MINUTES
FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (FKCFPWD)
THRUSDAY, MAY 26, 2005
GATO BLDG. 1100 SIMONTON ST. KEY WEST
PRESENT: Michelle Wisnewski, Elaine Higgins, Jim Malcolm, Cynthia McKnight, Gary Lowe Jim Malloch, County Liaison, Sandy Molina, Secretary
GUESTS: John King, Joseph Bollier, William Harper, Jimmy Schmidt, Jessica Sweet, George Born, Calvin Allen, Pedro Fraga, Tom Willi, County Administrator
Meeting called to order at 11:00 AM.
The meeting was opened by the Chairperson, Michelle. Everyone introduced themselves.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda
Minutes and Agenda approved.
Report of the Chairperson
Michelle reported that the Council has two (2) new members and a vacancy for an alternate. She has been trying for about a month to find someone who might be interested in getting involved with the Council. She contacted a woman named Carrie Goldman who is blind and very involved in community affairs, but unfortunately she is chairing the United Ways Fund Drive this year, therefore is unavailable for the Disability Council this year.
Michelle stated that she has also contacted Donna Devilin. Her health does not permit her to get actively participate on this Board. Michelle mentioned that the Alternate position was created when the Council could not get a quorum years ago. Michelle said that if there are any suggestions for the Alternate to get with her after the meeting today.
Michelle mentioned that accessibility problems with Tradewinds Plaza in Key Largo have now been solved. The Key Largo Branch Library is now also compliant.
Financial Report
Balance in account is $15,726.08.
Report of the Committee on Awards
Cheeca Lodge received their award at the Key Largo meeting on May 18, 2005. Jim Malloch attended the BOCC meeting and said that everything went real well and was statements from the representative of Cheeca Lodge was well received.
Michelle asked for any nominations for new awards. After hearing of no new nominations, Michelle stated that she had one or two.
1. She showed a picture of a gentleman in the Key West Symphony Orchestra, who has a partial seeing disability. She mentioned that the Conductor could hire anyone she wants, but she hires disabled people and she also tries to hold the concerts where there is accessibility. Michelle nominated Key West Symphony Orchestra for the next award, for hiring disabled people and for being accessible to disabled people. Jim Malcolm seconded the motion. Motion passed. Jim Malloch advised that the BOCC meets in Key West in July. Michelle will try to get in touch with Sabrina and find out when she will be available to receive the award.
2. Michelle would also like to nominate Michael Brennan and Robin Anderson, individually, for the Disability Council award. Jim Malcolm seconded the motion. Motion passed. Michelle will talk to each of them to see when they would be available to accept the award. Jim Malloch suggested that these awards be given at the Key Largo BOCC meeting.
Reports of the Committee on Monroe County ADA Upgrades
Tom Willi, County Administrator – Mr. Willi was introduced to the Disability Council and guests who were present at the meeting. Mr. Willi was asked a brief overview of how he would like to handle problems that disabled people were having with the County. Mr. Willi stated that he hopes to shed new light and new forward action on these issues. He came to this job with the strong understanding of building code compliance, permitting, and a construction background. He stated that when he sees a list of improvements that need to be accomplished, he doesn’t look at it as a monumental project; most of these are somewhat easier tasks to accomplish. You just have to put the plan into action and make it happen.
He mentioned that since he has been here, he has pushed a few projects forward and made some different things happen. He understands that we are under a settlement agreement at this time on a number of issues and we are going to make the commitments that were imposed within those agreements. We are in the process of bringing a consultant in to do the study on the rest of the County buildings. He stated that he sees nothing at this point but positive forward motion on these issues. He said that our goal is to be totally in compliance with our settlement agreement, which is a major goal to achieve.
Michelle asked for any questions to Mr. Willi. There was one question. Michelle asked for an update on the Flagler Avenue project. Mr. Willi stated he would have to check, but stated that the Funding Year, he thought, had been moved up for sooner completion. Michelle asked if the bid was accepted. Mr. Willi replied that he thought that it was. Michelle mentioned to everyone that Flagler Avenue was a major problem and said that it was one of reasons why the City of Key West got an ADA lawsuit. She stated that there were no sidewalks up and down the street, and no curb cuts. This is also a major access route for someone in a wheelchair to get to the VA.
