Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes

Meeting #:
Date:	Thursday, February 14, 2019
Meeting Time:	3:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.
Location:	Essex County Civic Centre, Room E 360 Fairview Avenue West, Upper Floor Essex Ontario N8M3G4

Committee Members:

• Debbie Alexander
• Christine Easterbrook, Chair
• Brad Frenette
• Diana Kirkbride
• Therese Lecuyer
• Gord Queen
• Fern Walsh

Administration:

• Mary Birch
• Katherine Hebert
• Renée Trombley

---

1.

Call to Order

Ms. Trombley called the meeting to order at 3:00PM.

3.

Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

There were no conflicts of pecuniary interest declared.

4.

Introduction of Committee Members

Christine Easterbrook

Therese Lecuyer

Debbie Alexander

Diana Kirkbride

Brad Frenette

Fern Walsh

Gord Queen

Ms. Trombley welcomed all members of the ECAAC and introduced the members of administration.

In turn, each ECAAC member introduced themselves.

5.

Nominations and Election of Chair and Vice Chair

These positions are elected annually. Nominations need not be seconded.

Ms. Trombley called for nominations for the position of Chair and Vice Chair.

Mr. Queen nominated Christine Easterbook for the position of Chair.

Ms. Lecuyer nominated Gord Queen for the position of Vice Chair.

Ms. Trombley asked Ms. Easterbrook and Mr. Queen if they wished to stand for the positions. Both Ms. Easterbrook and Mr. Queen affirmed.

Upon confirmation by resolution, Ms. Easterbrook assumed the position of Chair, and led the meeting.

• 1-2019
  Moved By Ms. Alexander
  Seconded By Ms. Lecuyer

  That Christine Easterbrook be elected as Chair, and that Gord Queen be elected as Vice Chair of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee for 2019.  

  Carried

6.

Adoption of Regular Meeting Minutes

There are no previous meeting minutes for adoption.

7.

Orientation Information

7.1

Committee Terms of Reference

Ms. Birch provided an overview of the AODA and the requirements of the County of Essex under the act. The ECAAC's Terms of Reference was also reviewed.

7.2

Council / Committee Code of Conduct

Ms. Birch provided a summary of the Code of Conduct for members of council and committees. There is an acknowledgement to be signed by each committee member.

7.3

Committee / Board Meeting Stipends

The Chair provided an explanation of the per diem payment.

 

7.4

County of Essex Procedure By-law

Ms. Birch provided a summary of the procedure by-law. She noted that this committee as an advisory committee, provides recommendations to county council for their consideration.

7.5

General Overview of County Services

The Corporation of the County of Essex

Ms. Trombley provided an overview of the services offered by the County of Essex. 

 

 

7.6

Multi-Year Accessibility Plan for the County of Essex

The Multi-year accessibility plan for the County of Essex 2018-2022

Discussion took place with regard to the multi-year accessibility plan.

7.7

County of Essex Accessibility Policies

All of the County's Accessibility Policies are listed on the County of Essex website.

Ms. Trombley outlined the County's accessibility policies.

8.

Delegations and Presentations

There are no delegations or presentations scheduled for this meeting.

9.

Communications

10.

Unfinished Business

12.

New Business

12.1

The ECAAC Facebook page

In 2017, the ECAAC created a Facebook page to share information and increase awareness surrounding accessibility.

The Chair outlined the Facebook ECAAC page and noted what the general practice is for posting on the facebook page.

Ms. Walsh provided comment in regards to researching and posting wheelchair-friendly events locally, in order to promote an active lifestyle for those with disabilities through facebook.

A discussion took place with regard to various groups that offer activities for those who need accessible services. The Committee agreed this would be ideal information to share to the broader public.

The Chair noted that committee members can be the page administrators.

12.2

National Access Awareness Week

The Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee for the past several years has planned ‘accessibility awareness’ activities during national Access Awareness Week. Such activities have included: wheelchair basketball games between County Council/Staff vs. Teacher/Students at various schools, media releases, appearances at County Council and support of accessibility events around the County.

If the Committee wishes to plan activities in recognition of National Access Awareness Week (Last week of May, first week of June), discussions need to begin. 

The Chair made note of some past activities the committee has participated in for national access awareness week. A presentation at County Council this year was also discussed.

 

12.3

Accessibility Initiatives for 2019

A history of initiatives will be presented and initial discussions to begin for the committee to consider for 2019.

The committee discussed a number of ideas and initiatives for accessibility awareness in 2019.

12.4

Other

An opportunity will be provided for discussion if any Committee members have other business items bring forward for discussion at the meeting.

Discussion took place with regard to a committee member's negative experience with a supposed accessible business. The committee identified that this would be a concern for the local municipality's AAC and building department. The committee suggested drafting a letter to the Kingsville AAC.

The Chair suggested that this highlighted the need for advocacy in a positive manner. 

The committee agreed to also draft a letter for the Leamington AAC in regards to accessible buses with auditory signals as per Mr. Frenette's suggestion.

 

13.

Next Meeting Date

The Committee to review considerations for meeting dates. The next meeting date is proposed for Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 3:00 pm.

The next meeting would be moved to Monday, March 11, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. due to March Break.

14.

Adjournment

• Moved By Ms. Lecuyer
  Seconded By Brad Frenette

  That the February 14, 2019 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned at 4:30PM.

  Carried