2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
Mayor’s
Disability Council
|
|
D
R A F T
Notes
of
16 June 2000
Informational
Meeting Only
|
Willie
L. Brown, Jr.
Mayor
Sergio
Alunan
Frank Marone
Co-Chairs
Vincent
Behan
Claudia Center
Ed Evans
Viola Jackson
Michael Kwok
August Longo
Damien Pickering
Grayce Regan
Walter
Park
Council Secretary
|
1 ROLL CALL - No Quorum present.
Members Present: Co-chair Sergio Alunan, Grayce Regan,
Edward Evans.
Staff: Walter Park, Council Secretary, Susan Mizner,
Assistant Director of MOD, Richard Skaff, Deputy Director, Jada Jackson, MOD
Administrative Assistant
Sergio Alunan, Co-Chair, called the meeting to order as
an informational meeting only. He announced that no action items would be considered.
2 REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR
Walter Park gave a summarized some activities for the Mayor’s
office on Disability in June:
· The Mayor’s Office on Disability has worked
with the Mayor’s Office on Housing and the CHAS Committee, which produced a
5-year comprehensive plan, which was submitted to HUD. The plan includes goals
for accessibility in government-funded projects.
· The Mayor’s Office on Disability was host
to a delegation from China. The office discussed accessibility with them and
gave them a tour of accessible City Hall and met in the International Room of
the Mayor’s Office with International Relations staff.
· MOD has been involved in the designing of accessible
playgrounds with architects, who are working on MOCD projects.
· MOD has been involved in fair housing meetings with
HUD and other community members.
3 PUBLIC COMMENT
Bob Planthold announced that the Nonprofit Housing Association
of Northern California is chartering buses Thursday, June 22nd to
Sacramento for a statewide rally. Mr. Planthold voiced his concern about the
chartered buses not being accessible. Anyone who will be in need an accessible
bus should call Sarah at 989-8160.
Richard Rothman, Chair of the Employment Subcommittee, invited
everyone to attend their next meeting on Tuesday, June 20th from
4:00 - 5:30 in City Hall. For additional information call the Mayor’s Office
on Disability at 554-6789.
Wayne Sherman reported that a contingent from San Francisco
went to Sacramento to protest Governor Gray Davis’ attempt to have Title II
of the ADA overturned.
4 REPORT ON COMPLETION OF ACCESSIBLE TALKING
ATM’s.
Richard Skaff, per the request of Jay Banfield, asked that
this item be moved to July’s agenda.
5 PARATRANSIT SERVICES
Mark Soto gave a presentation on the first three months
of operation for the new broker of Intellitrans, the paratransit broker for
San Francisco MUNI. The address for Intellitrans is 5 Freelon Street in San
Francisco, 94107. Mr. Soto reported that the contract for paratransit services
started on April 1st 2000. Intellitrans met with the software manufacturer
of the prior broker and will continue to use the existing software while new
software was being developed. Some staff from the existing broker was recruited
to work for them. The new broker has done outreach to both individuals in the
community and in conjunction with MUNI to assure they’re visible in the community
and communicating with riders, providers, and others.
Mr. Soto reported that they have found a new location for
the office at 1449 Webster, and hopes to relocate there by September 1st.
Intellitrans has not made any major service changes with respect to taxi contracts.
They are going to develop and implement some auditing procedures that will be
applicable for the remaining 18 to 20 months so that they can continue to use
taxi scrip, until the debit card is fully implemented. There has been a strong
desire see some improvements, particularly with their lift van operator - MV
Transportation. Intellitrans is working closely with MV Transportation to try
and solve some of the problems. Because Laidlaw chose to terminate they’re contract
with the broker’s office, there are some issues with the assumption of the contract
that impacts cost and budget that Intellitrans is trying to resolve. In terms
of taxi contracts there is a City ordinance that requires all taxi operators
in San Francisco City and County to participate in the paratransit program,
in conjunction with MUNI requirements. Intellitrans is in the process of making
it known that this is an ordinance, and will start bringing on more taxi providers.
