Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of November 1, 2023.
Body
BOARD MEMBERS:
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 - Parks & Recreation P/T D.E.I. Counselor (Via Zoom)
GUEST:
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Deborah Dietz (Via Zoom)
PUBLIC GUEST:
Ms. Barbara Diaz, It Takes A Village, Key Biscayne
Ms. Laura Teran, It Takes A Village, Key Biscayne
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting was called to order 10:05am
MEETING ABSENCE:
Jennifer Durocher, Director of UM-NSU Card
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
October 4, 2023
Motion by: Vanessa Bedoya / 2nd Jennifer Ward Sando / All approved unanimously
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Accessibility Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Gym - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta advised the board of concern brought forth regarding accessibility at the gym located at the War Memorial Youth Center. Director Elejabarrieta advised this location is part of the City’s overall transition plan. Director Elejabarrieta stated these concerns have been brought up to the parks and recreation staff, which will prioritize them.
My Ability Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado Event - Ms. Mary Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike shared with the board that she attended “My Ability” event regarding a panel discussion to promote inclusion in the workplace and advised panel members who were present such as representatives of Goodwill, Microsoft, as well as Miami-Dade College. Ms. Palacio-Pike suggested perhaps for the second panel of discussion be held at Coral Gables. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated this has been done in the past, which could be done at a board meeting, hosting will not be an issue. Director Elejabarrieta stated to assure this would be a successful event, someone needs to take the lead regarding getting a panel together, identifying the best time sometime next year, and subject to be discussed. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she will follow up with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Regalado to identify the best dates for next year.
The board discussed filling Ex-Aficio position for the board and Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she would contact Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce to determine best way to proceed with appointing someone.
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she would like to know how this board could assist Key Biscayne in obtaining their Advisory Board on Disability Affairs. Director Elejabarrieta provided information as to how the city conducts business regarding establishing a board and advised information was also forwarded to Alex from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Regalado’s office.
Ms. Barbara Diaz, founder of It Takes A Village, Key Biscayne, introduced herself. Ms. Diaz stated their purpose is to create an Advisory Board on Disability Affairs at Key Biscayne as well as trying to obtain a self-contained classroom at their local school. Ms. Ward Sando suggested perhaps if Key Biscayne has a school committee board, they should also address their concerns with them. Ms. Ward Sando also suggested they could attend the upcoming City of Coral Gables School Community Relations Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, November 17, 2023, 8:30am in person at this same location or via zoom, where there will be a Miami-Dade County school representative. This board meets on the third Friday of each month.
OLD BUSINESS:
Board Member Attendance - Ms. Palacio-Pike
Ms. Palacio-Pike stated concern regarding board member Ms. Samantha Duran availability to attend and for board to meet quorum. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she would like to explore whether Ms. Duran can continue to be a board member or perhaps become a citizen advisor instead. Director Elejabarrieta stated she would contact City Clerk office for guidance and would contact Ms. Duran as well.
Follow Up - Adventure Day - Ms. Catie Hastings
Ms. Hastings advised that due to the weather on the day of the event, it was unsafe for staff to go forth setting up tents and the event was cancelled. Ms. Hastings stated that an alternative event is being considered. Ms. Hastings stated there are currently seventeen events happening during this month and the following months it is very busy, therefore perhaps it would be best to host a Movie Night at the Park, first week of February 3, 2024. Ms. Hastings stated it would be on a much smaller scale, some vendors will be present as well as food trucks. Ms. Hastings provided a list of movies which are being considered, Dolphin Tail, Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, or Feel the Beat. Ms. Hastings stated they want it to be a fun movie which can be enjoyed at the park. The board had a short discussion regarding the movies suggested and how to incorporate movie theme into participants.
Presentation Resolution Principal of Inclusion & Proclamation- National Disability Employment Awareness Month - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta advised the city once again commissioned and adopted Principal of Inclusion Resolution. Director Elejabarrieta advised Proclamation was received by Mr. Elvis Fuentes, Coral Gables Museum. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised the museum is working very hard toward becoming an inclusive accommodation museum, which will be done during the next two years.
Director Training - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta advised date tentatively identified is December 7, 2023. However, due to the unavailability of Ms. Haley Moss, Director Elejabarrieta would like to further discuss directly with Ms. Palacio-Pike and advise the board of the final decision.
Update - Striping Parking Lots - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta advised Garage 1 striping has been completed and additional accessible parking spaces were added on first floor. Garage 4 striping will be completed sometime this week.
Update- Aira App - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta stated Aira was contacted, and they advised when someone who already has the app opens the app on their phone and enters the city’s business district, they will receive notification that the service is free courtesy of the city. Director Elejabarrieta stated Aira also provided promotional information which will be forwarded to the city’s Economic Development department which can share with the businesses. Ms. Bedoya requested information be sent to her to share with the Lighthouse for the Blind.
Follow up: School Community Relations Committee Appointee - Disability Initiative - Ms. Jennifer Ward Sando
Ms. Ward Sando advised they did not have a meeting, only a workshop, therefore this will be addressed at their next meeting. Director Elejabarrieta asked if it would be best if it is placed on their November 17, 2023, meeting agenda and for someone from board to be present. Ms. Ward Sando said she will be available, and Director Elejabarrieta stated she will be available as well.
Autism Badge - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta stated Chief Hudak advised they were in receipt of initial rendering and would be contacting Ms. Palacio-Pike within a week or so to address it. A brief discussion took place regarding badge design.
Continual: Audible Crosswalks/Path Granada Golf Course - Director Elejabarrieta
Director Elejabarrieta advised request made to DOT for audible crosswalks on LeJeune for intersections of Minorca, Andalusia, and Bird Road have been approved, will be a 2025 project. Director Elejabarrieta stated that the updates to the Granada golf course path is still on track.
Gentle Halloween Event - Ms. Catie Hastings Parks & Recreation
Ms. Hastings advised the board regarding this event, which was the first one where over 100 tickets were sold, and there were 80 trick or treaters. Ms. Hastings advised this event was successful and has been added to the parks and recreation calendar going forth. Ms. Hastings advised they are also working on conducting a similar event for an Easter Egg hunt. Ms. Ward Sando said she believes that perhaps having some light music would help calm some of the participants. Ms. Hastings advised, after conducting a brief survey prior to the event, most participants stated it was best not to have music.
My Squad - Ms. Hastings
Ms. Hastings provided an overview of upcoming events to the board.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: December 6, 2023
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned 11:00am
Recommended Action
[Enter Recommended Action Here]