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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2017-12-06Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 6, 2017 Present: Chair Roberts Vice Chair Scriber DAC Members: Andrew Rappaport Erin Sember-Chase David McElrath Lisa Monroe Others Present: Information Management Specialist – Myers CC Liaison Brock Special Guest Appearance: Mayor Svante L. Myrick (towards end of meeting) Approval of Minutes: Approval of the November 1, 2017 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution By DAC Member Sember-Chase: Seconded By Vice Chair Scriber: RESOLVED, That the minutes of the November 1, 2017 Disability Advisory Council Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Additions to the Agenda: Chair Roberts requested that the suggestion to discuss items that “need to be done” to share with the new commissions from DAC Member Rappaport be added to the agenda. DAC Rappaport’s List included the following:  Accessible map  Accessible website  Accessible on street parking designation  Dealing with disabilities training for police. I haven’t heard complaints, but I know that Chief Barber agreed to come back to report on what the IPD was doing and I believe that was a few years ago. There is now a new police chief.  Playgrounds? Is the Commons playground done? I know that I’ve discussed Stewart Park with Rick Manning recently. No Council Member Objected Vice Chair Scriber reported on what occurred at the November City Administration Committee meeting. The reason it was important for someone from the DAC to attend that meeting was to share their recommendations with the committee when it was reviewing, discussing and approving the new “Rules and Procedures” for the four new commissions. She was able to speak directly to committee members regarding the specific recommendations from the DAC specifically related to having a specific member on each of the four commissions with either a lived disability or experience with disabilities. She also spoke with the committee about the training on ADA law that each of those four members should have, language regarding disabilities be included in all language proposed regarding protected groups, and that the City create an ADA Coordinator position. Chair Roberts reported that he met with Chief of Staff, Dan Cogan regarding the recommendations of the DAC, including the need for the City to hire an ADA Coordinator. Chief of Staff Cogan pointed out to him that the DAC is one committee and there are many other positions that have also been requested from various city department other than an ADA Coordinator. For example, the Department of Public Works put in an over budget request to hire an additional crew that could complete work that the City pays contractors to perform. There are all kinds of similar requests that come from different departments all over the city to add positions to their rosters. Part of what Common Council will need to be convinced of is why Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 6, 2017 2 they should support the position of an ADA Coordinator over the other, equally important position since costs for personnel are the most expensive part of the City’s budget. Vice Chair Scriber stated that when she spoke at the City Administration Committee meeting about the DAC feeling that there should be an ADA Coordinator, there was nodding and agreement from numerous committee members agreeing with the DAC that an ADA Coordinator position is needed in the City of Ithaca. Chair Roberts further stated that another part of his discussion with the Chief of Staff Cogan was how to fund an additional position for the City. It occurred to both of them, that there are a couple of positions in the City that started as funded positions between municipalities. So, perhaps there are ways that other municipalities could be involved to fund such a position to that would make it attractive to Common Council to include in the budget the finds with which to hire an ADA Coordinator. The Sustainability Coordinator position that was added to the City’s roster started as a joint position between the Town of Ithaca and Tompkins County, then the City and Tompkins County and the Town of Ithaca and now it is funded between the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca. In any case, it was a collaborative effort and now that position is located in the City and paid jointly by the City and Town of Ithaca. In addition, in the past local foundations have donated money to the City to fund certain projects. So, there are other funding sources to help support an ADA Coordinator position. If members of the DAC are willing to carry this request forward they will need to think about various creative ways to fund it and then share that information with Common Council to determine whether such a collaboration is possible, including finding organizations that might donate to the City to fund the position. He feels these are exciting and interesting ideas to move this recommendation forward. Vice Chair Scriber stated that she would like to discuss today whether there are other DAC members, other than Chair Roberts, who may apply to serve on one of the four new commissions. She has been thinking of applying to be on the commission that will cover parks and recreation due to her work with Rick Manning on the new Stewart Park playground; however, she is not a city resident. DAC members expressed their full support to Vice Chair Scriber to pursue applying to be on the new commission due to her expertise and experience. Vice Chair Scriber wondered if DAC members might know people to encourage them to consider applying for the other two commissions; she feels that with good training it will be a good opportunity since the commissions are just starting. If they do, it would be good to recommend that they apply. DAC