Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting #:
Date:
Thursday, February 09, 2017
Meeting Time:
3:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.
Location:
Committee Room E
Essex County Civic Centre, Upper Floor
360 Fairview Avenue West, Essex, ON, N8M 1Y6
Phone: 519-776-6441; TTY Telephone (Toll Free): 1-877-624-4832
Committee Members:
Christine Easterbrook, Chair
Gord Queen, Vice Chair
Therese Lecuyer
Charles Wimperis
Debbie Alexander
Rosemary Cobby
  
Absent:
John Boyko
  
Administration:
Renée Trombley
Katherine Hebert

Visited1.Recording of Attendance

It was noted that Mr. Boyko was absent.

Visited2.Election of Chair and Vice Chair

In accordance with section 5.3 of the Terms of Reference:

A Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be elected from committee members on an annual basis at the first meeting of the year to preside over meetings and committee business.

The Chair opened the floor for nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice-Chair for the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee for the year 2017.

Mr. Queen nominated Ms. Easterbrook for the position of Chair of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee. Mr. Wimperis seconded the nomination.

There were no other nominations for the position of Chair.

Ms. Easterbrook accepted the nomination for the position of Chair.

Ms. Cobby nominated Mr. Queen for the position of Vice-Chair of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee. Mr. Wimperis seconded the nomination.

There were no other nominations for the position of Vice-Chair.

Mr. Queen accepted the nomination for the position of Vice-Chair.

The Chair closed the election period.

Visited3.Adoption of Regular Meeting MinutesAttachment Icon

Minutes from the December 8, 2016 ECAAC Meeting.

1-2017
Moved ByMs. Lecuyer
Seconded ByMr. Wimperis

That the minutes of the December 8, 2016 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adopted as presented.

Carried
Visited4.Delegations and Presentations

​There were no delegations present.

Visited5.1Correspondence

2-2017
Moved ByMs. Alexander
Seconded ByMr. Wimperis

That the correspondence for the February 9, 2017 meeting be received. 

 

Carried
Visited8.1Terms of ReferenceAttachment Icon

Review of the existing Terms of Reference of the ECAAC.

Ms. Trombley noted that there were some minor language changes within the Terms of Reference that would be corrected to reflect administrative changes. Additionally, if any of the committee members had comments or concerns related to any item in the Terms of Reference, this can be considered.

The Chair briefly went through the Terms of Reference with the committee.

Mr. Queen raised the issue of frequency of meetings, since the ECAAC is mandated only to meet quarterly but meets more frequently on a monthly basis, it is good that the committee is exceeding the requirement. Some municipal committees don't meet as frequently. He further noted that the definition of 'disability' was noted in the Terms of Reference.

The Chair noted that the composition of the committee is laid out within the document, and commented that the members seem to be embracing their roles.

Ms. Trombley indicated that the Terms of Reference would be updated and circulated to the committee for further comment and adoption.

Visited8.2County of Essex Multi-Year Accessibility Plan 2013-2017Attachment Icon

Existing Plan - A broad level review and discussion on the updates to be considered for the revised Multi-Year Accessibility Plan

The Chair noted that the County of Essex has implemented beyond what is required by the legislation at this point.

Ms. Trombley indicated that when considering the County website, there is one standard left to be implemented by January 1, 2021 under the WCAG requirements and the County is currently compliant to the AA Standard.

Discussion took place with regard to accessibility compliance within the County facilities and opportunities for suggesting proactive changes that facilitate accessibility, but are above and beyond what is required by legislation.

Further suggestions can be noted and submitted to Mr. Maisonville. Additionally, it was noted that Sun Parlor Home is planning some renovations for accessibility and general maintenance.

Mr. Queen questioned whether the County currently offered the software 'Browsealoud' on its website?

It was noted that the County's main site does not have the tool, but it is currently used on the Library site.

Ms. Trombley discussed the overall plan and how each department of the County may approach revising their sections to meet the plans within their department. Each department may have a slightly different approach to accomplishing their accessibility goals over the next 5 years.

The Chair questioned whether it was the role of the committee to review and make suggestions as far as the County policies are concerned?

Ms. Trombley indicated that the committee is welcome to review and revisit the County’s accessibility policies.

Mr. Queen noted that the Accessibility Plan Review should probably be at a somewhat higher level and not include the detail that the initial plan included. He suggested that the plan include future goals for accessibility compliance and vision for the future and not necessarily how to proceed with accomplishing each goal.

Visited9.Next Meeting Date

The next meeting of the ECAAC is scheduled for March 9, 2016 at 3:00 PM.

Visited10.Adjournment
3-2017
Moved ByMr. Wimperis
Seconded ByMs. Alexander

That the February 9, 2017 meeting of the Essex County Accessibility Advisory Committee be adjourned at 5:00PM.

Carried