Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:
Meeting Time:
-
Location:
Essex County Civic Centre, Room E
360 Fairview Avenue West, Upper Floor
Essex Ontario N8M3G4
Committee Members:
  • Christine Easterbrook, Chair
  • Gord Queen, Vice Chair
  • Rosemary Cobby
  • Therese Lecuyer
  • Charles Wimperis
Absent:
  • Debbie Alexander
  • John Boyko
Administration:
  • Renée Trombley, Manager, Corporate Communication and Accessibility
  • Katherine Hebert

The Chair noted that Mr. Boyko and Ms. Alexander were away.

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

July 12, 2018 ECAAC Meeting Minutes

  • 23-2018
    Moved ByMr. Queen
    Seconded ByMs. Lecuyer

    That the minutes of the July 12, 2018 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adopted as presented.

    Carried

Discussion took place with regards to the coverage of the Celebrating Our Abilities - Awareness Walk. Positive experiences and feedback was received. It was noted that there was much positive coverage from the media that is still circulating online.

Committee members discussed the new provincial government and the designation of a Minister of Accessibility and Seniors Issues.

Discussion took place regarding the Canadian Disability Tax Credit and the process of application.

  • 24-2018
    Moved ByMr. Wimperis
    Seconded ByMr. Queen

    That the correspondence for the August 9, 2018 meeting be received. 

    Carried

The Chair indicated that Facebook posts are coming along nicely and noted that Mr. Queen's biography will be the next one posted.

Ms. Cobby indicated that it is her intention to use photos of the Accessibility Walk signs as future Facebook posts.

Mr. Queen expressed that the media coverage of the event was great and that the event itself went well.

Ms. Cobby agreed and noted that the attendance was low, but this can be so with the first year of any new event. She noted that the ECAAC can discuss ways that to reach more people for next time.

Discussion took place with regard to participation at the ECAAC walk and potential groups who may be interested in the next event.

Ms. Trombley advised that the budget for the event was re-worked to include some additional advertising for the date change and a small increase in the food provisions due to the rescheduled date.

Discussion took place with regards to the participation, organization and event itself. It was noted that the only issue was with the attendance and that future events might need more notice and direct invitations to members of local AACs. It was generally thought that the event was a success.

 

Ms. Trombley advised that the tentative date for the Committee to tour the ERCA trails is Thursday September 13, 2018, which is the usual meeting date. She noted that the Committee may have to have an earlier start time to accommodate the tour. She further noted that Kevin Money, who is the ERCA liaison on this item is currently out of the office, returning in the coming weeks. Arrangements will be communicated to the ECAAC prior to the date. If the ERCA tour does not take place, the Committee will meet for their regular meeting at the regular time.

Ms. Trombley discussed the options available for a Windsor International Film Festival outing for the ECAAC members to view an accessibility-related documentary.

A private screening is probably out of reach financially and operationally for 2018, but that can be considered for 2019 if the Committee desires to pursue that.

Ms. Trombley will report back to the ECAAC members with options to consider at the September meeting.

7.3.3

Ms Cobby questioned whether the ECAAC was able to consider partnering with other organizations as an alternative to committee activities. For example, there has been some news about some AACs partnering with community groups to purchase accessible Mobi Mats or accessible playground equipment for instance. Would that be something that the ECAAC could do locally?

Ms. Trombley indicated that the ECAAC may not donate money or raise funds as part of the function of the committee. The mandate is to bring awareness about disabilities and promote accessibility within the community. There may be opportunities to partner with a regional organization, such as ERCA, for something like improving access within the trail system of the region. She noted that certainly more discussion can be had regarding this subject.

Ms. Trombley also raised the issue of a previously discussed, regional meeting of all of the lower tier and the County Accessibility Advisory Committees.

Mr. Queen suggested that although it is a great idea, it would probably be best if that sort of meet and greet be done at the beginning of the new term of the committees rather than at the end initially.

 

Ms. Trombley brought forward the issue of the second delegation presentation for 2018 at County Council. She noted that the last meeting of Council for this term is scheduled for November 7, 2018.

Mr. Queen indicated that it would be a good idea to present before the end of this term, to ensure that the ECAAC communicates their activities with the outgoing members who have supported the ECAAC throughout their term.

Ms. Cobby questioned when the process of applying to be on the ECAAC would start?

Ms. Trombley advised that at the time of  the municipal elections on October 22, 2018 advertising for all the committees would take place. this is known as the 'invitation for applications'. The new County Council would appoint a striking committee and from there, that committee would decide on the ECAAC appointments based on the applications received.

Suicide prevention month is September and the walk is scheduled for the 16th. 

Concrete courtyard improvements.

Ms. Trombley advised the ECAAC that the contract for the work at the Sun Parlor Home has been awarded and the design was selected as part of a competition among St. Clair College horticulture students. The design addresses the concerns that the ECAAC raised following the site visit.

Discussion took place regarding another site visit once the work is complete.

September 13, 2018

  • 25-2018
    Moved ByMs. Lecuyer
    Seconded ByMs. Cobby

    That the August 9, 2018 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned at 4:00 PM.

    Carried
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