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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2013-07-03Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 Present: Chair Roberts DAC Members: David McElrath Erin Sember -Chase Andrew Rappaport Amy Scott Others Present: Information Management Specialist - Myers Tompkins County Office for the Aging Rep - Lunas Excused: DAC Members: Jason Anderson, Jody Scriber Vice Chair - Greg Gizewski Approval of the March 6, May 1, and June 5, 2013 DAC Minutes By: DAC Member Scott: Seconded by DAC Member Rappaport RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 6, May 1, and June 5, 2013 Disability Advisory Council meeting be approved as published. Ayes (4) - Roberts, Scott, Sember- Chase, Rappaport Nays (0) Abstentions (1) - McElrath Carried Chair Roberts explained that two goals developed by the DAC regarding utilization of the city's webpage for the DAC are to raise public awareness as well as the visibility of the DAC to the public. He stated that the DAC would like input from the public on issues that DAC should be concerned with and then the DAC should focus its work in that direction. He also noted that it might be possible to put up a survey or question that could be publicized and draw people to the web to provide their answers and thoughts regarding accessibility issues in the City of Ithaca. DAC Member Sember -Chase questioned if the city's web page would be entirely based around the work of the DAC? Chair Roberts responded that all city boards and committees would like to increase their presence on the city's website to help facilitate better input from the public on issues they are concerned with. He stated that at this point, City Clerk Holcomb is focusing her time and efforts to update the DAC's webpage. Today is an opportunity to share input with her on what members of the DAC would like to see updated on its' webpage. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 Chair Roberts also noted that the DAC does not want to create a complicated and long survey for the public to respond to. He suggested keeping the survery to two questions. The DAC wants to encourage the public to participate in the survey so want to make it as easy as possible for that to happen. DAC Member McElrath stated that it is difficult for residents at Titus Towers to participate with online surveys as many residents do not have computers, and the one provided for the residents to use is limited to just e -mail. DAC Member Sember -Chase encouraged Titus Towers residents to use the public computers at the Tompkins County Public Library. Tompkins County Office for the Aging Representative Lunus also noted that there is a public kiosk with a computer at the Office for the Aging that can be used as well. Chair Roberts encouraged residents at Titus Towers that do have computers to participate in the survey as well. Updates: Chair Roberts reported that he would be on vacation 7/4 - 16/13. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan Committee's focus group on transportation will be holding a meeting on July 9, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. He asked if anyone was interested in attending the meeting on behalf of the DAC since he will be on vacation. DAC Members McElrath and Scott volunteered to attend the meeting to represent the DAC. Chair Roberts thanked them for their willingness to attend the meeting. Chair Roberts reported that Civil Engineer, Lynne Yost, forwarded to him a note about a good citizen - Ron Brown, who lives at 120 E. Falls St. He received a sidewalk notice of complain letter from the City recently. In response to that, he repaired not only his sidewalk, but areas of sidewalk that were missing on that block. He did this voluntarily and Ms. Yost thought the DAC would like to know that and perhaps send an acknowledgment to him in recognition of his going above and beyond to make sure the sidewalk there is accessible to everyone. DAC members supported that idea; however, it was noted that the DAC should be sure to be consistent and fair in recognizing others who may do the same. Chair Roberts noted that in this instance, the work of this good citizen was brought to the attention of the DAC specifically, so it is important that they acknowledge it. He asked if anyone would be interested in drafting a letter to Mr. Brown expressing the DAC's thanks and appreciation for his work on the sidewalk. DAC Member Sember -Chase volunteered to draft a letter and circulate it by e -mail for DAC members to review and provide input. Chair Roberts thanked her for volunteering to draft the letter on behalf of the DAC. Chair Roberts explained the reason the agenda for today's meeting was changed regarding an update from Transportation Engineer Logue of the proposed new sidewalk policy was because the policy first will be presented briefly to Common Council this evening and then a more indepth presentation will be given at the July 8, 2013 Board of Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 Public Works meeting. Mr. Logue wanted to come to the DAC to provide an update after those two presentations had been done. Therefore, the presentation /discussion of the proposed new sidewalk policy will be placed on the DAC's August agenda, and Transportation Engineer Logue will plan to attend the meeting to speak to that policy. Discussion with City Clerk Holcomb, and Manager of Electronic Communications Scott Kronenbitter regarding use of the city website: Chair Roberts explained that one of the DAC's goals