Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of August 7, 2024.
Body
QUORUM: Quorum was reached
STAFF:
Raquel Elejabarrieta - Human Resources Director
Eglys Hernandez - P/T Administrative Assistant Labor Relations & Risk Management
Catie Hastings - Community Recreation - D.E.I. Coordinator
Sarah Espino - Community Recreation - Administrative Operations Supervisor
GUEST:
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Jennifer Durocher, Director of UM-NSU Card
PUBLIC GUEST:
Dr. Laura S. Olivos, Olive Tree Psychology
Pamela Perez Melms, Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting called to order at 10:05 am
MEETING ABSENCE: None
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
June 5, 2024
Motion by: Bonnie Blaire / 2nd Justine Chichester / Approved unanimously.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Disability Awareness Month Events for October Adventure Day - Ms. Catie Hastings
Ms. Hastings advised upcoming Adventure Day will be taking place on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 11:00am to 2:00pm. Ms. Hastings advised they are in the process of approving the application and will then be mailed out the following week. Ms. Palacio-Pike asked if there was a backup plan in case it rains again like last year when the event could not be held. Ms. Espino advised unfortunately there is no control of weather. Ms. Palacio-Pike asked if another day can be looked at since this date is Columbus Day weekend. Ms. Espino advised there are many other events already put into place and it is difficult, however they can review and see if there is a possibility of another date.
Ms. Palacio-Pike asked regarding having commissioners attend and speak at event as it was done during the first year. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated at the first event, it was also the grand opening of Salvadore Park highlighting the accessible components of the park. Ms. Hastings stated perhaps it would be best to invite the elected officials to attend and speak at the upcoming opening of ReelAbilities Event, January 2025.
Ms. Perez Melms, Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education stated they would like to know how they can further assist the City of Coral Gables with this event. Ms. Castings advised of a contest for the vendors where prizes will be presented to those having the most engaging booth. Ms. Castings stated this would be the best way to help the event. Ms. Castings advised this company was invited last year and Ms. Espino advised they will be receiving invitation shortly.
Dr. Olivos (via zoom) suggested perhaps creating a mural consisting of post notes with positive affirmations. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated perhaps it can be incorporated into the event.
Trainings - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated in past, approximately three years ago, Ms. Haley Moss and Ms. Rochelle (Shelly) Baer conducted a training provided to city manager, all directors and staff. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated after this training great comments and feedback was received from everyone in attendance. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she has spoken with Ms. Moss regarding returning to do this training and she stated she will be available, just needs to have a date identified. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated she will be speaking with the City Manager regarding conducting this mandatory training. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated she believes a conversation should also take place with Police Chief Hudak regarding training for public safety personnel which has not been done for a while. Ms. Hastings stated she also has a film which has been rated very highly by the ReelAbilites committee called Intelligent Lives, which could be shown to city employees.
Proclamation & Resolution - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised as per the board’s recommendation that DIG (Disability Independence Group) Ms. Deborah Dietz be the receipt for this October. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised it can be presented at the October 8, 2024, commission meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Accessibility of Special Events - Follow Up: Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised after addressing the board’s previous concerns regarding ADA compliance at special events with staff as well as legal, it was concluded the check list in place, inspections and follow-ups conducted by the city is the upmost city should do. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated the city can always provide recommendations, however, should reframe from doing more, due to the liabilities may then fall on the city. Ms. Espino provided information regarding the special events committee, the application process, requirements and expectations. Ms. Espino advised the city does not have an enforcement arm. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised the city does not have the enforcement agent nor does it want the liability in case of event being sued. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised she does not think it would be appropriate that a member of this board sit on the special events committee.
Discussion by board regarding various actions the city can review:
1) Come up with a script that can be presented to the event operator regarding ADA needs
2) Have someone from the Advisory Board on Disability Affairs sit on the current committee
3) Advise the special events committee that a board member is available to provide further information making their event more accessible.
4) Advise board of upcoming events and have someone attend the event, review and advise what was missing
5) Create a community/partners/develop a group of people that can attend events to review what was missing and provide feedback
6) Have messaging which can be provided prior to events of how to make event more accessible
7) Provide both options: 1) Prior to the event, advice accessible to a member of the Disability Affairs board is available / 2) After event, advise of what was missing or done incorrectly regarding accessibility.
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised if there is a list of the bigger events which can be looked at prior to events taking place. Ms. Blaire stated who on the board has the expertise to provide guidance to the event planners.
Ms. Palacio-Pike requested the meeting to be adjourned at this time, however, to agree to include the following pending items on the agenda for the upcoming September 4, 2024, meeting:
1) Director Training events -
a) Halley & Shelly presentation
b) Police Personnel Training
c) Viewing of Intelligent Lives Movies as training
2) 4th of July Debriefing - this was to be conducted by Ms. Justine Chichester; however, she advised she did not attend event
3) Update ref Granada Golf Course path
4) Update on accessibility at the Youth Center
5) Follow with Staff to see how to best proceed regarding the Application / ADA implementation for Special Events
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by: Ms. Bonnie Blaire / 2nd: Ms. Justine Chichester / Approved unanimously.
Meeting Adjourned: 11:06am
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: September 4, 2024
Recommended Action
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