HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-01 MinutesCLARINGTON ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 1, 2005 6:30 P.M.
MEETING ROOM #1A
Present: David Kelly, Chair (attended at 7:35 p.m.)
Keith Brettell
Sandra Crandall
Councillor Adrian Foster
Norman Hannan
Tim Hick
Keith Kelly
Darlene Matthews
Also Present: Patti Barrie, Municipal Clerk
Cheryl Tennisco, Secretary
Councillor Adrian Foster chaired the meeting in the absence of the Chair.
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Moved by Keith Brettell, seconded by Keith Kelly
THAT the minutes of the meeting held on November 3, 2005 be approved.
CARRIED
2. DELEGATION
Debra Wilson, COA. OPT.AT, CEO, Durham Regional Vision Centre, specializing
in Clinical Low Vision Blindness, LD, Deaf, and Blind Solutions, presented to the
Committee the devices available to enhance reading and writing skills such as:
- talking computers;
- enlarged software;
- CCTV’s; and
- Braille.
Ms. Wilson, provider of the Assisted Device Program, advised the Centre offers:
- adaptive professional training (aid in career choices); and
- assessment for government programs (the government paying up to
75% of the cost of equipment).
In closing, Ms. Wilson stated that together we can accomplish reading and
writing skills with the newest software, hardware, and rehabilitation training to
maintain independence and improve quality of life.
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Advisory Committee
3. ITEMS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
a) Committee Logo
Two examples of Logos to be used by the Clarington Accessibility Advisory
Committee were submitted by Tim Hick and David Kelly. The Committee
decided the Logo will be “Clarington, Opening the Door”.
b) Brochure/Display Tent
Patti Barrie encouraged the Committee to submit their ideas for the Clarington
Accessibility Advisory Committee brochure to her.
Darlene Matthews advised the Committee Home Hardware has a line of tents
available which could be purchased by the Committee. Keith Kelly advised
the tent would be of benefit at functions throughout the Municipality such as
“Midnight Madness”. Councillor Foster opened discussion on the possibility
of the Committee purchasing jackets.
c) Attendance at Meetings
Patti Barrie advised the Committee that Walter Zutell submitted his letter of
resignation to Council. Council will forward correspondence to Walter
thanking him for his past efforts and dedication to the Clarington Accessibility
Advisory Committee.
Darlene Matthews questioned the possibility of sharing her position on the
Committee with another member. Ms. Matthews, member of the Clarington
Project, apologized for her conflicts which arise between the two Committees.
Ms. Matthew’s email regrets are appreciated by the Clarington Accessibility
Advisory Committee.
d) Site Plan – Brian McFarlane Hockey Museum
Patti Barrie verified the information regarding the Site Plan for the Brian
McFarlane Hockey Museum discussed at the meeting held on
November 3, 2005. It was noted the members had a concern with the
washrooms in respect to how the cubicle doors swung open (creating a
difficult path to the toilets).
Sandra Crandell stated the washroom facilities located in Ajax at the
waterfront are user friendly. The facility is approximately a 10 x 10 unisex
washroom which is easily accessible and allows a large space for mobility.
e) Public Library – Newcastle Branch
The Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee will be represented on the
design team of the new public library being constructed in Newcastle as
outlined in Report ADM-006-05.
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Advisory Committee
f) Sidewalk Clearing
Concerns were raised in regards to snow removal at intersections throughout
Clarington. Sandra Crandall stated the area in which the bollocks are located
on the new sidewalks in downtown Bowmanville make snow removal difficult.
Councillor Foster suggested discussing these concerns with the Bowmanville
BIA to aid in making this portion of the sidewalk passable for the public with
disabilities.
Keith Kelly stated his concerns with the snow blocking accessibility to the
buttons mounted on the stop lights at the intersections.
Patti Barrie advised the Committee she has discussed these concerns with
Fred Horvath, Director of Operations. Mr. Horvath has advised he will have
Operations clear the snow back 18 inches at the intersections in the
downtown area.
4. 2006 ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
Patti Barrie advised that the 2006 Accessibility Plan is scheduled for the
December 12, 2005 Council Agenda. Patti requested that the Committee
members forward all suggestions to her for inclusion in the Plan.
David Kelly confirmed his attendance for the Council Meeting of December 12,
2005 at 7:00 p.m. David will thank Council for approving the fees for set back
allowance for accessibility. All members are welcomed to attend this meeting.
5. OTHER BUSINESS
Councillor Foster submitted a copy of the Certificate for the Clarington
Accessibility Challenge to be presented to the business owner of downtown
Bowmanville. Darlene Matthews suggested the term “betterment” be replaced
with “improvement”. Councillor Foster will implement the change along with
placing the new Logo on the Certificate. Ron Collis will be contacted to verify the
names of the businesses which had participated in the Challenge.
David Kelly arrived at 7:35 p.m. Mr Kelly apologized for his lateness and thanked
Patti Barrie for chairing the meeting and resumed his duty as Chair.
Councillor Foster encouraged the Accessibility Advisory Committee to bring forth
any suggestions/ideas for hosting the upcoming 2006 Rick Hansen event.
Sandra Crandell offered the Committee usage of her tent for the event.
Patti Barrie stated that Norman Hannon and Keith Bretrell will review future Site
Plans on behalf of the Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee. Cheryl
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Advisory Committee
Tennisco will contact Planning Services to set a time for Norman and Keith to
meet with a Planner to review a set of drawings.
Councillor Foster urged a representative of the Committee attend the Public
Hearings held at the General Purpose and Administrative Meeting to relate their
issues/concerns to Council.
David Kelly would like to invite John O’toole, MPP for Durham, to speak at the
February 2006 Clarington Accessibility Advisory Meeting.
David Kelly attended the annual meeting of the Accessibility Chairpersons held in
November 2005. Mr. Kelly informed the Committee each area was represented
and shared information on the status of programs implemented by their individual
Committee. The group suggested they liaise by emailing the Minutes of the
various Committees to each other on a regular basis.
David Kelly suggested Clarington host a Regional Accessibility Day in April/May
rd
2006 and proclaim April 3, 2006 as “Accessibility Day/Week”.
7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting is scheduled to be held on January 12, 2006 at
6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room 1A at the Municipal Administrative Centre.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Norman Hannan, seconded by Keith Kelly
THAT the meeting adjourn at 8:00 p.m.
CARRIED
_________________________
Chair
_________________________
Secretary