Michelle mentioned that there is a number of people that are concerned about curb cuts in the rest of the County roads in the City of Key West, specifically, Eaton Street. Michelle strongly suggests that we get going on this project before we get another action. She advised that there are people out there that are ready, willing and able to go after the County for those curb cuts. John King will look into the situation. Michelle advised that there are not more than a half dozen curb cuts on all of Eaton Street. She mentioned that Eaton Street was a very dangerous street to take a driveway out on and to come back in on. Mr. Joseph Bollier, and Mr. William Harper, both citizens who attended the meeting and who live off of Eaton Street, agreed that Eaton Street was very dangerous. Mr.
Bollier explained that Mr. Harper usually uses an electric scooter to get around, and by not having curb cuts, forces him into traffic.
Mr. Harper is also concerned about the Boulevard. He said that there have been a couple of times that he has just tipped over on his scooter. John King said that he would do an evaluation of it. Michelle said that the Boulevard will be brought up with Jim Malcolm’s presentation.
John King, Public Works – Ongoing Projects
Higgs Beach Restroom – The County is currently in the process of renovating the Higgs Beach Restrooms. All applicable permits have been issued from the City of Key West. He mentioned that the all of the fixtures are being replaced and egress from the parking lot will be redone. There should not be anything on Higgs Beach is not accessible. There is a staging area that you could get from the parking lot to the bike path and restrooms, which is next to the accessible pavilion. As far as getting down on the beach, you would have to have rolled surfacing. The slope is prohibiting a safe deployment of that. Michelle mentioned that there is no where in the Florida Keys that a person in a wheelchair can get in and out of the salt water safely. Michelle said that
a solution at Higgs Beach would be a lift, such as they have at Dolphin Research that can only be used if they have someone with them.
Higgs Beach Dog Park – John reported that we will be putting in for a permit to put down pavers from the bike path though the initial welcoming section of the gate. The pavers will go to the water fountains to allow for a traversable area there.
Higgs Beach Tennis Courts – John mentioned that the Tennis courts are now accessible. There is a designated space with an accessible route.
Jackson Square Parking – John mentioned that we made compliance modification to the Jackson Square Parking and looks forward to the future to the new development where there will be a fully accessible Courthouse area.
Watson Field – Improvements are being made to Watson Field in Big Pine Key. There will be parking on the street with access in to the bleacher area and concession stand.
State Road 4A – John mentioned that they are doing a boat ramp. They just replaced all the decking, and he is working with George Garrett to do an accessible ramp, so if someone wanted to go out in a boat, they would be able to get to the dock very easily.
Supervisor of Elections – John mentioned that they are continuing support with the Supervisor of Elections. He is in constant communications with that Department/Agency to insure that all of the precincts have ramps, and mentioned that some of the private sector precincts that we use, its hard for the County to go in there and modify the ground and those types of things.
Transition Plan – John mentioned that there is funding for the transition plan. The Engineering Department is now putting together scopes and soliciting information to get some bids in for someone to do the evaluations of all the County facilities and roads, and looking long term into our capital plan to make sure that we are heading down the right path in regards to our plan. John mentioned that they have put $150,000 in the budget to replace some of the more antiquated, not user friendly playground equipment. Michelle mentioned that the Transition Plan is due in 1 year (2006). John said that the County did a transition plan which started in 1994 which was due in 1996, and was submitted. But at that time our infrastructure was going through changes. The County has
lost and had new buildings replaced (5 major buildings) since then. Michelle mentioned that the Transition Plan must include not only the buildings, but facilities and also the employees. The employees must be trained/educated how to handle people with disabilities. Service Animals were brought up. It was said that a service animal could be mistaken for an animal which is someone’s pet. Michelle said that a service animal should be wearing a jacket saying that the animal is a service animal. Cynthia McKnight mentioned that usually the owner should have a certificate showing that the animal is a service animal.
Jim Malcolm – City of Key West
McCoy Indigenous Park – Work at the McCoy Indigenous Park is now complete, for the most part.
Wickers Field – Work at the Wickers Field is also now complete. All new sidewalks have been put in. They are still working on the restrooms, and may even be done right now. Once the pavement has been done, then the striping can be completed. The concrete is in place and the signs have been installed.
Old City Hall – Work has begun as far as handrails are concerned.
Frederick Douglas Gym – Work has begun as far as upgrades to the restrooms are concerned.
Triangle at Entrance to the City – Jim Malcolm mentioned that work will begin on Tuesday, as far as realignment of the handicap ramps and bringing them into compliance. Jim wanted everyone to know that they will be working on this during day.
Traffic Signal at Walgreens – Jim Malcolm also mentioned that work will also be done on the turn signal going into Walgreens.
North Roosevelt Boulevard – Jim Malcolm said that the money has been promised. Part of the problem is that we don’t know when the accept start of the paving contract.
