Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of May 3, 2023.
Body
QUORUM: Was Reached
STAFF:
Raquel Elejabarrieta - Human Resources Director
Melissa DeZayas - Sr. Transportation Engineer (Via Zoom)
Eglys Hernandez - Human Resources
Vivian Pires - Parks & Recreation P/T D.E.I. Counselor
GUEST:
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
PUBLIC GUEST:
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting was called to order 10:05am
MEETING ABSENCE:
Haley Moss
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
March 1, 2023
Motion by: Philippa Milne / 2nd Samantha Duran / All approved unanimously
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Wheelchairs for Swings: Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike addressed the board regarding perhaps adding this type of swing on existing parks equipment. Ms. Pires provided information on research conducted regarding equipment. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised she was speaking of something that can be added to existing equipment. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised further research will be conducted, the item will be placed on the next agenda and the board will be updated.
Human Exhibit - Coral Gables Museum
Ms. Palacio-Pike spoke of the exhibit at Coral Gables Museum. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated museum personnel expressed interest in hosting a board meeting there to prompt attendance during the exhibit taking place until August 2023. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated further research will be conducted to see which meeting would be best. Ms. Liebl suggested providing information to the schools so they could consider a field trip to the museum. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised she will provide contact information for the museum to Ms. Liebl. Ms. Duran asked regarding how this exhibit is being promoted. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated the museum is promoting the exhibit via many different platforms.
Pepi Bertini European Men’s Clothing - Photo Shoot - Ms. Philippa Milne
Ms. Milne advised the board regarding Mr. Pepe Bertini, owner of Pepi Bertini European Men’s Clothing, project to create photos utilizing persons with disabilities to promote his services and shop. Ms. Milne stated she had approached Mr. Bertini and he was very happy to conduct this project. Ms. Milne stated she will keep the board updated regarding the status of this project.
“What If It Works” Organization request for information regarding groups / organizations within City of Coral Gables which provide services for people with special needs - Ms. Philippa Milne
Ms. Milne said she had been contacted by a friend who is now part of What If It Works and was requesting information of organizations which provide services for people with disabilities within the city.
Board members provided suggestions and Ms. Elejabarrieta stated she could advise them of the board itself and invite them to attend upcoming meetings.
Sensory Lab - Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike provided information regarding a sensory lab opened by South Miami for children between the ages of 2 through 12 utilizing a program provided by Crystal Academy. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised it is held one Saturday a month and during first event, it was well attended. Ms. Palacio-Pike has provided this information to Ms. Catie Hasting of Parks & Recreation.
New Commission and Board Members- Ms. Elejabarrieta
Brief information regarding board members and status was provided. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised Mr. Sando has been termed out, Ms. Milne and Ms. Moss need to reach out to current commissioners as well as those who are interested in continuing to be part of the board.
OLD BUSINESS:
Re-Cap Autism Month - Ms. Palacio-Pike
Raising of Autism Acceptance Flag
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised the board regarding the raising of Autism Acceptance flag at City Hall on April 5, 2023, and that the North Miami Police Department will be using the same flag (design) for their flag. Ms. Palacio-Pike thanked Ms. Haley Moss for creating the flag and Mayor Lago, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, city staff and others for attending.
City of Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce Breakfast - Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike provided a brief recap of breakfast expressing gratitude to the Chamber for dedicating the breakfast for Autism Awareness month. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised one of Crystal Academy’s children conducted the pledge of alliance.
Autism Caravan
Ms. Palacio-Pike advised of huge caravan which took place on April 3, 2023, where more than forty-five vehicles participated commencing in North Miami Police Department. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated they made two stops at Coral Gables and came to an end at Crystal Academy. Ms. Palacio-Pike thanked the Coral Gables Police Department, other city officials as well as Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised regarding new police recruits visiting Crystal Academy and idea to continue to do so going forth for officers to have experience with possible encounters with persons with disabilities.
My Squad Upcoming events - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta provided information regarding upcoming My Squad Events and advised calendar will be provided once again.
4th of July 2023 - Ms. Pires
Ms. Pires advised My Squad 4th of July Sensory Event at the lodge. Ms. Pires advised there will also be a bouncy house, water activities and parking on site. Flyer was shared with board.
Updated events taken in place during April Autism Awareness month - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta provided information regarding Proclamation and Resolution for Autism Awareness Month presented during April commission meeting where Mr. Chang accepted resolution and shared picture of Project Victory participant, Mr. Brandon Talavera, now a part time City employee working in the Human Resources department. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised city renewed Project Victory program for school year 2023-2024 school year.
Continual: Audible Crosswalks & Granada Golf Course - Ms. DeZayas / Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. DeZayas advised after the city reviewed and identified request for installation of audible crosswalks in area of LeJeune Road, it was determined these were DOT roads. Therefore, DOT was contacted and has advised they will be conducting a study at each location with results to be made available July 2023.
Ms. DeZayas advised the city has received comments back regarding from Miami-Dade County in reference to 4 way at Coral Way and Segovia to make it accessible to that path on the Granada Golf Couse. Ms. DeZayas stated city consultants are currently working on revising plans in accordance with their comments, will re submit plans to Miami-Dade County within the next two weeks. Ms. DeZayas stated the county will then review once again, which is usually within the next 30 to 60 days and hopes it moves forward at that point to proceed to construction.
AIRA - Ms. Elejabarrieta password
Ms. Elejabarrieta spoke regarding AIRA, a pilot program via a free app to be used within the city by anyone who is visually impaired. Ms. Elejabarrieta showed a short video and advised this does have a cost to the city.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: June 7, 2023
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 11:10am
Recommended Action