HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 19, 2015 Cat/o� Minutes/Meeting Summary
Accessibility Advisory Committee
February 19, 2015
ISM[ 7:00 pm
Main Committee Room, Pickering Civic Complex
Attendees: T. Arvisais
P. Bashaw
M. Brenner
A. Doucette
C. Morrison
S. Wilkinson
D. Marlowe, Staff Representative
L. Harker, (Acting) Supervisor, Legislative Services
L. Roberts, Recording Secretary
Absent: D. Hughes
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1. Welcome
D. Marlowe welcomed everyone to the meeting. He provided
members with binders he had prepared, containing legislated
information and noted there were a number of hand-outs being
provided as well for information purposes.
2. Orientation
D. Marlowe introduced L. Harker, (Acting) Supervisor,
Legislative Services who would be conducting an orientation
and review for the members.
Ms. Harker provided an overview on City policies, explaining
the relationship between Advisory Committees and Council.
She briefly outlined the draft terms of reference, which had
been prepared by the Clerk's Office for all Boards and Advisory
Committees, outlining changes made this term. She advised
members that they could recommend additions to the terms of
reference, but could not remove any items.
Ms. Harker also provided an overview with respect to the
reporting structure, presentation of work plans, the role of
facilitators as well as the importance of attendance for quorum
purposes.
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3. New Business
3.1) Draft Terms of Reference
Copies of the draft terms of reference for the Committee were
provided for review. Discussion ensued with respect to the
• meeting dates. It was suggested that alternate locations be
looked into in order to continue with Wednesday evening
meeting dates for the Committee. D. Marlowe noted he would D. Marlowe to action
look into the availability of alternate meeting rooms.
Discussion ensued in relation to timelines for receiving and
reviewing applications. Members expressed concern with
receiving plans by email, as it is very difficult to view them
properly. Various ways to view these plans were discussed,
and it was suggested a sub-committee be formed for the
purpose of reviewing these applications. It was also questioned
whether all site plans would come to the Committee for review,
what the requirements are under the AODA. It was also •
suggested that should a sub-committee be formed, meetings
could potentially take place prior to the regularly scheduled
Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting.
D. Marlowe noted he would obtain clarification on which plans
would be coming forward for the Committee to review, as well
as the requirements under the Act, as not all applications D. Marlowe to action
require site plan. He noted he would provide further details on
this at the next meeting.
D. Marlowe reviewed the Committee composition under the
terms of reference, noting that service agency representatives
could attend meetings as necessary for information purposes.
Discussion ensued and members were in agreement that a
representative from the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade would
benefit the Committee by enabling communication with small
businesses. They noted the importance of education.
D. Marlowe requested that members review the terms of
reference and advise him accordingly of any items they would All members to action
like included prior to the next meeting.
3.2) Developing Long Term Priorities
D. Marlowe suggested a round table discussion with all
members providing their input with respect to their goals and
objectives for the Committee.
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Discussion ensued with the following areas of concern being
discussed:
• Parking, curb cuts, public facilities access
• Community involvement
• Park and sidewalk maintenance, trails and walkways
• By-law enforcement for maintenance issues
• Cutting back of tree branches
• Lack of connectivity
• Visionary— be a part of building a new community (i.e.
Seaton) to be the most accessible, barrier free
community based on practicality
• Influence developers and builders —currently there are
no accessible housing options — more choice needed,
such as bungalows
• Be proactive —go beyond minimum standards
• Parking lot designs require improvement, more
connectivity
• Improve accessibility to everyone in the workplace
• Need a proactive approach with developers—ease of
movement through City
• Improve senior representation
• Invisible disabilities need to be included
• Employment opportunities
• Total inclusiveness
D. Marlowe suggested prioritizing into the following categories:
• Removing physical barriers
• Planning integration
• Awareness—community development integration
• Employment
3.3) Workplan
D. Marlowe provided an overview of the 2014 workplan,
outlining the ongoing items. He suggested the accessibility
survey continue to be looked at for 2015.
Discussion ensued with respect to the customer feedback tool
on the City's website. It was questioned whether this could be D. Marlowe to action
used as a type of survey, and whether it was generic. Members
also questioned whether the Committee could have input on the
feedback process. D. Marlowe noted he would check with staff
and get back to the Committee. He also noted he would inquire
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•
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about having staff attend a meeting to discuss the feedback
process.
The accessible parking by-law was also discussed, and
members questioned whether they could be part of the D. Marlowe to action
consultation process, possibly facilitate a meeting to provide
resource to back up the planning process from a practical
sense. D. Marlowe stated that he would advise staff of the
Committee's request.
4. Next Meeting: March 19, 2015
Meeting Adjourned: 9:10 pm
Copy: City Clerk
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