this year was to raise the visibility of the DAC and to get input from the public about the kinds of issues people see in the community concerning accessibility. He noted that DAC members live in the community and there is a responsibility to reach out to the general public and people with disabilities to see where they might be able to help address problem areas for accessibility. He further shared that a good example of that is the recent public forum that the DAC held where it was brought to their attention that the doors at Center Ithaca were not handicap accessible, making it difficult for disabled people in the community to enter /leave the Center. The DAC then met with Frost Travis, owner of Center Ithaca, to discuss the concern about the doors, and he was very willing to work with the DAC to determine what doors would be best to replace the inaccessible one. Now, the doors at Center Ithaca are accessible. The DAC would like to work with the public to help address areas of concern, but it needs a way for the public to be made aware of the DAC and how they can provide input /information. The City's website is a potential tool to assist the DAC in reaching out into the community. Chair Roberts further noted that the DAC met with earlier this year with City Clerk Holcomb and Manager of Electronic Communications Kronenbitter to talk about ways to do that and to remind people that the DAC is interested in helping meet the various needs of the community. In addition, the DAC is working and developing public service announcements with City Clerk Holcomb. He stated that the DAC would like to utilize their expertise to determine the best way to get public input to one or two specific questions that the DAC would post on the website - perhaps in a survey monkey format. He stated that the DAC would like their input as to what their experience would be in using the tool that would garner the best response from the public. City Clerk Holcomb responded that within the past year that Mr. Kronenbitter assisted the DAC with a survey monkey. There is also an actionline on web site where people can leave feedback. She noted that the survey monkey is a bit more flexible, and can be e- mailed. Her most successful tool is an e -mail distribution of all administrators of the various neighborhood list serves, which results in a lot of feedback, especially if something is wrong, and has also proven pretty effective. Also, there is a City of Ithaca Facebook page that is nearing 1,000 likes. She noted that the public tends to push information from the City out through their Facebook pages, and the Mayor also puts different information on his Facebook page as well as various Common Council members. Facebook is a good tool to share information with a lot of different people. 41 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 There is also a community newsletter which is distributed electronically and 300 hardcopies are distributed at various locations in the City such as the library, Titus Towers, GIAC, etc. She noted that an insert could be done by the DAC for the newsletter as well. The newsletter is distributed every month. She stated that, unfortunately, the great newsletter writer that has done such great work for the City is leaving the area, so the City will be in search of a new writer. So, there may be a small gap in the distribution of the newsletter as that transition occurs. Awareness /notification - City Clerk Holcomb noted that information will soon be able to be placed on channel 15, which will be the City's own television channel. Information on that channel could tell people where they could provide feedback on various topics, and the DAC could determine what /how /when they would like to use the channel. Chair Roberts asked what's the best way of phrasing something to get the most responses? He wants to avoid if we can, the DAC just getting complaints as the DAC is not the best vehicle for that kind of information. In terms of a heavy door here or there, etc. how to get the larger community issues that people see to the DAC's attention. DAC Member Sember -Chase questioned whether this would be a one shot deal opportunity for the DAC - the DAC sends out a survey or a couple of questions to all mediums and explain to the public their opportunity to provide feedback by "x" date; or setting up a structure in place to get the word out about DAC and that the public can let the DAC know of issues any time. Not a survey -what should DAC focus on? Chair Roberts noted that he was attracted to the second option, while DAC Member Rappaport felt that the DAC would get more responses by using option one. Mr. Kronenbetter stated that a two pronged approach could be taken as well. The DAC could do the survey with a specific end date, and for option two utilize the city's current "action" line on its website to meet option two. He stated that the survey could offer a pointed question that would illicit more thought, and provide a list to give them answers to choose from. DAC Member Rappaport noted the the DAC already knows that sidewalks will be a top priority for everyone and everyone knows that. If the DAC can find a way to let the public know about issues it is already aware of and working on, that it would help narrow down the information it receives to new issues the DAC is not aware of, but needs to be addressing. City Clerk Holcomb responded that the Clerk's office could work to do both with the survey having the initial bang, and the longer term needs use a different set of tools