OPEN FORUM 6:45 P

The meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee was held on Thursday, September 4, 2014 in Multi-Purpose Room #1, 800 Mulock Drive, Newmarket.

 

Members Present:

Councillor Twinney

Diane Bladek-Willett

Steve Foglia (Chair)

Wendi Williams-Gordon

 

 

Staff Present:

Lisa Lyons, Deputy Clerk

Chrisanne Finnerty, Council/Committee Coordinator

 

The meeting was called to order at 10:53 a.m.

 

Steve Foglia in the Chair.

 

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

 

None.

 

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

 

None.

 

Approval of Minutes

 

1.

Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 19, 2014.

 

 

Discussion ensued regarding New Business and an amendment was made to reflect that the Committee will consider holding Committee meetings at alternate locations other than the Municipal Offices.

 

 

Moved by:      Diane Bladek-Willett

Seconded by: Wendi Williams-Gordon

 

 

THAT the Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of June 19, 2014 be approved, as amended.

 

 

Carried

 

Items

 

2.

Budget Request Discussion.

 

 

 

Discussion ensued regarding an annual budget for the Committee.  The Deputy Clerk advised that a budget request was put before Council with an Operational Leadership Team recommendation that the request be referred to the Boards and Committees review.  This review is currently underway.  The Deputy Clerk summarized the scope of the review and the preliminary considerations.  Discussion ensued regarding the budget request for National Access Awareness Week advertising, alternative free advertising methods and plans for the 2015 National Access Awareness Week event. 

 

3.

Accessible Election Plan.

 

 

 

The Deputy Clerk summarized the contents of the Accessible Election Plan which will be made available on the Town’s website.  A post-election report regarding the accessible election will be prepared as required by legislation.  Staff have attended events and reached out to organizations in the community in order to promote the accessible election. 

 

4.

Annual Accessibility Plan Update.

 

 

The Council/Committee Coordinator provided an update on the progress towards completing the 2014 Status Update to the 2013 – 2017 Multi-year Accessibility Plan.  The Plan will be circulated to the Committee for comment upon completion prior to being included on the Committee of the Whole agenda for receipt by Council.

 

5.

Action Item List Review.

 

 

 

The Committee reviewed the Action Item List.  Discussion ensued regarding amendments to the Municipal Act for offsite meeting participation.

 

 

Moved by:      Diane Bladek-Willett

Seconded by: Wendi Williams-Gordon

 

 

THAT the Newmarket Accessibility Advisory Committee supports amendments to the Municipal Act to permit alternate forms of meeting attendance for Accessibility Advisory Committees.     

 

 

Carried

 

 

New Business

 

a)

D. Bladek-Willett commended staff on the installation of automatic sliding doors at the Municipal Offices.  The installation is noticed, appreciated and will facilitate access to the facility for a variety of Newmarket residents.

 

b)

The Chair advised that he has advised staff of concerns regarding Accessible Taxi fees.  The Deputy Clerk advised that staff is currently reviewing the complaint. 

 

c)

The Chair advised that representatives from the Province were in attendance at the Newmarket Jazz Festival promoting the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and accessibility.

 

d)

The Chair advised that he participated in an event at the Aurora Farmers Market promoting plain air painting and suggested that the Committee take advantage of the Newmarket Farmers Market to promote accessibility through the arts, etc. 

 

e)

The Chair provided an update from the Joint York Region Accessibility Advisory Committee and Newmarket Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting.  The site plan for the Regional Annex building was reviewed.  Construction is anticipated to commence in 2016 for a four year period.  The facility is expected to be an accessibility benchmark for the Region. 

 

f)

D. Bladek-Willett advised that she received the Town’s activity guide and reported that a section about the Committee has been included.  She suggested that reference to accessible recreation programs and National Access Awareness Week be included in the winter program guide. 

 

Adjournment

 

Moved by:      Wendi Williams-Gordon

Seconded by: Diane Bladek-Willett

 

THAT the meeting adjourn.

 

Carried

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:09 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

 

Steve Foglia, Chair

 

 

No Item Selected