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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-1991 DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL January 17, 1991 PRESENT: Kuhn, Farruggio, Franco, Yale (liason) , Golder (liason) GUEST: Larry Roberts ABSENT: Thurston, Merritt, Logan, Farmer, Sams, Binta-Lloyd, Pogson, Reynolds, Clair (liason) , Decker (liason) , Conners (liason) The meeting was opened at 7: 1 3PM 1 ) Meeting Time for the DAC Daytime meetings seem easier for many disabled members due to transportation difficulties. It was suggested that meeting times alternate monthly from evening to afternoon. This will be discussed at the February meeting. The next meeting will be February 21st at 12 till 2 PM in City Hall 's Second Floor Confer- ence Room. 2) Budget Report Responding to a letter from Brenda Kuhn on behalf of the DAC, Mayor Nichols approved a $60/meeting alottment for a sign language interpreter, but no money for transportation. Martha Fisher, an interpreter, has agreed to serve for one year at $350 an hour. Richie Farruggio agreed to research the agreement between Gadabout and TOMTRAN/Ithaca Transit. 1) Is there a legal agree- ment? 2) What is the arrangement? Is there a written policy? A budget for the DAC will be submitted. Ray Reynolds is working on this. 3) TDD Update Brenda Kuhn reported that Dick Buckingham has made initial contact with T.C. Sheriff Guest, City Police Chief McEwen and the T.C. Hospital Staff. He will report on this at the next meeting. 4) Outreach Update Sherry Thurston put out a PSA to local organizations and support groups inviting them to attend DAC meetings and informing them of the group 's activites. Ray Reynolds was on a WHCU radio talk show. He publicized the DAC and received call-ins. These related to problems with snow and ice removal . 5) Presentation to the Board of Public Works Carol Franco, Brenda Kuhn and Jon Merritt went before the BPW on January 9th, 1991 . The possibility of an additional handicapped parking space was addressed. It apppears that there is not an additional space available at this time. It was proposed at the BPW meeting that the present handicapped parking space carry an additional sign reading "For City Business Only" . On the issue of snow and ice removal , the idae of a core area to be kept clear was presented. It was expressed that lodging of complaints should not be necessary and perhaps some policing arrangement should be developed. The Mayor asked the Public Works Department to investigate this. Follow through by the City remains to be witnessed. We discussed petitions on the subject, and the possibility of form letters for complaining. Involving people who want to do, or are mandated to do, community service in snow and ice removal might be investigated. 6) The S.H.A.P.E. Project This is a program for citizen policing of handicapped parking. Richie Farrugio spoke with the program head. Trained volunteers police the community for parking viclatons. It was initially difficult to get legislative support, but the program now seems popular with the government as well as cost effective. There is a possibility of S.H.A.P.E. represntatives coming here to make a presentation to our local government. The members present thought that a presentation should be arranged for March at a regular meeting time if possible. Richie Farrugio will begin making arrangements for this and Brnda Kuhn will consult with Mayor Nichols. Tying this project into snow and ice removal proceedures is worth investigating as well . Announcement: Brenda Kuhn announced that .Ludy Willis and Dwight Mengle will be speaking about current and future paratransit service to the Board of the Finger Lakes Independence Center on March 18th. This was rescheduled from January 21st. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. DISABILITY ADV I SOFTY COUNCIL February 21 . 1991 PRESENT: Kuhn, Farruggio, Franco, Decker (1iason) , Golder (1iason) Farel 1 , B uck.i ngham(guest) , Aneshansl y (Quest) , Fisher (interpreter) , Pogson, Cliar (liason) The meeting was opened at 12: 10 pm. 1 ) Meeting Time for the DAC It was decided that monthly meetings would alternate from evening to afternoon times on the first Thursday of the month. Evening meetings to be from 7:3.0 to 9:30 and afternoon 's from 12 till 2:00. 2) Second Handicapped Parking Space Brenda reported that a handicapped parking space for evening hours has been established in the City Hall lot. Ray will write a letter of thanks to the BPW and will ask that the DAC be remembered if a daytime space becomes free. 3) TDD Update Dick; Buckingham reported on his contacts with the city police chief and the county sheriff. Police Chief McEwen said he had no money for purchasing a TDD. Sherriff Guest requested more information and will pass it on to necessary contacts. Dick suggested the DAC write letters of support. The TDD training for the Tompkins Community Hospital remains on hold pending a meeting with the hospital administrator. Dick will report on this at the nest DAC meeting. A suggeston was made that a list of qualified interpreters be distributed to appropriate sights throughout the community. 