MINUTES
FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (FKCFPWD)
THRUSDAY, JULY 28, 2005
ISLAMORADA LIBRARY
PRESENT: Michelle Wisnewski, Jim Malcolm, Gary Lowe, Jerry O’Cathey, Interim County Liaison, Sandy Molina, Secretary & Treasurer
GUESTS: Joe Medallion, Brian Sheahan, Stan Darczuk, Belinda Brown, Calvin Allen, Catherine Harding
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 last month the Council had tasked her to discuss with the County Mayor, problems that people in wheelchairs are having getting their cars filled with gasoline. Michelle said that she and Mayor Spehar had a good two hour discussion on the state law, and that Mayor Spehar will try and forward it to the State Senate and State House to see if some action will be taken.
Michelle also reported that this Council still needs an Alternate. She asked everyone they knew of anyone who would be interested in being the Alternate. She advised that there are 6 meetings a year, which are held up and down the Keys. Stan Darczuk volunteered and said that he would be interested in the Alternate position and that he had transportation in order to get to the meetings. Michelle advised him to talk to her after the meeting.
Financial Report
Balance in account is $15,643.87.
Report of the Committee on Awards
1. Michelle advised that the Council had one award presented at the last Key Largo BOCC meeting.
2. Michelle also advised that we are scheduled to present one, possibly two more awards in August. She also mentioned that Sabrina Alfonzo will be presented an award in October in Key West.
Reports of the Committee on Monroe County ADA Upgrades
Joe Medallion, Public Works – Ongoing Projects
He reported that the issues that were brought to his attention about the Key Largo Library as well as the Harry Harris Park have all been addressed. He advised that accessibility is now in the new construction and planning. He advised that any Upper Keys accessibility issues should be brought to him, so that they can be addressed as soon as possible and corrected. Michelle mentioned that the Plantation Key complex is antiquated by ADA standards, and asked Mr. Medallion if there were any plans to replace the building. Mr. Medallion stated that the Quay property is planned to be the new Government Center for the Upper Keys. He advised that it is still in the planning stages as far as what offices will be where, but when the construction is completed the
majority of the Government Center, without the Courthouse Building, will be relocated to the Quay. He advised that the Architects are now involved doing the assessments as far as what square footage the offices will require. He also stated that there will be input from the public. Michelle mentioned that Michael Brennan would be happy to look at the plans. Michelle also mentioned that parking and the restroom at Commissioner Nelson’s office is not accessible. Joe Medallion stated that the problem is because it is a rented space. Michelle stated that he might want to mention it to the landlord.
Jim Malcolm – City of Key West
Jim Malcolm said that everything is still ongoing. Wickers Field will be complete on August 1. Jim said that it can’t tell us it will be complete but said that the problem is that the paving contracts have been put out twice, and twice no one has bid on it, which means that every black top repair or patch black top that they need to put down isn’t going down. They can put up the signs and actually stripe it. The handrails are going up now, so it will be done structurally, it’s just that it won’t be patched black top. He will get Public Works out there to paint and put up the signs. Jim also mentioned that the Wickers Field parking lot will stay as it is, therefore has been completed. The restrooms, offices, and stadium will all become accessible.
The City of Key West Parking Garage is being rebuilt. Jim mentioned that it will have handicapped parking spaces. He mentioned that it is just temporary.
South Roosevelt Blvd. is actually going to happen, hopefully starting in January. North Roosevelt Blvd. is progressing. The City of Key West is in the process of obtaining a 6 ft. easement from property owners.
Michelle mentioned that she had a letter dated July 15, 2005 which reads in part that beginning August 15, 2005, the FDOT will begin the Flagler Avenue reconstruction and landscape between Bertha Street and South Roosevelt Blvd. The project is expected to take about 4 months.
Michelle asked if anyone has heard what is going on with the Rails to Trails Bicycle Trail throughout the Keys. Jim Malcolm mentioned that everything that is proposed to be done, except for major bridge work, has been budgeted for the next ten years. Sandy will contact Debra Stupey, DEP Parks Department (Key Largo) to invite her to the next meeting.
Michelle Wisniewski – Assn. for Disabled Americans actions
Michelle reported that the Assn. for Disabled Americans is involved in a precedence setting legal battle. The Assn. is in an actual court trail in Key West for a week in July over the issue of a Hotel in Key Largo. The issue was settled, however, the owners never made the place accessible. The issue was whether or not they could be sued again. She stated that the Assn. has settled about eight cases since the last meeting and they have also had another five non-suit “nasty letter” actions advising people if they don’t fix the problems they will be sued.
Unfinished Business
1. Discussion – The ADA and The Village of Islamorada - Michelle asked Mr. Brian Sheahan, representative of Islamorada, if they have an ADA Transition Plan or do they have an ADA Coordinator for the City. Mr. Brian Sheahan reported that the Islamorada Building Official serves as the ADA Coordinator. To his knowledge, Islamorada does not have an ADA Transition Plan, but will get back to us regarding this item. Michelle explained what the Transition Plan is all about. Mr. Sheahan advised that the new park (MM 87 – Bayside) is ADA compliant. He also mentioned that they are in the process of building their New City Hall that will be required to meet all codes. Revisitation – The transition plan was explained to the Village of Islamorada Building
Director, Catherine Harding.
2. August 26, 2005 celebrations of the 15th ADA Anniversary – Michelle reported that she had made mistake regarding the date. It should have been July 26, 2005 and not August 26, 2005. She passed around a copy of the “Draft Proclamation” and advised that she will send it to Mayor Spehar’s office for inclusion on the Agenda of the August BOCC meeting. The Lower Keys will hold their celebration at the GATO Building, on August 26, 2005 from 3:00 – 5:00. Gary Lowe advised that Marathon will hold their celebration at Sombrero Beach on August 26, 2005 from 4:00 – 7:00. Jonathan Weinshank will do the press release. Sandy will put it out on Channel 76. Michelle will get booklets, phamplets, and CD’s from the
Department of Justice. Sandy will check on the bunting for the Key West ceremony. Michelle will speak to Melody Cooper for the entertainment.
New Business
1. Motion made and seconded to have the agendas and minutes of the Disability Council meetings posted on the County website. These agendas and minutes will go back as far as January, 2005. Sandy will begin the posting process.
2. Michelle reported that she had 2 complaints regarding Marina’s being totally inaccessible. One of them is at MM 104, which is planning a major event this weekend, is not accessible. She has also had a number of problems with architects. The Council members and those present at this meeting had a discussion regarding the “Condo Conversions”.
Announcements
The next Disability Council will be held on September 22, 2005, 10:00 AM, Monroe Regional Service Center, 2796 Overseas Highway, Room 104, Marathon.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 PM.
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