Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of September 6, 2023.
Body
QUORUM: Quorum was reached.
STAFF:
Raquel Elejabarrieta - Human Resources Director
Eglys Hernandez - PT Administrative Assistant, Human Resources
Caspian Hastings - DEI Coordinator, Parks & Recreations
Vivian Pires - PT DEI Counselor, Parks & Recreations
GUEST: Brent Capley, Branch Manager - Miami Dade County Public Library - Coral Gables Branch
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Debbie Dietz (via Zoom)
Jennifer Durocher, Director of UM-NSU Card
PUBLIC GUEST:
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order 10:06am
MEETING ABSENCE: None
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
July 5, 2023
Motion by: Vanessa Bedoya / 2nd Jennifer Sando / All approved unanimously.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Meeting commenced and Chairperson Palacio introduced and welcomed new board members, Ms. Bonnie Blaire, Ms. Vanessa Bedoya and Ms. Jennifer Sando
Mr. Brent Capley, Coral Gables Branch Manager - Miami Dade County Public School Library
Mr. Capley provided the board with information regarding various ongoing programming for the community including participants with disabilities. Ms. Palacio shared a flyer regarding “Beyond Limits Social Club” (Exhibit 1), which is one of their programs available which will be emailed to all board members.
Ms. Palacio suggested that Parks & Recreation work together with the library branch. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated Ms. Hastings will be contacting Mr. Capley regarding possible collaborations. Mr. Capley was invited to participate in the upcoming Adventure Day.
Establishing Advisory Boards in other cities - Ms. Palacio
Ms. Palacio advised Miami Dade Commissioner Regalado, District 7, has been working with Pine Crest, Key Biscayne, and City of South Miami to establish disability boards at each city. Miami Commissioner Regalado’s goal is for all these boards to come together to discuss goals and collaborate.
Goals & Objective for FY 2024
Board members expressed various ideas regarding goals for the upcoming new year. The board can perhaps focus on employment, programming, awareness acceptance campaign and voter accessibility.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update - Parks & Recreation - Saturday Programming / After School Care Fees
The board discussed the possibility of different programming for neurodivergent participants. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised further research can be conducted. Ms. Palacio asked if research could include Saturday programming.
Ms. Hastings advised the board of the upcoming Saturday programming, which is a walking event where everyone can participate, called Walk, Scout, or Roll Silly Stroll, 9:00am to 11:00am. Ms. Sando asked if it would be limited to certain ages, and Ms. Hastings stated it is for anyone who wishes to participate. Ms. Hastings provided additional information regarding various other programs going on.
Update - Coordination of dates ref City Stock Pictures - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised possible dates will be provided for the next meeting.
Continual: Melissa DeZayas - Sr. Transportation Engineer - PW Dept
Audible Crosswalks / Path Granada Golf Course
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised regarding audible crosswalks, they are all DOT, which were supposed to get back to us by July, however they have not. Ms. DeZayas has reached out to them via two emails for an update and is awaiting a reply.
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised regarding Granada Golf Course Path, on the Anderson side is with the county and is still on track for the end of next year. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised on the Segovia side, which is a city project, currently under design review with the county and expected to break ground by the end of this year.
Adventure Day - Ms. Hastings
Ms. Hastings advised struggling securing vendors due to so many other events of the same nature taking place on the same date and time. Ms. Blaire suggested perhaps giving some thought to shifting the dynamics of the city’s event rather than shifting the event. Ms. Blaire stated perhaps use that day and opportunity to do some programming at the event, making that more of the center rather than a vendor event.
Parking Lot Striping / Broken Elevator
Ms. Dietz requested an update regarding both. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she did not have an update available at this time, however had placed a call to Director Kinney, Parking Director and as soon as she hears back from him information will be made available to Ms. Dietz.
October Resolution / Proclamation - Disability Awareness Month - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised the board these will be presented during an October 2023 commission meeting, and it must be determined who will be receiving it. Several suggestions were made regarding possible recipients including, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre.
National Accreditation of Parks & Recreation - Ms. Hastings
Ms. Hastings advised the board that after working on obtaining this accreditation, the city passed their visit and as soon as the final documentation is completed the city will be accredited.
ReelAbilities Film Festival - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta briefly advised the board of research that is going to be conducted regarding the possibility of having this in the city sometime during early next year.
Directors’ Training - Ms. Palacio
Ms. Palacio spoke regarding conducting this type of training once again. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated the last training was very well received and it would be great to do it again. Ms. Palacio stated she would be reaching out to Ms. Moss and Ms. Baer as well as Mr. Arana.
Accessibility Businesses - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised of efforts being conducted by the Economic Development Department with businesses regarding making them accessible. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised during last month’s commission meeting Vice Mayor placed an item which assists businesses making changes to their businesses to make them more accessible to have their permits expedited.
Board members were given flyer (Exhibit #2) regarding upcoming 2023 Biennial Boards & Committees Ethics Training - September 29, 2023, 9:00am.
Project Victory - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta provided an update regarding new and returning participants.
Brief discussion took place regarding self-contained classroom established at David Fairchild Elementary School.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: October 4, 2023
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned 11:16am
Recommended Action
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