MINUTES
FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (FKCFPWD)
THRUSDAY, MARCH 24, 2005
MARATHON EOC
PRESENT: Michelle Wisnewski, Elaine Higgins, Jim Malcolm, Larry Kelley, Cynthia McKnight, Alternate, Jim Malloch, County Liaison, Sandy Molina, Secretary
ABSENT: Lisa Kittleson
GUESTS: Marilyn Millsap, Belinda Brown
Meeting called to order at 10:00 AM.
The meeting was opened by the Chairperson, Michelle.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda
Minutes and Agenda approved.
Report of the Chairperson
Michelle mentioned that there is a change in meeting locations for today and also for the May 26, 2005 meeting. She advised that the State Building was not available. Michelle advised that we needed to get a location for the May meeting and suggested either the Marathon Library or the GATO Building Conference Room in Key West. She recommended that we hold the meeting in Key West. By having the next meeting in Key West, it will give the new County Administrator, Tom Willi, an opportunity to attend. She would also like to invite the Historical & Architectural Review Committee for the City of Key West. After discussion, it was decided that the next meeting will be held in Key West.
Financial Report
Balance in account is $15,850.68. Sandy will bring the updated amount to the next meeting. Michelle asked that we also bring back the average monthly income.
Report of the Committee on Awards
The next award will be given to Cheeca Lodge at the Key Largo meeting on May 18, 2005. Lisa Kittleson has e-mailed a write up on Cheeca Lodge that will be read at the meeting.
Reports of the Committee on Monroe County ADA Upgrades
Jim Malloch – Transportation – Jim mentioned that the Interlocal Agreement has been approved by the City of Marathon and Monroe County, and will go before the City of Key West Commissioners on April 4, 2005. He explained that each entity will put in $50,000 in match money for a grant, which will allow us to use grant money to start a bus running from Key West/Lower Keys to Marathon. This bus is ADA compliant. Beginning in June, 2005 we will have a bus that will run the full length of the Keys. As of this date, the fare revenues will be $1.50 each way, as is the JGT bus. Jim will also be going after a grant from the South Florida Workforce in the amount of $1.3 million dollars. There will be some PR on the issue in the newspapers. He advised that the new
bus schedule is on the County website. Jim advised that the JGT is still on a “Hail” system and the Lower Keys Bus Service will have designated bus stops. A question came up about the “Golden Passport” for the Lower Keys Service, whereas a person would get free transportation as long as you meet certain guidelines. Jim will talk to Myra Hernandez regarding this issue. Jim Malcolm asked that we make sure the bus stops are accessible. Jim Malloch suggested to Jim Malcolm that he get with Myra on the issue of accessibility.
John King, Public Works – Ongoing Projects – John King is not present to report. Sandy Molina read a report from John King. GATO Building – Disabled parking spaces have been modified to allow for a safer and closer access isle it to entrance.
County Buildings – Soap and paper towels dispensers have been replaced in all County building restrooms which have been placed at the proper height to allow for easy access.
Wilhelmina Harvey Park Big Coppitt Key – An ADA water fountain has been purchased. The new water fountain will be placed on a concrete slab and will be connected to the walking pathway that circles the park. The work should be completed within the next few weeks.
Higgs Beach Restroom – Funding is in place and the County is awaiting the permit from the City of Key West. The work will include new handrails, replacement of all interior plumbing fixtures, enlargement of the disabled stalls to include a sink, new lighting, and a pressure washer system to better maintain and clean the facility. A concrete pathway to ensure accessibility from the bike path and the parking area. This work should be underway very soon and will be advertised, as the restrooms will be closed during the process. Portable facilities will be set up to include ADA accessible ones that will be placed in user friendly areas close to the existing restrooms and pathways. John will have additional information at the next Disability Council meeting.
Key Largo Library – Michelle mentioned that the Key Largo Library now a fully accessible restroom.
Sheriff’s Station – Islamorada – Michelle mentioned at the Sheriff’s Substation in Islamorada now has a brand new accessible parking space, ramps and handrails.
Jim Malcolm – City of Key West - McCoy Indigenous Park – A new concrete walkway is now in place going through the Park, from the pavilion hallway back to the freshwater pond. They are still waiting to change out the toilets that flushed on the right side and you still can’t get in the door to his office, but other than that the park is pretty much compliant.
Old City Hall – Work on the restrooms has been started to bring them into compliance. The work order is in for the elevator into complete compliance.
Catherine Street – One block of sidewalk on Catherine Street connecting Duval Street and Simonton Street is now complete.
