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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities - Meeting Date: 5/19/2015 City of Glendale Commission on Persons with Disabilities Glendale Main Library- 1st Floor Large Meeting Room 5959 W. Brown Street Tuesday, May 19, 2015 6:00 p.m. MINUTES I. Call to Order - Chairperson Lesser called the meeting to order at approximately 6:00pm. II. Roll Call - Commissioners LeGendre, Pirooz, Vice Chair Kumar, and Chairperson Lesser were present. III. Approval of Minutes — March 17, 2015 Chairperson Lesser called for approval of the March 17, 2015 meeting minutes. Vice Chair Kumar made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner Legendre seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously. IV. Business from the Floor Chairperson Lesser called for any Business from the Floor. There was none. V. Award of Project: Elsie McCarthy Sensory Gardert Chairperson Lesser asked staff to present this item. Mr. Erik Strunk introduced this item and stated as a part of the Commission's FY14-15 work plan, it expressed interest in possibly modernizing the Elsie McCarthy Sensory Garden. He said one of the items would be to fund the conversion of select fountains within the park to a permanent display of art. He said this funding has been provided through the Arts Commission. He introduced Kristine Kollasch, the selected artist who will be working on the repair and revitalization of the Sensory Garden (Garden). She explained that three of four fountains are no longer in operation. She explained her proposal for The Fountain of Youth for the Garden. She added she will be partnering with Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. This project benefits the children as well. It teaches them as well as gives them a sense of pride. She described her ideas for the Contemplation Garden area of the park. She added this would be done with mosaic tiles created by the teens to give it a feel of a fountain less the water. Due to budget constraints, only this area would be revitalized at this time. Ms. Kollasch distributed information showing other art projects she has done in the City of Glendale as well as throughout the valley. The Commission thanked Ms. Kollasch. This item was for information only and no action was taken. VI. Discussion on FY 14-15 Commission Goals Chairperson Lesser called for this item. Mr. Erik Strunk presented this item and introduced Mr. Mike Gregory, Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Administrator. Mr. Gregory reviewed the proposed improvements, which would be taking place in the Sensory Garden. Summary Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities May 19, 2015 Page - 2 He reminded the Commission of the areas they had felt were in need of attention. These were signage and pathway improvements, additional park benches and trash receptacles, enhanced landscape covering, additional trees planted, and sound bollards. Chairperson Lesser asked if the new signage could be ordered and installed before the busy season. Mr. Gregory said yes. The Commission asked where they could find this type of sign or asked for a picture. Mr. Gregory said Manistee Ranch and Sahuaro Ranch have the type of signage that will be installed into the Garden. Mr. Gregory said the existing landscape border was an eyesore and they wished to replace it with something similar. Chairperson Lesser asked about the cost. Mr. Gregory said it was previously decided that approximately two to four thousand dollars would be spent on improvement of the pathways. He said the furniture has been ordered and should arrive in June. When it arrives it will be assembled and installed in the Garden. He also spoke of the trash receptacles that will be added in approximately July. Mr. Gregory said the trees selected by the Commission would all be planted prior to the monsoon. Rock is missing throughout the Garden and additional rock has been added to distribute throughout the Garden. Mr. Gregory said he has researched voice-activated bollards however they are very expensive. The only bollards he has located would broadcast music. He said he will continue his research. Vice Chair Kumar was concerned that the water features were slowly disappearing although they are going to be revitalized, they were no longer including water. Chairperson Lesser said she would like a ceremony to be held for the grand opening of the Sensory Garden when completed. The Commission discussed its progress on completion of the objectives of its FY 14-15 Work Plan and discussed the possibility of visiting venues, which assist the disabled community. She asked each Commissioner to visit one facility before the next meeting. Vice Chair Kumar suggested a mini town hall be scheduled in order to hear from the disabled community. Commissioner Legendre asked when Adaptive Bingo would be available through the City of Glendale. He suggested the town hall should take place following bingo. Chairperson Lesser stated this item should be placed on next month's agenda for further discussion. No action was required. VIII. Staff Updates Chairperson Lesser called for Staff Updates. Mr. Erik Strunk distributed a flier displaying the recently approved disabilities logo. He indicated the City of Phoenix City Council approved the use of this more modern version. Summary Minutes - Commission on Persons with Disabilities May 19, 2015 Page-3 He provided a brief update on the recent Council approved CDBG requests for enhancements to eight parks; fair housing; and the Aspera development. VIII. Commission Comments Chairperson Lesser called for Commission comments. There were no comments. IX. Adiournment Commissioner Legendre made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Vice Chair Kumar seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15pm.