Body: Council Type: Minutes Meeting: Regular Date: September 11, 2018 Collection: Agenda Attachments Municipality: Frontenac County
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Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes September 11, 2018 A meeting of the Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee (FAAC) was held at the Township of South Frontenac’s Council Chamber, 4432 George Street, Sydenham on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at 10:00 AM Present:
Neil Allen, Community Representative, South Frontenac, Chair Ed Schlievert, Community Representative, North Frontenac Kurt Halliday, Community Representative, Central Frontenac David Yerxa, Representative, Community at Large Councillor Tom Dewey, Council Liaison Councillor John McDougall
Regrets
Margaret Knott, Community Representative, Frontenac Islands, Vice Chair Jannette Amini, County of Frontenac Eric Korhonen, Township of North Frontenac Donna Longmire, Township of Central Frontenac
Staff
Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 10:09 a.m. 2.
Adoption of the Agenda
Moved By: Seconded By:
Mr. Schlievert Mr. Yerxa
That the agenda for the September 11, 2018 meeting of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 3.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were none
4.
Adoption of Minutes Minutes of Meeting held April 10, 2018
Moved By: Seconded By:
Councillor McDougall Councillor Dewey
That the minutes of the Joint Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee meeting held April 10, 2018 be adopted. Carried 5.
Deputations and/or Presentations Ms. Gail Young and Ms. Louise Moody, Frontenac Transportation Services
Ms. Young provided an update to the Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding the $10,000 in County funding that was provided to FTS for a one year pilot project for accessible transportation. She did note that FTS has advised the agencies that their clients work with as well as hospitals about this pilot project; however currently it is not advertising the project widely as she is reluctant to advertise something that may be taken away in the future. Ms. Young confirmed that to date, none of the funding provided by the County has been spent. The Committee expressed concerns that if residents are not aware of the pilot program, how will FTS be able to determine a true demand for an accessible service. Ms. Moody explained that FTS is aware of those who do not have rides; however committee members cautioned that many residents may seek out transportation themselves and not necessarily through an agency. The Committee understands the concerns expressed by FTS about promoting something that may be taken away; however this risk needs to be taken and the program needs to be advertised in order to reach the community at large. There are many in the community who require accessible transportation that hire drivers privately and are not associated with an agency. Questions were asked if FTS has reached out to the existing service agencies noted in its report to determine if subsidies are already being provided, and how FTS itself determines how it provides subsidies to which Ms. Moody felt that these agencies, specifically the VON, would provide subsidies based on the requirements of the LHIN Funding it would receive; however she will follow up on this. Ms. Young explained that FTS does not have a funding formula for determining subsidy eligibility. FTS simply asks what a person is able to pay and then try to work with the client and let the client advise what they can and cannot afford. Most work with an agency so FTS sends the bill directly to the agency
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee September 11, 2018
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The Committee felt that there is an obligation to provide some form of accessibility information/coordination to help flow information to the community and questioned if there was an opportunity to financially support an agency to drive this as part of the Committees role is to help drive community success. Ms. Moody provided for the Committee an overview of the transportation survey that is currently underway. This does not address accessible transportation but this could be added. There are many accessible transportation services available and it is the cost that is the challenge. Some members felt frustration that the County supports FTS and provided this year an additional $10,000 in funding to find out who in the community cannot use the existing system and cannot believe that FTS will come back to the County to say no one required this program. This pilot project needs to be advertised and the funding used so that persons requiring accessible transportation pay the same as what anyone else would. The Committee suggested that FTS make brochures available in churches, doctors’ offices, etc with the communication line of “Do you need accessible transportation – call us” Ms. Moody confirmed that FTS already transports those who use collapsible wheelchairs. It is those who require the ramp that it cannot support. In terms of transportation services, the FTS model is a different model than that in Lanark County, which owns its own vehicles. 6.
Reports to the Accessibility Advisory Committee 2018-109 Accessibility Advisory Committee Update Report
Ms. Amini provided an overview of the report. She noted the work scheduled to be done at Fairmiount Home, including the use of the Accessibility Reserve which the Committee was if full support of. Regarding the Grace Centre, Ms. Amini will follow up with Southern Frontenac Community Services to request that an AAC member be involved/consulted during these accessibility upgrades. 2018 Celebrating Accessibility Awards [Nominations to be distributed under separate cover] Moved By: Councillor McDougall Seconded By: Mr. Halliday That New Leaf Link be selected as the 2018 recipient of the County of Frontenac Celebration of Accessibility Award Carried County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee September 11, 2018
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Councillor McDougall spoke to the hard work done by New Leaf Link for those with disabilities who seem to be left abandoned by government programs once they turn 21. He also noted the work done in the community by its director to garner support from the community. This initiative came from a need in the community and it really comes from the heart. 7.
Township Updates Township of North Frontenac
This was for information purposes only. Township of Central Frontenac This was for information purposes only. It was noted that Berg Elevating in South Frontenac is able to fix most accessible doors. Township of South Frontenac This was for information purposes only. Township of Frontenac Islands This was for information purposes only. 8.
Communications From Kurt Halliday, FAAC member, providing link to Accessible Resources AODA Toolbox
Other Business
The Committee expressed serious concerns that the Accessible Transportation pilot project is being focused in North and Central Frontenac and from today’s presentation, the Committee is not convinced about the way that this is being handled. There needs to be more coordination with Southern Frontenac Community Services and more outreach to the general population beyond the internet, including outreach to individuals living independently and less outreach to agencies.
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10.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee is scheduled for either November 20 or alternatively November 27. Ms. Amini will follow up with the members to determine the best date. 11.
Adjournment
Moved By: Seconded By:
Mr. Yerxa Mr. Halliday
That the meeting hereby adjourn at 11:33 a.m. Carried
County of Frontenac Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee September 11, 2018
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