Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH)

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

February 9, 2009

Present: Guest Dennis Crawford, Pat Teal, Bonnie Bolster, Marion Huxtable, Kaheya Cunningham, Lynn Gressley

Emergency Preparedness

Lynn reported that the first in the series of emergency preparedness classes for people with disabilities was held last Friday. Nine people attended and the series will proceed weekly for the next five weeks. In addition, DASH has purchased 10 emergency radio/flashlight units to be included in the Togo bags which each participant will be given.

Dennis said that the Port Townsend School District is interested in presenting preparedness information to Special Ed students as well as the entire fifth grade.

The Local 2020 push to promote community gardens was discussed in terms of how to involve people with special needs and the most vulnerable members of the community. Bonnie agreed to contact Judy Alexander to find out how DASH might assist the effort to create a more sustainable food supply.

Public Access

Marion reported that the new Visitor’s Center at the Park and Ride has a wooden ramp with a lip at the bottom which would problematic for some people with impaired mobility. Lynn said that he would find out who owns the building and pursue a solution.

Regarding lights on bikes, Marion reported that in her conversations with Paula Reeves at the State DOT, the interpretation of current State Law is that bicycles must have a light on any riding surface. This opinion was bolstered by a State Court of Appeals case. There is a possibility that the State Attorney General could render an opinion if requested to do so by the DOT. Marion said that she would pursue this avenue with Paula Reeves. If we can get such clarification, we can discuss the issue with John Watts.

The Public Access Committee is scheduled to evaluate the Jefferson Medical and Pediatric Group facility next to the Hospital as a part of the total re-evaluation of Jefferson Health Care for accessibility.

Treasury/Fundraising

Current balance $3,113.03.
The Board approved expenditure of maximum $600 for print advertising around this year’s Disability For A Day Event.

Outside Committee Work

Kaheya reported that the O3A Senior Lobby Group is going to Olympia to meet with regional legislators. She also stated that the GCDIE will be meeting in Bremerton in March.

The Non-Motorized Transportation Board is seeking new members. We would like to have more pedestrians and people with disabilities represented on the Board. Interested parties can contact Pam Kolacy at the City. Marion reported that the NMTB Plan Update is close to the point of setting priorities which will probably be mostly tied to available funds. A public open house will be held to present the revised Plan.

The meeting was adjourned at 2;15 pm.

Next meeting, Tuesday, March 10, Noon to 2:00 at First Federal Conference Room.