Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 28, 2012 Caq oo Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting i i Wednesday, March 28, 2012 PICKERING 7:00 pm Civic Complex - Tower Room Attendees: K. Falconer Chair T. Arvisais, Vice Chair M. Brenner D. Manning D. Sharma D. Tierney S. Wilkinson P. Noronha-Waldriff L. Roberts Absent: Councillor O'Connell 1. Fogo A. Heywood-Delpeache S. Little T. Logan J. Yacoumidis Item/ Details & Discussion & Conclusion Action Items/Status Ref # (summary of discussion) (include, deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome Keith Falconer K. Falconer welcomed members and guests to the meeting. 2. Updates 2.1) Built Environment Standard Mike Spatafora, Supervisor, Facilities Operations, City of Pickering appeared before the Committee to provide an update with respect to the built environment standard. He provided an overview of the main project being the East Shore Senior's Centre, explaining the upgrades which will be completed to the washrooms. He provided copies of the plans for committee members. He explained what is being proposed for both the men's and women's facilities, noting all doors will be fully automated. Mr. Spatafora . noted the space is being increased by reconfiguring and expanding the current location. A discussion period ensued with clarification being provided to Page 1 CORP0228-2/02 the following questions; • timelines - completion by August/beginning of September • adequate turn around space • space was taken from kitchen to provide for adequate space • paper dispensers in stalls are too much of a reach It was questioned whether it would be feasible to have someone in charge of design using a wheelchair to obtain a better understanding of the space and design required to function adequately. It was noted that code is sometimes not reality and not always practical or adequate. It was suggested that attempts be made to exceed code for better comfort level. Also discussed was the fact that there are no standardized sizes for wheelchairs and scooters, creating a disconnect between code and the requirements for the disabled, (i.e. door openings). Therefore, it was noted that there needs to be a standard in place for this. It was questioned why the upper washrooms in the non seniors M. Spatafora to action area of the building would not be made fully accessible at the same time, since it would only require the installation of door openers. It was suggested these be installed while the other work is being done to make the entire building accessible. The Committee also asked that the cost for these door openers be looked into. It was also questioned whether the members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee could be given an opportunity to look at these buildings. Mr. Spatafora noted there would still be opportunities for changes as work progresses and community comments would be taken in to consideration. It was also suggested that consideration be given to making the entrances, on all future new built facilities, constructed without doors. This cannot be accomplished when retro-fitting a facility, but when constructing a new building, this should be considered. Mr. Spatafora also provided an update on other projects as follows; Page 2 CORP0228-2/02 • outlined locations for 11 door openers to be installed • 2 additional door openers for waterfront washrooms • Redman House - 4 door openers - 2 for the washrooms, 1 for the entrance and 1 for the ballroom Mr. Spatafora noted that he would continue to provide updates to the committee. Arnold Mostert, Coordinator, Landscape & Park Development, City of Pickering appeared before the Committee to provide updates on the following projects; Esplanade Park A. Mostert provided an overview of the plans for the completion of the Esplande Park walkway with drawings for the members ; • will be completed to Valley Farm Road • work will commence after RibFest (June) and will take approximately 1 - 2 months to complete • will consist of concrete sidewalk with decorative brick banding to ensure even surfaces - same treatment as was done last year surrounding the Civic Complex • proper drainage will be ensured • replacement of the existing concrete and asphalt sidewalk with 8' wide concrete walkway along Valley Farm Road is proposed as well • walkway along Valley Farm will be done as well • pole lighting to be installed and evenly spaced • corners will have seat walls • benches will be installed T. Arvisais recommended that the garbage bins be placed away from the benches. Rosebank South Park A. Mostert provided an update with respect to Rosebank South Park noting the following proposed upgrades; • child's play area with ground level structures, not platform based • slide access will be from top of berm level and will have transfer platform for accessibility • depressed curb down to play area with wood chips as opposed to pea gravel for safety surfacing • 2 levels of handrails on steps to upper level Page 3 CORP0228-2/02 • wooden bridges with curbs down each side for safety • 5% slope will be maintained for walkways and railings A question and answer period ensued and Mr. Mostert provided clarification with respect to connecting points to get to the park. He confirmed that this issue should be looked into as this would A. Mostert to action be the time to address it. A. Mostert noted he would look into this and get back to the Committee through staff. East Shore Community Centre A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the parking lot improvements for the East Shore Community Centre, noting it would be completed in 2 phases. He