4) Lynne Gifford - Junior City Engineer Ms. Gifford provided the DAC with a memorandum introducing the functions and concerns of the City Engeneer 's Office. She also offered valuable information on where specific needs and ideas could be taken within city government. Lynn suggested the DAC write a list of appropriate concerns to be presented to the City Engineer 's Office and the DPW. She stated that three quarters of the curb cuts built were responses to specific request from city residents. We were told that everyone 's favorite problem ramp at the corner of Seneca and Tioga Streets is scheduled for renovaton next year. A suggestion was made that a request for ramp renovation needs be included with the letter asking for new ramp placement ideas. Lynn made maps of present curb cuts within the city available to DAC members. If anyone else would like one, as well as copies of her memorandum and notes on her presentation, please contact Brenda or Ray. 5, 6) Discussion on items 5 and 6 on the February agenda: the SHAPE program and Snow and Ice Removal were postponed till the next meeting. MEMORANDUM TO: DAC FROM: Lynne Gifford , Junior Engineer DATE: February 21 , 1991 RE: Introduction to the City Engineer 's Office The Department of Public Works consists. of three major areas: A . Streets and Facilities Division Sanitation/Recycling Parking Meter Division Electrician Traffic Signals Staff Vehicle Maintenance Ithaca Transit Street Maintenance Bridge Maintenance Parks and Forestry Building Maintenance Golf Course B . Water and Sewer Division Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Water Plant Plumbing Inspection Water Meter Division Utilities Administration Utility Map Group Equipment Maintenance Utility Line Maintenance C . City Engineer 's Office JURISDICTION 1 . Street Right-of-Way 2 . City Properties ( except Fire Stations ) l TYPICAL ACCESSIBILITY RELATED PROJECTS t+ Y -rO I . New Public Works Construction ( includes buildings ) C��JE14J example: Ithaca Youth Bureau 2 . Sidewalk and Ramp Construction operational for about 10 years number of new ramps per year ( 114 , 57 , 40 , 55 , 105 ) J budgetJC' philosophy yearly letter soliciting suggestions response over the years new ramps vs . rebuilding old ramps Update on Seneca/Tioga ramp ramp map is available from City Engineer 's Office SNOW REMOVAL As you 're aware the Board of Public Works determined it was not feasible to take on regular shoveling of ramps . Perhaps your efforts in this area would be best spent approaching merchants ( and residents? ) asking them to adopt a ramp and pledge to keep it shoveled . Window decals could be provided . DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES MEETING, March 4, 1991 Present : Kuhn, Feruggio; Golder. , Farrell, Maxwell (proxy) Guests : Lenore Schwager, Director of FLIC Jon Ives , Architectural Barrier.-Free Consultant , FLIC Initially, no quorum existed; later. , minutes-were-approved as 5 members were needed for a quorum. Richie was not present so election committe did not report . Leslie Chatter.ton' s Accessibility Survey Update was distributed. City-County Accessible Transportation Committee : (Dian Sams, Ray Reynolds , La erta tl1ac ru er. , James gm Fey; Leslie CHatter.ton heading City' s part , Dwight Mengele,the County' s ) The mandate will go to City for approval in May, then to NYS DOT, then to Governor ' s office for approval before June 26, 1993. Handicapped Parking at Mental Health action by FLIC: Client at MH complained of being to to par in Woolworth ' s parking lot but found no spaces for MH clients . Three exist , should have 7 and offer some in County section of MH construction area. Questions : A. Does Woolworth ' s lot have the number required at time lot was built? In ramp? Motions passed unanimously : i) That Le Moyne go to BPW meeting to request parking spots for clients at Mental Health; 2) That DAC request at same time a zebra at the pedestridn li-ht at Mental Health to enable pedestrians with mopility impairment to cross safely. -- Snow and Ice Removal Update: Rick Farrell wants to delay proposal for cost o , in wages for a Civitus worker until September in order to coordinate with the Ordinance for. Snow and Ice Removal for the winter. term. More funds may be available then and Farrell is very much behind this program. City Attorney's Letter. Asking DAC and Independence Center for Help in im lementaion of ADA Guidelines : DAG has thanked City Attorney tor is reading of the ADA. He included the municipal code as it has been updated and expressed appreciation' of advice•'bn taking or failing to take action to provide benefits , programs , or. services to any per.sons ;' mentioning meeting in City Hall and City meetings as important: to be"accessible even if need go beyond the requirements of the ADA. " The meeting was adjourned at about 1 :45. Respectfully submitted, Le Moyne A. Farrell DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES Julv Z, 1991 PRESENT: S Thurston , J Merritt, R Furruggio, B Kuhn, A Watkins D Sams, L Farrell . N Calder (liascn) , L McGruder (au;est The meetina was opened at 12: 15 pm. 1 ) New Members and Time Chanqe Common Council approved Larry Roberts ' and Diana Pogson 's ren�We rf tf;eir m' tuber SiipS for three vearS. Art W t-kins and Richard Maxwell are new members with three year terms. Due to the schedule of a new member , it was asked if meeting times could be changed to the first Wednesday of the month from 12 to pm in the second floor conference room of City Hall . All present agreed, I Calls were made to confirm this with absent ;;umbers. All were in acreement. 