MINUTES
FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (FKCFPWD)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2005
GATO BUILDING – KEY WEST
PRESENT: Michelle Wisniewski, Jim Malcolm, Gary Lowe, Sandy Molina, Secretary & Treasurer
ABSENT: Elaine Higgins, Christy Knowles, Sheila Barker, County Liaison, Calvin Allen, ADA Coord. EXCUSED: Cindy McKnight
GUESTS: Belinda Brown, Martin Maxwell
Meeting called to order at 11:00 AM.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda
Minutes approved. Agenda add-on: Special Needs Registry.
The proposed meeting schedule for 2006 was adopted and is appended.
Michelle also mentioned that the ADA Anniversary is on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 (day before the July meeting).
Report of the Chairperson
Michelle advised that on November 16, 2005, the BOCC appointed Christy Knowles, as Alternate to replace Cynthia McKnight. She was highly recommended by the Florida Association of the Deaf.
Financial Report
Balance in account is $24,753.00.
Report of the Committee on Awards
1. Michelle advised that the last award was presented to Sebrina Alfonso. She said that the award for the Chevron Station on Summerland Key has been held up because the owner has not responded to her request to schedule. Gary said that he will try to speak to the owner.
Reports of the Committee on Monroe County ADA Upgrades
John King, Public Works – Ongoing Projects
John King was absent. No report.
Jim Malcolm – City of Key West
Jim Malcolm reported that with the stormwater project, street corners are still being addressed and brought into compliance, so there are various intersections still being worked on at this time. He stated that the sidewalks are still a mess because of everyone still piling their debris on them. He also spoke about the City allowing the FEMA trailers to park on the right-of-ways. This will be an accessibility issue for months to come. Jim mentioned that the Engineers for the Flagler Avenue project are back in town.
Michelle Wisniewski – Assn. for Disabled Americans Actions
Michelle stated that, in the Florida Keys, the Association has filed 80 different cases, representing over 100 different businesses and the City of Key West. The first 60 or so have been settled. The rest are in the legal pipeline and pending disposition.
Unfinished Business
1. ADA teaching Seminar. Michelle reported that she has tried several times to talk to the people at Hawks Cay regarding the ADA Seminar. She also mentioned that Sheila Barker will now be the one handling this. She wrote a letter to the Department of Justice asking for their help. Michelle suggested naming the Seminar: “Disability and Disaster – Surviving the Florida Keys”. She asked everyone for their input on what they would like to see on the Agenda for the Seminar. One suggestion is to have a Retired Department of Justice Lawyer who lives in the Keys speak. Another suggestion is to have the Hurricane Center speak on what the risks are. Council agreed to continue development of this seminar.
2. Disabled Parking Enforcement in Key West City. Postponed- KWPD representative absent.
3. MS Society of the Florida Keys. Postponed- MS Soc. representative absent.
New Business
1. Hearing Impairment Issues. Postponed- FL Assn. for the Deaf representative absent.
2. Election of Officers for 2006. The following were elected:
Chairperson-Michelle Wisniewski
Vice-chairperson- Jim Malcolm
Secretary/Treasurer-Sandy Molina
3. Special Needs Registry. Gary presented a dispute between USFF, MARC House and the County on the enrollment of roughly 90 moderately mentally disabled persons housed under Section 8 of the 1998 Federal Housing Act in the Special Needs Registry. Each side claims the other has the responsibility for evacuating and sheltering this population during future emergencies. Both sides claim they do not have the financial resources to manage this contingency. These ninety disabled individuals are in the middle and face significant potential risk. Pending input from our County Liaison on legal opinion and financial projections in this matter, Council vigorously advises resolution of these issues before they result in loss of life in future hurricanes. To be continued.
Announcements
The next Disability Council meeting will be held on January 26, 2006, 11:00, Key Largo Library.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00.
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