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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-03Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee April 3, 2019, 6:30 PM MAC Meeting Room 1A If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Present: Shea -Lea Latchford, Chair Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair Pinder DaSilva Tim Van Leeuwen Deb Kalogris Councillor Janice Jones Also Present: Mayor Adrian Foster (6:45pm) Andy Allison, Chief Administrative Officer (6:450pm) Linda Kent, Director — Clarington Public Library (6:45pm) Sarah Vaisler, Deputy Director, Clarington Public Library (6:45pm) Melissa Scott, Manager of Service Excellence, Clarington Public Library (6:45pm) Steven Cook, Chair — Clarington Public Library Board (6:45pm) Jeannette Whynot — Accessibility Coordinator Regrets: Marina Ross Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy The meeting was called to order at 6:30PM. 1. Welcome and Introductions Jeannette Whynot welcomed Mayor Foster, Andy Allison and members of the Clarington Public Library to the meeting. Mayor Foster briefly addressed the Committee and thanked them for the work they do. 2. Approval of March Meeting Minutes Moved by Deb Kalogris and seconded by Pinder DaSilva, That the minutes of the March 6, 2019 meeting be approved. Carried 3. Presentation — Clarington Public Library Shea -Lea Latchford welcomed Steven Cook, Chair of the Library Board and the library staff who came to present an updated renovation plan for the Bowmanville Library Branch. After an overview of the revised project scope, the Committee was given an Clarington Accessibility -2- Advisory 2 - Advisory Committee opportunity to provide feedback. The Committee expressed concern with the first floor universal washroom being designated a breastfeeding space. It was noted that breastfeeding can take on average 30 minutes, or more and this would be a long time for the universal/accessible washroom to be out of service. The Committee encouraged the library to look at other options for providing a breastfeeding space. The Committee asked if there would be a transfer lift system in the universal washroom. Sarah Vaisler advised that they were not planning on installing one because it requires specialized equipment (slings) to use and the risk of misuse was high. There will however be an adult size change table, along with a baby change table. Shea -Lea Latchford thanked the Library for presenting their updated Bowmanville Branch renovation plan to the Committee and confirmed the Committee's support for the modified project scope. 4. National AccessAbility Week Jeannette Whynot provided the Committee with several options for recognizing and promoting National AccessAbility Week. The Committee mutually agreed to request a flag raising ceremony and for a proclamation from the Mayor. The Committee also discussed doing a delegation presentation to Council at their May 27th General Government and Committee meeting in support of National AccessAbility Week. Moved by Pinder DaSilva and Seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen, That the Accessibility Coordinator present a delegation to Clarington Council on behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee in support of National AccessAbility Week at the May 27th General Government and Committee meeting. Carried A discussion about purchasing additional pop-up banners for the purpose of raising awareness about Access Clarington and accessibility in Clarington took place. The Committee agreed they would like to see pop-up banners in some community centres. Moved by Sylvia Jasper-Fayer and seconded by Pinder DaSilva, That the Accessibility Coordinator purchase two additional pop up banners on behalf of the Committee. Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility -3- Advisory 3 - Advisory Committee Carried The Committee also discussed whether or not additional Access Clarington flags should be purchased, for the purpose of having them raised at community centres during National AccessAbility Week. Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen and seconded by Deb Kalogris, That the Accessibility Coordinator purchase two additional Access Clarington Flags on behalf of the Committee Carried 5. MAC Accessible Entrance Jeannette Whynot advised the Committee that she had spoken with the Operations Department about making changes to the accessible entrance of the MAC. Staff are investigating the feasibility of removing the second door operator and having one button open both doors. Jeannette advised that she will follow-up with Operations and report back at the next meeting. Tim Van Leeuwen requested that the light switch in the MAC accessible washroom be lowered and that a power door operator be installed. Jeannette advised that she would put in a building services request for both and will update the Committee on the status of these changes. 6. Summary of the 3rd AODA Review Jeannette Whynot provided the Committee with an overview of the 3rd Review of the AODA. As of this meeting, the Minister had not yet tabled the Review nor publically commented on it. The Committee will be given updates on the status of the Review and its recommendations as they become available. 7. Other Business Councillor Jones advised that the new accessible podium was installed in Council Chambers and was being used. Sylvia Jasper-Fayer brought up concerns with snow removal. She also expressed her desire to create a checklist to help the site -plan sub -committee recommend how to create accessible residential units. Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility -4- Advisory 4 - Advisory Committee Jeannette Whynot advised that she will work with the Committee to establish a sub- committee for this project. Shea -Lea Latchford shared her recent experience at Union Station in Toronto and how she found it difficult to navigate. Tim agreed that the wayfinding is difficult to follow. Shea -Lea advised she left a message with Customer Care and would report back to the Committee. Deb Kalogris also brought up concerns with snow clearing and the planning of snow routes. Jeannette Whynot advised that with winter behind us, now is the perfect time to bring concerns to the Operations Department. Jeannette will reach out to Operations and invite them to a future meeting to discuss this with the Committee. 