such as a DAC t.v. show which could be done monthly, the use of public service announcements on the television station and on the radio, and through the DAC's page on website as well. Perhaps a survey question a month, as well as use of the city's newsletter. There would be room however often the DAC wanted to do an article on a particular topic to keep awareness out there about the DAC and its work. It could also highlight some successes - i.e. the doors on Center Ithaca - let the public know about the work of the DAC. Il Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 Chair Roberts noted that it will be important for the DAC to be a constant /regular presence and resource for the public to bring issues and concerns regarding accessibility to - whenever they arise. City Clerk Holcomb also noted that Common Council meetings are now streamed live so anyone with a computer can access the meetings. The City is hiring someone to do other city meetings as well. If the DAC wanted the city could bring someone in and put DAC meetings on t.v. or steam them live for computers or whenever the DAC wants to host a public hearing, it could be broadcast live on television and then available later on the website. She stated that DAC members would be surprised how many people watch those meetings on t.v. Chair Roberts noted that he likes the idea of saying to the public in a survey format here are the kinds of issues that the DAC has been working on such as sidewalks, snow and ice removal from sidewalks, service dogs, access to the Commons while it is under construction, so they are aware of what the DAC can do. It might help the public bring forward other issues that need to be addressed. He noted that Sherry Thurston, who used to work at Finger Lakes Independence Center thought that untrimmed bushes or high weeds that extend into the sidewalk can be an obstacle for people with visual disabilities. That's the kind of question - what is DAC missing? Items of concern? City Clerk Holcomb noted that little things mean a lot and can be corrected easily but make a big impact. People tend to focus on the big issues. Smaller issues tend to be less expensive to address and make huge positive impact. DAC Member Sember -Chase noted that the public also needs to know what the DAC can and cannot do in its capacity as an advisory board. Chair Roberts stated that one of the things he imagines might be brought forward is the reason why automatic doors aren't required at certain places. That might be interesting and similar concern that the DAC addressed with Center Ithaca - if owners are made aware of the positive impact it would have customers they may be encouraged to plan to do in the future to help their business. Chair Roberts and DAC Member Sember -Chase will work to draft a couple of questions that could be used in a survey and e -mail them around for everyone to review. Ms. Lunas suggested that if a question /problem is listed in the newsletter one month that the the following month offer the answer would be appreciated as well. It might also encourage the public to submit additional items of concern or questions to the DAC - if it realizes that the DAC will respond in a timely manner. City Clerk Holcomb also noted that the public may think that issues aren't being addressed because they need to know that some things take a while for change to occur - i.e. if certain legislation needs to be changed /updated to respond to a concern that whole process can take months to eventually be in place. In addition, as a city body, the DAC doesn't have a lot of control over private /public businesses response to concerns. '61 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 The DAC needs to make sure to acknowledge feedback and provide encouragement to the public to keep providing input to the DAC. City Clerk Holcomb requested that the DAC schedule time, at a future meeting — probably sometime in the Fall, to go over its webpage - to update and change it so it's a little more useful. She did note, that it might be a while before she could meet with the DAC to do that as the office is working currently on some bigger issues such as a new e -mail system and then a new website. She wants the new website more functional and easier to use. What would DAC like in new website - functionality - what DAC likes /dislikes about the current website. She asked DAC members to think about changes it would like to discuss with her. Chair Roberts announced that the city hired parking director and asked City Clerk Holcomb if she could provide a brief description of the work they will focus on regarding parking in the City of Ithaca. She responded that it is a brand new position and presents an opportunity for the City to have things done differently. The name of the new director is Frank Nagy, and he comes with a lot of parking management experience in college towns /cities. Currently, in the City of Ithaca parking is split into five different departments and is all over the place physically as well with no shared vision of how to manage parking so that it pays for itself and does not need to be subsidized by the City. This person will be able to consolidate all elements of parking management into one department that will make it more efficient and hopefully, increase revenue for the City as well. They will have oversight over the parking lot attendants and community service officers, so the DAC will want to meet with him to review handicap parking enforcement and education. DAC Member Sember -Chase asked the Clerk to