DASH Project Board Meeting Notes
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
First Federal Savings and Loan
Present: Lynn Gressley, Pat Teal, Sue Ammeter, Kay Harper, Julie Duke, Kaheya Cunningham, Bonnie Bolster
The minutes of the September Board meeting were approved.
Guest Bonnie Bolster reported on the current status of the Post Office Campaign. In early November, several DASH members, Bonnie and other MS support group members, Judith Morris of Congressman Norm Dicks' office and Councilman George Randells met to discuss strategy for the next phase of the campaign and also made a trip to the Post Office to demonstrate the unequal services provided to people with disabilities.
The current situation is that all relevant Federal complaint processes have been begun and Congressman Norm Dicks' office is investigating the possibility of applying political pressure on the Post Office. In addition, Cindy Bryant, Port Townsend Post Mistress, has made somewhat vague statements at the above mentioned excursion and in writing to the City Council that the Post Office is looking into the possibility of relocating its facility in Port Townsend.
Committee Reports
Public Access:
Jefferson County has responded to DASH’s request to improve signage outside the Court House by purchasing the appropriate signs.
Also Sue determined that the County Emergency Communications Center (Jeffcom) does have a dedicated TDD line. The remaining question is whether County staff is adequately trained to respond to the line. Lynn said he forwarded this information to Emily Mendelbaum to see if someone can test the system.
The Public Access Committee provided a list ;of priorities for the on-going update of the City’s Non-Motorized Plan. Priorities include Uptown and Downtown commercial sidewalks and crossings and accessible routes from Uptown to Downtown, from Lawrence Street to Washington including to the Post Office and Courthouse.
Treasurer/Fundraising
Current fund balance is $516.98.
Lynn reported that the Norcliffe Foundation has awarded DASH a grant of $1,000 per year for two years. Another group of fundraising letters will be sent with information about the Escrip program and the Visa card associated with it.
Board Recruitment
A discussion was held on the most useful approaches to encouraging new volunteers to join DASH. Consensus was that personal invitations to attend a Board meeting would be the best way to gage a person’s interest. Julie and Kay suggested that invitation language could also be placed in their respective church bulletins.
Outside Committee Work
Kaheya reported that the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment plans to hold its annual Outreach Conference in Port Townsend in February, 2008. Gloria Tolero and another Committee member will be coming to PT in December to begin planning the Conference. They may be able to attend the DASH Board meeting.