Anyone interested in receiving paratransit services may call 227-4505.
Ed Evans asked if there was a requirement that the drivers
do not use scented products. Mr. Soto said that it is a general requirement
and will put a greater emphasis in the new service provider contracts.
Mr. Evans questioned if there was an agreement between neighboring
counties regarding being able to use taxi scrip from the county of San Francisco
in another county. Mr. Soto answered by saying that MUNI has some shared service
provider services with SamTrans and Golden Gate. Mr. Soto said that his office
would like to see that expanded and that this is something MUNI is continually
working on.
Sergio Alunan added that he is the Chair of the Paratransit
Coordination Council and that the Council has instructed MUNI to set up a meeting
regarding inter-county service along with the paratransit broker and the PCC
in San Mateo and SamTrans and that is being worked on currently.
Mr. Evans pointed out that the MV vehicles are emitting
a lot of fumes and asked if there was a way to operate their lifts without leaving
their engines on. Mr. Soto pointed out that by turning the gas off, the lifts
can still be operated; but in the future he would like to see newer vehicles
that meet better emission standards (possibly natural gas).
Grayce Reagan asked if there is a way, while MUNI is doing
its study on the appeal process, that people can come before an Appeals Board.
Mr. Soto said that temporarily they would be employing the same process from
the past, which is to not hear any appeals until their process is revised and
implemented. Mr. Soto didn’t know how long this process would take.
Kevin Clicka, Chief Operating Officer of MV Transportation
and W.C., the Division Manager, of MV Transportation spoke about having a new
structure in place and some new positions filled. They appreciate any feedback
and welcome the continuance of receiving feedback from the community and the
communities they serve.
6 PUBLIC COMMENT
Wayne Sherman voiced his concern over the aging vehicles
and the fumes that they emit.
7 REQUESTS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
There was a request that the Executive Committee schedule
an agenda item on public safety with regards to skateboards and bicyclists on
sidewalks and invite the Police Department, Parking & Traffic, and any other
departments interested in participating in this discussion.
8 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Richard Skaff announced that the U.S. Architectural and
Transportation Barriers Compliance Board - Public Right-of- Way Committee, will
be holding its national meeting in San Francisco at the Bill Graham Auditorium
on August 16th - 18th. The Committee encourages community
participation at these meetings.
Mr. Skaff announced that the San Francisco Department of
Parking and Traffic have recently hired a new Pedestrian Safety Coordinator.
There is a new committee being developed by the department that includes only
Departmental staff. The Committee will look into the issues of public safety
and public right-of-way areas. Mr. Skaff has recommended that, at some point,
this committee be opened to the public.
Walter Park announced that the Mid-Embarcadero Plaza has
been refurbished and is fully accessible as a public plaza and as a transportation
nexus. Mayor Willie Brown and others who have been involved in the construction
of the plaza participated in a dedication today and were very pleased with the
Plaza being fully accessible.
Richard Skaff reported on ramp taxi signsage at SF International
Airport. There will be large and specific signage with the international symbol
in the same location as the taxi signage, outside of the baggage claim areas;
it will say "ramp taxi service available". There will also be smaller
signage at the point where passengers wait to be picked up, that will indicate
the hours of ramp taxi service and how to get in contact with a ramp taxi service
provider.
Susan Mizner announced the final of the six forums for the
ADA Self-Evaluation Plan for the City of San Francisco is scheduled for Friday,
June 23rd, concerning city-funded housing for people with disabilities,
mental and physical.
9 PUBLIC COMMENT
Oscar Herrera discussed his demotion to a lower classification
within the Department of Human Services, due to his disability. His demotion
will create some undue hardships because of the pay cut he will suffer. He requested
that the Council revisit the area of accommodating city employees’ disability
rights and privileges
10 ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:05.