Dearborn Commission on Disability Concerns

FORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, STUDIO A
SEPTEMBER 19, 2002
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES

COMMISSIONERS COMMISSIONERS
ATTENDING:                                                 
Christian L. Mageli (via conference phone) (excused)
M. Cathy McAdam            
Claudia Damian
Kim Bretton Hetrick
Mary Hodak
Jane Thomas
Dale Swanson
Gary B. Filiak (Alternate)

ABSENT:
Jad K. Jadallah
Dr. Cheryl Kreger (excused)
Ryan McGraw (Alternate)

STAFF ATTENDING:
Kurt Giberson, City Liaison
Agnes Dombronski
Susan Fitzmaurice. ADA Coordinator
Denise Toefper
Julie LaBenne, Recording Secretary
Joe Kludjiam


Call to order
Vice Chair McAdam called the meeting to order at 2:07 pm. Ms. LaBenne took roll call.

Approval of the Agenda
Vice Chair McAdam asked that the Accessible Outings discussion (#9) be moved in front of the Executive update (#5) for Agnes Dombronskis availability. Motion to accept by J. Thomas and seconded by D. Swanson. Vote: Unanimous

Approval of July Minutes
The meeting minutes for July 18, 2002 were approved and motioned by D. Swanson and seconded by C. Damian. Vote: Unanimous

Accessible Outings discussion
Agnes Dombronski referred to the letter from herself & Commissioner Hodak regarding travel trips, copies distributed. The general consensus at August 8ths senior staff meeting is to locate funding that will fill the added cost/gap of transportation updates for disabled participants. The letter clearly states discrimination, ADA non-compliance, and possible busing solutions. They are planning to approach all City Service Clubs. Susan Fitzmaurice noted the ADA regulations on Transportation and a discussion followed. Chair Mageli asked the Access Committee to continue to follow up.

Vice Chair McAdam motioned The Commission recommends the City use, with any group that travel, both accessible bus services available. Seconded by C. Mageli. Vote; Unanimous.
Resolution to be drafted by Susan Fitzmaurice.

Executive update
Susan Fitzmaurice referred to the information packet she distributed.
1Commission Ad was forwarded locally.
2Commission Brochure will be printed in large quantity as soon as the web page issues are resolved. Please forward any suggestions/changes ASAP. As previously decided the cost for printing will be covered by the Education/Employment Committees budget.
3Braille Business Cards are delayed while waiting for new equipment to arrive at the printers.
4Regular Business Cards should be printed already, if not-please contact Susan.
5Office hours for ADA Coordinator are Thursday from 10-12 for walk-ins or calls.
6Emails to ADA Coordinator should be sent to sfitzmaurice@ci.dearborn.mi.us or susanfitzm@bigfoot.com.
7Town Meeting on Disability Concerns possibly before winter hits. Chair Mageli & Susan Fitzmaurice would like to share ideas/views/information & empowerment with the community. Vice Chair McAdam questioned possible duplication of workshop & speaker efforts that are planned for Disability Awareness Day in October of 2003. Chair Mageli asked the PR Committee to follow up.
8Assessing accessibility in Dearborn. A list of Buildings that appear to be accessible to date (attached). With Commissioner Swansons help, the next round has been prioritized based on safety, public use, & awareness of specific issues.
9Establishing accessibility priorities & cost estimates.
Southeast Lot across from City Council Chambers made into disability designated parking lot only.
Remove/Adjust seating inside City Council Chambers for wheelchair users.
Adjustable height/wheelchair height podium for Chambers.
Signage at east lot for parking spaces & ramp (stating it is not safe for wheelchair users). General signage throughout City Buildings.
Accessible web page, domain name, & hosting (2 bids attached). A meeting with Doug Feldkamp will determine if we can have a separate web site.
Installation of listening devices at City Council Chambers & 19th District Court. Commissioner Damian pointed out that State of Michigan may cover cost in their courts.
City Hall inside ramp modified.
Inside Public TTY Phones at specific locations;
19th District Court.
Police Station.
City Hall.
Performing Arts Center.
1Uniphone 1140 w/Lexmark Z12 printer locations;
4 libraries
Human Resources
City Clerk
Treasurer
Building & Safety
Water
Mayors office
Public Health
1Uniphone 1140 locations;
Golf course
Ice arena
ADA office
1Snow Library into ADA Compliance.
2Information signs/maps at building entrances. This City Building Guide will designate accessible item locations (sample by Commissioner Swanson was passed around).
3Pipe wrapping as needed Citywide.
4Sidewalks from parking lots in Ford woods, Hemlock, Ten Eyck & Lapeer pools. (This will tie in with new water fountains)
5Benches every 200-300ft at the Performing Arts Center.
6Soft estimate $82,300.00 with extras over $100,000.00.
This estimate is followed up by a list of second round priorities.

