: Susan Mizner, Director; JohnPaul Scott, Deputy Director for Physical Access; Ken Stein, Program Administrator; Carla Johnson, Access Compliance Officer and Emergency Planning; and Mabel Martinez, Council Clerk.
2. ACTION ITEM: Reading and Approval of the Minutes
There was no quorum, so the May Minutes could not be approved. [Approval of the May Minutes will be carried over to the September Meeting.]
3. PUBLIC COMMENT: Items not on today’s agenda, but within the jurisdiction of the MDC. Each speaker is limited to three minutes.
John Lowell from the Pedestrians Safety Advisory Committee offered to recite the Harold H. Wilke interfaith blessing at the 20th ADA Anniversary Celebration. He also commented on the need for awareness training for the guards in City Hall entrances to accommodate the large number of wheel chair users on July 26, 2010.
Sheri Red Borand commented on illegal evictions she feels are occurring through out the City.
William Farrell spoke about jealousy and trying to strive for a positive attitude.
4. INFORMATION ITEM: Report from the Chair.
Co-Chair Parsons discussed the Civil Grand Jury Report. She thanked the director of the Mayor's Office on Disability for the request of an extension because responses to this report were supposed to have been provided this month. Co-Chair Parsons invited the council to comment on several issues. She expressed a need for training materials, and improved service response to disabled persons; she wants to incorporate disability concerns and green and environmental efforts; and she expressed concern over how mobility is defined in the report. She also wanted to make certain that environmental illness is included, adding that an individual with an environmental illness would not have the mobility to exercise civil rights in the provision of public services. Finally she wanted to make sure that the City was employing people with disabilities and invited the Council by way of the Executive Committee to aid in drafting a written response.
5. INFORMATION ITEM: Report from the Director of the Mayor’s Office on Disability.
Director Mizner reported on the following:
Civil Grand Jury Report: The San Francisco grand jury released a report entitled "Americans with Disabilities: Is San Francisco in Compliance?" which was released at the end of April.
The Grand Jury’s recommendations were made after extensive research and good faith efforts to do what is best for the disability community. MOD would normally want to accept most of the recommendations, but the ongoing financial crisis the City is facing presents a significant barrier.
Norma Satten passed away last Monday. Her memorial is occurring during this meeting. Director Mizner reviewed the long, productive and impressive life of Ms. Satten.
She also reminded the public about the King settlement hearing. scheduled for June 25, 2010 at Dept 604 of the San Francisco Superior Court.
6. INFORMATION ITEM: SAVE THE DATE – ADA Twentieth Anniversary Celebration.
Council Member Bennin presented information regarding the 20th Anniversary Celebration which will be on Monday July 26, 11-3 pm, City Hall, North Light Court followed by Superfest Movies in the San Francisco Public Library. All are welcome to attend
For more information about the ADA Anniversary Celebration and the Reclaiming Normal Video Contest visit www.itsnormal.org or contact MOD, mod@sfgov.org,
7. CEREMONIAL ITEM: Honoring Anthony Nicco
Co-Chair Parsons presented Tony Nicco with a Mayoral Proclamation for his 35 years of service to the City and County of San Francisco.
Mr. Stein and Aragoi Yousef both shared kind words about Mr. Nicco and Mr. Nicco himself spoke upon receiving the honor.
8. INFORMATION ITEM: Update on the Impact of the Proposed State Budget Cuts
Marty Omoto with the California Disability Community Action Network spoke on the impact of the proposed state budget cuts.
The state is facing a $20 billion dollar deficit. At the federal level there has been difficulty securing additional money for the state. In addition, federal dollars which have been temporarily dedicated for Medicaid will expire on December 31, 2010. There has been an extension requested for five months. The extension request has stalled in the Senate and also needs to be passed by the House. If the extension does not pass it will result in an addition $2 billion dollar loss for California.
Mr. Omoto also discussed legal action being taken against the IHSS functional index score which would result in program cuts. The law suit was filed last June in federal court and was won. It is now being appealed and a decision has not been released. Mr. Omoto also stated that a temporary tax increase which was implemented to aid in raising revenue will expire in February of 2011. The budget deficit may lead to program cuts and even entire program elimination. More information can be found at www.cdcan.us
9. INFORMATION ITEM: Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Project
Rachel Hiatt presented the framework for the Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit project. The eight criterions are:
-Transit performance
-Passenger experience
-Access and pedestrian safety
-Urban and landscape design
-System performance
-Environmental and social effects
-Construction/maintenance
-Cost (capitol/operating)
She invited the council to determine the importance of each factor by assigning a point value to each criterion with the total adding up to 100 points. The criterion will be emailed to the council members and they will email their responses to Rachel.hiatt@sfcta.org
The criterion will also be discussed at upcoming Physical Access Committee meetings.
10. INFORMATION ITEM: The Police Department and the ADA. Introduction of Justine Hinterleiter, ADA Coordinator CCSF Police Department.
Justine Hinterleiter is the new ADA coordinator for the San Francisco police department. She wanted to introduce herself to the Council and opened the floor for questions.
Co Chair Parsons asked about auxiliary and mobility aids, the civil grand jury report, service animals, deaf issues, and mental health issues.
Ms. Hinterleiter responded to her concerns by explaining the extensive amount of trainings which has occurred in these areas. There have been trainings by Deputy Director Joanna Fraguli, bulletins sent out, training manuals, and pocket guides for officers. Ms. Hinterleiter would like to take time to update materials if needed as well as updates based on the ADA.
11. INFORMATION ITEM: Report from the Disaster Preparedness Committee
Deputy Director Fraguli reported there has not been a full meeting. A small committee did take place to work on Statements of Understanding, which create partnerships with non- profits, ASL, and Real Time Captioners to secure post-disaster services for people with disabilities.
12. INFORMATION ITEM: Mayor’s Disability Council Awards for Excellence – Calls for Nominations.
Council members reminded the public that this year’s deadline for Nominations is Monday June 21, 2010. For a copy of the nomination form or additional information, please visit sfgov.org/mod, phone: 415 554-6789, 554-6799 (TTY), Email: mod@sfgov.org
13. PUBLIC COMMENT: Items not on agenda
No public comment.
14. COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Email correspondence received and read by Clerk Martinez: Bonnie Lewkowicz opposes the proposal to charge a non resident fee for entrance into the Strybing Arboretum.
Co Chair Parsons said that the transportations union’s not agreeing to a pay cut could result in reduced service. If you are concerned and would like to voice your opinion please visit www.fixmuninow.com and sign the petition to have this issue placed on in the November ballot.
She announced a rally entitled “Save our Ride,” which will occur on June 29, 2010 at the Federal Building on 450 Golden Gate.
15. ADJOURMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m in honor of Norma Satten