Frederick Douglas Gym – This work order will go out when the Indigenous Park and Old City Hall are completed.
Michelle Wisniewski – Assn. for Disabled Americans actions – Michelle stated that the Assn. for Disabled Americans settled with the taxi companies in Key West. The taxis will be, if not already, accessible taxis available on demand 24 hours a day in the City of Key West. They also settled with Flamingo Crossing Ice Cream and Manja Manja. The Assn. has not filed any new actions within the last 60 days, although there are several that they are looking at.
Unfinished Business
1. Larry Kelley, Council Member – Larry Kelley read a letter regarding his resignation from the Disability Council, to go to work for the State Department in Europe. Michelle told Larry that his resignation is reluctantly accepted and asked if he would like to recommend his own replacement. Larry stated that the Captain is looking for his replacement as the Station Commander and that probably would be the best that would suite this Council. He will let Michelle know within the week. Once Michelle gets this information, she will forward it to Commissioner Neugent.
2. Presentation and Discussion: Marilyn Milsap, State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Blind Services – She stated that it is really hard to get the word out that they are here in the Keys. She lives in Islamorada and serves the entire Florida Keys and up to Miami-Dade County to SW 152nd Street. The portion of the program that she is the counselor for is the working clientele or those who hope to work. She has quite of few clients down here. She mentioned that the Division of Blind Services serves people other than blind people. They can serve anyone who has a two eye problem. It doesn’t have to be the same problem in both eyes. She would like to get the word out that this service is her. She has visited many
businesses to get the word out. Michelle said that we need to get a link to the State website on the County website, as one way to get the word out. Marilyn also explained the services they provide. She also mentioned that they do have a program specifically for children. Michelle also said that we could mention her in our television advertising. Marilyn will come up with the details.
3. Presentation and Discussion: Feasibility of televising FKCFPWD meetings and review of our current media image – Jonathan Weinshank, Communications Director – Jonathan reported that the County is in the process of redesigning their website. He introduced Randy, Virtual Town Hall, who is in charge of the redesign. He showed the website for the Disability Council. He explained the website thoroughly and mentioned that any changes to the website should have the URL address of where the change is to be made. This website could also show the agendas and minutes of these meetings. He also mentioned that the Spanish Language version is in process. Jim Malcolm and Michelle thought that it would be a good idea to put the “Seminar Book” on
the website. It was also suggested that a “voice over” on the television ads be done for those who have a hard time reading the information.
Michelle asked how we could spend some of the money the Council has. Elaine Higgins mentioned that maybe we should put in an ad in the paper saying what the Disability Council is doing. Michelle was wondering if there was a way of getting money to hire an expert on retainer. Jim Malloch said that the Council could put him on retainer using the money. Jim Malloch will contact an expert before the next meeting.
Jim spoke to the County Administrator with no results in video taping / televising the Disability Council meetings. He suggested that Michelle revisit with the Administrator. Michelle noted that she would still like to talk about it. She is undecided about it and feels there are other factors to be considered.
Elaine Higgins suggested that we try to do something to get more interest in attending the meetings. Michelle stated that we may have to move the meetings around to really get a presence at the meetings. She said that she has no problem with going to Islamorada and Key West once a year to meet, in order to get different people to attend the meetings. The Islamorada Library was brought up as a place to meet. Michelle asked if the City of Islamorada has an ADA Coordinator. She would like to invite them to a meeting in Islamorada.
Cynthia McKnight suggested that we do something that involves children, and she feels that more people will come to the meetings. Michelle thinks that we should have some kind of communication with the School Board. Jim Malloch suggested that we invite Randy Acevedo the next meeting in Key West. Michelle said that she would invite him. Marilyn Milsap mentioned some of the problems her clients are going through with the school system.
New Business
Michelle mentioned that August 26, 2005 is the 15th Anniversary of the signing of the ADA, and she thought it would be a good idea to have a celebration. She thought that having three (3) celebrations, one in each area of the Keys. Jim Malcolm will put something together in Key West, Elaine Higgins will take the Upper Keys, and if Gary Lowe is selected to sit on the Disability Council, then he would be able to put together something in the Middle Keys. Jim Malloch suggested that we get a Proclamation.
Announcements – Bert, from Habitat for Humanity, has received grant funding for building wheelchair ramps. Anyone needing a wheelchair ramp can contact Habitat for Humanity directly at (305) 872-4456.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM. The next meeting will be Thursday, May 26, 2005, GATO Building, County Administrators Conference Room, 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2-205, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Everyone will pitch in $5.00 and we will order Pizza for delivery at 12:00 NOON.
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