8. Adjournment Moved by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer and seconded by Deb Kalogris, That the meeting adjourn. The meeting concluded at 8:06 PM. Carried Chair Secretary Page 4 of 4 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee May 1, 2019, 6:30pm MAC Meeting Room 1A If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Present: Shea -Lea Latchford, Chair Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Vice -Chair Pinder DaSilva Tim Van Leeuwen Deb Kalogris Councillor Jones Marina Ross Sarah McConaghy Catherine McConaghy Also Present: Anne Greentree — Municipal Clerk Jeannette Whynot — Accessibility Coordinator Regrets: None The meeting was called to order at 6:32pm. 1. Approval of November 2018 and April 2019 Meeting Minutes Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen and seconded by Pinder DaSilva, That the minutes of the November 7, 2018 and the April 3, 2019 meeting be approved. Carried 2. Presentation — Vehicle for Hire By -Law Shea -Lea Latchford welcomed Anne Greentree, Municipal Clerk, who was in attendance to discuss the updated Taxi by-law, which will now be known as the Vehicle for Hire by-law. Ms. Greentree explained to the Committee that the current Taxi by-law is out of date and does not reflect other vehicle for hire services like Uber and Lyft. She further explained that the draft by-law addresses the Municipality's taxicab responsibilities as outlined in the Transportation Standard. The Committee was advised that Municipal staff have been investigating options to ensure there are accessible, on -demand taxis available to Clarington residents, but there are challenges that are being worked through. Tim Van Leeuwen reported that he has been able to get trips through Durham Region Transit (DRT) fairly easily. He does not rely on on -demand taxis because of the high Clarington Accessibility -2- Advisory 2 - Advisory Committee cost. He does use taxis contracted through DIRT as part of their specialized service. Although he must book travel 7 days in advance, he reported that he is often able to get a ride 1-2 days before if it's for a medical appointment. No one on the Committee relies on on -demand accessible taxis. Two reasons were identified: they aren't currently available and taxis are too expensive, especially for long trips. However, the Committee requested that the Municipality continue to push for accessible on -demand taxi options because they felt strongly it should be an option for residents. 3. National AccessAbility Week Jeannette Whynot provided the Committee with an update on the Committee's plans for National AccessAbility Week. The Committee was advised that two additional banners and Access Clarington flags were ordered. Additionally, a communications request was submitted 4. MapleFest Jeannette Whynot advised the Committee that she had provided the Tourism Office brochures and other handouts to make available during MapleFest. Committee members were encouraged to attend if possible and to look for the Tourism tent on Temperance Street. Members were reminded that they can come for as little or as much of the day as they are able and through this partnership there would be no need to set up or take down. 5. Sub -Committee on Accessible Housing Jeannette Whynot advised the Committee that she will send a meeting invitation to those who expressed interest in forming a sub -committee on accessible housing. 6. Updates MAC Accessible Entrance Jeannette Whynot advised the Committee that building services advises that cannot make the power -door operators open together because it poses a health and safety issue to the Customer Service desk staff. It is likely possible that the middle door opener can be moved to the other side of the entrance. Committee members noted that since major improvements cannot be made at this time, they recommend leaving it the way it is because the money could be better utilized elsewhere. Jeannette advised that if the cost of moving the middle operator is small, the Municipality will do it as it would make the entrance easier for everyone. Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility -3- Advisory 3 - Advisory Committee Beach Access Mat Placement Following up from a complaint in 2018 about the placement of a beach access mat at East Beach, Jeannette Whynot advised the Committee that due to erosion the mat can't always be placed directly in front of the ramp. Last year, it was necessary to move the mat several feet away in order to safely install it. It is too early to know where the mat will be placed this year, but Jeannette Whynot will be consulted prior to the installation. Snow Removal Jeannette Whynot advised the Committee that she will invite the Director of Operations to the June 2019 meeting to discuss snow clearing for 2019-2020 season. If he is unavailable, another meeting will be arranged. 7. Other Business Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer noted that the walkway from Hobbs Drive to the Bowmanville Mall has a trip hazard. Jeannette advised she would look into it and see if it was something the Municipality is responsible for or if the Mall is. Sarah McConaghy brought up a product she had seen — Caroline's Cart. This allows parents to shop with older/adult children with disabilities in a safe and respectful way. Jeannette Whynot noted that these carts do exist in some larger retain chains, but was not sure if there were any in Clarington stores. The Committee mutually agreed that these carts are a wonderful addition to the community and businesses should be encouraged to purchase them. This could become a project of the AAC in the future. Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility -4- Advisory 4 - Advisory Committee 8. Adjournment Moved by Catherine McConaghy and seconded by Pinder DaSilva, That the meeting adjourn (end). Carried The meeting concluded at 8:07 PM. Chair Secretary Page 4 of 4