HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2012-08-01DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. August 1, 2012
PRESENT:
DAC Chair — Larry Roberts
DAC Members:
DAC Vice Chair — Greg Gizewski
David McElrath
Erin Sember -Chase
Jason Anderson
Common Council Liaison - Eddie Rooker
City Clerk — Julie Conley Holcomb
EXCUSED:
Allen Walters
Andrew Rappaport
Jocelyn Scriber
Jaime Freilich
Introductions:
The following guests introduced themselves to the committee:
Tomo Shibato
Amy Scott
Dwight Mengle, Chief Transportation Planner
Tompkins County Department of Social Services
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the July 10, 2012 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes -
Resolution
There was not a quorum of voting members present, so the approval of the minutes was
deferred to the September 5, 2012 meeting.
Discussion with Ithaca Police Chief Vallely
Chair Roberts announced that Chief Vallely was not able to meet with the Council today
due to a conflicting engagement. He will be invited to attend an upcoming meeting.
Discussion followed on the various topics that the Council would like to discuss with the
Chief such as how officers interact with people who have disabilities and mental health
illnesses, disability etiquette, training opportunities, etc.
Discussion with Dwight Mengel, Tompkins County Department of Social Services,
Regarding Accessible Taxi
Mr. Mengle reported that a wheelchair accessible taxi has been delivered and will be in
service soon. He explained that the purchase of this taxi was made possible through
Federal Funding (80 %) and local funding (20% paid by Ithaca Dispatch). Tompkins
County will hold the title to the vehicle; however, it will be leased to Ithaca Dispatch.
Mr. Mengle noted that acceptance of this taxi may require a change to the City's taxicab
ordinance regarding the provision of shared rides. He explained that taxis purchased by
Federal Funds must be "shared ride" vehicles.
Chair Roberts stated that he is pleased that Tompkins County will soon be offering the
wheelchair accessible taxi service; however, he supports the City's taxicab legislation
and stated that the Disability Advisory Council would not take a stand on the City's
licensing operations. He voiced his surprise and disappointment that this important
issue is being raised at this late date.
Alderperson Rooker stated that he would review the City's legislation with City Attorney
Lavine and prepare an amendment to the City Code if necessary.
Extensive discussion followed regarding people's comfort level with shared rides,
making shared rides optional, the capacity of the new vehicle, taxi rates, and whether
August 1, 2012
caregivers will be charged as well as the customer. Mr. Mengle suggested that the City
entertain a fare discount for shared rides.
Chair Roberts stated that the DAC's recommendation would be to ask that Mr. Mengle
and Mr. Kadar, Ithaca Dispatch, work with Alderperson Rooker and City Attorney Lavine
in revising the City's taxicab legislation as quickly as possible so that the vehicle can be
put into service as soon as possible.
Continued Discussion of Goals and Objectives
Chair Roberts distributed copies of the goals and objectives discussed at the July
meeting and asked DAC members to review them and be prepared to prioritize the
items at the September meeting.
Updates on Projects
Vice Chair Gizewski reported that he has been working with City Clerk Holcomb on a
video and audio public service announcement regarding handicap parking spaces. City
Clerk Holcomb relayed that there were audio issues with the video and some footage
will need to be re -shot. She further noted that she would like this to be the first of a
series of PSAs on different issues such as the availability of the new wheelchair
accessible taxi, challenges to accessing businesses and housing, service animals, etc.
Chair Roberts announced that he would be presenting the DAC's Annual Report to
Common Council at tonight's meeting.
He further reported that work on the Comprehensive Plan is moving forward; however,
the effort will now be undertaken in -house without the assistance of the consultants.
Chair Roberts stated that he would ask City Planner Jennifer Kusznir to give the DAC
an update on the Commons Repair and Upgrade Project. He noted that the design is
nearly complete but discussion on items such as play features is ongoing.
Next Meeting:
Items for the next meeting include a conversation with Police Chief Vallely (45 minutes)
and priority setting for the DAC's goals and objectives (30 minutes).
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:35 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb Larry Roberts
City Clerk Chair, DAC
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