HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-04 Minutes CLARINGTON ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
September 4, 2013, 6:00 P.M.
Newcastle Branch, Clarington Public Library
Present: Sylvia Jaspers-Fayer, Chair
Shea-Lea Latchford, Vice Chair
Sally Barrie
Councillor Partner
Absent: Jennifer Forde
Tim Hick
Andrea Horgan
Also Present: Patti Barrie, Municipal Clerk
1. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Moved by Shea-Lea Latchford, seconded by Sally Barrie
THAT the minutes of the meeting of June 5, 2013 be approved.
"CARRIED"
2. DELEGATION
There were no delegations scheduled for this meeting.
3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
(a) Bowmanville Creek Anglers Association
The Municipal Clerk advised that the Bowmanville Creek Anglers
Association's project to construct an accessible fishing platform on the
Bowmanville Creek is complete. The funds that the Committee committed
to the project have been forwarded to the Association.
(b) Service Ontario Building, 222 King Street Medical Centre
The Municipal Clerk advised that letters have been sent to the owners of
each of the buildings regarding the accessibility concerns, however, to
date no responses have been received.
Clarington Accessibility - 2 - September 4, 2013
Advisory Committee
4. NEW BUSINESS
(a) Newcastle Branch, Clarington Public Library —Accessibility Issue
The Committee members reviewed the installation of the security gates at
the main entrance of the library, as a concern has been raised that they
may have impacted the accessibility features. It was agreed that the
gates, as they currently are installed, do impede the access to the
automatic door opener. The Municipal Clerk will speak with the Library
staff and determine if the security panels can be moved further apart in
order to move them away from the push button.
(b) Tax Area, Municipal Administrative Centre —Accessibility Improvements
The Municipal Clerk advised that the Finance Department will be
presenting a report to Council recommending alterations to the Tax
Department customer service area. When the drawings are available,
they will be reviewed by the Committee for their input into the accessibility
features.
(c) Washrooms in Retail Stores
John O'Toole has advised the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing of
a concern of one of his constituents who had an experience in which their
six-year-old daughter was refused access to a washroom in a retail store.
It appears that public washrooms are required in the Building Code, but
access to the washrooms is not enforced once the building is completed
and a retail store is open. The Minister has confirmed that following
occupancy of a building the Building Code has no impact on policies
individual retail companies may choose to implement regarding public or
customer access to store washrooms and suggested that the constituents
may wish to contact the store owner or their local municipal councillor with
their concerns. This matter will be reviewed with the Chief Building Official
and will be discussed at the next meeting.
(d) Accessible Documents
The Municipal Clerk advised that a presentation has been made to the
Management staff of the Municipality on the requirement and the need for
the implementation of accessible documents. A working committee is
being formed to review all documents that the Municipality creates in order
to ensure they are in an accessible format.
Clarington Accessibility - 3 - September 4, 2013
Advisory Committee
5. REGIONAL UPDATE
Sally Barrie advised that Alan Angus, an active member of the Regional
Accessibility Committee, has had to resign and has been replaced with Joanne
Thain.
Sally Barrie reminded members of the joint AAC Forum on September 24, 2013
from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Regional Headquarters. Members are requested
to advise the Municipal Clerk by September 12 if they are planning on attending.
6. OTHER BUSINESS
(a) Absence from Committee Meetings
Moved by Councillor Partner, seconded by Sally Barrie
THAT Andrea Horgan be excused from attending the Clarington
Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings, due to health reasons.
"CARRIED"
(b) 2013 EmployABILITY Awards
The Municipal Clerk advised that the 2013 EmployABILITY Awards and
Gala are planned for Thursday, October 3, 2013. Anyone interested in
attending is asked to advise the Municipal Clerk so tickets can be
arranged.
7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held on Wednesday,
October 2, 2013 commencing at 6:00 p.m. in Committee Room 1A.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Shea Lea Latchford, seconded by Councillor Partner
THAT the meeting adjourn.
"CARRIED"
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Chair
Secretary