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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-07 Committee on People with Disabilities Minutes MAYOR'S COMMITTEE ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Friday, February 7, 2003, 10:30 a.m. Kona Mayor's Office Conference Room PRESENT: James Beimborn, Vice-Chair; Elizabeth Mason, Alisa Mitchener, James Souza, Laura Tobosa, Ted Yamanaka EXCUSED: Michael Gleason, Chair; Betsy Whitney, Secretary; Lisa Onorato GUESTS: Susan Golden, John Hartman, H.A.W.K.; Joan Lawhead, Volunteer Enforcement Officer; Andy Levin, Mayor's Office; Bonnie Lewis, Interpreter; Merle Martin, CIL-West Hawaii; Norman Olesen, DCAB Board Member; Linda Rink, DCAB; Robert Zirnstein, Volunteer Enforcement Officer CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. An introduction of committee members, staff, and guests was made. APPROVAL OF MINUTES E. Mason made a motion to accept the minutes of January 3, 2003 as submitted. L. Tobosa seconded the motion. The motion was passed. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ISSUES S. Golden asked to make sure she was on the mailing list because she did not receive this month's agenda and last month's minutes. J. Viernes responded that it was mailed out. Also, S. Golden asked the volunteer enforcement officers to issue a citation to the truck parked in the middle of the access aisle everyday at the Big Island Grill Restaurant because she is unable to get into the building. J. Hartman said that he would like to address the volunteer parking program after he finds out more about it. M. Martin said that he would like to address transportation issues when the Transportation Subcommittee Report comes up. L. Tobosa made a motion to start with Unfinished Business, A. Volunteer Parking Violation Enforcement Program Update so the volunteer enforcement officers could provide a report. E. Mason seconded the motion. The motion was passed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. VOLUNTEER PARKING VIOLATION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE Î A. LEVIN J. Lawhead reported they had 12 hours of training in Hilo. She feels the program is rewarding and people are grateful for their effort. Their main purpose is to educate people in making businesses comply. They are able to issue tick handicapped signs, access aisles, etc. are in compliance with the law. She felt a press release should be published announcing the duties and responsibilities of the volunteer enforcement officers. R. Zirnstein reported their duties are to enforce handicapped parking in a proper way. They warn violators first before issuing a citation such as no visible placard or an expired placard. A. Mitchener asked if counties are now able to recoup money from the tickets or is there still an effort towards passing legislation so the funds can be returned to the counties. A. Levin responded legislation is being considered, but nothing has passed yet. After the legislature's first deadline of February 14 we will have a better idea of the bills that are still alive. J. Souza asked if there is a number that he could call to report a violation and he gets their license plate number? J. Zirnstein said they have a phone number where they can fax the license plate number if they are not on duty. The Police Department will follow up with a letter to the registered owner of that vehicle. The Traffic Services Section phone number is 961-2305. The Police Department also has a TTY number for hearing impaired persons. J. Zirnstein said they work in pairs. There are five volunteers in West Hawaii and two in Hilo. They can work anytime as long as they log in one m when they want to work. They are taught where to stand, what to do, and what to say, etc. They serve 5 hours a week: approximately four hours in the field and one hour at the police station on paper work. M. Martin asked where would the recorded tickets be available for the public. J. Lawhead replied police officers send their tickets directly to the court at the end of their shift. However, the volunteer enforcement officers send their tickets to Sergeant Apele. J. Lawhead clarified this is a pilot program and hopefully changes will occur. Right now they work in teams of two, which is awkward because they have five volunteers in Kona. N. Olesen stated that he is not clear on the instructions given to volunteer officers when the signage is not fully compliant. What if there is a sign that is not up to date? J. Lawhead responded that the person receiving the ticket has three options. He/she can send the money for the ticket, write to the court explaining a reason, or go to court and argue with the judge. In all probability, if the sign is not in compliance the person could possibly get out of paying the fine. N. Olesen indicated there is a document being forwarded by DCAB having to do with signage and whether fines can be enforced unless notification is given ahead of 2 time. This document has been approved by the DCAB board and rev Attorney General's Office. L. Rink will clarify this issue late J. Hartman stated he sees many parking violations in Kona daily and he does not know where the volunteer enforcement officers are stationed. He mentioned many accessible parking violations occur when there is a function in town. He asked if Sergeant Apele would have volunteer enforcement officers citing people at that time. He felt Sergeant Apele has a duty to talk to MCPD and the Kona community about this program. He also pointed out that the word "handicapped" is no longer used. The correct terminology is ÐdisabledÑ not ÐhandicappedÑ and Ðaccessible parkingÑ not Ðhandicapped parking.