Disability Awareness Starts Here (DASH)

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Tuesday March 10, 2009

Present: Pat Teal, Julie Duke, Sue Ammeter, Kaheya Cunningham, Bonnie Bolster, Lynn Gressley, Guest, Laurie Medlicott and Leigh Kennel

The minutes of the February meeting were approved with the modification of the words NMTA Plan Update be changed to NMTA Plan Supplement.

Public Access

Councilperson Laurie Medlicott graciously offered information regarding the City’s plans to rehabilitate streets and sidewalks between Taylor Street and the end of Water Street beginning this year. As a part of this process, the removal of sandwich boards will take place. Ms. Medlicott noted that the removal of these signs may not be completed for a couple years.

Regarding the issue of signage to notify the public of restrictions on bicycles on sidewalks in the downtown and uptown areas, the interested parties appear to have reached a consensus on signage embedded in the sidewalk rather than on poles.

The issue of lights on bicycles on any riding surface was again discussed and Laurie agreed that City Attorney John Watt should be consulted to discuss City enforcement of what appears to be a State Law. As a note about communicating with City officials, Laurie mentioned that any correspondence with City staff is required to be sent to the members of the Council if the sender makes the request.

Lynn mentioned that he and Pat are founding members of the Castle Hill Community Garden which is located at Eighth and Grant Streets. The plan is to make this garden accessible to the Castle Hill community.

The plan is to continue the evaluation of Hospital out-patient facilities with the hope that one facility can be done within the coming month.

The Board unanimously authorized Lynn to write a letter to Rep. Norm Dicks requesting that he support and co-sponsor H. R. 734 (Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act). This legislation would promote the development of technology to make quiet cars audible to people with visual impairments and others as well.

Treasury/Fundraising

Current fund balance is $2934.17.
Lynn reported that another $89 has been received from UGN. A $10 check is being issued to the Washington Secretary of State to maintain our non-profit status.

Event Planning

The planning for this year’s Event on April 22 is nearing completion. Display ads will appear in both local papers during the month and we will have 3 scenarios along the 19/20 corridor focusing on pedestrian safety. For the first time, a scenario will take place in Port Hadlock.

Miscellaneous

In the area of coordinated transit, Leigh explained the idea of a Mobility Coordinator who would coordinate transit pieces for individuals which would cross agency boundaries. Jefferson Transit has expressed a willingness to act as this resource and funding is currently being sought. This is an important issue to people with disabilities because coordination of multi-leg trips through the region requires special planning.

Vi Conig who has issues regarding Upper Sims Way roundabouts and disability access ahs requested to attend a Board meeting. The Board agreed that she is welcome to attend but will be limited to 15 minutes near the end of the meeting to present her issues.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:55 pm.

Next meeting, Tuesday, April 14 from Noon to 2:00.