Eaton Street – Jim Malcolm mentioned that the City will be putting in _____________________ at the corner of Eaton and Frances to make that accessible. John King suggested that the City of Key West and Monroe County work together on this project.
Michelle Wisniewski – Assn. for Disabled Americans actions – Michelle advised that in the last couple of months, they have settled restaurants and business claims.
Unfinished Business
1. Discussion – The ADA and Monroe County Schools - Pedro Fraga, Monroe County School District – Michelle stated that she has been very impressed with the access going into the new buildings the School Board has been constructing. Michelle explained that the School Board is a separate legal entity. As such, the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to the School Board, which means that they could be targeted for an ADA Lawsuit. She explained that they need to develop a Transition Plan to make the rest of the buildings accessible, which includes how they are using the facilities, not just for disabled children, but for their parents as well. Michelle mentioned that she sees school vehicles parked in the handicapped parking spots, which is illegal.
Michelle deferred to Gary Lowe and Cynthia McKnight. They both have children attending Monroe County schools. Gary mentioned that many of the sidewalks are elevated up to 10 inches, with no border protecting a person from falling over, is a lawsuit waiting to happen. He stated that as a teacher, he had to go quite a distance just to use the restrooms, because there were no handicap restrooms nears his classroom. Cynthia McKnight spoke about Stanley Switlik Elementary. She explained that there is no elevator anywhere, so there is no way for anyone who is in a wheelchair to be able to get upstairs to participate in any program or to meet with the teachers that are located upstairs. Michelle explained to Mr. Fraga the ADA required them to have a transition plan, which is usually done by an
ADA expert. Jim Malcolm mentioned that the bleachers at the Key West High School softball field are not accessible. Mr. Fraga stated that if there is an issue with the schools or fields, to please bring it to his attention and he will get someone on it right away.
2. Discussion – The ADA and Key West’s Historic Buildings - Michelle introduced Mr. George Born and Diane Silvia, Key West HARC. She thanked them for allowing businesses to put in ramps, but reminded them also, that he could ask that particular business to make it from the same materials that the building is made of so as not to make an eyesore.
3. Communications Upgrade – Webpage & Televised Power Point Presentations – Michelle would like to see links added to the Disability Council Webpage. John King mentioned that the Public Works webpage will have another component which will reflect information in the amenities of the different parks and buildings. It will also reflect which areas are easily accessible. Cynthia McKnight would like to have a link to the Lions Clubs and the Lighthouse for the Blind in Miami. The Power Point Presentation on Channel 76 was discussed. Michelle advised that the new web site is up and looks good.
4. ADA Consultant – Jim Malloch – Michelle advised that at the last meeting, the Council had requested that the County look for an ADA Consultant. Jim Malloch reported that he spoke to Mr. Brennan. He stated that Mr. Brennan declined to be on retainer, because he works “both sides of the street” (conflict of interest). Bill Norkunas has not been contacted yet, mainly because he was upset that he did not get to do the second seminar in January 2005. Michelle stated that she would call Mr. Norkunas and have him call Jim Malloch. After further discussion, it was decided that Jim Malloch will e-mail Mr. Norkunas to see what happens.
5. August 26, 2005 – 15th ADA Anniversary – Michelle would like to see a little more celebrations done this year. One in each area of the Keys. Gary Lowe and Cindy McKnight will put together something in Middle Keys. Elaine Higgins will give us the names of other people that would be able to do the Upper Keys and Jim Malcolm and Michelle will do the Lower Keys. Jonathan will be able to do the PR. Michelle will start working on Proclamations.
New Business
1. Michelle passed out the business cards to each member. Michelle mentioned that for the last couple of meetings, they have been rotated going from the Upper Keys, Middle Keys and Lower Keys. A motion was made and seconded to rotate meetings. Motion passed. Getting Cindy McKnight to the Upper Keys Disability Council meeting was discussed. Sandy volunteered to pick her up and return her home. Michelle passed out the new schedule.
2. Gary Lowe brought up the issue of not being able to get tanks filled at self service gas stations. Michelle advised that the Law states that every full service gas station which offers self service shall require an attendant to dispense gasoline for the self service portion of the station. Further discussion on the issue continued. Motion made and seconded to have Mayor Dixie Spehar to draft a Resolution concerning the issue of the gas stations.
3. Jim Malloch gave an updated on the Bus. He stated that the Key West to Marathon bus stop routes are ready to be marked out starting in June. This bus will be meet the JGT Bus that goes from Homestead to Marathon.
Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM. The next meeting will be Thursday, July 28, 2005, 11:00 AM, Islamorada Library.
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