The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m.

Steve Foglia in the Chair.

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

None.

Presentations & Deputations

None.

Approval of Minutes

3.

Approval of the Accessibility Advisory Committee Minutes of February 20, 2014.

Moved by Diane Bladek-Willett

Seconded by Wendi Williams-Gordon

THAT the Accessibilty Advisory Committee Minutes of February 20, 2014 be approved.

Carried

Items for Discussion

4.

Mobility Plus Appeal Panel Recommendations Update

The Deputy Clerk advised that Ms. Kim McKinnon on behalf of the Concerned Citizens for Accessibility and Mobility and the Community Legal Clinic of York Region and Mr. John Abel, Aurora Councillor addressed the Committee of the Whole at the March 17, 2014 meeting.  The Committee of the Whole received the recommendation from the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding Mobility Plus, accepted the recommendation that a comprehensive review of Mobility Plus be conducted and amended the remaining two points.  The recommendation will be ratified at the March 24, 2014 Council meeting.   

5.

Website Re-Design Update

The Deputy Clerk advised that Information Technology staff is currently working on content migration for the new website but suggested that staff make the necessary amendments to the existing site where it relates to accessibility.

Discussion ensued with respect to a dedicated web path (www.newmarket.ca/accessibility), a separate Committee page with event photos and accessibility tips, a page to address all the accessible services provided by the Town and a link or button on the main page for accessibility.  Staff to prepare necessary amendments for presentation to the Committee at a future meeting.

6.

Accessibility Audit Review

The Committee reviewed the draft audit checklist and schedule prepared by staff. 

Discussion ensued regarding the aggressive timeline, audit priorities, provincial standards and accessibility at voting locations.  Staff to review Regional guidelines and provincial standards in order to ensure consistency and guidelines beyond the basic requirements.

7.

Accessible Trail Initiatives In the York Region Forest

The Deputy Clerk advised that an additional accessible trail is being constructed in the North Tract, Whitchurch-Stouffville area of the regional forest.

8.

National Access Awareness Week

Pat McIntosh distributed the draft Access Awareness Week brochure and event checklist.  The Deputy Clerk advised that there are plans to have a demonstration of the accessible voting equipment at the event.

Discussion ensued regarding successes and failures from the past year’s event, workshops, events and vendors, hosting a barbecue and the communication plan.  In order to maximize community engagement, it was suggested that the Town invite Aurora and East Gwillimbury to partner this year.  The Committee amended the event times to Tuesday, June 3, 2014 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

9.

Discussion of a PowerPoint presentation to Council

The Chair suggested that a new PowerPoint presentation be prepared outlining the Committee’s achievements over the term of Council.  Staff to work on the document for presentation to Committee of the Whole in September, 2014 in coordination with the Annual Integrated Accessibility Standards Update. 

10.

Discussion regarding other forms of meeting attendance

The Deputy Clerk advised that the Municipal Act requires the Committee to physically attend meetings.  The Deputy Clerk will bring the matter forward for discussion at the next Clerk’s meeting.

Action Item List

11.

The Action Item List was reviewed.

• Staff to prepare amendments to the Town’s website and present the changes at the May meeting.
• Public Awareness Campaign referred to next term.
• Annual Accessibility Awards referred to the next term.
• Presentation to Council on Committee accomplishments to be prepared by staff for subsequent presentation to Committee of the Whole in September.
• Staff to circulate the current Terms of Reference to the Committee for review and feedback.
• Hosting the York Region Area Accessibility Advisory Meeting referred to the next term.
• Trial of the voting equipment to be arranged for the April 17, 2014 meeting.

New Business

12.

The Deputy Clerk advised that staff is looking to implement an Accessibility Ambassador to assist with the election process in voting locations.

Quorum was lost at 11:25 a.m.