HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2013-01-02DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. January 2, 2013
PRESENT:
DAC Chair — Roberts
DAC Vice Chair - Gizewski
DAC Members:
David McElrath
Alderperson Smith
Jocelyn Scriber
Information Management Specialist Myers
EXCUSED:
DAC Members: Rappaport, Freilich, Anderson, Sember -Chase
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the November 7, 2012 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes —
Resolution
Approval of the November 7, 2012 minutes was deferred to the February meeting due
to lack of quorum.
UPDATES
Chair Roberts provided an update on the history, role, and work of the DAC for new
Common Council liaison, Stephen Smith, as this was the first meeting he has attended.
Chair Roberts explained that the DAC recently recommended a code change to
Common Council regarding the requirements for membership to allow up to 50% non -
city residents to become members. He stated that many disabled members of the
community live outside the city, but either work or need to come into the City for various
reasons and so their input and ability to serve on the DAC will bring more diversity to
the Council.
He further explained that the DAC has been meeting with various department heads of
the City in order to gain a better knowledge of the work of each department, and to offer
input on accessibility and other issues relevant to each department
He stated that he is the liaison to the Board of Public Works, and also serves on the
Comprehensive Plan Committee, and the Commons Client Committee. He explained
that DAC Member Erin Sember -Chase is the liaison to the City's Workforce Diversity
Advisory Committee. He further noted that DAC Member McElrath and he are the
longest serving members of the DAC. He further noted that the DAC is very excited to
have a Common Council liaison that will be actively participating in their meetings and
providing that much needed connection to the Mayor and Common Council. He
reported that he would be meeting with the Mayor on Friday, January 4th to discuss the
need for a staff liaison to be appointed to provide support for the DAC.
Alderperson Smith asked Chair Roberts and the DAC in what way he could help in his
role as Common Council liaison.
Chair Roberts responded that assistance in filling vacancies on the DAC would be
helpful, as would working with staff or with BPW /CC to prioritize sidewalk repairs.
Vice Chair Gizewski arrived at 12:35 p.m.
Vice Chair Gizewski shared that he and another person in a wheelchair went with staff
to tour the various sidewalks, specifically corners to see where repairs were needed.
That information should still be available to include with others as sidewalk work is
prioritized.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding snow and ice removal from sidewalks and
especially from curb ramps at corners, and whose responsibility it is to keep them clear.
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding how property owners or tenants know
that they are responsible for snow removal from the curb cuts at corner properties.
January 2, 2013
It was suggested that a letter be sent to corner property owners that informs them of
their responsibilities to keep them clear from snow and ice. Alderperson Smith stated
that he would report to Common Council at their meeting this evening the suggestion
about mailing letters to property owners.
Chair Roberts stated that Mayor Myrick is very interested in the City being completely
responsible for all aspects of sidewalk maintenance, including snow removal. However,
it would impact property taxes, at a time when everyone is struggling financially. He
explained that DPW crews do clean sidewalks of snow and ice, but only after all the
City's sidewalks have been cleared, so it can be a few days before that work is done.
Property owners are then billed for the work. He will discuss with the Mayor the need for
a meeting with DPW staff to discuss concerns of the DAC with regard to sidewalks.
Alderperson Smith stated that he would plan to attend that meeting, and to let him know
when it is scheduled.
It was discussed that the City should create annual PSA reminders about snow
shoveling and keeping sidewalks clear from ice and snow, handicap parking rules.
sidewalk maintenance, and other pertinent topics. This information could also be
placed on the City's website during appropriate seasons and included in the City's
newsletter.
The City's 2013 budget included the creation of a Parking Director position, which will
oversee all aspects of the City's parking program both in the garages and on the
streets. The DAC might want to meet with this person to discuss handicap parking
enforcement, as well as the creation of additional handicap parking spaces — especially
in Collegetown. The City has also included a Chief of Staff in the 2013 budget that the
DAC should meet with as well.
NEXT AGENDA:
The following topics will be discussed at the February 6, 2013 DAC Meeting:
1. How to structure the guest schedule
2. Public outreach — including the city's website, newsletter, etc.
3. Discussion of 2013 meeting dates (i.e. today's meeting was difficult for
people to attend due to its closeness to the New Year holiday). DAC
members should plan to bring their schedules so that if a meeting needs
to be rescheduled because of holiday it can be done early in the year.
4. Discussion of meeting every other month as a group, with sub - committees
meeting in between.
5. Need to fill vacancies
6. Invite City Clerk Holcomb to February meeting to discuss what information
can be posted to the website to help increase DAC's presence, as well
as information in the City's newsletter.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
Sarah L. Myers Larry Roberts
Information Management Specialist Chair, DAC
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