Ñ J. Lawhead responded that they are restricted to work only from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are willing to work in the evenings, but they cannot. J. Beimborn suggested that the volunteer enforcement officers forward any recommendations in writing to the committee. TREASURER'S REPORT The treasurer's report was reviewed. E. Mason made a motion to accept the treasurer's report as submitted. T. Yamanaka seconded the motion. A. Mitchener raised concerns for the mileage and the miscellaneous charges accounts. MCPD is in the negative for the mileage account and running short for paying the interpreter. J. Viernes clarified that any shortages will come out of the total balance so transfer of funds are not required. The motion was passed. CORRESPONDENCE A. ADA Projects, Schedule 1-Status Report (January 2003) B. Letter to Dr. Chiyome Fukino, Director of the Department of Health, from Mayor H. Kim regarding support of DCAB A. Levin reported that MCPD took no action at the last meeting so he initiated the letter. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS A. EDUCATION/PUBLIC AWARENESS SUBCOMMITTEE Î M. GLEASON A. Mitchener made a motion to accept the March 7 deadline to submit nominations. J. Souza seconded the motion. The motion was passed. A. Mitchener made a motion to split the awards luncheon between people that are being recognized can attend locally. L. Tobosa seconded the motion. J. Souza expressed concerns of having one luncheon instead to save money. MCPD should have one luncheon in Hilo this year and one in Kona next year. However, L. Tobosa pointed out that MCPD alternates meetings between Hilo and Kona anyway. It makes sense to recognize people in West Hawaii when the 3 committee meets in Kona. J. Beimborn felt it was an inconvenience to recognize someone from Kona at the Hilo luncheon because MCPD does not pay for transportation costs. The motion was passed. A press release requesting nominations for MCPD recognition awar published in the newspaper after M. GleasonÓs review. B. RECREATION SUBCOMMITTEE Î A. MITCHENER A. Mitchener reported that A. Miyake is having a workshop for her staff on February 14. Alan Atkinson from Maui is coming to share information on deaf culture, using the TTY, and signing songs for the summer fun program. B. Whitney will be speaking about Dolphin Press and ideas on including people who are blind in recreational programs. Tutu's House is having an open house with ATRC (Assistive Technology Resource Center). They will be demonstrating their lending library of assistive technology devices, which could help with the transition plan. There was an excellent high tech demo by Sprint on Oahu last month showing new technology for accessible telephone services. A. Mitchener said she has four nominations for the recognition awards luncheon from the results of a survey from her November workshop. She will share the full results of the survey after they are submitted to P. Engelhard. A. Mitchener requested MCPD send a letter to the Mayor emphasizing the need to utilize trained recreation staff in case of an emergency. She would like the Mayor to create an emergency preparedness task force that combines recreation manpower with Civil Defense and possibly the Red Cross. This team combination occurred on Oahu and was utilized during Hurricane Iniki. She would like to see these valuable resources organize in the County of Hawaii. The Mayor would mak coordinate this effort. L. Tobosa felt that conversation should begin with the Department of Parks and Recreation to see whether or not they agree with this idea. The decision should be made internally. E. Mason agreed. J. Beimborn asked A. Levin to check on the current procedure and the structure of county support for a disaster. Is the Department of Parks and Recreation a part of this and if they are, do they have people that are trained to be part of a disaster evacuation? A. Levin agreed to find the answers. Perhaps a meeting with Civil Defense, Parks and Recreation, and MCPD should be held. A. Mitchener will provide recommendations to A. Levin on who should be at the meeting. L. Tobosa suggested that MCPD wait until A. Levin provides information at the next meeting and then decide how the committee should proceed. MCPD agreed. 4 C. TRANSPORTATION SUBCOMMITTEE Î B. WHITNEY No report. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. VOLUNTEER PARKING VIOLATION ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE Î A. LEVIN A. Levin reported that the second person for Hilo has not yet been trained because he is unable to work out his work schedule. B. UPDATE FROM DCAB Î C. FLEMING/N. OLESEN/L. RINK L. Rink referred to the January 3, 2003 minutes, page 3, third paragraph on the issuing of parking permits to infants. DCAB obtained statistics showing fewer than ten placards were issued to infants. DCAB indicated concern, but the magnitude was not enough to change the rules yet. DCAB is considering revising the HaÒilono Kina newsletter format and is surveying readers to determine how useful and informative the newsletter is. Contact the DCAB office to participate either by email, phone, fax or regular mail. DCAB is developing a Volunteer Compliance program by public and private entities through the volunteers who work for the enforcement programs for all counties. A two-page parking notification will be distributed to the volunteers. If they think a stall design, access aisle, or sign may be non-compliant, then they need to complete the form and give it to the law enforcement officer in charge of their program. The officer will review that site and decide whether or not there is something wrong with the stall, signage, etc. The officer will also notify DCAB and DCAB will send a letter out to the business. This notification is being revised so it has not been released yet. L. Rink inquired if anybody knew Mom's Taxi Service. DCAB received an email complaint from the owner because his company was not listed in The Hawaii Traveler's Tips or The Key to Resources. She has been unsuccess him. N. Olesen reported that the issue of physician-assisted suicide is resurfacing in the legislature but the board decided it was not a function of DCAB. Also, he stated the Governor signed the rules for parking for persons with disabilities. They will address access aisle issues at the next board meeting, The meeting was recessed at 11:35 a.m. It reconvened at 11:40 a.m. C. ADA COORDINATOR'S REPORT Î A. LEVIN A. Levin reported that he spoke to the county training officer, Jane Larkin, and she said she has no expertise