7 Officer Election Guidelines This was tabled untiii the next meeting. Larry and LeMoyne were not present at th- appropriate time. NOD Update Brenda reported that the County had received , concurrently with the City, an invitation to join the National Organization cn Disability. After discussion, it was decided that the representative will be the Executive Director of the Finqer Lakes Independence Center. The DAC will benifit from the resource services offered by NOD. ? Follow Up c-n Current Projects a. Stewert Par:. Jon reported that the goal of the committee is to I . _ hardiaa-ed r. rl.i nn accecc to crass-- areas, access to restrooms, improved signage, etc. Thev are currently working with appropriate city departments to review necessary changes. b. Parkinq Meters Diann read a letter addressed to the BPW suggesting several solutions to the problem of the parking meters for people with reaching difficulties. Newly installed meters could be lowered , or a permit, that would be payed for elsewhere, could be issued. C. Parking Enforcment Committee Jon stated that this was on hold untill the committee could meet aqain. He will report at the August 7th meeting. S) Elmira Road Sidewalks On June 18th the BPW held a public meeting on sidewlks for upper Elmira Road. The meetinq place was not accessible. This issue was brought before the Human Services Committee of Common Council via memorandum on Jane 220th and will be presented to Common Council tonight, July =rd. The DAC decided, by consenses, to get involved in the Elmira Road sidewalk decision. Neil and Jon expressed that it will take individuals with disabilities to push this through. It was suggested tha the DAC research ADA regulations, State and City ordinances, .and possibly circulate a petition. Art and Richie voluntered to do this. b) Status of DAC Report to Common Council Brenda will present the DAC progress report to Common Council and update them on current projects. She will also discuss the above mentioned HSC memorandum and report back at the August 7th meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. r DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES September 4, 1991 PRESENT: R Maxwell , J Merritt, R Furruggio, P Kuhn, D Pogson, A Watkins,_ A Pinta-Lloyd, L Roberts, L Farrell , N Golder (liason) , P Clair (liason) The meeting was opened at 122: 155 pm. 1 ) Parking Enforcement Committee Report Jon reported on the informational meeting with the S.H.A.P. E. representative, the 'sheriff and the police chief. This was held August 9th at Cite, H.sil , The idea of citizen involvement in p-art: irg enTarcmer,t m-et with a very favorable response from l.aw oi:i.cer�s. _And tha comri.ttee was .even good guides-nce in f ;rtrier The next meeting is schedL:ied To' Elmira Fi:=!.ad I dtwal' ks {r` Wit ins raper te� on the- di stribuition and collection of petstiors. T;iese will to gathered at FL1C and passes on to approprate city bodies. Brenda and Neil spoke on the Planning and Development meeting. After much discuss=on on both sides of the issue, the board decided to table the project for financial reasons. They did, however, vote unanimously in favor of the idea. 3) Stewert Park Access Jon Merritt continues to work with Rack Farrell of the DPW. A shifting of the accessible restrooms to the maintenace building, which is open longer hours, has been suggested. 4) City' s 1985 Access Study The Mayor has requested that the Planning Dept. appoint someone to make a listing of completed projects required by the study. The appointee, Leslie Chatterton, has choosen to send the original surveys back to the department heads for this informa- tion. She will coalate the results and pass them on to the DAC. 5) Officer Election Guidlines This was tabled till the November meeting. 5) New Business Jill Tripp has agreed to be the DAC' s new liason to the city' s Board of Public Works. The long awaited automatic doors are in at City Hall . it was decided to do a media event with the Mayor cutting the ribbons. This will take place on September 20th at 10 am. The issue of snow and ice removal was revisited. The group come forward with several good ideas: meet with the snow plow drivers,_ meet with business owners, notices in the paper, a paid patrol , PSAs on the radio. The DAC will formalize ideas for presentation to the BPW at it' s October meeting. Art and LeMoyne agreed to put together ideas for PSAs on parking problems to be aired in October. r'ISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES October 1991 PRESENT: R Maxwell , J Merritt, R Furruggio, b Kuhn, D Pogson, L Roberts, L Farrell , N Golder (iiason) The meeting was opened at 1-2: 15 pm. The minutes were approved 1 ) City Hall Automatic Doors On September 0th the ribbons on the new automatic doors at City Hall were cut by Mayor Pen Nichols. DAC received good media coverage. Diann Sams, Richie Farrugio, Diana Pogson and Brenda Kuhn represented the DAC. �) Snow and Ice Removal The ideas put forth at the September 4th DAC meeting were reviewed,: meeting with snow plow drivers, meeting with business people, distributing printed notices, a paid patrol person, rSAs on the radio. Brenda had brought the snow plow drivers idea to the City Engineer' s J++�ice and was told that there was really no way to avoid pushing the snow into the curb cuts. So we looked for ways to get it ou'_. Collegiate fraternal organizations were suggested as volunteers. Neal and Larry will make the contacts. Richie will work on an article about s and i removal . A paid patrol is not possible without new legislation. Radio PSAs will be aired in November. Handicapped Parking PSAs The committee had drafted several PSA ideas. They were well received by the DAC and, after polishing, will be distributed. 4) City' s 1985 Access Study Brenda had spoken with Leslie Chatterton from the Planninq Department. The information surveys have been distributed to all the City' s Department Heads. Ms. Chatterton will coalate these and present the results at the November 6th DAC meetinq. 5) Elmira Road Sidewalks The sidewalk issue was brought before the public on Channel 7 News. They are still under investigation and there are no immediate plans for construction. Brenda took the opportunity to push for cleaning all sidewalks this winter and gave a pluo for the DAC. 6) Officer Election Guidelines It was agreed that by-laws for the DAC would be put in place. Brenda voluteered to look through the old minutes for guidlines and policies to assist in this work. A brainstorming time for developing recruitment of new members was suggested, as well as the formation of a nominating committee. DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES November b, 1991 PRESENT: R Maxwell , J Merritt, R Furruggio, B Kuhn, D Pogson, A Watkins, A Binta-Lloyd, L Roberts, N Golder (liason) , D Sams The meeting was opened at 122: 10 pm. 1 ) The minutes were approved. Radio PSAs LeMoyne is presently workinq on the PSAs before distribution to the radio stations. __1) DAC By-laws Richie Furruggio will join LeMoyne and Larry on the by-law committee. 4) Snow and Ice Removal Neil has spoken with two fraternity members and is settinq up a meeting which will include Tom West, City Engineers Office, and Larry Roberts. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 15. Neil is also exploring using the lnterfraternity Council at Cornell . A delegation, made up of Jon Merritt, Brenda Kuhn and Neil Golder, will attend the November 2`Oth DPW meeting to once again present the snow an ice removal issue. The results will be presented at the December 4 DAC meeting. The idea of a stronger city ordinance was discussed. It was suggested that a rewrite be done in committee and presented to the Charter and Ordinance Committee of City Council . Contacting Betsie Parks of Downtown Ithaca Inc. was also suggested. This was is referance to advertising. Publicity to the community through radio and TV PSAs and newspaper announcments was mother idea. 5) City' s 1985 Access Study Leslie Chatterton, City Planning Department, distributed surveys to all city departments requesting a listing of completed accessibility modifications. She gave brief background information on the 1985 Study and reported on the survey results. DAC members reviewed each listed item on the Study' s Transition Plan with her. She will have a written report done by the end of November or the beginning of December. This will be distributed to all DAC members, all Common Council members and the mayor. Ms. Chatterton I -= willing to discuss next stems with the DAC i, they so desire. Tne meeting was adjourned at v�� Gt11. DISABILITY AD`JISORY COUNCIL MINUTES December 4 , 1991 PRESENT: J Merritt, D Pogson, A Watkins, S Thurston, R Furruggio, B Kuhn, N Golder , Guests from Respect For Injured Workers: Ed and Sherry Onan, Suzi Wintermute The meeting was opened at 12 :10. 1) November ' s minutes were appro�?ed 2) Respect For Injured Workers Visiting members from Respect for Injured workers were introduced. They offered information about their organization and were invited to consider membership on the DAC when space allows. 3) Radio PSAs Richie distributed copies of PSAs he composed and said they would be sent to radio stations :shortly. 4) DAC By-laws This is still on hold until the committee convenes. 5) City' s 1985 Access Study Brenda reported that she had spoKen with Leslie Chatterton from the Planning Department. Ms.. Chatterton will distribute a written report to all DAC members, Common Council members and the Mayor. It was agreed that The DAC would discuss the report at their January meeting and would hold off on inviting Ms. Chat- terton until the discusion was complete. 6) Snow and Ice Removal Neil and Brenda reported on the BPW presentation November 20th. The response was positive and work was initiated on hiring a CIVITAS worker to act as a volunteer coordinator. A rewrite of the City' s snow and ice removal ordinance was proposed. The idea received a favorable response. An update will be presented at January' s meeting. 7.) New Gas Service Law Jon offered information on a new law that allows disabled individuals, unable to pump them own gas, self service prices at the full service pumps. The meeting was adjourned at 1 :20 .