Title
Advisory Board on Disability Affairs Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022
Body
QUORUM: In Person Quorum reached
STAFF:
Raquel Elejabarrieta - Labor Relations & Risk Management Director
Mitchell Zuriarrain - Parks & Recreation Administrative Operations Supervisor
Catie Hastings - Parks & Recreation D.E.I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Coordinator
Vivian Pires - Parks & Recreation P/T D.E.I. Counselor
GUEST:
Jim Berlin - Chair, Senior Advisory Board
Lizzie Sando
CITIZEN ADVISORS:
Debbie Diez - Via Zoom
Dr. Jennifer Durocher, Director of UM-NSU Card
PUBLIC GUEST:
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting was called to order 10:10am
MEETING ABSENCE:
Samantha Duran
MEETING MINUTES APPROVAL:
July 6, 2022
Motion by: Philippa Milne / 2nd Blake Sando / All approved unanimously
SECRETARY’S REPORT: None
BOARD MEMBERS REPORTS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Jim Berlin - Chair, Senior Advisory Board - To Discuss Parks Referendum
Mr. Berlin addressed Board regarding parks master plan and seeks Board’s assistance to obtain commissioners approval to place this referendum on the ballot. Mr. Berlin stated by this being placed on ballot it would assure there be a fixed plan for parks and have the monies put aside for it.
Mr. Berlin asked if Board was familiar with the referendum and proceeded to provide information of same. Mr. Berlin advised it would be approximately $160,000,000 of funding, which would be utilized in the updating, maintaining, and creating of existing and new parks. Mr. Belin provided information regarding data gathered from surveys, studies and other actions used to identify priorities of this plan.
Mr. Zuriarrain provided further information regarding the Parks & Recreation Master Plan and this request. Mr. Zuriarrain also provided financial information regarding this issue.
Ms. Palacio stated one of the important things is how to best inform the community of what this referendum is about and how the monies requested will be utilized. Mr. Berlin advised this mater plan has detailed sections specifically providing information of what the needs are and the specific cost for each. Mr. Berlin stated this master plan was created taking into consideration the recommendations of the community which participated in various ways providing ideas, suggestions and needs.
Mr. Sando asked regarding how getting this issue on a referendum works. Mr. Berlin stated it would have to be initiated by the Commission, approving it to be placed on ballot for the community to vote for it.
Mr. Sando asked if there was specific language for this referendum available and Mr. Berlin explained at this time there is not. Mr. Berlin stated this is part of a four-to-five-month preparation, doing a lot of communicating with residents, obtain support from boards to compose specific wording for the referendum. Mr. Berlin advised he is seeking support from boards so that this can be reviewed by commission again.
Ms. Elejabarrieta stated Commission recently determined not to do forward with this referendum. Mr. Zuriarrain stated Commission has already approved Parks Master Plan and this will be completed over a length of time, however, if this referendum approved by voters, securing monies in place, which can be drawn from as needed, will expedite completion of project in a much shorter time frame.
Ms. Liebl shared suggestions regarding how to further promote project and need for referendum. Mr. Zuriarrain provided information of all the efforts conducted to better communicate the effects of this proposed referendum including a place where residents can obtain information to how much this would affect them monetarily.
Mr. Berlin stated the residents need to be informed and let commissioners know their need and desire to go forth with this project and referendum. Mr. Berlin stated they will be addressing other boards as well seeking their support. Ms. Elejabarrieta advised this project is available for viewing and review on the City’s website.
Ms. Palacio stated Board is in support of this effort.
Signage Transportation System (Decals) - Ms. Palacio
Ms. Palacio stated she received information from a family, resident of Coral Gables, which was traveling abroad and came across various signage while using public transportation which she felt could be adopted here. Ms. Palacio stated one of the decals was on public transportation system which states “Offer your seat. Please look up and check if someone needs a seat more than you. Remember not all disabilities are visible”. Ms. Palacio stated she believes these types of decals will provide further awareness. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated Mr. Kevin Kinney, Director of Parking, can be invited to upcoming advisory board meeting to further address this. Mr. Berlin asked was their information regarding how honest people were expressing their need for a seat because of an invisible disability. Palacio stated for her it is just providing more awareness.
