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Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Workshop of September 1, 2021.
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QUORUM: Not reached in person - Conducted as Workshop
CALL TO ORDER: Workshop commenced at 10:00am
NEW BUSINESS:
Update various issues - Kevin Kinney, Parking Director
Freebie Program
Director Kinney advised update regarding status of Freebie program. Director Kinney advised three-year program coming to an end and they will be reviewing as well as discussions regarding going
forth with this program. Director Kinney advised there may be financial implications and routes of service may be changed.
Trollies - Conversion to Electrical Units
Director Kinney advised of challenges and differences between current trollies in use and electrical ones. Director Kinney stated current trollies have features such as fewer boarding steps and
low floors which make them user friendly for members of the community with disabilities. Director Kinney also advised electrical trollies cost more.
Ms. Liebl asked if there was any type of technology available which could be used by someone who is visually impaired to be made aware of upcoming trolly. Director Kinney advised of app available
for users which indicates status of upcoming trolley directly to someone’s phone and can be heard.
Handicap Parking Spaces - Samantha Duran
Ms. Duran expressed concerns regarding handicap / accessible parking available throughout City. Director Kinney provided information regarding parking spaces available and percentage of same being handicap.
Director Kinney advised of ongoing fraudulent use of handicap parking throughout county, efforts in place and difficulty regarding enforcement. Commissioner Anderson offered to meet with Ms. Duran to further
discuss this issue and asked Ms. Duran to provide her suggestions as to which areas within the City need to be made more accessible. Ms. Duran expressed her interest in having said meeting.
Board members agreed subject warrants further review and to continue discussion at next month’s board meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update: Adventure Day for All Event - Mitchell Zuriarrain Parks & Recreation
Mr. Zuriarrain updated board on various issues regarding upcoming Adventure Day for All Event. Mr. Zuriarrain advised event is scheduled for Saturday, October 23, 2021, 11:00am - 3:00pm. Mr. Zuriarrain
provided Board information regarding vendor application and map of venue area. Mr. Zuriarrain advised health and safety guidelines in place in accordance with current CDC recommendations, such as temperature
check. Mr. Zuriarrain advised of farmers’ market vendors as well as others looking forward to participating, of free ice cream to be given to attendees, of participating entertainment such as Alex and friends. Board
determined it would be good to reach out to Mr. Samuel Joseph for his support regarding marketing of Adventure Day for All Event via their committee, School Community Relations, and resources. Mr. Zuriarrain advised
event is open to everyone, including beyond Coral Gables Residents.
Mr. Zuriarrain advised regarding parking and various locations available. Ms. Liebl asked if it would be possible to utilize Freebie for transportation from the various parking locations to event. Mr. Zuriarrain advised this had been discussed and due to changes perhaps to the Freebie contract, they have been looking at alternatives such as renting multiple passenger golf carts.
Ms. Liebl asked if there will be a book reading station. Mr. Zuriarrain stated currently there will be an adventure station, which may have a book reading and this will be looked into.
Mr. Zuriarrain advised an artificial stage will not be used, instead there is an elevated natural platform in the center of the park which will be utilized.
Adult Programing - My Squad - Parks & Recreation
Mr. Zuriarrain advised Ms. Ericka Kofkin had opportunity to receive feedback from parents and residents regarding this program. Mr. Zuriarrain stated that at the start of these pilot programs they try to keep it simple to determine if there is an interest from the community in participating. Mr. Zuriarrain explained upcoming scheduled events and the dining element of same. Ms. Milne expressed her concern regarding upcoming Karaoke event and current COVID-19 situation. Ms. Milne asked if it would be held in enclosed area. Mr. Zuriarrain stated it will be and perhaps outside events can be explored at a later time. Mr. Zuriarrain advised regarding the Hunted House event as well. Mr. Zuriarrain stated Ms. Kofkin is working on a flyer which once completed will be made available.
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce - Employment & the Disable - Ms. Vanessa Liebl
Ms. Liebl stated upon further review, determined best way to address employment for individuals with disabilities with Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce would be to provide education to its members regarding the requirements and needs as well as the resources available to businesses. Ms. Liebl advised she had contacted Ms. Ira Diaz and asked if she would be willing to address the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce members. Ms. Liebl advised Ms. Diaz provided three different agendas which she has utilized in past presentations. Ms. Liebl stated further review needs to be conducted regarding how such presentation can be conducted, if here is any cost involved or other requirements. Ms. Liebl stated she has reached out to Mr. Mark Trowbridge, Coral Gables Chamber President regarding this initiative and how to best proceed. Ms. Palacio-Pike advised of conversation held with Mr. Trowbridge a few months ago regarding this subject. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she was glad to have Ms. Liebl as Ex-Officio Member Chamber of Commerce.
Ms. Duran advised that Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation federal-state program which provides help for people who have physical or mental disabilities obtain and keep a job. Ms. Duran stated she believes there is also a way whereas employers can apply to be part of this program. Ms. Liebl stated she believes everyone on the board should conduct their own research regarding available resources and then be further discussed during the board’s October meeting.
GUIDE - Ms. Raquel Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised GUIDE stands for Gables Unique Identification During Emergency. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated it is a program where residents can register themselves or members of their family which have a disability or special circumstances and they feel first responders would benefit knowing in cases they have to respond to their home. Ms. Elejabarrieta explained registration process in place and that this program will be pushed out during October.
Ms. Palacio-Pike introduced Ms. Teresa Becera who is a resident of Coral Gables, a mother of a young man with a disability and has aided with training police departments as well as fire departments on how to best assist individuals with disabilities. Ms. Teresa Becera advised she had been working with a young lady from the police department called Monica in developing training for the police/fire dispatchers. Ms. Teresa Becera stated she would be glad to work with whomever to facilitate this information to parents, feels it would be good to go through school system and even provide flyers of this at the upcoming Adventure Day for All Event.
Ms. Palacio-Pike spoke of conversation she had recently with Commissioner Menendez regarding current issue with the limited coverage provided by health care providers and changes to services being provided. Ms. Palacio-Pike stated she feels this is a conversation which requires further discussion at upcoming board meetings.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: Ocober 6, 2021
ADJOURNMENT: Workshop concluded at 11:23am