Town of Newmarket

Minutes

Accessibility Advisory Committee

Meeting #:
Date:	Thursday, November 19, 2020
Time:	10:30 A.m. - 12:30 P.m.
Location:	Electronic VIA ZOOM See How to Login Guide

Members Present:

• Steve Foglia, Chair
• Jeffrey Fabian
• Linda Jones
• Allen Matrosov
• Patricia Monteath
• Huma Tahir
• Felim Greene

Members Absent:

• Councillor Simon
• Cindy Gorlewski

Staff Present:

• S. Chase, Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives
• M. Kryzanowski, Manager of Transportation Services
• K. Saini, Deputy Town Clerk
• J. Grossi, Legislative Coordinator

​​The meeting was called to order at 10:30 AM.
Steve Foglia in the Chair.

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1.

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

None.

2.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

None.

3.

Presentations & Deputations

3.1

2021 Transportation Projects

The Manager of Transportation Services provided a presentation to the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding the 2021 transportation projects and reviewed the Staff responsible for projects. He outlined the philosophy of traffic safety at the Town of Newmarket, including the Active Transportation Network, traffic calming measures and Vulnerable Road User (VRU) safety. The presentation continued with a review of the 2021 projects which included a refuge island on Water Street and sidewalks on Harry Walk Parkway, the bollard and intersection ladder programs, bike lanes through the Active Transportation Implementation Plan (ATIP).

The Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee queried the presenter regarding constraints surrounding bike lanes being rolled out faster, options for the VRU safety logo, and the bollard program.

The Members further discussed escooters on Town roadways, sidewalks and bike lanes, and the maintenance standards for bike lanes during all seasons. 

• Moved by: Jeffrey Fabian
  Seconded by: Patricia Monteath
  1. That the presentation provided by the Manager of Transportation Services regarding the 2021 Transportation Projects be received. 
  
  
  
  Carried

3.2

Downtown Parking Analysis

The Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives was in attendance to provide a presentation regarding the Downtown Parking Analysis and reviewed the evaluation criteria used to identify the short term, medium term and longer term options. She outlined the various short term options which included St. Pauls Church, street parking on Main Street, D'Arcy and Church Street. The presentation continued with additional details regarding both the medium term and longer term options which continue to be researched by Staff. She ended the presentation outlining the options explored which are not practical including, angled parking on Main Street and residential street parking near Main Street. 

The Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee provided feedback to the presenter regarding the addition of pedestrian crosswalks where parking is added to allow for accessible street crossing, and the opportunity to add accessible parking spots in all new areas where possible. 

• Moved by: Allen Matrosov
  Seconded by: Linda Jones
  1. That the presentation provided by the Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives regarding the Downtown Parking Analysis be received. 
  
  
  
  Carried

3.3

2020 Annual Accessibility Update

The Legislative Coordinator provided a presentation to the Accessibility Advisory Committee outlining the draft 2020 Annual Accessibility Status Update to the 2019-2023 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for the Town of Newmarket. She provided a summary of the document and asked the Members to provide feedback before presenting the draft plan to Council for approval. 

The Members provided feedback to the presenter regarding the list of completed projects included in the Accessibility Advisory Committee Update section.  

• Moved by: Patricia Monteath
  Seconded by: Felim Greene
  1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee endorse the 2020 Annual Accessibility Status Update to the 2019-2023 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, as amended.
  
  
  
  Carried

4.

Approval of Minutes

4.1

Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2020

• Moved by: Felim Greene
  Seconded by: Jeffrey Fabian
  1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2020 be approved. 
  
  
  
  Carried

5.

Items

5.1

Follow up regarding the North-West Quadrant Trail System Presentation from the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting of September 17, 2020

Jeff Fabian provided an update the Accessibility Advisory Committee following his visit to the area identified as the parking access for the North-West Quadrant Trail System. He advised that there was no accessible parking in the area and described it as a small gravel parking lot with a paved area that was very hard to get to. He further advised that he provided this feedback to Staff through the virtual Public Consultation Centre and the HeyNewmarket survey.

5.2

Touchless Door Operators

Jeff Fabian provided the Accessibility Advisory Committee with information regarding touchless door operators and options for their use in both new Town of Newmarket facilities, and during renovations of existing facilities. 

• Moved by: Allen Matrosov
  Seconded by: Felim Greene
  1. That the Accessibility Advisory Committee endorses the use of touchless door operators on future Town of Newmarket facilities, and during renovation of existing facilities. 
  
  
  
  Carried

5.3

Provincial Funding Opportunities

The Legislative Coordinator advised that the Town of Newmarket Grant Coordinator continued to review funding opportunities for accessibility projects. She further advised that the Town would provide an update to the Accessibility Advisory Committee if they received funding that could be used towards an accessibility related project. 

5.4

Next Steps for Main Street Accessibility

The Members of the Accessibility Advisory Committee discussed next steps in the Main Street accessibility project, including potential funding opportunities through existing Town of Newmarket programs. The Legislative Coordinator advised that they were able to provide a presentation to the Main Street District Business Improvement Area Board of Management at one of their future meetings.

5.5

Downtown Parking Update

Note: This item was dealt with under item 3.2. 

5.6

Accessible Van Parking Signs

The Members discussed the addition of accessible van parking signs to spots downtown and surrounding Riverwalk Commons. 

5.7

Proposed 2021 Meeting Schedule

• Moved by: Felim Greene
  Seconded by: Jeffrey Fabian
  1. That the 2021 meeting schedule be approved. 
  
  
  
  Carried

6.

New Business

6.1

Accessible Taxis

Allen Matrosov discussed accessible taxis in Newmarket and surrounding communities, and queried the Members regarding the history of accessible taxis. He further outlined his observations in other communities which included, allowing operators exclusive rates and priority at high traffic areas such as hospitals and nursing homes to offset costs.  

Steve Foglia provided his personal experience with accessible taxis in Town, private transportation companies and a brief history on the Committee's previous efforts to provide this service. 

The Deputy Clerk advised that a meeting between Allen Matrosov and Licensing Staff would provide him with the opportunity to ask questions and receive information regarding our current practices. 

7.

Adjournment

• Moved by: Jeffrey Fabian
  Seconded by: Allen Matrosov
  1. That the meeting be adjourned at 12:07 PM. 
  
  
  
  Carried