MINUTES
FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (FKCFPWD)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2006
KEY LARGO LIBRARY
PRESENT: Michelle Wisniewski, Jim Malcolm, Gary Lowe, Sandy Molina, Secretary/Treasurer, Elaine Higgins, Sheila Barker, County Liaison, Cindy McKnight
ABSENT: Christy Knowles, Calvin Allen, ADA Coord. EXCUSED:
GUESTS: Belinda Brown, Martin Maxwell, Joe Medallion, Monroe County Public Works, Paul Vitu, Marathon Parks and Recreation
Meeting called to order at 11:00 AM.
Opening Ceremonies
Welcome to the new Monroe County Liaison, Community Services Division Director, Sheila Barker. Sheila introduced herself and spoke about here back ground with Monroe County.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda
Minutes of the last meeting were approved. The agenda was revised as follows: Under the heading of “Reports of the Committee on ADA upgrades in Monroe County” add “Belinda Brown – Polling Places.
Report of the Chairperson
Michelle encouraged members and participants to come to all meetings, if possible. Michelle advised that Christy Knowles was appointed by the BOCC as the Alternate to this Board. Michelle mentioned that is was difficult for Christy to travel to the Upper Keys area meetings because she has kids to pick up after school. However, she did give Michelle a list of perceived problems, which will be discussed later in the meeting.
Financial Report
Balance in account is $24,753.00.
Report of the Committee on Awards
Gary Lowe will talk to Island Chevron on Summerland Key to see if they will be available to accept an award. Michelle asked if there were any other recommendations on awards. After hearing on no recommendation from the members, she suggested that Home Depot be a recipient of the next award. Gary Lowe agreed. Michelle motioned to have awards given to both Home Depots (Key West and Marathon), depending on what Gary finds out about Marathon Home Depot. The motioned was seconded by Cynthia McKnight. Motion carries. The awards will be given individually. Gary Lowe will let Sandy know the names that will go on the plaques.
Jim Malcolm suggested that the City of Key West, Utilities Department, Stormwater Division, also be given an award because of the intersection work that is being done, which is an amazing accomplishment, giving the fact that they weren’t prepared to do it. Jim Malcolm made motion, seconded by Gary Lowe. Motioned carries. Jim Malcolm will let Sandy know the name that will go on the plaque.
Michelle reminded everyone that whoever nominates someone for the award, they will need to do a “citation” for the County Administrator to read at the BOCC meeting. She also reminded that they will be the ones presenting the award at the BOCC meeting, along with the Mayor.
Reports of the Committee on Monroe County ADA Upgrades
Joe Medallion - Public Works – Ongoing Projects – Upper Keys
Joe reported that they are revising the existing ADA ramp at the Plantation Key Courthouse. He stated that the ramp is approximately 55 feet long and it did not meet the ADA rules, so they are installing a level landing mid distance. He expects it to be completed the middle of next week. They are also working on the installation of temporary ramps for the polling places.
Joe advised everyone that John King had sent him a list to read to the members of things that have been going on in the Lower Keys.
1. Parking area at Higgs Beach is being re-striped and have positioned new accessible spaces with proper access isles at the openings at the sidewalks at the restaurant.
2. Currently planning the installation of some new ADA accessible playground equipment and have $50,000 in the budget to spend this year.
3. Dave Koppel, Monroe County Engineer, advised John King that the selected ADA evaluation consultant was rejected by the County Attorney’s office. The selection committee will meet again soon to go through the process to revisit the remaining consulting firms and provide a recommendation for approval to conduct the County wide survey.
4. Public Works Department is continuing to work with the Supervisor of Elections office to ensure that each precinct has accessibility.
5. Public Works Department is also renovating Hurricane damaged picnic tables at Veterans Park and will insure that one of the tables is ADA compliant.
Michelle complemented the Public Works Department on the expanded restrooms at Higgs Beach. Elaine Higgins asked if the funding for this work was only for the Lower Keys. Joe stated that the funds will be split.
Jim Malcolm – City of Key West
Jim Malcolm reported that the project that is making the biggest difference is the Stormwater Project, which is progressing all over town. As far as sidewalk work is concerned, he has met with the designers from the engineering department last week to try to set priorities, as far as where they are going to survey, and try to get something moving with concrete contract. They will walk Greene Street, Front Street, Fitzpatrick Street, and Caroline Street to see what areas to start on downtown. There is still no paving contract for projects like the North Roosevelt Boulevard repairs. The work on South Roosevelt Boulevard is rescheduled to begin on February 6, 2006.
Sandy Molina added that Jim Malcolm gave a wonderful presentation to the County Employees. Sheila Barker mentioned that it was well done and well received. Jim mentioned that the attendance was good.
Michelle Wisniewski – Assn. for Disabled Americans Actions
Unfinished Business
New Business
Announcements
The next Disability Council meeting will be held on March 23, 2006, 10:00, Marathon Regional Service Center, STATE BUILDING, Marathon.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:45
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