Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting of November 5, 2025.
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STAFF:
Jose Rodriguez -Human Resources & Risk Management - Assistant Director
Eglys Hernandez - Human Resources & Risk Management - P/T Administrative Assistant
Yanessa Rodriguez - Community Recreation - Administrative Operations Manager
Catie Hastings - Community Recreation - D.E.I. Coordinator
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Dr. Jennifer Durocher, University of Miami
PUBLIC GUEST: None
CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 10:06am
MEETING ABSENCE: Debbie Dietz, Citizen Advisor
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
October 1, 2025
Motion by: Wilfredo Jauregui / 2nd: Vanessa Bedoya / Approved unanimously
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS’ REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairperson - Ms. Justine Chichester
Ms. Chichester spoke regarding amazing presentation conducted during last commission meeting where Mr. Eddy Martinez, Summer of Success was presented with proclamation in celebration of October Disability Awareness month.
Phillips Park Design ADA - Ms. Yanessa Rodriguez Administrative Assistant - Community Recreations
Ms. Rodriguez provided information on design in place at this time regarding ADA. Ms. Rodriguez advised construction commenced on Monday, November 3, 2025. Ms. Rodriguez stated they will be maintaining the existing ADA designated parking spaces at park, and the entrance gates handles will be updated or replaced if requirements are not already met. Ms. Rodriguez stated walking path of the park will be constructed with appropriate width and surface slopes to adhere to guidelines. Ms. Rodriguez advised all paths would connect to all the amenities to the park, such as water fountains and pavilions, making sure there is access. Ms. Rodriguez advised water fountains, benches and picnic tables being installed will meet the ADA requirements. Ms. Rodriguez stated the restrooms will remain compliant with the ADA regulations they currently have. Ms. Rodriguez advised this information provided was facilitated by capital improvement teams, which are working directly with Community Recreation Department Director Fred Couceyro and Assistant Director Sarah Espino. Ms. Rodriguez asked the board to please provide any suggestions and comments which will be shared with staff.
Ms. Bedoya said it is great the park will be accessible, however, asked if there will be some actual play structures for children in wheelchairs. Ms. Rodriguez advised the existing playground would be removed and there was a community meeting held where the design was shared. Ms. Rodriguez stated she would make the design available to Mr. Rodriguez, to be shared with the board. Ms. Chichester said she would like the design to be presented at the next board meeting if possible.
Ms. Chichester stated she thinks it would be great for the board to commence discussions for next year to perhaps coordinate training for directors and employees which can take place during October Disability Awareness month.
Update: Community Recreations - Ms. Catie Hastings
Ms. Hastings provided information regarding several events which took place. Ms. Hastings advised there were over one hundred participants at Gentle Trick or Treat, for the Rocky Horror event over twenty participants and outing to Brightside Bar on November 4, 2022, there were over twenty participants as well.
Ms. Hastings confirmed the hours regarding November 8, 2025, Adventure Day are 11:00am till 2:00pm. Ms. Hastings provided information in reference to the various activities, food and presentations which will be available at event.
Ms. Chichester advised Ms. Palacio-Pike was unable to attend today’s meeting, however, she did share information regarding an update of a post that was done by the high school and will be able to provide further information when she has a moment to join board meeting.
Mr. Martinez shared with board samples of holiday cards, which participants of Crystal Academy created the art for. Mr. Martinez stated they will be for sale during Adventure Day event, and the proceeds will be going directly to Crystal Academy.
Mr. Martinez showed samples of artwork created for the Coral Gables monopoly game cards called Best of Coral Gables and City Beautiful, where the board is being highlighted.
OLD BUSINESS:
Delivery Service Robots - Serve Robotics - Mr. Yariel Diaz - Director of Government Affairs / Ms. Michele Lee - Policy Team member
Mr. Diaz, along with co-worker Ms. Michele Lee, attended meeting via zoom. Mr. Diaz provided detailed information regarding services and goals of company. Mr. Diaz, along with co-worker Ms. Michele Lee, addressed questions and concern from board members.
Mr. Jauregui shared an incident he experienced where a bot was just going back and forth in a particular location, due to a vehicle parked crossing the double white line and was wondering why the bots do not have any type of noise. Mr. Jaurequi also shared that due to his vision disability, he was unable to see one of these robots and therefore tripped over it.
Mr. Diaz stated that the bots having a noise is not a minimum requirement in the State of Florida, however the company’s goal is to provide best service possible. They are working with other entities trying to figure out what would be the best way to add audible sound to the bots already in existence. Mr. Diaz stated one of Ms. Lee’s tasks is to create an accessibility council where they can provide updates regarding the work being done on the disability side.
Mr. Diaz advised they would be glad to come back to the board and provide updates as it evolves in their company.
Special Elections April 2026 - Mr. Jose Rodriguez
Ms. Chichester provided a summary regarding upcoming mail in special elections and concerns about how to make it accessible. Mr. Rodriguez provided information received from the city’s office and how it is being promoted. Ms. Chichester asked how long prior to elections this information was made available. Ms. Blaire stated Miami-Dade elections department oversees elections and perhaps it would be great to reach out to them. Ms. Blaire stated perhaps it would be great to work with other areas to spread the word. Mr. Rodriguez stated he will be speaking with City Clerk office and communications staff to explore best way to proceed. Mr. Rodriguez stated he will be sharing the link information with the board.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
NEXT MEETING: December 3, 2025
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting adjourned at 11:06am
Motion by: Wilfredo Jauregui / 2nd: Vanessa Bedoya / Approved unanimously