WSCAAB - meeting minutes

Attached are meeting minutes from the WSCAAB’s March meeting for reference/record.

Lindsey Mahoney
Sedgwick County ADA Administration

Wichita-Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board
March 28, 2012
Meeting Minutes
Envision, 610 N. Main

====================================================================
Present Voting Members
=====================================================================

Welcome & Introductions

Meeting Minutes

January meeting minutes approved unanimously.  Sanford Alexander moved to approve, and Steve Hinds seconded the motion.

Agenda Building – Items may be moved around on agenda due to time constraints.

 

1. Consent Agenda to Receive and File Reports / Committee Updates
1. Committee reports received
1. The APS Committee Report was received.  Transportation Appeals Committee met, but we are awaiting that report.

1. Committee Updates or Discussion:
1. APS committee updates:
1. Brian reported about on-call paratransit that is being used to temporarily transport pedestrians at Pawnee and Broadway due to construction.  This is due to the unique conditions of this intersection that includes high speeds.  An APS has been ordered for this location.
2. Problem reported with voice of APS at NE corner Central/Main.  Rare problem, first known of this type.
3. Sanford summarized the history of the APS project, which dates back 8 – 9 years.

 

1. Transportation Committee is working to receive reports from the Wichita Transit Advisory Board:  Report in progress. 
1. Working to explore a concern from National Federation of the Blind regarding a report of not having enough stops announced on busses.  Mike Vinson attended that meeting, and was surprised to learn of the concern, as he hadn’t heard of it yet.  Mike said they can add additional stations if necessary.  It was pointed out that this complaint may not be the opinion of the entire community.  Review by an O & M specialist was suggested.
2. Recommended to look into simplifying the paratransit application form.
3. Goal of committee is to find problems early-on where they can be addressed sooner and better.
4. Shawn Walters, Sanford, and Brian Coon attended a transit work session at City Hall.  Public is generally supportive of improving the system.  Sanford reviewed that meeting, and the costs of options.  The budget is currently frozen, and status quo will not work for much longer.
5. Additional discussion:
1. Rick Shellenbarger questioned whether a fuel tax had ever been considered.
2. Craig Perbeck questioned whether ridership has increased with gas prices.  No – initially ridership went up, but when fees were increased, and it went down.
3. Many in community see transit system as a system for elderly, poor, and disabled.  Discussion occurred of local culture here. 
4. Most people like a grid system. 
6. ILRC provided disability and sensitivity training for bus drivers 3 weeks ago.

1. Riverfestival Committee:  Committee met with several representatives from Wichita Festivals.  Parking continues to be the #1 concern.  The WDDC website shows downtown disability parking, but it is hard to find and navigate.  It also doesn’t show the RiverFestival site specifically, or list ADA spaces for Century II.  Wichita Festivals agreed to include this link on their website.  Brian Coon reported that WDDC website is not accessible.  We will work with Envision to see if assistance can be offered to check their website and make improvements.  The committee suggested an accessibility checklist for RiverFest vendors and provided that document to Wichita Festivals.  Last year, there was a complaint about the Autoway carnival.  This is not part of RiverFest, but David Calvert has written them a letter, and copied City and Wingnuts (landlords).  No response thus far.  Lindsey Mahoney sent Wichita Festivals information on the new ADA Standards pertaining to signage.  Envision offered to make Braille menus for festival vendors.

 

1. Education Committee:  Shared a WSCAAB fact sheet draft that is in development.  Sedgwick County Communications is helping to develop the document.  Local disability statistics and data were discussed, as well as the definition/use of the word “disability.”  It was agreed that we want the most accurate data that reflects the local disability population.  Rick Shellenbarger will provide a link to some data he has obtained.  Feedback on the draft document should be sent to John Sullivan.  This document will be emailed for further review and comment.

1. New Business
1. Taxi Ordinance:  The proposed taxi ordinance was discussed.  The current ordinance does not mention accessibility, ADA or people with disabilities.  David Calvert has reviewed a federal order pertaining to New York City taxis.  The view of that order seems to be that since the City began regulating taxis, it now has an obligation to ensure they address accessibility.  Local taxi service was discussed:
1. Some accessible cabs would be a significant improvement over current system.
2. Currently there is no “on-demand” taxi service.  Some will do rides arranged in advance.
3. Susan and Valerhy worked with one taxi company to get an accessible van.  However, the company stopped using it due to a reported lack of use. 
4. It was recommended that the ordinance should consider training taxi vendors on disability customer service and sensitivity.  Go Wichita will be providing customer service training per the ordinance, but this does not mention disability training.
5. Judy Stengel recommended that information about accessible cabs be included on the airport website.  Shirley reported that Wichita Transit only receives a few airport requests each year.
6. City will be holding another stakeholder meeting on this issue.
7. Craig Perbeck made a motion that:  The Wichita Taxi Code shall include provisions requiring the taxi program to be equally accessible to all persons with disabilities.  “Accessible” includes at least one taxi to be a wheelchair accessible vehicle.  Susan seconds.  Motion passes unanimously.
8. Valerhy made a motion that:  The Wichita Taxi Code shall include customer service training on disability awareness and sensitivity.  Steve Hinds seconds the motion.  Motion passes unanimously.

 

1. Report on Meetings with Advocates Group and CDDO Affiliated Directors Group:  David Calvert updated on these meetings and the recent discussion about whether combined disability groups (linking and including more agencies or an “umbrella group”) should be considered.  Judy Stengel was introduced and provided a history of her involvement with local disability initiatives.  She described how a group of interested parties have started exploring this issue, and recently talked with Olathe’s disability advisory board.  She asked how we can make sure all people have information about available resources.  An upcoming assistive technology expo in Wichita (September) may be an opportunity to share information.  Sanford reported on his involvement with a similar issue in Philadelphia (67 agencies providing services/support to people who are blind).  David Calvert will appoint a study group to spend time exploring these issues, and make recommendations back to the WSCAAB.  Tom Racunas, Chad VonAhnen, Brian Coon, Lindsey Mahoney, Steve Hinds, Luella with United Way, Judy Stengel, Craig Perbeck, and Sanford Alexander will participate. 
2. Citizen Raised Issue:  Service Animals and Apartments – Defer until next meeting due to time.
3. Citizen Raised Issue:  Disability Parking Fees – Defer until next meeting due to time.
4. Combined Disability Groups – A study group will be formed to meet and provide recommendations on this issue as described above.
5. Discuss new ADA Standards for curb ramps – Defer until next meeting due to time.
6. Meeting:  It was decided that the WSCAAB will return to meeting every month, on the 4th Wednesday.  This is because we have been having too much trouble getting through all topics on the agenda.  December meeting will be 12/19/12 due to the holiday.

1. Old Business
1. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities – follow-up from our last meeting – Defer until next meeting due to time.
2. Continue Brainstorming Publicity – Defer due to time.  Education committee to give recommendations.

 

1. Updates
1. City ADA Update – Defer until next meeting due to time.
2. County ADA Update – Defer until next meeting due to time.
1. New requirements for on-call architects and engineers – Defer until next meeting
3. Other – No discussion
1. Joint City/County training for Contractors/Architects on new ADA Standards – 5/24/12 at Extension Center
2. Aging and Developmental Disabilities Workshop – 4/27/12 at Extension Center Accessible Parking Volunteer Program – Lt. Nolte & APP volunteer to attend the May meeting.

1. Public Comment – None.

 

1. Adjourn at 11:50 AM

The next meeting will be:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
10:00-11:30 a.m. at Envision

Wichita/Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board