Kurt Giberson announced 8(eight) new curb cuts at the Department of Public Works complex. This area of City Buildings just went through 8(eight) days of MiOSHA review.

Chair Report
None at this time.

Vice Chair Report
A draft version of The Annual Report was distributed for review. Commission accomplished a lot this year.
A computer accessibility flyer, from the Detroit public Library, showing programs that maybe a *possibility for Dearborn.

Enabling Gardening
None at this time.

TTY recommendations update
Citywide training through Bob Ziolkowski in Human Resources as soon as the Uniphones are bought. Both events happening jointly will help acclimation of staff & resources.

Public comments
Denise Toepfer distributed information & Dearborn Specials flyers;
Fall/Winter Activities brochure from Recreation Dept. Information on our Commission & picture of accessible equipment in gym located on page 26.
Swim Program
Gym Night
Monthly dances continue
Benefit Luncheon for Zachary Gibson.
A photo album of summer activities was passed around.
Commissioner Hodak and husband attended the Diamond Jack riverboat cruse and Tigers baseball game with the Recreation program. She expressed thanks and congratulations on a wonderful staff. Commissioners Swanson and Hetrick tried the accessible gym equipment on loan to the PAC.

Task Force Reports
Visitability Task Force K. Hetrick A meeting with Dave Norwood, Director of Building & Safety, to get him involved went well. He supports the Visitablity ideas strongly and will attend our presentation to the Mayor, possibly implementing a Citywide Task Force. The next planned meeting will be with the Legal department.

Susan Fitzmaurice contacted the developers for the Jacobson project to discuss Visitablity standards that may become ordinances. A meeting has been scheduled to see how drastic the proposed changes would be on a blueprint level. She hopes to persuade them to be industry front runners in Dearborn.

Sub-committee Reports
Public relations/Awards Committee Dale Swanson. The sample City Building Guide, or map as discussed in the Executive update, can be produced for each public building in Dearborn. Information from the Transition plan can be printed now and any updates can be added later.
PR Committee will draft an informational page for the New Residents Packet . We are listed in the Phone directory of Dearborns City Calendar that is delivered to homes of existing residents.
Draft of the new Biography data sheets were handed out. Several Commissioners felt a single sheet that is double-sided would be better than two sheets. After proofing the new form will seek approval from the Mayors office.
Sadly we are losing 2 (two) Commissioners and we will run an ad to solicit new candidates.
PR Committee would like to pursue Doc Andrews & Robin Jones to speak at the 2003 Awards Banquet. Estimated costs of fees, airfare, lodging, & meals will be $3,000.
K. Hetrick motioned to seek support or sponsorship to fund Public Speakers for the Awards Banquet, seconded by J. Thomas. Vote: Unanimous.

Education/Employment Committee Cathy McAdam. National Disability Mentoring day is October 16th; Cathy McAdam is sponsoring the event in Dearborn.
A meeting with the new president of the Chamber of Commerce yielded requests for information that may be printed in their November newsletter. Questions about employing disabled persons, regarding accommodations and tax benefits, will be prepared.
The Job Expo/fair for senior citizens was discussed and decided an inappropriate vehicle for disseminating info about the Commission.
The Rotary Club, *at home coming , requested the disability Commission contact them for a speaking opportunity.
Committee participation in training School Bus Drivers was a success. C. Kreger would like a teacher orientation similar. A follow up to the City Clerk or Mayors office (?) maybe.

Independent Living/accessibility Committee Claudia Damian Meeting is rescheduled.

Commissioner Reports
Gary Filiak Thank you to everyone who helped with Homecoming. Vice Chair McAdam asked if we could keep the same location for our tent in 2003.
Kim Bretton Hetrick None.
Jane Thomas Will be attending a meeting on Independent living in Oklahoma. Report next time.
Mary Hodak Project Healthy Living 2002. Held at the PAC with 352 participants.
Emergency 911 cell phones have been in newspapers & on TV, along with File for Life. Dearborn Communications Paul Klink says not in Dearborn until further notice.
Claudia Damian 911 TTY dispatcher calls excellent month. Paul Klink was updated.
Along with Cathy McAdam attended The Ultimate Hello! presentation that will be used to train City employees through Bob Ziolkowski in Human Resources.
Dale Swanson None.

Vice Chair McAdam introduced Ginger (19 months old) who is still training and announced Aras retirement is going well in Traverse City.

Adjournment
Vice Chair McAdam adjourned the meeting at 5:03pm.