Citizens' Advisory Commission on Disabilities

CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 CITIZENS' ADVISORY SECOND THURSDAY, COMMISSION ON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, DISABILITIES MINUTES 333 W. OCEAN BOULEVARD, 1:00 PM David Gauthier, Chair Nubia Flores Cedeno, Member Deaka McClain, Vice Chair Richard Hernandez, Member Alice Bruns, Member Chris Karadjov, Member Ciara Calsita, Member Jamone Pili, Member CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 1:01 PM. ROLL CALL Commissioners Alice Bruns, Ciara Calsita, Nubia Flores Cedeno, Richard Present: Hernandez, Deaka McClain and David Gauthier Commissioners Chris Karadjov and Jamone Pili Absent: FLAG SALUTE PRESENTATION Commissioner Richard Hernandez was recognized for all of his work and dedication to the disability community as he termed out after 8 years of serving this commission. Page 1 of 7 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 CITIZENS' ADVISORY SECOND THURSDAY, COMMISSION ON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, DISABILITIES MINUTES 333 W. OCEAN BOULEVARD, 1:00 PM PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Frances Emily Dawson Harris, CD1 resident, spoke regarding the 1st and Pacific Metro station. Ms. Harris said the gap is very wide between train and platform, which is very problematic for those who use mobility devices. The height of the train in relation to the platform is also very problematic. Ms. Harris suggested that perhaps CACoD make a formal recommendation to Metro to bring a Silverline (newer train) into the City. Ben Rockwell, CD1 resident, spoke to item #3. Mr. Rockwell stated that decorative concrete is difficult to traverse, causes severe pain in back, causes severe vibration, and causes wheelchairs to fall apart. Mr. Rockwell suggested the City should discontinue use. Mr. Rockwell also advised that there are several locations where curb ramps are sloped too high and the sidewalk on 6th Street btween Cedar & Chestnut is "rough." Mr. Rockwell committed to continue to work with Citywide ADA Coordinator Heather Blackmun on his concerns. Pastor Jonas Hayes, Grace First Presbyterian Church at 3955 N Studebaker Road, spoke about an annual event called Disability Inclusion Sunday, in which Chair McClean particpated last year. This September, the church will be hosting a new event called 'Changing Attitudes: An Interfaith Workshop on Inclusion of People with Disablities' on 9/29 from 9:30-11:00 AM. Next year, the church is planning to host an interfaith summit on diversity and inclusion, paying particular attention to disability rights. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. 18-018CA Recommendation to approve minutes from the May 10, 2018 meeting of the Citizen's Advisory Commission on Disabilities. A motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez, seconded by Commissioner Calsita, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Alice Bruns, Ciara Calsita, Nubia Flores Cedeno, Richard Hernandez, Deaka McClain and David Gauthier Absent: 2 - Chris Karadjov and Jamone Pili STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS Page 2 of 7 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 CITIZENS' ADVISORY SECOND THURSDAY, COMMISSION ON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, DISABILITIES MINUTES 333 W. OCEAN BOULEVARD, 1:00 PM Youth, Employment & Programs - Commissioners Calsita and Hernandez reported that the draft of the resource guide for the disability guide has been completed and released copies to commissioners for edits and suggestions. Accessibility, Transportation & Services - Commissioner McClain reported that the committee has been working on several concerns that have been brought before the committee, including looking at accessibility at playgrounds. Ms. McClain reported that she, Commissioner Karadjov and ADA Coordinator Heather Blackmun recently visited both Stearns Park, CD4 and Carver Elementary in CD5 to look at their inclusive playground (the first in Long Beach). Commissioner McClain reported that the visit to Carver was encouraged by Councilwoman Mungo, who also suggested meeting with Jon Schultz, the community member who spearheaded this playground project. AD-HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS Commissioners Calsita and McClain reminded the commission of the ADA Anniversary proclamation presentation at the July 10th council meeting and of the upcoming Disabled Resources Dinner on June 21st. NEW BUSINESS 2. 