Dearborn Commission on Disability
Concerns
Dearborn Performing Arts Center, Wet Rooms 1 & 2
May 19, 2005 2 – 5 PM Minutes
Commissioners & City Employees Present:
Cathy McAdam, Chair
Cheryl Kreger, Vice-Chair
Dale Swanson
Nancy Bower
Gary Filiak
Sonya Tishler
Mona Ramouni
Dale Swanson
Excused:
Jane Thomas
Susan Fitzmaurice
Nazih Hazime - Fire Chief
Cynthia Grimwade - Economic & Community Development
Bill Dibiasi –Legal
M Patel – Engineering
Peg Watson – Senior Services
Guests:
Ray Roberson
Neil Greenburg - Wayne County Dept of Scheduling-SMART
Naji El Samman – Interested in working on a committee
Rebecca Parten - High School student interested in working on a committee
1. Call to Order: 2:05
2. Roll Call
3. Addition to agenda re bylaws
BREAK
4. Motion to accept minutes of March 17, 2005 meeting by Commissioner
Swanson, seconded by Commissioner Tishler, unanimously approved.
5. Update on Michigan Avenue
M Patel advised that John Sanford of MDOT was not able to make the meeting.
MDOT is acknowledging the problems, looking at plans with Lansing office to
see what they can come up with. Then they will have a meeting with Dearborn
officials. Main thing is that they are acknowledging that there are problems.
BilL Dibiasi of legal asked for confirmation of that in writing. Commission
Chair McAdam will put what was presented to our Commission in writing along
with the request for the confirmation of same from MDOT. Remedial plan will
be implemented after the meeting with the city. Bill Dibiasi agreed with our
chair that MDOT’s agreement and acknowledgement of the problems and solutions
most definitely should be in writing.
Neil Greenburg of SMART advised that they are keeping close track of the work
being done on Michigan Avenue in East Dearborn. Bus stop signs were taken down
and they are looking at where feasible and safe placement for replacement of
these signs should be. Most are wheelchair accessible (this is in regard to
steep inclines). He advised they have taken a look at the signs in West Dearborn
and found that they are very faced and they will be replaced in the near future.
Commissioner Swanson asked Neil Greenburg how will sight impaired know about
the change in placement of signs, etc. Chair McAdam asked for notification when
this is final, she will then in turn when appropriate forward that information
to commissioner Swanson for publicity.
Some signs could be changed or added once the sidewalk slope construction is
completed. The shelter at Eastbound Michigan Avenue at Greenfield is to be replaced.
Peg Watson asked Neil Greenburg if it would be okay to copy the map of the current
bus stops that he provided to the Commission and guests to distribute to people
who get bus tickets.
6.Update on Fire Safety at Dearborn Theater
Two issues were addressed: companion seating and fire codes regarding the use
of free standing chairs.
Our ADA Coordinator followed up with the fire department and they came to the
conclusion that a lockdown seating would be necessary. The theater prefers permanent
seating with companion seating. The fire chief advised that this is being worked
on and should be resolved within another month. The city is involved because
of fire codes. We can work on as far as ADA but the Theater has to do the rest.
The Fire Chief met with the Fire Marshall and Deputy Chief and the theater manager
who was very cooperative. She felt there would be no problem and would not use
any more free standing chairs now realizing that they can end up in aisle ways
and can be a hazard in an emergency. They will present a plan. Commissioner
Filiak brought up the chairs at PAC, those that are moveable, requesting a check
of the safety of those as well.
7. Parking Lot Issues
Signs in parking lots a problem. Several signs are blocking access aisles. Catherine
Grimwade advised that these signs will be re-located and all will be placed
in ADA compliant locations. Where light posts are in the center of the ramp,
the curb line will be recut and extended to one side or the other, putting the
light post to one side.
