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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 9, 2015 Page 1 of 4 Minutes/Meeting Summary Accessibility Advisory Committee December 9, 2015 7:00 pm Council Chambers Attendees: P. Bashaw M. Brenner A. Doucette D. Hughes C. Morrison S. Wilkinson S. Bernardo, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade T. Higgins, Staff Representative L. Roberts, Recording Secretary Guests: N. Johnstone, Website Coordinator V. Plouffe, Supervisor, Facilities Operations Absent: T. Arvisais Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome & Introduction T. Higgins welcomed everyone to the meeting and invited members to join in refreshments immediately following the meeting. 2. Approval of Minutes Moved by M. Brenner Seconded by P. Bashaw That the November 11, 2015 minutes of the Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting be approved. Carried 3. Business Arising from minutes Action items from the November meeting were reviewed as follows: P. Bashaw noted he has forwarded T. Higgins a link to the website for information pertaining to the Opportunities Fund. He also noted he would obtain a contact name. Page 2 of 4 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) A suggestion was made that we consider Civic Merit Awards to provide incentives and recognition to the residents of Pickering. This will be placed on the list for future agenda items. Discussion ensued with respect to tax benefits available to companies who hire persons with disabilities with the possibility of hosting a seminar on this. It was also suggested that the Committee consider hosting a tax clinic in conjunction with professionals in this field, to assist residents from the disabled community in filling out their tax forms and making them aware of benefits that may be available to them. Members questioned what would be required in order to execute this as well as the best methods in which to get the message out. It was recommended this be placed on the future agenda items list as well. T. Higgins noted that the item on the agenda pertaining to Parking By-law consultation would be deferred to the next meeting as Nathan was not available at this time to provide an update. T. Higgins also noted that the draft memo to HR would be added to a future agenda. Members also noted they would like to see accessible housing included on the future items agenda list. T. Higgins to action T. Higgins to action T. Higgins to action T. Higgins to action 4. New Business 4.1) PingStreet App. Demonstration Nancy Johnstone, Website Coordinator, appeared before the Committee and provided a presentation on the PingStreet App. She noted this can be downloaded free of charge to your smartphone. She outlined the current features, demonstrating how the App can be used to report problems, with the ability to attach pictures, stay advised of any roadworks as well as receive important municipal broadcasts and notifications. She also explained how this provides connections to information on the City’s website such as upcoming meetings and events. She noted that the App is updated within 15 minutes of being posted on the City website, and that it does not use a lot of data. Page 3 of 4 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Members questioned whether “Accessibility” could be added, as it would be a good feedback tool which is a requirement for municipalities. N. Johnstone advised that she would look into this. N. Johnstone noted that 17 other municipalities were currently using this App, but that the information they provide may vary. She provided members with a postcard “Connect with Your City”. Members questioned how this was distributed and to who. She noted that she would look into this and also provide a copy of her handout to L. Roberts for distribution to members. 4.2) Delaney Rink Renovation Project V. Plouffe, Supervisor, Facilities Operations appeared before the Committee to provide an overview of the proposed renovations to the Delaney Rink. He highlighted specific details of the renovations, including accessible upgrades to washrooms and seating. He also noted that they are working with a design consultant and planning to tender it out in mid January. V. Plouffe explained the location of the rink, outlining the main components. He noted the rink size was being trimmed to ensure health and safety concerns by reducing the risk factor, as well as improving the use of space. He noted the need for the ice pad replacement, which would take up the majority of the budget. He indicated an elevator was planned, stating this is still a priority, but it will not be proceeding at this time. He did note that it would definitely be considered as a future budget item. Discussion ensued regarding the installation of an elevator, and it was suggested that the Committee lobby the Federal government through the local MP’s office for capital funding. Members noted the importance of having preliminary work done in the event that funding or grants become available. Members also questioned whether the rink could be utilized during the summer months for such events as Paralympic games and trade shows. Members questioned whether a site visit would be possible. It was suggested the Committee visit the site prior to renovations as well as once complete. It was recommended that the Committee look into having the March meeting in the O’Brien Room at the Recreation Complex to hold the meeting in N. Johnstone to action N. Johnstone/L. Roberts to action Page 4 of 4 Item/ Ref # Details & Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) combination with a site visit for the Delany Rink. S. Wilkinson noted her support of this. L. Roberts to action 5.0 Other Business 5.1) T. Higgins informed members that a nomination had been put forward for the partnership of Durham Region Police Service and the City of Pickering with respect to the Championship Award. 5.2) T. Higgins recommended that the balance of agenda items be deferred to the January meeting. 6. Next Meeting: January 13, 2016 Main Committee Room Meeting Adjourned: 8:25 pm Copy: City Clerk