HomeMy WebLinkAboutGRAAC - 2005-09-23
Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC)
Thursday September 23, 2005
Catholic Family Counselling Centre
PRESENT: Taposhi Batabyal (Co-Chair), Brad Ullner (Co-Chair), Susan Harkins, Ian Ardill,
Jay Oswald, Frank Groenestege, Carol Moogk-Soulis, Laura Fiorilla, Margaret Sanderson,
Gail Brunsden, Councillor Jane Mitchell, Mary Beth Phillips, Deb Bergey, Val Hummel, Bart
Toby and Councillor Barry Vrbanovic.
REGRETS: James Hunsberger, Kathy Glasser; Sharon Ward-Zeller; Chris Douglas, Tara
O'Brien, Lori Ludwig, North Dumfries representative
ABSENT WITHOUT REGRETS: Nj A
1.0 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
Brad welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2.0 APPROVAL OF JUNE MINUTES AND REVIEW OF SEPTEMBER AGENDA
· A motion was made by Susan, seconded by Taposhi, that the minutes of the June
meeting be approved. All were in favour; carried.
· A presentation on site plan approvals by Carol Moogk-Soulis was added to the
agenda. A motion was made by Laura, seconded by Taposhi, to adopt the
agenda as amended. All were in favour; carried.
3.0 DELEGATIONS
NjA
4.0 BUSINESS ARISING
4.1 Update on Burlington Forum
Brad and James Hunsburger attended the forum. Brad noted that the Ministry of
Social Services now manages the regulation of disability initiatives instead of the
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. GRAAC members were advised of a website
where they can apply for a position on the Accessibility Standards Advisory Council if
interested. The website can be found at www.pas.gov.on.ca.
5.0 NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Use of bell for timing speakers
Val provided Taposhi with a digital timer for use in limiting the length of time
members can speak to issues. The maximum amount of time that one person can
speak to an issue is 5 minutes. The Co-Chair who is not on duty at the meeting will
manage the timer and impose the 5-minute limit on speakers.
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5.2 Advising On A Plan - What To Look For
Lori was absent. Staff advised that the information will be e-mailed to GRAAC
members.
5.3 Accessibility Survey
The survey is an initiative from the 2003-2004 Joint Plan. Marg advised that the
survey is on-line on the City of Kitchener website and will be available until
September 30th. It has been circulated to GRAAC members and widely circulated in
the community. Marg mentioned that copies are available in other formats upon
request and she asked GRAAC to help get the word out about the survey.
5.4 Region of Waterloo items
5.4.1 Transit Sub-Committee
At the June meeting, GRAAC passed a motion asking Deb to work with GRAAC
members to form a sub-committee to deal with transportation issues. Deb spoke
of the cross-boundary travel issue noting that it is a lot more complex than
originally thought. Currently, Regional staff relies on a Specialized Transportation
Committee to advise them on issues related to Mobility Plus. Regional staff would
like to combine the two committees to create a committee with a broader scope
and to avoid duplication.
GRAAC members questioned the mandate of the Specialized Transit Committee
and whether or not it would be appropriate for the two committees to join
because their mandates could differ. Before making a decision, GRAAC asked to
see the Terms of Reference for the Specialized Transit Committee. The issue was
placed on the November agenda and Deb is to provide a copy of the Terms of
Reference and a suggested process.
5.4.2 Housing Action Plan request
Deb advised that the study is complete and recommendations have been
developed. The Region is setting up a steering team that will work on the
implementation plan. She asked for a GRAAC volunteer to sit on the steering
team. Several members of GRAAC were interested but a ballot vote was taken
and Frank was elected to sit on the steering team. Laura asked for her name to
be submitted if any secondary positions open up. Frank will select his reporting
frequency and any member of GRAAC with housing issues should contact Frank.
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5.4.3 ODA Webpage
Deb announced that the Region's new ODA webpage can be viewed at
www.region.waterloo.on.ca/accessibility .
5.5 GRAAC Accomplishment List
Brad reviewed a list of GRAAC accomplishments he and Taposhi prepared. He will
have Linda Pretty send a hard copy to all GRAAC members and the list will be
included in both the Joint Plan and the Region's Plan.
Marg encouraged GRAAC members to visit the area Councils for increased visibility.
GRAAC members and staff will work together to develop a schedule of Council visits.
The issue was placed on the agenda for the GRAAC meeting in October.
6.0 REPORTS
6.1 Update on presentation of draft plans
A preliminary version of the Joint Accessibility Plan will be discussed at the October
20th meeting. The Region will present its Accessibility Plan at the October 27th
meeting. The plans are to be circulated at least one week before the meeting.
6.2 Site Plan Working Group - Carol Moogk-Soulis
Carol spoke of the Terms of Reference that she worked on and advised that she now
refers to it as the Built Environment Review. She explained that she developed two
proposals as a result of the research undertaken. GRAAC members considered the
proposals and asked for time to review them in depth before voting on them. The
issue was placed on the agenda for the October meeting. A motion was made by
Carol, seconded by Susan, that GRAAC accept the proposals outlined in the Built
Environment Review as presented with the understanding that GRAAC will vote on it
formally at a later date. All were in favour; carried.
7.0 OTHER BUSINESS
7.1 GRAAC Recruitment
Marg announced that applications will be available on the City of Kitchener
website as of October 17th. E-mail and hard copies of the applications will be
submitted to the members of GRAAC who are at the end of their terms. The
deadline for applications is November 4th.
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8.0 Next Meetings
· October 20/ 2005/ Catholic Family Counselling Centre 1-4 p.m. to consider a draft
of the Joint Plan; AND
· October 27/ 2005 meeting at Region of Waterloo, 99 Regina Street, 3rd floor.
9.0 Adjournment
A motion was made by Taposhi to adjourn the meeting. All were in favour; carried.
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