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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-05 MinutesCLARINGTON ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 5, 2008, 6:00 P.M. MEETING ROOM 1A Present: David Kelly, Chair Sally Barrie Keith Brettell Elaine Simpson Councillor Ron Hooper Also Present: Patti Barrie, Municipal Clerk Ellen Atkinson, Recording Secretary Absent: Darlene Matthews Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer 1. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMITTEE MEMBER Elaine Simpson was introduced to the Committee. 2. MINUTES Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Councillor Hooper THAT the minutes of the meeting held on October 1, 2008 be approved. “CARRIED” 3. DELEGATIONS Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Sally Barrie THAT Teri McCabe, Oshawa/Clarington Community Living and Vice Chair of Oshawa Accessibility Committee be added to the agenda as a delegation. “CARRIED” a) Pedestrian Walk Buttons Joe Cafarelli, Traffic Engineering Supervisor, Region of Durham and Judy Turner provided the Committee members with an update regarding Pedestrian Signals. The complaints regarding the pedestrian signals at King Street and Simpson have been investigated and it was found that the timing of these signals is in keeping with the policy standards. Mr. Cafarelli provided the Committee with clarification of the signals for pedestrian cross walks and the time line for these signals. There are thirty-four different methods which can be used at a pedestrian cross walk and these methods vary from municipality to municipality. Consideration as to which method will be used depends on the width of the road and the type of pedestrians using the crossing (eg: seniors, children, etc.). The Clarington Accessibility - 2 - November 5, 2008 Advisory Committee efficiency and safety of the intersections are site specific and he advised that if a pedestrian needs to cross the road they should be pushing the buttons as this is what changes the timing. Mr. Cafarelli informed the Committee the timing mechanism cannot be altered as there are technical restrictions on these units. The units have routine maintenance performed twice a year. In response to questions, Mr. Cafarelli stated that the pedestrian cross at King and Liberty Streets will be equipped with an audible crossing prior to the end of the year. b) Accessibility Challenge Teri McCabe, Oshawa/Clarington Community Living and Vice Chair of Oshawa Accessibility Committee informed the Committee of some reservations the Oshawa Accessibility Committee has with accessibility challenges. In order to heighten awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, the City of Oshawa partnered a person with a disability with a challenge participant. In this way, the individual with the disability could demonstrate and explain the challenge faced and methods of adapting to the challenge. Teri stressed that respect of the individual is paramount in any exercise. 4. ITEMS ARISING FROM MINUTES a) Accessibility Challenge The challenge is scheduled for November 26 and will be focusing on education. An invitation has been extended to senior staff members of the Municipality to participate in this challenge. The Home Care Supply Centre on South Service Road has offered to supply the Committee with the necessary equipment for the challenge and the CNIB will supply goggles, provided they are used for activities done while sitting or standing not walking. The cost for rental of the Newcastle Community Hall for the challenge is $310.00 plus GST. Photos will be arranged and certificates issued to the participants. A response from a business owner highlighting actions they have taken to improve accessibility was read. Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Sally Barrie THAT the cost of $310.00 plus GST for the rental of the Newcastle Community Hall be approved. “CARRIED” Clarington Accessibility - 3 - November 5, 2008 Advisory Committee b) Meeting Dates The Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings will now be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. This change will be reflected on the website. 5. NEW BUSINESS a) Bill 94: Social Assistance Statutes law Amendment Act (Registered Disability Savings Plan) This item was referred to the next meeting. b) Allan Hewitt, Chair Clarington Public Library Board – Grant for Installation of the Powered Door Openers for the Accessible Washrooms in the New Library in Newcastle The Committee was advised a plaque will be posted at the Library in Newcastle recognizing the donation from the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the powered door openers. c) Site Plan Review The Committee reviewed site plans for St. Stephen’s Catholic School and a proposed Two Storey Commercial/Residential Building. 6. OTHER BUSINESS There were no items discussed under this section of the agenda. 7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held December 2, 2008, 6:00 pm in Committee Room 1A. 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. _________________________ Chair _________________________ Secretary