MINUTES

Santa Monica Disabilities Commission

Meeting:  February 6, 2006

Ken Edwards Center

1527 4th St., Santa Monica

 

 

1.      Call to Order

 

Chair Arroyo called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm

 

2.      Pledge of Allegiance

 

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Arroyo

 

3.  Roll Call

 

      Present:  Commissioners Arroyo, Agate; Berg, Boersma, Genensky, Hilton, Knauf (arrived 7:05 pm); Parker, Richardson and Weller.

 

      Absent:  Commissioner Bogen

 

      Also present:  Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator; Janet Hand, Staff Liaison; Denise Weddle, Staff Assistant, Human Services Division

 

4.   Approval of minutes of January 9, 2006

 

Chair Arroyo moved and Commissioner Genensky seconded to accept the minutes of the January 9, 2006 meeting as written.  The motion passed on a voice and hand vote with no dissent.

 

5.   Announcements and Correspondence

 

      Commissioner Hilton announced that he attended a January 24 meeting of the County Department of Mental Health, where a plan was discussed to establish a Westside Urgent Care Center.  He said psychiatric urgent care is a new concept, designed to provide medical stabilization, linkages to community services, peer coaching and emergency housing; it prevents overcrowding in emergency rooms and costly inpatient placement.  Commissioner Hilton said a location near Brotman Medical Center has been mentioned, but he cautioned that this is preliminary, and there will be an open process for agency bids.  A handout was provided.

 

Member of the public Pro Se announced that complaints have been filed with the Fair Housing Commission regarding discrimination based on disability against Community Corporation of Santa Monica.

 

Commissioner Berg announced that April is Disaster Preparedness month and distributed handouts.

 

6.   WCIL update—Julie West

 

Julie West reported that WCIL received 11 referrals.  She announced that there will be a New Housing Workshop on February 13 and that there is tax preparation service available for Seniors and persons with a disability.

 

Member of the public Pro Se spoke in appreciation of WCIL and Julie West for assistance they have given him.

 

7.   Public Input:  The Commission will hear from the public on topics of interest to the Commission that are not on this agenda.  Each speaker is limited to two (2) minutes.

 

      Member of the public Elaine Nichols spoke regarding her problem with the Santa Monica Housing Authority and uncovered medical expenses for her therapy animal.

 

      Member of the public Pro Se requested that the Disabilities Commission write a letter to the City of Beverly Hills in support of the formation of Disabilities and Senior Commissions in that city.  He also voiced his concern that out of pocket medical expenses for service animals for non physically disabled persons is not covered.

 

      Member of the public Elaine Nichols spoke regarding her problem with the Big Blue Bus and the lack of assistance by the driver for an elderly person in a wheel chair.

 

8.   Report from Commission Liaisons

 

      Commissioner Genensky reported on the Commission for the Senior Community.  He reported on the Commission’s visit to Step Up On Second and that he has explained to them the Disabilities Commission’s letter to City Council regarding visitablity.

 

      Commissioner Hilton reported on the Housing Commission.  In October, CCSM was given approval to build 40 affordable housing units for City employees.

 

Chair Arroyo moved and Commissioner Boersma seconded to change the order of the agenda to hear Items 10A and 10B next and then return to the original order of the agenda.  The motion passed unanimously on a voice and hand vote.

 

10B.  New facility rules—Staff

 

      Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator reported on two new sections of the Municipal Code adopted by Council that establishes rules for the use of public restrooms and public facilities in Santa Monica.  Discussion ensued.

 

10A.  Presentation on Housing First—Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator

 

      Stacy explained the concept of Housing First, a new method of service delivery to homeless individuals.  She gave examples of its use in other cities and explained the pilot program adopted by the City of Santa Monica.  Discussion ensued.

 

9. Old Business:  Discussion of and possible (further) action on:

 

A.  Review of FY 05-06 work plan and budget

 

Staff Liaison Hand reviewed the work plan and explained that not all items need to be completed in this fiscal year.  She also reviewed the expenses of the Disabilities Commission and the budget remaining.  Discussion ensued.  Commissioner Genensky moved and Commissioner Weller seconded that before the next meeting, Commissioner Knauf and Staff Liaison Hand draft and place an advertisement, not to exceed $500, about the Disabilities Commission meetings.  The motion passed unanimously on a voice and hand vote.

 

B.  Collaboration with other commissions on common goals, including appointing liaisons

 

Tabled.

 

C.  Distribution of housing rights and responsibilities brochure

 

Staff Liaison Hand reported that she has worked with Commissioner Hilton about the paper which will be used on the brochure.  She requested ideas regarding distribution of brochure which will guide the initial number of brochures printed.  Discussion ensued.

 

D.  Review and approval of draft accessibility guide to Santa Monica

 

Tabled.

 

E.  Recommendations to City Council for February budget hearing

 

Staff Liaison Hand reported that the Disabilities Commission letter regarding budget recommendations had been sent to City Council and would be included in the February 14th meeting.

 

F.   Development of concept and script for Boards and Commissions Dinner video

 

Staff Liaison Hand announced that the Dinner will be March 13th, the filming schedule and the guidelines for the video.  Discussion ensued.  Staff Liaison Hand will coordinate the filming with the Commissioners.

 

G.  Special meeting for discussion of visitability ordinance

 

Staff Liaison Hand reported on her efforts to work with Building & Safety to develop an ordinance in Santa Monica.  Discussion ensued.  This item will be re-agendized next month.

 

10.  New Business:  Discussion of and possible action on:

 

C.    Review of the Disabilities Commission website

 

Tabled.

 

D.    Educational event for Mental Health Month (May)

 

Staff Liaison Hand reminded the commissioners that activities can be time- consuming and it is difficult to get people to participate.  She gave suggestions for possible activities.  Discussion ensued.  This item will be re-agendized next month.

 

Member of the public Julie West announced WCIL’s enthusiasm for this event and pledged its support with ideas and people.

 

E.     Future agenda items

 

Chair Arroyo suggested future items should include the Big Blue Bus, sending a letter to Beverly Hills urging them to create a Disabilities Commission and the new Rules for Santa Monica Facilities and its use of the term “licensed” guide or service dogs.

 

Staff Liaison Hand suggested doing something for April’s Disaster Awareness Month for people with disabilities.

 

Commissioner Parker suggested that the Commission’s retreat be held at the new Santa Monica public library.  Discussion ensued.  In the future the Commission would like to hold a regular meeting at the library and Virginia Avenue Park.

 

10.  Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. by Chair Arroyo.

 

APPROVED:                                                 ATTEST:

 

 

__________________________              __________________________________

Chris Arroyo, Chair                                       Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator