The Corporation of the Town of Huntsville
ACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting held on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 2:00 p.m.
In the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partners Hall
Chair:
Deb Kirwin
Members:
Councillor John Davis
Donna Glashan via telephone
John Kenny
John Krochak
Bruce Liddle
Rod Mundy
Laurel Shaw
Agatha West
Absent:
Lorne Michaelis
Grant Wager
Deb Willows
Staff:
Tanya Calleja, Administrative Assistant-Clerks
CONVENE
Moved by Agatha West AAC38-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: We do now convene as the Accessibility Advisory Committee at 2:04 p.m.
Carried.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Moved by Bruce Liddle AAC39-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: The Accessibility Advisory Committee Agenda dated Tuesday, October 21, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried.
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST
- Nil -
MINUTES
a) Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes – September 16, 2008
Moved by Laurel Shaw AAC40-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: The Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes dated September 16, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried.
b) Accessibility Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes - September 30, 2008
Moved by Laurel Shaw AAC41-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: The Accessibility Advisory Committee Special Meeting Minutes dated September 30, 2008 be adopted as printed and circulated.
Carried.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
a) River Mill Park Playground Surface
Deb Kirwin provided an update of her attendance at the Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting held on October 7, 2008 and the synopsis she presented regarding the history of the accessibility discussions concerning the park playground.
Ms. Kirwin noted that Parks and Recreation Staff were directed to create a working group to compare the accessibility, maintenance and cost (short & long term) of the different playground surfaces, and that she asked to sit as a member on that committee.
Ms. Kirwin further noted that the Town is currently daily raking the park playground when they pick up the garbage, and that the Town will be purchasing the extension ramp within the playground in order to access the play station and sway fun.
b) Nutty Chocolatier - Disabled Parking Spot
Tanya Calleja, Administrative Assistant-Clerks noted that the request for a Disabled Parking Spot in front of the Nutty Chocolatier is still in the process at the District.
Deb Kirwin noted that she would follow up with Jim Sword, Traffic Supervisor.
c) Civic Centre Parking Lot – Drain Grate
A discussion took place regarding the proximity of the drain grate in the Civic Centre back parking lot in conjunction to the accessible parking spots.
Deb Kirwin noted that she would discuss this matter with Karin Terziano, Civic Centre Facility Manager.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
a) Draft Accessibility Plan
Deb Kirwin outlined the proposed changes to the Draft Accessibility Plan.
Ms. Kirwin noted that she would also be adding the Town’s purchase of the TTY System as an accomplishment, and further, would be contacting Denise Corry, Director of Corporate Services regarding training on the TTY System and the publication of the phone number.
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC42-08
WHEREAS: In December 2001, the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 (ODA) was passed into law;
AND WHEREAS: The ODA’s purpose is to improve opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide for their involvement in the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to their full participation in the life of the Province;
AND WHEREAS: One of the requirements under the ODA is that Ontario government ministries, municipalities with a population in excess of 10,000, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and public transportation organizations develop annual Accessibility Plans to make programs, services and buildings more accessible to people with disabilities, with the Plans being made available to the public;
AND WHEREAS: The Accessibility Advisory Committee has reviewed and approves the Town of Huntsville 2008 Accessibility Plan, as amended and attached;
THEREFORE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: The amended Plan be forwarded to Council for final approval.
Carried.
b) Centennial Centre Pool
A discussion took place regarding a lift to access the Centennial Centre Pool.
It was noted that Laurel Shaw would contact Brian Crozier, Director of Community Services on the matter, and further, that the matter would be added to the November Agenda for discussion.
REPORTS
a) Seniors Report – Bruce Liddle
A question was raised regarding the pedestrian walkway beside the Town Hall.
Deb Kirwin noted that Staff had spoken with Kelly Pender, Chief Administrative Officer, regarding the bottom two steps and that a handrail is scheduled to be installed before the end of the year, however, due to ice and snow, the location of the entire walkway will need to be reviewed for possible relocation before a handrail can be considered for the entire walkway.
NEW BUSINESS
A discussion took place regarding the length of the meetings. It was noted that reports and updates would be emailed to all members to allow more time for discussion on more imperative matters.
A discussion took place regarding the Yellow Ramp Program and the promoting of Accessibility Awareness; perhaps during National Access Awareness Week held annually in May. It was noted that this item would be added to the November Agenda for discussion.
A question was raised regarding a new playground being proposed for Port Sydney. It was noted that Deb Kirwin would contact Councillor Bill Beatty or Councilor Chris Zanetti for further information.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Rod Mundy AAC43-08
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT: We do now adjourn at 3:20 p.m. to meet again on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Huntsville Civic Centre, Partner’s Hall.
Carried.