Member Rappaport agreed that it is vital that there be someone with expertise in disabilities and accessibility issues on every commission. DAC Member Sember-Chase asked whether Common Council members can choose which commission they would like to be assigned to. CC Liaison Brock responded that Common Council members are offered an opportunity to provide their preference to the Mayor as to which commission they would like to be assigned to. DAC Member-Sember Chase stated that the DAC would recommend CC Liaison Brock for the Mobility, Transportation and Accessibility Commission in an effort to carry forward concerns of the DAC. Chair Roberts stated that it would be helpful if CC Liaison Brock reminded Common Council members at their meeting tonight that there is an expectation there be someone on each commission with either a lived disability or expertise in disability. He would not want the spots for those members to given to anyone without those qualities. Chair Roberts further encouraged other DAC members to reach out to their individual networks to stress the fact that there is a need for people with either a lived disability or experience in working with people with disabilities on the new commissions. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 6, 2017 3 CC Liaison Brock noted that Common Council supported the DAC’s recommendation to recruit individuals as noted above, so it is incumbent upon the community to put forward as many candidates as possible for appointment to the new commissions. The members of the DAC should do their best to get someone on each commission that they know, he feels that will be very important - including people over the age of 65 group and those who have challenges visually or physically. If the DAC doesn't get people to apply, no one will, and DAC members that do apply should apply to different commissions. DAC members agreed to reach out to their contacts to encourage them to apply. The members of the DAC agreed to defer the discussion of what the job description of an ADA Coordinator might look like due to lack of time. They felt it was more important to work on finalizing the list of items that they want to make sure are carried forward for the new commissions to be aware of and work on. The following items were added to the list of items that DAC Member Rappaport shared, as noted above. Work Items for the New Commissions: Ongoing: Communication with and between the City’s Sidewalk Program Manager and Transportation Engineer regarding condition of sidewalks/driveways/curb cuts To Do: Placement of additional on-street accessible parking spots downtown To Do: ADA self-assessment of community; re-do ADA self-assessment for the City Continue with periodic surveys to the public regarding accessibility As “Uber” becomes available, the City should not lose track of the fact that City and County still do not have an accessible taxi. The one they had several years ago was purchased by the county who had a partnership with Ithaca dispatch to provide drivers to transport individuals; however, there were not providing very good service. The taxi broke down and was repaired; now Ithaca Dispatch does not provide service with the accessible taxi in Ithaca because there is no sustainable market for it - there is in Elmira. This is a problem that is not unique to Ithaca or Tompkins County; accessible taxis are needed. Gadabout is launching a project to look at whether or not they could do automatic response service, and so they are looking at doing a pilot project. The new commission should be involved in that pilot project in order to insure the provision of accessible taxis in the City of Ithaca. Ongoing efforts to remove snow and ice from sidewalks or from being put in any path that wheelchairs use for storage. There should be a paid person who works for the City of Ithaca that can remove snow and ice from curb ramps and other neglected areas that become inaccessible due to snow. This why the ADA Coordinator position is important. DAC Member Sember-Chase pointed out that the DAC has been serving the City in a primary role in order to insure that City projects are completed in an ADA compliant method or that they be corrected to comply with ADA laws. That primary role placed them in a more pro-active position to see that the City complied with ADA law rather than in a “reactive” role which will happen if the role of ADA Coordinator is added to current job responsibilities of employees. CC Liaison Brock stated that those people who don’t have ability to apply to be on commission should consider about applying to be an “advisor” on an as needed basis. They would be the “experts” to the commissions without the continual time commitment. It would be great for the City to have a list of advisors already in place to use quickly and easily. DAC Member McElrath stated that he was thinking about applying to be an advisor. Chair Roberts responded that he would be the perfect person to reach out to on behalf of people in public housing for additional information. He further stated that the new commission should make sure the City is aware of and working on aging in place plans for the future, as well as emergency response preparedness for all individuals in the community. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 6, 2017 4 Mayor Myrick stopped in to the meeting because he wanted to take the opportunity so that he could thank everyone for their work through the years on the DAC and to encourage them to apply to be on one of the new commissions. He stated that the City will begin advertising the availability of the new online application and the need for volunteers and advisors for the new commission within the next few days. He noted that he has only been at this for 10 years and during those years read a lot of about the City of Ithaca. He stated that no one has done more for the city than DAC Chair Larry Roberts; he has been a steadfast advocate and champion for the people of the city. He wanted to make sure the record reflected that he wanted Chair Roberts and all the DAC members to know his sincere thanks and appreciation to them for their service to the City in this important role. He further stated that he would like this committee to continue as one of the “ad-hoc” sub-committees of the new commissions because of all the very valuable members’ experience and past service to this community that will still be needed going into the future. Chair Roberts explained to the Mayor that the DAC has been discussing today the need for members to reach out to people to encourage them to apply and, for some, be the “expert” members with a lived disability on each of the four commissions. CC Liaison Brock further explained that Chair Roberts is hoping that there will be an established and reserved spot on each commission for this “expert”. She is not sure what kind of assurance has been insured that this spot will not be filled with just anyone. Mayor Myrick responded that for this first year that shouldn't be a problem; however, he is not sure that in the future there will be that same level commitment – it is a goal though. Vice Chair Scriber voiced her opinion that the Mayor should also extend his thanks and recognition to DAC Member McElrath because he has been the longest serving DAC member. Chair Roberts stated that as far as the position of an ADA Coordinator for the City of Ithaca that the DAC is committed to make that happen since it feels that it is a tremendously important position to both the City and the community. Mayor Myrick asked where the City might start to research the position of ADA Coordinator as far salary, role, etc. DAC Member Rappaport responded that he reviewed the salary and job description for a ADA Coordinator for Seattle Washington. The ADA Coordinator there is an executive level, able to make on the spot decisions, and have the ability and authority to poke their head in meetings or offices everywhere to insure accessibility is considered since it affects so many departments, projects, and individuals. He would say that an ADA Coordinator should be a person whose primary job is ADA Coordinator. The position has a to be at the administrative level and have that level of authority to instruct others on what needs to be done to insure accessibility needs and requirements are met for each and every project, job, etc. The ADA Coordinator is centrally involved in whatever group may be convened to discuss and review various topics to insure that consideration is always given to accessibility needs. The ADA Coordinator needs to be someone who is able to be proactive in all areas of government so that development can occur in a way that complies with ADA law and requirements; right now, for the City of Ithaca, it’s only being reactive to problems or complaints. The ADA Coordinator should also be able to educate staff and be someone that people see as a resource or “go to person” for information. They could also be able to respond to complaints; however, that position should not be set up with that as its only role. The ADA Coordinator would also be the person who would be working with and discussing ADA requirements with other agencies such as the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, the Planning and Development Board and the four new commissions. Chair Roberts stated that the ADA Coordinator should be included in developing goals, plans, and continual assessment of the City’s compliance with ADA law, conduct the ADA self- assessment for the City of Ithaca, and then to follow-up with appropriate staff to make sure that anything that needs to be done as a result of the self-assessment is completed. They would be the person who is driving the disability discussion because they have the time and resources to do so. He believes in the effectiveness of volunteers; however, there is nothing compared to the paid person who does this on a daily basis. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 6, 2017 5 Vice Chair Scriber recommended that staff have a check list for certain ADA related items that always have to be done before a project can begin. To take a pro-active approach to meeting accessibility needs rather than a reactive approach. Cost should not be an acceptable excuse for not doing something in order to comply with ADA requirements. DAC Member Sember-Chase explained that an ADA Coordinator would also assist in providing recommendations as the City’s budget is developed so that there are established budget lines that would pay for ADA compliance requirements in the next year. The ADA Coordinator would also provide guidance and consultation to both staff and developers to educate and assist in meeting ADA requirements. The ADA Coordinator would ensure that equipment used for public meetings is maintained in good working order, train staff on the use of the equipment so that more than one person is familiar and can operate the system for each and every public meeting. Chair Roberts stated that an ADA Coordinator knows what accommodations are in place and works to insure that additional accommodations are made on an ongoing basis. They would also follow-up with appropriate staff to insure that requests for continual accommodation are maintained. DAC Member Sember-Chase stated that right now, in the City of Ithaca, there is a lot of passing the buck on items amongst staff and departments. If there is a designated ADA Coordinator then everyone knows who to contact. The ADA Coordinator has the responsibility to facilitate that or at least be a key player in addressing any accommodations the need to be made and who the staff are to contact when needed. In addition, the role of the ADA Coordinator will be to work with staff in all departments