MINUTES
FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (FKCFPWD)
THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2006
GATO BLDG. – KEY WEST
PRESENT: Michelle Wisniewski, Jim Malcolm, Gary Lowe, Sandy Molina, Secretary/Treasurer, , Sheila Barker, County Liaison,
ABSENT: Christy Knowles, Elaine Higgins, Cindy McKnight
GUESTS: Debbie Frederick, John King, Calvin Allen, ADA Coord. Belinda Brown, Jimmy Schmidt,
Meeting called to order at 11:00 AM.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda
Minutes of the last meeting were approved. The agenda was also approved with the addition of one item: Gary Lowe will report on Tommy Roberts Stadium.
Report of the Chairperson
Michelle reported that the terms for Gary Lowe expired in February, 2006. Gary stated that it is his intention to resign from the Council, but will stay on until a replacement can be found. He mentioned that he would like to invite Mike Martell to the next meeting. He has been active on the Disability Council in Pinellas County and would make a wonderful candidate to this Council, as his replacement. Michelle stated that she would like see candidates first at meetings to confirm their availability and interest in serving.
Sheila Barker announced that she is retiring from County Government on June 23, 2006, but will be staying in Key West.
Michelle reported that Christy Knowles has resigned from this Council, which now means that we have a vacant slot as Alternate to fill.
Financial Report
Balance in account is $22,151.40.
Report of the Committee on Awards
Jim Malcolm wants to present the award at the July BOCC Meeting to the Utility Dept. with the City of Key West. Jim is ready and is waiting for the next Key West BOCC meeting. The next Key West BOCC meeting will be in July. Jim will need to give Sandy a write-up no later than July 3, 2006 in order for the item to be placed on the Agenda.
Michelle motioned that an award be given to Sheila Barker. Motion seconded and passed. Michelle also motioned that an award be given to Sandy Molina. Motion seconded and passed. These awards will be given at the June BOCC meeting. Michelle will give Sandy a write-up on Sheila and Sandy no later than June 6, 2006 in order for the item to be placed on the Agenda.
Reports of the Committee on Monroe County ADA Upgrades
John King – Monroe County Public Works
John advised that they are 95% complete with the Self Evaluation. They have 5 buildings in the Marathon area left to evaluate. John advised that they have photos documenting everything found.
A staging area was added to Watson Field, along with modifications to parking and to the restrooms and sidewalks. They have provided a staging area between the bleachers and the dugout that will accommodate two to three chairs to be able to get right up to the fence. Michelle asked if a piece of Plexiglas could be put in so that photographs can be taken, John said that there would be no problem in doing that. He advised that the concession stand, the restroom, and the sidewalks all are accessible.
They are also working with the Dog Park. They finally got permission from the City to put in the curbing system storm water management plan, which will allow the dog park to install accessible pavers toward each of the dog areas.
John advised that Higgs Beach is now accessible. You can now traverse from White Street to the restrooms, restaurant, parking, and tennis courts.
Belinda Brown – Monroe County Elections
Belinda reported that her Department is doing very well with getting the polling places accessible. They now have the last three ramps on order and should be in in a couple of weeks, along with thresholds and doorknobs. She will meet with John King to go over the checklist.
Jimmy Schmidt – City of Marathon
Jimmy reported Suzie Thomas is the ADA Coordinator for the City of Marathon. Jimmy will have her come to the meetings. Marathon Parks are doing fine. Accessibility is now going into the restrooms. Michelle mentioned that she would like to be able to let down her scooter on a level surface at Boot Key. Jimmy reported that he would bring the issue up.
Jim Malcolm – City of Key West
Jim stated that the stormwater project is almost done. They are still working at Whitehead & Caroline. They just finished Caroline & Simonton. They have already ripped up the street and will rebuild the sidewalk at Simonton & Angela. They are finishing the paving at White & Virginia.
They are working at Rest Beach, repairing storm damage.
Michelle Wisniewski – Assn. for Disabled Americans Actions
Michelle advised that the Association has been busy with two actions. Both of them have a major impact on the disabled persons in the Keys and feels that they will settle. She reported that the Association has settled with all of the cab companies in Key West.