in this area and her plate is full. Therefore, he suggested that MCPD identify what kind of training would be appropriate and the county will worry how to fund it. 5 A. Levin shared follow up on the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist position. Seven candidates have applied and they will be interviewed on February 28. A. Mitchener expressed concern that part of the problem is no one has been specifically put in place to coordinate Parks and Recreation staff training. Current effort is sincere, but random. A coordinator is needed to organize an annual plan with community resources to provide training for all nine divisions together. Instead of waiting for MCPD to identify appropriate training recommendations, the Recreation Department needs to know what kind of training is mandated by their transition plan. J. Beimborn suggested that MCPD make a motion to contact the County of Hawaii and that they select a coordinator to mandate that the transition plan and other avenues of enforcement is covered. Secondly, MCPD would like to see someone in charge overseeing all of the county departments. J. Hartman interjected and pointed out that the county is in violation of the consent decree because of programs and procedures. Any motion MCPD make sent to the responsible person telling him they are not in compliance and can be forced into compliance. He felt it is the ADA Coordinator's responsibility to make sure these things are being kept up to date and the individual departments have the responsibility to make sure they are functioning under the consent decree. N. Olesen recommended that MCPD request a letter asking who are coordinators for each division in the Department of Parks and Recreation and what is their plan with regards to training. J. Beimborn suggested that MCPD have the ADA Coordinator see if these issues are being complied with. T. Yamanaka referred it to A. Levin since he knows what to do. MCPD agreed. A. Levin will submit a proposal or what is being done at the next meeting. D. PARK PROJECT VISITATIONS MCPD decided to come up with their preferences of sites that should be visited at the next meeting. J. Beimborn stated that the purpose of the visitation is to see when a project is completed and determine if there is any violation. NEW BUSINESS A. ADA COUNTY COORDINATOR POSITION A. Levin reported the MayorÓs new budget includes funds for the ADA CoordinatorÓs position in the Department of Civil Service using the same job description established a year ago. 6 J. Beimborn requested a copy of the job description for review by MCPD before the position is advertised. He asked about the salary. A. Levin agreed to obtain a current job description and the listed salary. However, the budget has not been approved. The position has not been advertised yet. T. Yamanaka added that it might be too late for the budget if changes are made to the job description. E. Mason referred to the Parks and RecreationÓs Transition Plan, page 66, and asked A. Levin if the county will obtain an all-terrain vehicle with a wheelchair lift for accessing hard-to-reach places. Completion date: 5 years. A. Levin will follow up on this issue. B. RECOGNITION LUNCHEON Discussed under Subcommittee Reports, A. Education/Public Awareness Subcommittee. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON NON-AGENDA ISSUES M. Martin reported that he wanted to advise MCPD regarding special education. The special education staff of the Department of Education contacted him concerning students that move from high school into post secondary programs and into the community. Apparently, the special education people are not sufficiently familiar with disability rules. He suggested that MCPD invite one of those people to the meeting and explain the problems they are having in terms of disability because of lack of information. L. Rink suggested that the special education staff contact SPIN (Special Parent Information Network) for disability information. A. Mitchener added ADA coordinators at the community college and at the university specialize in transitioning students into post secondary educational programs. M. Martin mentioned the Public Housing Authority Plan is coming up with comments and review with regards to Section 8 housing. There have been m management of Section 8. Now is the time to write to the authorities and let them know of any concerns. J. Hartman expressed his concerns that Schedule 1 projects are not going to be completed by June 2003 as a result of Glenn Miyao's retirement. N. Olesen noted that the ADA Coordinator position should report directly to the Mayor because it has fiscal responsibilities that cannot be done under a civil service position. J. Beimborn reiterated MCPD's position in having an appointed position for the ADA Coordinator. 7 N. Olesen reported DCAB manpower is down almost 20 percent. The counties will have to take on more responsibility. The Governor is fighting to have some of the monies received from traffic fines returned to the counties. S. Golden reported that the county parking lot on Kuakini Highway is being expanded. She stated that the accessible stalls and the routes are inadequate. She also made a recommendation to A. Levin that the Mayor establish a disability committee to look at civil defense and FEMA issues so people with disabilities are not excluded from the planning process. MCPD suggested adding this item to next month's agenda. ANNOUNCEMENTS J. Beimborn announced a "Putting Creativity To Work" Workshop on Career Development and Business Skills for Artists with Disabilities to be held on February 8-9, 2003, at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. There will be an "Arts for All, All for Arts" exhibit and concert on February 10, 2003, at the Sheraton Waikiki Maui/Molokai Ballroom. Packet of information is available for interested members. The next meeting will be held on Friday, March 7, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. in Hilo. Location to be announced. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, _______________________________ JEAN VIERNES, STAFF SECRETARY 8