MINUTES
Special Meeting: April 9, 2007
1. Call
to Order
Vice Chair Arroyo called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm
2. Roll
Call
Present: Commissioners Agate, Arroyo, Berg, Boersma (left at 7:05 pm), Genensky, Hilton, Knauf (arrived 6:44 pm), Parker, Richardson and Weller (arrived 7:43 pm)
Absent: Commissioner Bogen
Also
present: Janet Hand, Staff Liaison;
3. 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 Sally Lucas expressed concern and disappointment in the lack of access on the Santa Monica Pier. Discussion ensued.
Member of the public Louisa Fish expressed concern with the fare restructure by the Big Blue Bus.
4. Approval
of minutes of the March 5, 2007 meeting
Commissioner Genensky moved and
Commissioner Hilton seconded to accept the minutes of the March 5, 2007 meeting
as written. The motion passed unanimously on a voice
and hand vote.
5. Westside Center for Independent Living (WCIL)
update: presentation by Julie West, WCIL
Julie
West reported that there had been 3 referrals during the month. She reported that there will be a roommate
mixer on April 20th, that sensitivity training is being developed
for organizations within
Chair Knauf moved and Commissioner Richardson seconded a motion to hear Item 8E next and then return to the order of the agenda. The motion carried unanimously on a voice and hand vote.
8. Old Business:
E. Request of staff for discussion of and
possible action on City the
Sarah LeJeune, Senior Planner with
City Planning Division and Project Manager for the Pier Access Improvement Project, gave a powerpoint
presentation explaining the proposed changes to the pier, the environmental analysis
and discussions with the Landmarks Commission in order to improve access to the
pier. The 5 options for the project were
explained. Discussion ensued.
Member of the public Louisa Fish reported that not allowing cars on the pier would be a problem for people with difficulty walking. Also she feels that there are too many bicycles on the pier causing a hazard to pedestrians.
6. Announcements
and Correspondence
Commissioner Arroyo gave an updated on legislative issues that effect people with disabilities.
Staff Liaison Hand announced that the Santa Monica Public Library is having an event on Saturday, April 14th to celebrate its millionth visitor. She also reported that this years Citywide Reads book is The Time Traveler’s Wife.
Chair Knauf reported on the conference he attended at RAND which
dealt with homeless issues and the
7. Report
from Commission Liaisons
Nothing to Report
8. Old
Business
Commissioner Agate reviewed and explained the changes made in this latest draft. She explained that there are still some proof reading errors that need correction. Discussion ensued. Commissioners Agate and Hilton will incorporate all suggestions into a final draft and submit it to all commissioners before the next meeting.
B. Request
of Commissioner Parker for discussion of and possible action on City guidelines
for accessibility of public events, including expanding distribution of the
guidelines to neighborhood councils
Staff Liaison Hand apologized for not having brought the materials. They will be sent out by the next meeting.
Another copy of the letter will be sent out to Commissioners for discussion at the next meeting.
Commissioner
Parker stated that a draft letter has been prepared. Discussion ensued. Chair
Knauf moved and Commissioner Genensky
seconded that Commissioner Parker and Staff Liaison Hand prepare a final draft
of a letter supporting the changes at the playground at
F. Request
of City staff for discussion of and possible action on appointment of
Commissioners to review responses to the City’s Community Development Grant
Program Request for Proposals
Staff Liaison Hand explained the purpose of having outside readers review the grant requests for the City and the importance of the Disability Commission reviewing the disability related requests. Discussion ensued.
G. Request
of City staff for discussion of and possible action on Mental Health Month
(May)
As it is already April, Staff Liaison Hand presented alternatives in October for the Disabilities Commission to bring about awareness of this subject. Discussion ensued.
9.
New
Business:
A. Request of City staff for discussion of and
possible action on City’s Electoral Process Community Meeting, Monday, May 14,
2007.
Staff Liaison Hand gave background for this meeting and urged representation from the Disabilities Commission. Discussion ensued. Staff Liaison Hand urged all Commissioners to take the online survey.
B. Future
agenda items
Commissioner Agate would like to discuss having guests who are making a presentation be requested to arrive at or after 8:00 pm so as not to interfere with regular Commission business. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Agate would also like information about the condition of the pier and if it is not accessible for wheelchairs.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:19.m.
Approved: Attest:
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