Unfinished Business
1. Final Comments “Disaster and Disability: Surviving the Florida Keys”
Gary Lowe mentioned that he was disappointed with the attendance level. He thought that this didn’t have public awareness and public support. He thinks the Council should consider when we put on events such as this, that the TDC should help promote the Council.
Sheila Barker mentioned that the ADA Seminar will be broadcasted on Channel 76 in closed caption.
Sheila was also disappointed with the turnout. She reported that a huge percentage of attendees stayed all day. She reported that we did the ads, we did the calling, we did e-mails, we broadcast it amongst the County employees, and she thought that we were going to fill the room, however, of those attending, everyone thought is was good.
2. Special Needs Registry and mentally disabled persons – Monroe County Emergency Management
Michelle thought that the Special Needs Registry form should be made available on-line and be able to return it on-line. Sheila reported that the County is in the process of doing this. Michelle asked Sheila to talk to Larry King, Editor of the Keynoter, to see if he would give a “plug” to register for special needs.
3. Budget Submission Voice to text real time systems for subtitling televised public meetings – Sheila Barker
Sheila advised that she submitted at outline of alternatives for the budget, ranging from signers to real time closed captioning and their cost. She stated that they figured to cost to be approximately $150,000 per year. The problem is that the people who need this service are not coming forward. The County has not seen any request for this service. Debbie Frederick, Deputy County Administrator, reported that in the past 12 years, there has been no request. Debbie also stated that the County is going to seek out grants regarding this issue. Michelle noted she has a partial hearing loss and has made a formal request. Michelle showed an assistive hearing devise that was issued to her by the VA. She stated that the ADA requires that all assembly spaces, like County Commission Chambers & theaters, have 5% of the seating equipped with assistive hearing devices.
4. Disabled Parking Enforcement in Key West – Michelle Wisniewski and Law Enforcement Representative
Michelle reported that she made Sheriff Roth aware of the fact that disabled parking is not being enforced in the areas of Stock Island. The Sheriff promised that he would improve the enforcement, specifically referring to Lower Keys Hospital and the College, especially during events. Michelle will be meeting with the Mayor of Key West on Tuesday, 2:30, City Hall, in the disabled conference room. They will be discussing disabled parking enforcement, to bring awareness to the Mayor in hopes that the City will hire additional parking enforcement officers, especially in the new town area.
5. Tommy Roberts Stadium – Gary Lowe
Gary reported that the Tommy Roberts Stadium is doing really good. They have the plans approved, the renovations of the restrooms and ramp changes, the parking is done, and they are about to break ground. Gary asked Jim if they could get together and go over the plans. Jim agreed.
New Business
1. 16th ADA Anniversary July 26, 2006
Michelle mentioned that this Council has a regular meeting on July 27, 2006 in Islamorada and the ADA Anniversary on July 26, 2006. She went out and inspected the Marathon Airport for the Anniversary celebration, and said that 2005 storm damage and mold currently make this site inadvisable for the ADA Celebration. Gary TDC should be involved in the promotion of the celebration. Gary would like to have them put it in their budget for next years Anniversary celebration. John King suggested that in order for them to consider it in their budget, it needs to be presented in an agenda item format. John will send an example to Michelle. Coumcil agreed that we need to have community involvement. Sheila suggested that we take advantage of photo ops to get the word out that this Council
exists. She suggested press photos of the Celebration.
After discussion the lobby of the Gotto Building in Key West was chosen for the Anniversary on July 26,2006 from 2:30 to 4:30 PM. Debbie Frederick agreed to let us use the lobby for the celebration and the conference room for the refreshments. John King will get the ice and ice chest, Jim will handle getting the refreshments, Michelle will get the musician, and John King will get John Kipp to help Sandy with the balloons. Jim will get a Proclamation from the City, and Michelle will get a Proclamation from the County.
Announcements
1. The Anniversary celebration will be in Key West on July 26, 2006at the GATO Building from 2:30 – 4:30, and the next meeting will be held at the Islamorada Library on July 27, 2006, 11:00 AM.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 PM.
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