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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-04Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee September 4, 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: Fred Horvath — Director of Operations (7:35) Rob Groen — Supervisor of Buildings and Property (7:35) Jeannette Whynot — Accessibility Coordinator Regrets: None The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. 1. Approval of June 2019 Meeting Minutes Moved by Deb Kalogris and seconded by Pinder DaSilva, That the minutes of the June 19, 2019 meeting be approved. Carried 2. Discussion: Snow Clearing Roundtable with Fred Horvath, Director of Operations Shea -Lea Latchford welcomed Fred Horvath to the meeting and invited him to provide the Committee with an update on snow clearing in the 2018-2019 season. Mr. Horvath provided an overview of the 2018-2019 snow season. The Committee was advised that it was a difficult season because of the extreme cold and fluctuating temperatures. As a result, crews had a difficult time keeping the roads and sidewalks clear and dry. Mr. Horvath explained that there are limits to what his workers, and private contractors can do as they are only able to work a maximum 13 hours in a 24 hour period, and no more than 70 hours per week. The Committee provided Mr. Horvath with some feedback about issues they've encountered in the winter. In particular keeping traffic push buttons clear or eliminating Clarington Accessibility - 2 - Advisory Committee them altogether. As snow is pushed to the side, members of the Committee noted it is impossible to push the button required to allow pedestrians to cross. Mr. Horvath advised he would speak to Regional colleagues to see what could be done. Shea -Lea Latchford thanked Mr. Horvath for taking time to speak with the Committee and wished him good luck with upcoming season. 3. Orono Town Hall Update — Rob Groen, Supervisor of Buildings and Property Mr. Groen provided the Committee with an overview of the upcoming accessibility upgrades at Orono Town Hall. Through the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Grant, the Municipality is undertaking a project to add an elevator to the Orono Town Hall and barrier -free washrooms in the basement. The Committee was presented an overview of where the elevator will be located, although final drawings are not yet available. Mr. Groen advised the Committee that he will share updated drawings with the Committee in the future once they are available. The Committee noted how it is an excellent project and they look forward to seeing future plans once the Heritage Committee has approved the design. Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer brought forward a concern with the entrance stairwell at the Orono Town Hall. She requested that an additional railing be added in the middle, to further assist people with mobility impairments. Mr. Groen advised he would look into this request. An additional request for a centre handrail at the Town Hall was also requested for the same reasons. Mr. Groen advised he would also look into that but it might take some time because of the historical features in that stairway. 4. Community Outreach Partnership with the Diversity Committee Ms. Whynot brought forward a partnership proposal for the Committee's consideration. Highlighting the similarities between their work and the work of the Diversity Committee, Ms. Whynot proposed that they partner with them for community outreach events to help lessen the burden. By partnering and sharing space at community events, both committees will be able to ensure proper coverage and participation. The Committee mutually agreed to partner with the Diversity Committee on outreach events. In support of the Committee's ongoing quest to reach the community at large, Ms. Whynot presented several cost-effective giveaway items for their consideration Moved by Sarah McConaghy and seconded by Pinder DaSilva That the Accessibility Coordinator purchase custom printed seed packets. Carried Page 2 of 4 Clarington Accessibility - 3 - Advisory Committee Moved by Pinder DaSilva and seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen That the Accessibility Coordinator purchase the "We Are All Special" colouring books Carried Moved by Sarah McConaghy and seconded by Tim Van Leeuwen That the Accessibility Coordinator purchase colour your own bookmarks Carried 5. Curb Cut Request Ms. Whynot advised the Committee of a curb cut request she recently received. The requestor asked that a curb cut be installed along Clarington Blvd, south of Prince William Blvd. The requestor noted that residents of the Seasons residence are crossing at this location even though there isn't a curb cut because it is more convenient and the sidewalk is in better condition. The requestor noted that seniors are being put in a dangerous position and a simple curb cut would go a long way in keeping them safe. Ms. Whynot presented the Committee with images of the location and a possible solution that would see a curb cut and a pedestrian refuge in the island. It would be an unsigned crossing that people would use at their own risk. The idea is to make it easier for people to do what they are already doing, but not formalize the crossing through lights or signals. Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen and seconded by Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer That the Accessibility Advisory Committee supports staff exploring the possibility of a pedestrian crossing along Clarington Blvd south of Prince William Blvd Carried 6. Updates: MAC Accessible Washroom The Committee was advised that a power -door operator was installed in the accessible washroom on the ground floor of the MAC. Page 3 of 4 Clarington Accessibility -4- Advisory Committee 7. Other Business Tim Van Leeuwen requested that the Committee write a letter to Metrolinx advising them that the recent reduction in GO Bus service has negatively impacted people with disabilities. He noted that the 90 GO East bus used to run every 30 minutes, which allowed him to travel freely through the community. With the reduction in service, buses only run every hour, which has negatively impacted his ability to travel freely and independently in the community. Moved by Tim Van Leeuwen and seconded by Sarah McConaghy That the Accessibility Coordinator draft a letter to Metrolinx on behalf of the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding the service reduction of the 90 GO East bus and its negative impact on persons with disabilities in Clarington. Carried 8. Adjournment Moved by Pinder DaSilva and seconded by, Deb Kalogris That the meeting adjourn (end). Carried The meeting concluded at 8:04PM. Chair Secretary Page 4 of 4