City of Evanston ADA Advisory Committee met Feb. 26
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Members present: Murphy Monroe, Julia Pantoga, Ted Gram-Boarini, Kurt Noble, Lisa Noble, Litrea Hunter, Donna Stephens, Patrick Hughes
Guests: Fred Wittenberg, Stephen Hiatt-Leonard, Miriam McAuley, Ronnie McCarron, Carlos Hranicka
Staff present: Yazarri Gutierrez (Senior Services Coordinator), Alice Eakes (Accessibility Advisor), Lauren Ruiz (Inclusion & Accessibility Division Manager), Matt Poole (Deputy Director of Parks & Rec), Katie Horwitz Martinez (Farmers Market Manager)
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The January 22 minutes were approved by Ted Gram-Boarini and Julia Pantoga.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Members and attendees shared feedback related to Farmers Market accessibility:
• Layout of booths is difficult to navigate for individuals who are blind/have low vision, vendors not in a straight line
• Reserved accessible parking spaces have been blocked
• Crowds prevent access for scooters/wheelchairs
• Lack of signage
• Presence of non-service dogs
4. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
New inquiries and grievances:
• Access Evanston applications: accommodations can be provided if someone is unable to leave their home
• Accessible parking near Metra station: working with Public Works & Parking teams to add accessible parking near Davis station
• Tactile paving near Bennison’s Bakery: damage reported due to delivery trucks unloading here, Public Works to make repairs
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI): City is working with a new company to be able to provide on-demand ASL interpreting for visitors to facilities, will be available this spring
• Amilia mobile checkout access: payment set up and check out unavailable to individual using a mobile screen reader.
Other items:
• Farmers Market accessibility: group discussion. See public comments section. This year will include new vendors and a new layout for increased accessibility. Reserved accessible parking spots will be moved to ensure they are able to be accessed, visiting early between 7am and 9:30am was encouraged for less crowds, improved signage will be provided.
• Acceptance of accommodations: Alice shared her thoughts about the importance of supporting accommodations for all and maintaining a positive outlook about tools that benefit others.
• Advocacy Avenue: Recreational Therapy Month
• Early voting/accessible voting: locations/dates were shared. Contact Manager Ruiz with questions related to accessibility.
• Program spotlights: IMPACT (new Accessible Recreation volunteering program starting in spring) and DASH & GO (peer-led social program continuing this spring).
• Next meeting: March 26 at Evanston Public Library, 3rd floor Falcon Room
5. COMMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE
• Members and attendees discussed next steps related to the City of Evanston’s Joint Statement on Accessibility at the CTA station.
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:05 PM.
https://cityofevanston.civicweb.net/document/447379/?printPdf=true