to build relationships in order to insure awareness of ADA law, and be a resource to provide general education. Chair Roberts would like to insure that the City shares a positive public message about its understanding of ADA Law and is more committed than ever before to insure that people with disabilities are able to be a part of this community where they live, work, or want to come into the city and have accessible restaurants and be able to go anywhere and not be limited by lack of accessible accommodations. DAC Member Rappaport agreed and noted that this goal comes back to the real need to have an accurate and up-to-date accessibility map for the City of Ithaca that shows every location and whether it is accessible or not for the public to utilize. Chair Roberts confirmed that item is on the list for the new commission to work on. He would suggest that they reach out to the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce for assistance with that project as well. DAC Member Rappaport, as a side note, shared that a prime example of the value of having such a map would help someone to know that at the Ithaca Ale House there is outside seating that is accessible; however, it is not accessible inside the restaurant. DAC Member Sember-Chase shared that in the past when she called Ithaca Ale House in order to make arrangements ahead of time for a person in a wheelchair they refused to – which resulted in lost customers. She stated that the goal for the future for the City of Ithaca should be that no one should ever have to think about whether or not where they are going is accessible. The ADA Coordinator could create a vision of that goal and work to get there for everyone and keep that message going so it doesn’t just happen when a group is very vocal about a need. Sustaining the conversation regarding ADA and accommodations will be a significant role of the ADA Coordinator. CC Liaison Brock also noted that in light of the recent hurricanes that have left many without electricity for lengthy periods of time, it just highlights the need for the City of Ithaca to plan for a similar situation and how emergency shelters can accommodate for that need as well as mobilize large groups of people with disabilities in such a situation. That really needs to be addressed, and the City needs to have services and programs set up for emergency long-term situations. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 6, 2017 6 DAC Member Sember-Chase stated that this is an age old conversation, and it’s been going on in our community since hurricane Katrina in 2005. Yet, little seems to be done despite efforts of various groups to have the City and County make that more of a priority. Private businesses may have programs and plans in place for such situations, but how would they connect to the City during an incident? That isn’t clear right now and needs to be one of the high priority items for discussion by the new commission. Chair Roberts stated that he would like City and Town of Ithaca to meet to talk about an ADA Coordinator. Tompkins County’s answer to the need was that different people in different departments have been assigned the duties of an ADA Coordinator. Would it make sense for Tompkins County, the City, and perhaps a foundation to discuss the need for an ADA Coordinator position? He will volunteer to pursue that idea since the Mayor, Alderperson Mohlenhoff and others are supportive of having an ADA Coordinator for the City of Ithaca. If the City of Ithaca ended up sharing such a position with Tompkins County it should be full- time so that the City and County each get twenty hours per week. It may make sense to have such a shared position due to the overlap of projects between municipalities. Vice Chair Scriber noted that any funding for the position of an ADA Coordinator needs to be funded through the City of Ithaca budget because a foundation will not continue to fund in perpetuity. Chair Roberts stated that the DAC, as a body, needs to get a draft proposal together for the City of Ithaca about what they see as the role of an ADA Coordinator. DAC Member Sember-Chase wondered whether or not the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee would be a good group to provide support to the DAC to push this request forward through the City, since the DAC will no longer be meeting as a group. Chair Roberts responded that he could request that CC Liaison Brock report on behalf of the DAC to the W orkforce Diversity Advisory Committee (since she is the CC Liaison for that committee as well) about its efforts to encourage the City to create a full-time position for an ADA Coordinator. She could request, on behalf of the DAC, that they be the committee to push for the creation of the ADA Coordinator position. He would be happy to attend a future meeting of the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee to provide further information to committee members or answer any questions they might have. CC Liaison Brock stated that it has been her honor to be the Common Council liaison to the DAC. The DAC has incredible passion and commitment to its task to provide recommendations to the City on ways to improve accessibility. The members of the DAC are professional and dedicated members; it has been a big learning experience for her and she has great respect for each and every member. Chair Roberts stated that he has been part of the DAC for so many years, and is a little sad that it is being disbanded. He will continue to be involved in the City of Ithaca and he will not allow disability related issues to get dropped and will remain active as long as it takes. Adjournment: On a motion the Disability Advisory Council adjourned its final meeting at 1:35 p.m. _________________________________ ________________________________ Sarah L. Myers, Larry Roberts, Information Management Specialist DAC Chair