MINUTES
Meeting: March 6, 2006
1. Call
to Order
Chair Arroyo called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm
2. Pledge
of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by
Chair Arroyo
3. Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Arroyo, Agate (left 9:07 pm); Berg, Boersma, Bogen, Hilton, Knauf (arrived 6:55 pm); Parker and Weller (left 9:07 pm).
Absent: Commissioners Genensky and Richardson
Also present: Stacy Rowe, Human Services Administrator; Denise Weddle, Staff Assistant, Human Services Division
4. Approval
of minutes of February 6, 2006
Commissioner Hilton moved and Commissioner Weller seconded
to accept the minutes of the February 6, 2006 meeting as written. The motion passed on a voice and hand vote
with no dissent.
5. Announcements
and Correspondence
Human
Services Administrator Rowe announced that Staff Liaison Hand would be out of
the office until approximately mid April.
She then introduced
Commissioner Boersma announced that her husband’s father had passed away on March 2.
6. WCIL
update—Julie West
Julie West reported that WCIL received 19 referrals. She announced that there will be a New Housing Workshop in March.
Member of the
public Pro Se requested that the Disabilities Commission write a letter to the
City of
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 Libi Warren spoke regarding the loss of
her Section 8 Housing.
Member of the public Louisa
Fish announced that a BBB representative assured her that there would be
accessible transportation to 415 PCH when it opens. She also related a recent problem she had
with Access Services.
Member of
the public Pro Se requested that the Disabilities Commission 1) urge Access
Services to accept emergency situations such as a person in a wheelchair with a
flat tire, 2) add an action item to a future agenda to support the
establishment of a Commission for Older Americans in the City of Beverly Hills,
and 3) support the establishment of a satellite office of WCIL in Beverly
Hills. He also voiced his concern about
the assistive listening devices in the City.
Member of the public Ivana Mladenovic spoke about the
timing of traffic signals at some intersections and the difficulty that some
people with disabilities have in crossing them safely.
8. Report from Commission Liaisons
Commissioner Hilton announced that he will be making a
presentation to the Housing Commission on the Disabilities Commission’s housing
concerns and action taken. He has
prepared a list compiled from the Disabilities Commission’s last 45 meetings.
9. Old Business: Discussion of and possible (further) action on:
A. Collaboration with other commissions on common goals, including appointing liaisons
Tabled.
Member of the public Pro Se spoke, advocating
for a shuttle bus to assist people with mobility problems access the Santa
Monica Pier, a commission for seniors in
B. Distribution of housing rights and responsibilities brochure- progress update
Human Services
Administrator Rowe reported that she has worked with Commissioner Hilton on the
paper which will be used for the brochure.
Discussion ensued. She requested
ideas regarding distribution of the brochure which will guide the initial
number of brochures printed. Discussion
ensued.
Member of the
public Pro Se recommended that this brochure include information regarding how
a disabled person can address discrimination by the Housing Authority of Santa
Monica.
C. Review and approval of draft accessibility
guide to Santa Monica
Human Services
Administrator Rowe reported that Staff Liaison Hand has not completed a draft
of this guide. Discussion ensued. The item was Tabled
until Staff Liaison Hand’s return.
Member of the
public Pro Se requested that all brochures be put on City Hall On Call, Fax On Demand and the City of Santa Monica Website.
D. Development of concept and script for Boards
and Commissions Dinner video- update on filming
Chair Arroyo gave
an update on dates and times available and the script for the taping. Discussion ensued.
E. Special meeting for discussion of visitability
ordinance- update from staff
Human Services
Administrator Rowe gave an update of the state law and how it affects local
jurisdiction. Discussion ensued. A consensus of Commissioners present
determined that Monday, March 20th would be the best date for a
Special Meeting if it is necessary.
F. Educational event(s) for Mental Health Month
(May)
Chair Arroyo summarized ideas that had been discussed for this
event and requested input from the Commission.
Discussion ensued. A consensus of
Commissioners present determined that the May Disabilities Commission meeting
will primarily be devoted to Mental Health issues with Ed Edelman and various
other speakers being invited.
Member of the public Julie West spoke of the accomplishments of
Judith Holtz, a potential speaker for the May Disabilities Commission meeting.
10. New Business:
Discussion of and possible action on:
A. Advertising meetings and other publicity
Human Services Administrator Rowe spoke about the ad that was placed last
week and Commissioner Hilton described ads that have been created for the next
two meetings. Discussion ensued. Chair Arroyo moved and Commissioner
Agate seconded that Chair Arroyo and Commissioner Hilton are empowered to work
with City Staff on developing the advertisements for the Disabilities
Commission’s April and May meetings. The
motion passed on a hand and voice vote with no dissent.
Member of the public Pro Se suggested that the same outreach tools be
used to promote the Disabilities Commission May meeting as were used to promote
a Town Hall Meeting he previously assisted with.
B. Disabilities Awareness Month (October) activity: Speakers programs at the Main Library
Tabled.
C.
Review
of the Disabilities Commission website
Tabled.
D.
Possible
Disaster Preparedness Month activities
Commissioner
Berg gave suggestions for possible activities.
Discussion ensued. The item will
be agendized next month.
Member of the
public Pro Se stated that the City of
E. Support for disabilities commission in
Beverly Hills
Tabled until next meeting.
F.
Use of
“licensed” in describing guide dogs on new facilities rules
Human Services
Administrator Rowe announced that the issue had been resolved. The word “licensed” will be removed from all
current signs and will not be included on any future signs or literature.
G.
Future
agenda items
None.
11. Meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. by Chair Arroyo.
APPROVED: ATTEST:
__________________________ __________________________________
Audrey Parker, Vice Chair Julia
Brown, Human Services Analyst