Ms. Milne expressed she believes this is a great idea and the last wording regarding “Not all disabilities are visible” can be utilized in many other ways throughout the city.
Mr. Sando spoke of his personal experiences and how he believes this type of signage would be beneficial. Mr. Sando stated perhaps utilizing this slogan as well in other areas.
Ms. Palacio expressed perhaps utilizing the slogan “Not all disabilities are visible” as an umbrella campaign as it pertains to other areas such as transportation, bathrooms, etc., throughout the city.
OLD BUSINESS:
Adventure Day for All - Ms. Elejabarrieta
Ms. Elejabarrieta advised of first upcoming meeting regarding the October event and asked Board for their suggestions and ideas.
Mr. Zuriarrain advised Board Ms. Norma Gavarrete, Special Projects Coordinator of Special Events will be participating in a greater role in planning of event. Mr. Zuriarrain stated he will continue to play a role and Catie will continue to handle the resource fair. Mr. Zuriarrain advised there has also been consideration regarding shifting event a bit up the street, possibly gaining some parking area and creating resource area more like a cul-de-sac look. M. Zuriarrain stated they are continuing to evaluate the set-up.
Ms. Palacio asked if the addition of Ms. Gavarrete will assist in the promotion of event. Mr. Zuriarrain advised Ms. Gavarrete has been an active participant of the event in the past and has assisted with promotion. Mr. Zuriarrain advised Board of the various tools utilized in the promotion of the event.
Mr. Zuriarrain stated there are more resource partners which have showed interest in participating at event, bring in more food vendors, having school board present, etc. Mr. Zuriarrain advised Catie is working on other surprise elements which after internal meeting is conduct, details will be shared with Board.
Dr. Durocher asked if there is any promotional material available for distribution to include it in their newsletter. Mr. Zuriarrain advised they will be revisiting press material, conduct any updates needed and will make available.
Dr. Durocher suggested time frame should be kept to a maximum of three hours due to resource providers may find it difficult for staff to stay longer.
Ms. Milne asked if it would be possible to have areas with fans which have mist or perhaps a cooling area. Mr. Zuriarrain stated various options are being reviewed to address this issue. Mr. Zuriarrain stated for Board to please feel free to send via email any ideas or suggestions especially regarding music entertainment. Mr. Zuriarrain stated Alex and Friends will be participating however, they are seeking additional entertainment.
Update: Chamber of Commerce October Breakfast - Ms. Palacio
Ms. Palacio provided update regarding participation at the Chamber’s October Breakfast and business survey. Mr. Sando asked regarding the business award program. Ms. Elejabarrieta stated at this time it may be too late to take place this year.
Ms. Palacio stated there was a discussion to perhaps at this Chamber breakfast introduce the participants of Project Victory, due to it is disability employment month.
Update: New program to be implemented
Teen Scene Social Club - Ms. Hastings & Mr. Zuriarrain
Ms. Casting provided information regarding new program to be implemented as a new social and community involvement club for teens with intellectual disabilities between the ages of 13-17 and how to proceed with registrations. Ms. Casting provided list of possible future more constructive activities for this group.
Mr. Zuriarrain stated parents participating at these various events have expressed desire to assist in any way possible regarding any supplies needed. Mr. Zuriarrain stated they have created a list of supplies which can be utilized to enhance the experiences and if the donations are not utilized at a certain event, it would be used at another. Ms. Hasting advised at last My Squad event there were 15 participants, which was great. Ms. Palacio asked if it would be possible to find out how they were made aware of event so it can be determined best way to distribute future notices.
Recap: Mr. Jim Berlin - Chair, Senior Advisory Board - Support Parks Referendum
Mr. Berlin asked if the Board has any suggestions regarding Parks Referendum to please make them available as soon as possible to either Mr. Zuriarrain, Ms. Elejabarrieta, or himself. Mr. Berlin also stated that perhaps at some time the Board can make a resolution to show support for this matter and if Board members, perhaps the Chairperson to attend the November commission meeting.
Mr. Sando made motion for Board to support parks referendum.
Motion by: Blake Sando / 2nd Philippa Milne / All approved unanimously
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: September 7, 2022
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 11:00am
Motion to Adjourn: Blake Sando / 2nd Motion: Philippa Milne / All approved unanimously.