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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Meeting Date: 1/20/2015 City of Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities Glendale Main Library - 1st Floor Large Meeting Room 5959 W. Brown Street Tuesday, January 20, 2015 6:00 p.m. MINUTES I. Call to Order Vice Chairperson Lesser called the meeting to order at approximately 6:05pm. II. Roll Call Commissioners LeGendre, Hoerner, Kumar, and Vice Chairperson Lesser were present. Chairperson Hirsch was absent and excused. Commissioner Seymour was also absent. III. Approval of Minutes of October 21, 2014 Vice Chairperson Lesser called for approval of the October 21, 2014 minutes. Commissioner LeGendre made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Commissioner Hoerner seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. IV. Business from the Floor Vice Chairperson Lesser called for any Business from the Floor. There was none. V. Introduction of New Chief Librarian and Presentation on Services for Disabled Persons in the Glendale Public Library Vice Chairperson Lesser called for this item. Mr. Erik Strunk introduced the New Chief Librarian, Mr. Michael Beck. Mr. Beck presented information to the Commission detailing some of the functions of the libraries and also some of the programs and services that were available to its patrons. He noted the youth collection has Braille books. He said there are many ebooks to choose from and explained how the size of the text can be manipulated for easier reading. He said there is Overdrive and Tumble books for children where the books are read to them. He noted the library is in the process of re-imaging 150 public computers where audio screen reading will take place. He quickly reviewed some of the programs the libraries offer such as a partnership with Arizona Reading for the Blind. Mr. Beck said the library is a great place for volunteers, those who would like to give back to the community. There are many volunteer opportunities at the libraries. Commissioner Kumar asked if ASU West was aware of the programs the libraries offer. Mr. Beck said he has a preexisting partnership with ASU; however, he will gladly reach out to ASU West. Commissioner Kumar offered the contact information of whom to contact. Vice chairperson Lesser asked about the MakerSpace area in the library. Mr. Beck said they are looking to improve the MakerSpace area and added MakerSpace is a national program. Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities January 20, 2015 • Page -2 Commissioner LeGendre asked about ebooks. Mr. Beck explained there is a Kindle App. for smart phones, which will allow you to download books directly onto your smart phone. Vice Chairperson Lesser thanked Mr. Beck for the information. VI. Discussion on FY 14-15 Commission Goals Vice Chairperson Lesser called for this item. Mr. Erik Strunk presented this item. He said Chairperson Hirsch is working on the pruning of the Sensory Garden. This activity is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2015. The Vice Chairperson asked Mr. Strunk to send a reminder email to the Commission. He said the Rose Group would also be attending and providing the needed tools. Mr. Strunk said the Commission had discussed a "Come to Your Senses" grand reopening of the Sensory Garden. He asked if the Commission wished to revisit this idea and possibly plan for the spring before the weather becomes hot. Mr. Strunk said formal invitations could be created and distributed for this event. Commissioner Kumar suggested signs or posters be displayed in the shops in downtown Glendale. Mr. Strunk said staff could return with some ideas or drafts for the Commission's review. He said this item could be added to next month's agenda. Vice Chairperson Lesser asked that this item be added to the February agenda. The next item was that each Commissioner attend three functions throughout the year and report back to the Commission. Commissioner Kumar would like a list of upcoming events for the disabled. Commissioner LeGendre said he receives an email with events and would forward this information to the Commission. Mr. Strunk said staff would be able to develop and compile a list and email it to the Commissioners. He encouraged the Commission to contact agencies in order to receive information on upcoming events. No action was required. VII. Update of ADA•Compliance Action Plan for Parks & Recreation Vice Chairperson Lesser asked for this item. Mr. Erik Strunk spoke about the completion of the ADA audit of the city's parks and recreation system. He wanted to brief the Commission on the grant award. He said Community Development Block Grant was awarded which will allow for repairs throughout the city. Commissioner LeGendre asked if safety issues would be repaired first. Mr. Strunk explained there were three phases with the first phase being accomplished. He reassured the Commission there were no life safety issues. He explained some of the adjustments that were made. Mr. Strunk added the city is following the 2010 Standards, which are the most recent. No action was required. Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities January 20, 2015 Page -2 VIII. Staff Updates Vice Chairperson Lesser called for Staff Updates. Mr. Erik Strunk noted a few upcoming events and encouraged the Commissioners to participate. He said at Sahuaro Ranch there would be a fruit gleaning. This provides an opportunity for volunteers to pick grapefruit and other citrus from the trees. All fruit gathered will be donated to the St. Mary's Food Bank. This event is on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 9am until approximately noon. Mr. Strunk said the budget process would soon begin. He encouraged the Commissioners to watch the City Council budget meetings. He said the Gallery Glendale currently has previous Super Bowl pictures on display. He said recently, complaints were received stating the community centers were not in ADA compliance. He said it was noted that not all doors had the automatic open. He said the City Council would review these issues. Commissioner LeGendre said he previously inquired if disabled persons could receive the same discount enjoyed by the senior citizens. Mr. Strunk said he would look into this item and add it to the next agenda. Commissioner LeGendre also inquired about the `chirping" at traffic signals being added to the signals in the downtown area similar to those signals at Glendale Community College. Mr. Strunk said this issue would be added to a future agenda. IX. Commission Comments Vice Chairperson Lesser asked the Commission if they wish to meet quarterly. The Commission discussed the possibility but decided to continue to meet monthly. X. Adjournment Vice Chairperson Lesser called for a motion. Commissioner Hoerner made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Kumar seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:02pm.