Neil Greenburg and M Patel left at 2:45
8. Chair-McAdam speaking:
Susan, our ADA Coordinator is in Kansas at a conference. Regarding Baileys request
for variance for outside café seating, it was denied, again requested
and again we stopped it. Kurt made the case as to if it can be done safely.
Has to be approved for ADA to go forward
Commission Chair McAdam read Susan’s report as attached *
9. Chair report: as attached *
10.Public Comments:
Rebecca Parten, a high school sophomore, invited by Commissioner Ramouni to
attend, came to listen and observe and may be interested in becoming a committee
member.
Ray Roberson was asking if anyone came from Community Access, and was advised
no one had. He brought a copy of a letter that was sent to Gov. Granholm asking
for Medicaid to be increased to help include home health care to accomplish
the goal to assist in keeping people in their home. Hannan House in Detroit
in planning a rally in Lansing, details pending. Can contact the Center of Community
Access, Michael Paul.
Naji El Jaji-worked with children with disabilities in Lebanon and would like
to serve on a committee if not as a commissioner. He filled out an application
for commissioner.
Peg Watson stated that 30% of the homes in Dearborn are occupied by seniors
55 years of age and older. She displayed a pamphlet showing kiosks that are
being considered for placement around PAC with a bid of $42,000. Peg and Susan
are pursuing funding for this project. The kiosk stops encourage exercise and
movement for those walking the area. Peg also thanked the Commission for pursuing
and getting the talking lights at Michigan and Schaefer and Michigan and Mason.
(still pending block grant approval)
11.By Laws:
Commissioner Thomas prepared a review and edited copy of our bylaws. Commissioner
Hodak made the motion to accept the by laws with changes as read, seconded by
Commissioner Kreger. Commissioner Swanson will make the corrections/changes.
12. REPORTS:
Commissioner Swanson-regarding DDAD, $1625. collected so far. Rotary reviewing
and we expect something from them . The amount so far is from a few, and expect
the donations to be well above this year. Talking about the receptions with
PAC CAFÉ. Commission Chair McAdam suggested that calls be made to vendors
to firm up their commitments. Also suggested other venders and contacts be made
that possibly have not been contacted. Commissioner Hodak suggested that we
contact the Senior Center, that their support groups be contacted. Commissioner
Swanson advised that the brochures are ready and will be done in July. He had
placed the ad for new commissioners and it resulted in great response.
VISITABILITY: NO REPORT
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: will be meeting to review applications for commissioners.
Commissioner Mary Hodak - Did Senior Expo on April 14th – fairly good
turnout-good exposure of Commission. Also, Project Healthy Living. Also attending
the Disabled Athletic Hall of Fame on May 5th. Commissioner Hodak has a letter
giving everyone an opportunity to participate in the Sr. Citizens Conference
on June 15th sponsored by Gary Wronchak at PAC from 7:30am-12:30 pm.
Commissioner Gary Filiak - Homecoming August 5, 6 and 7. We will have the same
booth as last year.
ACCESS COMMITTEE: Need to set up a sign up schedule for Homecoming.
Commissioner Mary Hodak suggested the possibility of an Ice Cream Social with
the Seniors for our meeting July 14th. To be discussed further.
Commissioner Nancy Bower-attended MS meeting. The aging population of those
with MS is now 405 over the age of 55. Medicare and Medicaid was discussed at
the meeting.
Commissioner Chair McAdam discussed former commissioner Damian’s report
and the on going problem with the TTY answering machine not working.
Commission Chair McAdam appeared with the Mayor on the Mayor’s Forum.
They discussed the commission, looking for professionals and consumers to add
to our work. If we do this right we should have some real potential for committees.
INCLUDE IN AGENDA FOR NEXT MONTH:
Knox Box-would we be appropriating any funds to purchase some? As a commission,
would we get any for people with disabilities.
4:40 pm- Commissioner Swanson moved to adjourn, Commissioner Filiak seconded.
Meeting adjourned.
NEXT MEETING JUNE 16TH 6-9 PM