explained access to the building would be maintained at all times in a safe manner. He summarized the following points: • angle parking • 9 handicapped parking spots at the back • concrete walk flush to asphalt • proper pedestrian crossings • deck for lawn bowlers will be fully accessible • proposing 4 handicapped parking spots at front of building • existing 10% slope to front door is too steep - will modify ramp to 5% slope for safe egress down to grade • timelines - to begin in July which will be during the Senior shut down A. Mostert also provided updates on the neighbourhood park in Duffin Heights which will include 1 soccer pitch, walkways and a children's play area with safety surfaces. He informed the Committee he would provide further information, through staff, to the Committee once the design for the play structures have been received. A question and answer period ensued with respect to barrier A. Mostert to action free parking, lighting and sidewalks. A. Mostert noted he would look into this. A. Mostert provided an update with respect to the proposed Village Green for William Jackson Drive, noting that this would A. Mostert to action be a multi purpose trail off Brock Road, which would include benches, lighting and plantings. Page 4 CORP0228-2/02 3 Adoption of Minutes Moved by M. Brenner Seconded by S. Wilkinson That the minutes of the January 25th, 2012 meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved as amended. Carried Moved by M. Brenner Seconded by S. Wilkinson That the minutes of the February 15th, 2012 meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved. Carried It was noted there was no quorum for the February 22nd, 2012 meeting. It was also requested that these minutes be amended to reflect K. Falconer and D. Sharma had sent their regrets. 4. 2011 Accomplishments/2012 Work Plan K. Falconer provided an overview of the February 15 meeting in which the 2011 accomplishments and 2012 work plan were discussed. He reviewed all items and asked for any additions or revisions to the document prior to submission to Council. Discussion ensued with respect to the Accessibility Survey. P. Noronha-Waldriff noted that she would follow up and provide an update as soon as possible. It was noted that the City was currently working on upgrades to the City's website, and she P. Noronha-Waldriff to would forward the information along via email to the members action as soon as it was available. M. Brenner questioned whether the Committee could make the public more aware of what is being accomplished by the Committee such as the submission of milestones to the newspaper once or twice a month for publication. M. Brenner also questioned the possibility of a tracking system to develop timelines as well as contacts for the items and track performance with respect to the work plan. Mr. Brenner volunteered to format the document and it was the consensus to assign areas at the next meeting. Page 5 CORP0228-2/02 It was also suggested the Committee participate in an outreach program by identifying a member to represent the Committee. This member would attend area schools to speak about accessibility issues. K. Falconer questioned whether the Committee would be K. Falconer to action interested in a tour of the Abilities Centre in Whitby. He noted he would look into organizing a tour as well as the possibility of arranging Handi transit. It was the consensus of the Committee to include this in the 2012 Work Plan. D. Sharma also suggested the possibility of the Committee touring other City facilities and preparing a committee audit. 5. Work Plan Presentation to Council K. Falconer advised the Committee that it had been the consensus to submit their annual report and work plan to Council on April 16th. It was noted that the power point P. Noronha-Waldriff to presentation could be updated to reflect the current action achievements and work plan. He also encouraged members to attend the meeting as well. P. Noronha-Waldriff noted she would email the work plan to the P. Noronha-Waldriff to members again. action Discussion ensued with respect to the Accessibility Awareness Event. It was, recommended this be placed as a standing item on future agendas. P. Noronha-Waldriff noted the May date for the event would not be feasible at this point and that the Committee should consider November. Due to the lack of quorum at the previous meeting, the following was approved; Moved by M. Brenner Seconded by T. Arvisais That the Five Year Accessibility Plan for the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried Page 6 CORP0228-2/02 `6. Other Business 6.1) M. Brenner questioned the issue of maintaining a quorum K. Falconer to action at the meetings. It was suggested that the Chair forward an email to members to encourage attendance. 6.2) D. Sharma questioned the carryover of funds for accessibility upgrades and asked whether the Committee. could P. Noronha-Waldriff to be provided with a breakdown on the allocation of these funds action at year end. 6.3) K. Falconer informed the members that submissions are being received for the Regional Accessibility a newsletter. He noted he would provide further details at the next meeting. K. K. Falconer to action Falconer will confirm the deadline date for submissions. 6.4) K. Falconer informed the Committee that the Joint K. Falconer to action Accessibility Meeting will be held on May 22, 2012 at the Regional headquarters. 7. Next Meeting/Adjournment Moved by Terence Arvisais Seconded by Don Tierney That the meeting be adjourned. Next Meeting: April 25, 2012 Meeting Adjourned: 9:10 pm Copy: City Clerk Page 7 CORP0228-2/02