Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities

Hampton Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Meeting Minutes Thursday, April 13, 2023 The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Ms. Ellen Shackelford at 3:00 pm, welcomed all guests and announced guest speakers. Members Present (8): Liaisons/City Official (3): Ellen Shackelford Rebecca Spurrier (City Manager’s Office) Evelyn Alston Shaeron King (Parks & Recreation Department) Tyrell Mullen Cheran Ivery (Attorney) Dora Parker- Jimenez Venezia Jimenez Guests (7): Rev. William Anderson LaVerne Johnson Vivian Austin Marie Vanliere Gwen Burnett Shirley Nettles Dana Reid Absent (4): D.C. Johnson Gwendolyn Burnett (Excused) Amalie Eleonora Irene Ferrainolo Charles Gardner (Guest Speaker/ Hampton Coliseum) Sharon Griffith Kennard Dukes Hampton City Attorney – Ms. Cheran Ivery requested HMCFPWD’s name a registered agent from the committee to file papers to the SSC Compliance to assure the committee is in compliance. Ellen Shackelford, Chairperson, asked for a motion to accept Ms. Rebecca Spurrier to serve as the registered agent. She accepted the motion and will be delivering the article to the committee for review. Hampton Coliseum Assistant Director (Guest Speaker) – Mr. Charles Gardner gave information about the age and design of the Coliseum. Because of the makeup of the design, it does not meet the original classifications outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act; however, management has been working to provide services to assist persons with disabilities in areas of accessibility. Management will check into any additional adjustments to be made. Mr. Gardner listened to attendee’s comments/concerns and entertained possible solutions and follow-up meetings. The minutes for March 9, 2023, were not available. The minutes for March and April will be reviewed for approval at the May 11, 2023 meeting of the Hampton Mayor’s Committee For People with Disabilities. 1 Treasurer’s Report FY23 Beginning Balance: March 01, 2023 $54,209.85 Credit: 7,700.00 Debit: 5,000.00 Ending Balance: March 31, 2023 $56,909.85 Respectfully submitted, Gwendolyn Burnett, Treasurer Liaison’s Report(s) – City Manager’s Office: Rebecca Spurrier reported: The city is working to finalize the City Manager’s recommended budget. A version will be available to the public online www.hampton.gov , in public libraries, and in the clerk’s office by April 15, 2023. There are public hearings scheduled concerning the budget where interested persons will be heard in accordance with cities public hearing protocol, the dates: Wednesday, April 26 at 6:30 pm, in the City Council Chambers, Wednesday, May 3rd at 6:30 pm, in City Council Chambers The final approval for the budget will occur on Wednesday, May 10th at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers. Concerns regarding accessibility in the city can be reported to 311 via phone call or through their mobile app. What guest speakers would you like to hear? Parks & Recreation: Shaeron King reported upcoming events: summer hiring program event at Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center, 231 Lincoln Street, Hampton VA 23669, Tuesday, April 18 from 4-7 pm; Saturday, May 20 from 9am-12pm / on the spot interviews, bring a photo ID. More information for upcoming events/programs can be found at: www.hampton/gov/jobs Contact phone number: 757-727-6348. The Therapeutic Program dates are: June 13-August 26, 2023 www.hampton.gov Hampton City Schools: No report Foundation report: Is no longer in commission at this time 2 Subcommittee Report(s) – Accessibility: No Report Awards Luncheon: Tyrell Mullen reported the subcommittee will meet to determine a venue to have the event. They are planning another meeting for clarification. Education: Dora Parker shared information regarding the Wings for All program as a resource for families with children living with autism and intellectual disabilities. Wings for All allows local families of children with autism and other intellectual disabilities practice going through the airport and getting onboard. Norfolk International Airport continues to host the Wings for All events in collaboration with the Arc, VersAbility Resources, TSA, and different airlines. This year (2023) the program was able to secure a plane with American Airlines. During the event families were given the opportunity to experience a stimulated airplane trip. Families were able to practice entering the airport, navigating the terminal, getting boarding passes at the ticket counter, passing through TSA security screening and boarding an aircraft at a gate. For more information about the program and how you can become involved, visit the web site at: https://versability.org/55-earn-their-wings-at-wings-for-all-2023/ Legislation: Insight Enterprises Inc., Peninsula Center for Independent Living has an acting Director, Ms. Andrea Diggs. Mr. Ralph Shelman has retired from the position as of March 31, 2023. Publicity/Public Awareness (Newsletter): Rev. Anderson reported he will gather information to add to the Facebook page in regards to the HMCFPWD’s newsletter. Ellen Shackelford stated she will assist with this endeavor. Transportation: Tyrell Mullen stated he was not able to attend the HRT meeting as a result of illness, and has no report. Old Business – There was no old business New Business – The committee has voted Rebecca Spurrier to be the registered agent for the HMCFPWD’s. She will report to the committee any necessary information to keep records up-to-date. Insight Enterprises, Inc., Peninsula Center for Independent Living (IEPCIL) has requested financial support to provide two (2), $1,000.00 Scholarships for high school students with 3 disabilities (Letter on file), known as the Julia E. Holloway Memorial Scholarship. HMCFPWD’s voted and approved the support to IEPCIL. Insight Strikers Bowling League requested financial support for 15 special needs individuals, who are visually impaired, to attend a national bowling tournament located in Florence, Kentucky on May 24-May 28, 2023. The cost of the entire trip plus hotel accommodations totaling $5,115.00 (Letter of request on file) the request was voted and approved by the committee. Meeting was adjourned at 4:50 pm. 4