanted to know if there are any ADA requirements regarding restaurants /malls to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities as far as height of their tables. He thought that if a few higher tables were provided it would benefit those who need them. DAC Member Sember responded that there are guidelines and there is a section of the law that addresses restaurants. She will check with one of her co- workers who is certified in the building code to see what the requirements are and let DAC Member Anderson know. V March 3, 2010 DAC Member Rappaport stated that the mall would fall under Title 3 of the law concerning public accommodations and noted that the food court at the mall would need to comply with those regulations. However, it may be that the tables are within normal height requirements under the ADA. He thinks that most restaurant owners would make reasonable accommodations by providing a few higher tables in order to keep their customers, if they were made aware of the need. DAC Chair Roberts stated that he has been working with Frost Travis, owner of Center Ithaca, as he plans renovations of the building to ensure that ADA requirements are followed and to offer suggestions to which Mr. Travis has been very appreciative. He further stated that the DAC should research the question of table heights in restaurants and thanked DAC Member Sember for offering to check on code requirements. Tompkins County Human Services Coalition Representative Swayze suggested a county wide campaign on table heights so that individual restaurants are not targeted. He also thought that this might also apply to outdoor dining areas as well. DAC Chair Roberts explained to CUDA Co- President Shear that he is a member of the client committee for the re- design of the Commons and that it would be great if CUDA could provide input on the new design of the proposed play area. DAC Chair Roberts stated that a representative from the Ithaca Police Department would attend the April meeting to talk about handicap parking enforcement strategies. Future agendas will include presentations by the Director of Human Resources Schelley Michell -Nunn, as well as a follow -up discussion with Information Technology Director Duane Twardokus on the progress of the city's web work. DAC Member Eberhardt brought up a concern that he had regarding the entrance door at the new Challenge location not being cleared of snow. DAC Chair Roberts responded that Sherry Thurston, peer counselor at Finger Lakes Independence Center is very aware of the issues at the new Challenge location and has been involved with TCAT's ADA meeting to talk about the bus stop there. He stated that Charlie Brunza, from TCAT, is working to set up a meeting with representatives from Challenge to talk abut the issue. It may be just because it is a new location and things are still being worked out as to who is responsible for what as far as snow removal on the sidewalks is concerned. He further stated that he would raise the issue of snow removal from curb ramps at the next Board of Public Works meeting. He stated that the primary reason why curb cuts are not kept clear is because of snow plows putting snow from the road into them after they have been shoveled by the property owner. It makes it very difficult for property owners to keep the curb ramps clear when the plows keep putting snow on them and he feels that the City should take some responsibility for them. DAC Member Eberhardt also noted that it is difficult to enter /exit TCAT buses when snow is piled in between the road and sidewalks. Tompkins County Human Services Coalition Representative Swayze reminded everyone that 2 -1 -1 is still enrolling people in the Medicaid buy -in program; as well as scheduling tax preparation services for low income residents. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Larry Roberts Information Management Specialist Chair, DAC Il