ACCESS/HOUSING/TRANSPORTATIONCOMMITTEE MEETING

MSCOD Office Conference Room

121 East 7th Place, Suite 107

St. Paul, MN

October 11, 2012

ATTENDANCE

  • MSCOD Office: Mark Hughes, Margot Imdieke Cross, Joan Willshire,Elizabeth Demski
  • PHONE: Nathan Aalgaard, Robert Johnson, Steve Grams, Rev.David Sams, Christopher Bell guest
  • ABSENT: Michelle Trapp, Kim Tyler

AGENDA

  • Welcome & Introductions
  • Approval of October Agenda
  • Approval of May Minutes
  • Elements of Mobility Options for Older Minnesotans
  • MN Non-emergency Medical Transportation Report – Joan Willshire
  • Olmstead Update, Christopher Bell, co-chair of Olmstead Commission
  • State Park Promotion Project – Margot
  • Viking Stadium Report - Margot
  • Light Rail Transit Construction Update – Margot
  • Metro Mobility Update – Mark
  • Old Business/New Business
  • Adjournment

The chair called the meeting to order at 2:04 p.m. Attendees introduced themselves during roll call.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Robert Johnson motioned for approval of the October 11, 2012 agenda. Rev. Sams seconded the motion. It was approved by voice vote.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Rev. Dave Sams motioned for approval of the May minutes. Bob Johnson seconded the motion. The motion was approved by voice vote.

(Due to the delay of the speaker on mobility options, the agenda order was changed.)

VIKING STADIUM REPORT

Margot Imdieke Cross reported on plans for the new Viking stadium. There will be a hearing on October 15, 2012 where the architects will present their conceptual plans. Full accessibility,beyond minimum standards is not assured; it is important that public input will increase pressure for greater accessibility and inclusion. Hearings will be held statewide. The disability community plans to achieve 3 goals:

  1. The stadium must be fully accessible, exceeding guidelines.
  2. An advisory committee on accessibility will be established.
  3. Retention of the consulting firm from the Twins stadium onaccessibility issues.

MN NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT

Joan Willshire,co-chair of the MNNET committee, reported on this issue.

Since 2005, the legislature requested a report to improve non-emergencytransportation. Currently there are 2 modes of transportation and 2 billing systems. The legislature wants a single billing function and administration for more successful transportation. The report is due in 3 months; it is on extension now. So far there has been no progress.It appears that HMOs know how to run successful transport statewide.It is suggested that the state emulate preferred health options to eliminate current problems.

ELEMENTS OF MOBILITY OPTIONS FOR OLDER MINNESOTANS

Since Noel Shughart was unable to attend, Joan Willshirepresentedthe report. Twenty-eight states have policies on older drivers. TheMinnesota committee is for the seven county metro area and is inpartnership with several agencies. It’s concerns are: safety and pavement preservation; highway improvements, particularly problemswith round-abouts (teaching, hts., etc.); problems of older drivers (vision, medical conditions, response etc). Two lane rural roads areparticularly dangerous.

OLMSTEAD UPDATE

Christopher Bell, co-chair of the Olmstead Commission, updated the committee on this issue. The planning commission was part of thesettlement of a federal lawsuit on ADA integration in 1999. DHS isresponsible for the plan and the commission will be submitting itsrecommendations to the state shortly. This will encompass a radicalshift to the social network system. The focus is on integrating anindividual with disabilities into the community. The state needs to change systems to support individuals regardless of where they liveproviding access, affordable housing and services. This will requireeffort on the part of the state as a whole – MNDOT, DHS, gubernatoriallevel, housing, and employment (competitive & integrative). There are perceived & actual risks. Questions and answers followed thepresentation.

STATE PARK PROMOTION PROJECT

Margot Imdieke Cross reported that a contract has been signed with the MN DNR for $11,000 to survey 2 parks – Wm.O’Brian Park in the metro area and Whitewater State Park in SE Minnesota.MSCOD staff will survey the parks on accessibility issues and report on their findings. Once DNR has had a chance to address an deficiencies, a video or virtual tour will be developed and put on the official DNR website.

LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT CONSTRUCTION

Margot Imdieke Cross presented an update on the progress of the light rail. The first car for the Central Corridor or Green line arrived on October 10, 2012. Margot will survey the car for accessibility.

METRO MOBILITY UPDATE

Mark Hughes reported that metro mobility is double booking rides; thishas been referred to the Attorney General’s office. It has also been discovered that there is a shortage of dispatchers which can cause problems during the winter.

OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS

Steve Grams reported he has found an accessible tour bus named “Lake Crystal”; MSCOD hopes to see more statewide.

Under New Business, it was suggested that Margot check out some accessibility issues in the Moorhead area. It was suggested the committee ride a LRT car in the spring to checkaccessibility. In outstate issues, the roundabout in Mankato is raisingdisability and safety concerns.

ADJOURNMENT

The chair adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth A. Demski

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