make sure to take into account the need for its new website to be accessible for the visually impaired. Very important to address upfront, as it is very difficult to go back and make changes later. A brief discussion followed on the floor regarding the new Human Rights Director and the need to address with them the difference between ADA and NYS Human Rights law information that then will be useful to service dog owners and the people who run public and government accommodations, including police enforcement of rules. The DAC expressed their thanks and appreciation to City Clerk Holcomb, and Manager of Electronic Communications Kronenbitter for coming to the meeting to discuss ways to increase the DAC's presence to the public. Discussion with Planning, Building, and Economic Development Director, JoAnn Cornish, about changes to the Building Department and the Planning and Development Department: Chair Roberts informed Ms. Cornish that DAC Members Scott and McElrath would attend the transportation focus group meeting on July 9, 2013 since he will be on vacation. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 Ms. Cornish explained that beginning January 1, 2013, the Planning and Economic Development Department and the Building Department combined to create the New Planning, Building, and Economic Development Department. She is the director of the department, the Director of Code Enforcement is Michael Niechwiadowicz and the Zoning Director is Phyllis Radke. This was done in an effort to streamline some of the direct reports to the Mayor and to help create better communication and efficiencies between the departments. It will also help to streamline some of the processes in the City. The planning and building divisions work closely together with code enforcement, site plan, environmental review, and zoning. She explained that at this point staff is learning how to make it really work - as there was not a lot of discussion ahead of time about how it would all work together. As a result they have run into some interesting problems, i.e. who signs time sheet? She stated that looking forward for the new department will be able to have joint electronic folders that all staff will be able to access to help improve customer service and communication to the public. Since the planning division does some approvals and the building division does some approvals all this information can be shared between staff in a timely manner. and meet everyone's needs better. So staff is trying to make customer service better, and with the joint drives accessed by all will keep communication flowing and coordination of efforts more efficient and timely. The end goal is to make it easier for public to access information. Questions /suggestions? Chair Roberts stated that the DAC has had input for a lot of projects with the Planning and Development department. What are some other ways that the DAC can be helpful to the new department? Ms. Cornish responded that she would be willing to put it out there to bldg /planning staff to see where it would be helpful to have input from the DAC. The awareness of what is going on in the City would be good for the DAC. Chair Roberts stated that before Historic Planner, Leslie Chatterton, retired she and the DAC had been talking a while about doing an update of the city's self- assessment that the city did when the ADA was passed. The last one was in 1992, which was when it was legally required. Ms. Chatterton had done some work on it and he was wondering whose job it might now be in the department to review and work with the DAC to revise as needed. It's certainly not priority #1 but it would be very useful to the DAC to see exactly where the City is, as we may not be as bad as we think. Chair Roberts stated that the DAC would like to work with the remaining stores on The Commons that are still not accessible at some point in the future to see what might be done to make them accessible. Ms. Cornish stated that the City of Ithaca is also trying to work with those property owners to assist in anyway it can, it can't financially, but trying to increase the accessibility to the best they can to at least let people get into the store, and then the other accessibility issues will become apparent, and also need to be addressed. 7 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes July 3, 2013 Chair Roberts reported that he spoke with Planner, Megan Wilson, who is in charge of the work of the Comprehensive Planning Committee, and she noted that there will be some kind of focus group work with people with disabilities and seniors. It won't be an official DAC meeting, but DAC members will be welcome to attend and provide input. There are a lot of goals and visions of the plan that the DAC will need to provide input on as well. He is trying to highlight the most important two at this time which are community livability and infrastructure (i.e. sidewalk infrastructure very important). He stated that it might be helpful to list all the chapters of the comprehensive plan for DAC members to review to see if they have concerns or would like to provide input. Ms. Cornish stated that once this process is completed there will be pretty extensive public outreach for input into the draft comp plan. The draft plan is on line for anyone who is interested at www.cityofithaca.org DAC Members extended their thanks to Ms. Cornish for taking the time to meet with them today. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Larry Roberts Information Management Specialist Chair, DAC %'3