18-019CA Recommendation to elect new officers to the CACoD executive board for the July 2018 to June 2019 term, including chair, vice chair and secretary. A motion was made by Commissioner Hernandez, seconded by Commissioner Calsita, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 5 - Alice Bruns, Ciara Calsita, Richard Hernandez, Deaka McClain and David Gauthier Absent: 3 - Nubia Flores Cedeno, Chris Karadjov and Jamone Pili Page 3 of 7 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 CITIZENS' ADVISORY SECOND THURSDAY, COMMISSION ON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, DISABILITIES MINUTES 333 W. OCEAN BOULEVARD, 1:00 PM The July 2018-June 2019 executive board was voted on as follows: Chair - Commissioner Deake McClain Vice-chair - Commissioner David Gauthier Secretary - Commissioner Nubia Cedeno 3. 18-020CA Recommendation to discuss the City's use of stamped/decorative concrete in the public right-of-way and the possible effects on people with disabilities and approve any recommendations CACoD would like to make to the city manager. Frances Emily Dawson Harris, CD1 resident, researched decorative and stamped concrete, and suggested that CACoD send this item to a standing committee given there are substanial arguments both for and against its use. Ben Rockwell, CD1 resident, stated that decorative sidewalks are a disadvantage for some people and should be taken out everywhere and replaced with smooth sidewalk. This would make it easy for everyone to get around the City. Commissioner McClain made a motion to create an ad-hoc committee to review this item. A motion was made by Vice Chair McClain, seconded by Commissioner Calsita, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Alice Bruns, Ciara Calsita, Nubia Flores Cedeno, Richard Hernandez, Deaka McClain and David Gauthier Absent: 2 - Chris Karadjov and Jamone Pili Page 4 of 7 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 CITIZENS' ADVISORY SECOND THURSDAY, COMMISSION ON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, DISABILITIES MINUTES 333 W. OCEAN BOULEVARD, 1:00 PM 4. 18-021CA Recommendation to approve recommendations from the DEAM 2018 ad-hoc commitee. Commissioner Bruns reported that the standing committee had selected the following locations to possibly hold the DEAM 2018 event: Michelle Obama Library, Veteran's Park, Ceasar Chavez Park, and the LB Convention Center. The following dates and times were suggested: Thursday, October 25th 12-2:30 PM Friday, October 26th 6-8 PM Saturday, October 27th 12-2:30 PM Frances Emily Dawson Harris spoke to the item and suggested to bring this event back to City Hall because it is more local and transporation seems to be more accessible. Staff liasion Heather Blackmun reminded the commision that this was now a dual event and will include an accessibility townhall. A motion was made by Vice Chair McClain, seconded by Commissioner Bruns, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Alice Bruns, Ciara Calsita, Nubia Flores Cedeno, Richard Hernandez, Deaka McClain and David Gauthier Absent: 2 - Chris Karadjov and Jamone Pili Page 5 of 7 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 CITIZENS' ADVISORY SECOND THURSDAY, COMMISSION ON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, DISABILITIES MINUTES 333 W. OCEAN BOULEVARD, 1:00 PM 5. 18-022CA Recommendation to approve recommendations from Mentoring Day 2018 ad-hoc committee. Commissioner Calsita confirmed with Heather Blackmun that October 11th is available for Mentoring Day 2018. Commissioner Calsita reported that this day was selected so that the event would coincide with CACoD's meeting that day. There will also be a lunch of pizza and dessert provided, as well as drinks. Commissioner Calsita also requested that the City's photographer be available to take pictures. A motion was made by Vice Chair McClain, seconded by Commissioner Hernandez, to approve recommendation. The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Alice Bruns, Ciara Calsita, Nubia Flores Cedeno, Richard Hernandez, Deaka McClain and David Gauthier Absent: 2 - Chris Karadjov and Jamone Pili STAFF REPORT Heather Blackmun reported that the data collection portion of the City's public right-of-way self evaluation is almost complete, the airport presentation is confirmed for August, working with library services on a presentation, working with public works to schedule an updated presentation on the new civic center, confirmed that two new commissioners have been approved for CACoD, and that public works is still working on an updated blue curb policy. CHAIRPERSON AND/OR VICE CHAIR CLOSING REMARKS ANNOUNCEMENTS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 2:34 PM. Page 6 of 7 CITY OF LONG BEACH THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018 CITIZENS' ADVISORY SECOND THURSDAY, COMMISSION ON CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, DISABILITIES MINUTES 333 W. OCEAN BOULEVARD, 1:00 PM Page 7 of 7