Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of March 6, 2024.
Body
QUORUM: Quorum was reached.
STAFF:
Raquel Elejabarrieta - Human Resources Director
Eglys Hernandez - P/T Administrative Assistant Labor Relations & Risk Management
Catie Hastings - Park & Recreation - D.E.I. Coordinator
Vivian Pires - Park & Recreation - P/T D.E.I. Counselor (Via Zoom)
Melissa DeZayas- Transportation Division Manager (Via Zoom)
Kevin Kinney - Parking & Mobility Services Director
GUEST:
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Deborah Dietz
Jennifer Durocher, Director of UM-NSU Card
PUBLIC GUEST:
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 10:01am
MEETING ABSENCE:
Vanessa Bedoya
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
February 7, 2024 (Commission 02/27/24 File #24-7055)
Motion by: Jennifer Ward Sando / 2nd Bonnie Blaire / All approved unanimously
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce member- Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated how important it is to have a representative of the Chamber and Ms. Claudia Uribe, Director, Community Engagement & Development at Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, had expressed interest in attending today’s meeting. Ms. Uribe did not make the meeting.
Parking / Trolley / Freebie - Director Kevin Kinney, Parking & Mobility
Director Kinney provided a board update regarding various services provided by the city.
The new Minorca Parking Garage - Board was advised that the Garage will soon be open to the public and Mr. Kinney described its innovative concepts. Ms. Sando Ward expressed concern regarding the fact that the entrance/exit to the garage does not have the standard bar and Director Kinney advised there will be a stop sign and mirrors where drivers can view what is happening on the sidewalk.
Older Parking Garages - The Board was advised that those garages had been reviewed and there are plans to work on addressing those.
Trolley - The Board was advised there is currently a big capital project to make the stops more accessible, including shelters as well as benches.
Freebie - The Board was advised of ongoing contract renewal negotiation with Freebie and how they are moving from golf cart concept to using Telsa vehicles. The Board was also advised that the discussions include having an accessible van that can provide rides for those individuals with physical disabilities (e.g., wheelchair users, etc.)
Ms. Chichester expressed the difficulty she experienced on the App when trying to request the accessible freebie and was asked if it would be a lot easier going forward. Director Kinney advised there is an ongoing conversation regarding this. Board had a brief discussion regarding assuring that during contract negotiations with Freebie, discussions of making it easier for a user to request an accessible ride, having it all on just one app, and perhaps having more than one accessible vehicle be included. The Board expressed concern regarding having to share the accessible van with adjacent communities and Director Kinney advised the city is working on that.
Elevator in oldest garage (across the street from Chocolate Fashion) - The Board was advised project to address this was liked by everyone, except for how it looked on the outside, and it is being reviewed to see how it can be best addressed. Director Kinney advised this location will be the “Mobility Hub”, making this the centralized point to point services, ride sharing, charging stations, and close to trolley stops.
Flex Route Services - Director Kinney provided information about this service which is currently being looked at.
OLD BUSINESS:
New Board Member - Ms. Justine Chichester
Ms. Palacio-Pike introduced Ms. Chichester to the board, and everyone introduced themselves as well. Ms. Chichester introduced herself and expressed looking forward to being part of this board.
Update: Ponce Circle Park Crosswalk - Melissa DeZayas- Transportation Division Manager
Ms. DeZayas advised the board of the ongoing project and shared plans. Ms. Blaire asked regarding lighting at night to highlight the area due to it being very busy. Ms. DeZayas advised she would have to review the plans to see if there was any lighting incorporated and that she would address it with the capital improvement assistant director working on the project. Ms. Palacio-Pike asked regarding the speed limit in the area and how difficult it is to cross the area. Ms. DeZayas advised one of the things being looked at is reducing speed in the area, however, this is something that is ultimately Miami-Dade County’s decision. Dr. Jennifer Durocher, Director of UM-NSU Card asked if there will be flashing crosswalks. Ms. Blaire asked if there would be audible crossing signals. Ms. DeZayas advised this is not currently part of the project. Ms. DeZayas stated these could not be put into the project at this time due to the project being already in the approval stages, however, it can be brought up to the project manager, city manager, and assistant city manager to perhaps be considered in the future. Ms. Blaire expressed due to Ms. DeZayas's stating the additional suggestion provided here today will not be able to be incorporated because the plans are already on approval level, what would be the timeline when these could be considered. Ms. DeZayas stated she is unable to assure a timeline for the incorporation of these additional suggestions, however she will present them.
Update Granada Path - Ms. Melissa DeZayas
Ms. DeZayas advised a final approval was received from the county to add a crosswalk on Coral Way and Segovia to make the Granada path accessible. Ms. DeZayas stated the city has reached out to its contractors and requested a proposal. Ms. DeZayas stated if the proposal is received within the next few weeks, this can be completed within two months.
Update: Autism Month - Ms. Catie Hastings - Parks & Recreation
Ms. Hastings provided update regarding upcoming Parks & Recreation events, My Squad and Farmers’ Market. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised all information being provided during the meeting, including flyers, will be sent to all board members and for them to share within their network (Exhibit 1). Ms. Palacio-Pike advised board members can attend Park & Recreations planning meetings regarding upcoming events. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised these are internal meetings and only one board member can attend because of the Sunshine law.
Autism Month Resolution & Proclamation- Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised the board Resolution and Proclamation regarding Autism Acceptance Month will be presented at the next commission meeting, on April 16, 2024. The board discussed the possible recipient of the proclamation, and it was suggested the Police department accept it.
Raising of Autism Flag - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised, and the board confirmed, the raising of the Autism Flag will take place on April 1, 2024, 1:00pm
Autism Caravan - Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike provided information regarding Autism Caravan happening on April 2, 2024 (Exhibit 2).
Sensory Support Space Van - Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike provided information regarding the sensory support space van. Dr. Durocher expressed concern regarding mobility accessibility. Others concern discussed were missing ramp, space inside, height, etc. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised they are open to hear suggestions and concerns.
Ms. Elejabarrieta asked board members to contact her if there is any other staff/director they would like to attend the next board meeting to provide information.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: April 3, 2024
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 11:01am
Motion by: Jennifer Ward Sando / 2nd Bonnie Blaire / All approved unanimously.
Recommended Action
[Enter Recommended Action Here]