Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of December 4, 2019.
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Boards Focus for Next Year
Mr. Sando stated it is a good time for Board to reflect and advise goals for upcoming year. Mr. Sando asked to commence with Ms. Dietz.
Ms. Dietz stated she would like diversity of thought and inclusion for all to be prioritized by Board, since it is the voice representing all. Mr. Sando stated Board has tried to recruit people with physical disabilities and encourages Board members to reach
out to them as well to participate in Board either in a formal or non-formal role.
Ms. Liebl stated she agrees regarding being more diverse and perhaps looking into sources such as Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Milne stated she would like more thought to go into such things as availability and logistics of where porta-potties are placed at events.
Ms. Palacio stated she would like to know how it would be best to proceed with promoting such events as Adventure Day for All. Mr. Sando suggested perhaps Board members attend Chamber breakfast after summer months. Ms. Blaire advised it would be
best to be involved in the Chamber’s Annual Goals Conference.
Ms. Whitehurst stated how she has invited friends to attend meeting and would like to see the group expand believing this would be beneficial for all. Mr. Sando stated it would also be good to have a meeting outside, at a different time and location where perhaps
many more may be able to attend.
Ms. Blaire expressed how proud she is of Board’s efforts and accomplishments. Ms. Blaire stated it would be good to go back to the ordinance to identify Board’s purpose. Ms. Blaire stated this is an advocate and advisory Board. Ms. Blaire stated Board
needs to identify resources, opportunities, educate and motivate community. Ms. Blaire stated Board needs to start thinking of accessing needs of the community, researching resources available and bringing in personnel from various City departments to advise
what is being done. Ms. Blaire stated Board can then through proper channels advise Commission of needs and have issues addressed.
Choosing of New Chairperson
Mr. Sando stated it is time a new chairperson is chosen, assuring continuation of leadership. Ms. Sando recommended Ms. Liebl be the next chairperson and Board agreed. Ms. Liebl accepted recommendation.
Motion to appoint Ms. Vanessa Liebl as new chairperson.
Motion by: Ms. Palacio / 2nd: Ms. Marie-Ilene Whitehurst / All approved unanimously
Business Inclusion Award Presentation
Ms. Elejabarrieta presented to Board plaque and advised it will be presented to winner California Pizza Kitchen at the next scheduled Commission meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. Video of the winner (CPK) was shown to Board.
Mr. Sando asked if the City would present the award next year - Ms. Elejabarrieta advised that the City will award it next year and is striving for the award presentation to be October 2020, Disability Awareness Month.
Adventure Day for All Event
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated it was time to recap and see how Board feels regarding going forth with future events taking into consideration cost and attendance.
Mr. Sando stated the last two years event has been funded by revenue from ADA parking fines. Mr. Sando stated he has been in favor of the event and understands issue of not achieving the desired attendance which he feels is the consequences of starting
a new event. Mr. Sando stated that even though the City strives towards awareness on a day to day basis, to have an event such as this once a year may make the megaphone much louder, maybe drawing in a little more people and reaching different groups.
Mr. Sando stated it would be great to go forth with discussion with rest of Board.
Ms. Whitehurst stated it is a wonderful showcase for the City and event should continue, however a better way of promoting event should be researched.
Ms. Palacio stated she is also in favor of continuing event, however, feels efforts to promote event should commence earlier and more resources should be utilized. Ms. Palacio feels working with Mr. Mark Trowbridge of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
can help bring in a lot of people as well as reaching out to the special aide teachers at schools. Ms. Palacio stated that there should also be research of other possible sources of funding such as perhaps a Mayor’s Ball Fund Raiser where monies received
can be utilized for this event. Mr. Sando stated it would be best to get on the agenda of perhaps the Chambers June/July breakfast where they can be advised of upcoming October event.
Ms. Milne feels this event is great and should go forth. Ms. Milne stated event has brought in others such as the FIU group which provides help promote the event.
Ms. Liebl stated she is a proponent of event. Ms. Liebl feels perhaps it would be good to reach out to the Coral Gables Community Foundation for them to put on event, since they do have philanthropic efforts where they tie in local business with individuals and
being a 51C3 can raise funds.
Mr. Zuriarrain stated Coral Gables Community Foundation is a great partner, however they are not capable of handling the amount of organization and logistics required to set up of an event this size. Ms. Liebl stated perhaps then not with the logistics but how
about referenced funds. Mr. Zuriarrain advised they have worked together regarding raising funds with the Coral Gables Community Foundation most recently with pumpkin patch and he feels they would be great for this. Ms. Liebl stated she feels by
working together with them it will facilitate more awareness towards the Adventure Day for All event.
Ms. Whitehurst stated there should be an effort to recruit sponsors. Mr. Zuriarrain stated at this time the Parks & Recreation Department does not have the mechanism to accept donations and they are always very careful of doing so becasue they prefer to
maintain the event as a City event. Mr. Zuriarrain stated there could be designated donations such as a sponsorship toward entertainment. Ms. Whitehurst asked if it would be ok to place on City bulletin that City is seeking corporate sponsors for Adventure Day
for All event and Mr. Zuriarrain advised that would have to be a further discussion with management of how to best proceed.
Ms. Blaire expressed an overwhelming support of this event going forward, however, feels what she is hearing regarding having money even though it is an important factor, should not be main concern. Ms. Blaire expressed the Board should focus on
providing support to those who are running event, create strategy of how best to proceed with event and make others aware of what a great loss it would be for the community if it no longer took place.
Ms. Dietz stated it is important to make sure event is accessible to all. Ms. Dietz feels more thought should be given to participants with other types of disabilities. Ms. Dietz feels City should keep event, however, perhaps consults with other resources within
the community that can share their information and thoughts which could assure it be inclusive for all.
Board was advised regarding status of upcoming project such as Salvador Park.
Mr. Sando stated he would like to bring back conversation regarding Adventure for All Day Event and therefore, pass a resolution in order approve and continue with event this upcoming year.
Resolution to recommend for City to continue to Host and Organize Adventure for All Day Event for upcoming year.
Motion by: Ms. Marie-Ilene Whitehurst / 2nd: Philippa Milne / All approved unanimously.
Ms. Kofkin advised after discussions with participating vendors it has bene determined Sunday is best day. Therefore, Sunday, October 11, 2020 has been date assigned for Adventure for All 2020 Event.
Ms. Kofkin advised Board of new timeline regarding commencing organizing and promoting event earlier. Board agreed with October 11, 2020 date.
NEXT MEETING: Board agreed due to upcoming Holidays and vacations; it would be best to not hold meeting during January 2020. Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:05am