02-19-2009 MinutesACCESSIBILITY ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
February 19, 2009
Members Present:
Phyllis Anderson Tom Basqill
Natasha Behner Dennis Boepple
Francis Dreiling Sharon Luka
Randall Pedersen Doug Rudick
Staff Present
Jason Gage Gina McDonald
Steve Snyder Kat Livingood
Members not present:
Mike Weaver
Guests:
Kevin McElyea
Allissa Diaz
1. call to order: Phyllis Anderson called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
2. Public comments:
- Introduction of new ADA Coordinator, Gina McDonald, Director of Human
Relations Department.
3. General:
- Approval of November 20, 2008 Minutes. Frames Dreiling made motion to
approve the November 20, 2008 meeting minutes. Sharon Luka seconded the
motion and it was carried by unanimous board vote.
Soft approval of board to work with New Business before old Business.
4. New Business:
A. Aquatic Center Desitin Update by Steve Snyder: City of Salina approved hire
of consultant to design Aquatic Center. The concept plan was placed on the
screen. Timeline for completion of plan is this spring, with approval in May by City
Commission. Expected one year for construction with opening of the facility for
Memorial Day weekend 2010. Introduced Mr. Kevin McElyea. Mr. McElyea gave a
detailed overview of the park features highlighting the accessible features. Visual
presentation given with narration (mp3 audio file with the details of the
presentation is available by request). All features for construction meet the ADA
standards. Buildings are all one level so there are no elevators needed.
(1) Specific discussion about the Lap pool: There will be two different
entrances, one is a ramp system, and the other is an electric powered
portable lift.
(2) Question about spray park being wheelchair accessible -yes, the
elevation is the same as the sidewalk and with a slight slope for drainage in
the center like the other spray parks in the city.
February 2009 Accessibility Advisory Board Minutes Page 2
(3) Question about color differentiation for the visually impaired -not
for the slope, but the water features are different colors.
(4) Question about accessible parking - the "remote" parking lot for
the Salina Bicentennial Center will be the main entrance with several
designated spaces by the main entrances.
(5) Question about the size of the doors on the bathhouses and such
being 32 inches or 36 inches -design dimensions are 38 inches.
(6) Question about lines at concessions -there will be cueing lines
with removable straps, which meet ADA guidelines.
(7) Question about Braille for menu boards or some type of auditory
device -not to Mr. Snyder's knowledge. There will be discussion with the
architect. Follow up.
(8) Question about Lazy River entrance -There is a ramp into the lazy
river that accessible and there is also the wave pool. There is also a stairwell.
(9) Question about the Wave Pool and a visual and auditory alarm
device that lets the participants know the waves are about to begin -there is
not currently anything in place. Follow up.
(10) Aquatic center is designed to be nondiscriminatory to all.
Encouraged families and all ages and all abilities to participate. The majority
of the facility at it's deepest part is 3.5 feet.
(11) Question about wheelchair users and storage -there will be PVC
chairs that are usable for the pool. Storage areas of chairs are segregated
and in a safe place -recommended the use of the First Aid area for the
chairs. This is an issue that will be discussed and resolved in the training
period. Suggested that staff assist with moving the chairs from the ramp.
Staff will also be responsible for assisting getting chairs back to those that
will need them. Follow up.
(12) Question about call centers for assistance -there will be enough
staff so that all places in the park have eye on them. There will also be
benches around the park both in the water and out of the water as resting
places.
(13) Question about one of the slides being accessible as was
discussed in a previous meeting -insurance carrier was a big barrier a long
with space, water velocity, staffing responsibilities/liabilities, the
manufacturers lack of backing for accessible use, therefore the decision was
to not make a slide accessible. To get to the slides a person must take stairs.
February 2009 Accessibility Advisory Board Minutes Page 3
(14) Surface area of Kenwood pool is 13,200, and this center is
26,500. Volume water is about the same at 500,00 gallons.
(15) Question about height restrictions in regards to little people and
will this also be in regards to age - discussion ensued. Follow up.
Overall commentary is positive to the park. Everyone is pleased with the
steps to make accommodations. If there are any further discussion points or
suggestions please email Gina.mcdonald@salina.org.
B. Other Initiatives of AAB
- Jason Gage distributed a letter regarding the downtown parking and a
request made from the Hotline. He explained the history of the research
completed in 2005 and the issues recognized by the City of Salina along with
the compromise that was reached at that time.
5. old Business
A. Follow-up question regarding information about the police department training
and what they were doing. Jason Gage stated an email with specifics had been
sent out earlier.
B. Information about the registry of interpreters was provided by Phyllis
Anderson, stating there are some names available, and permissions to post a list
was still being worked on.
C. Natasha Behner requested a video be put back on the agenda for discussion at
the next meeting. The Weblink is posted. Natasha will put out an email to board
members with a direct link to the program.
D. There was a discussion regarding accessibility assistance and the conversion to
the digital cable boxes. Is there any assistance in the community for persons who
need help getting their box installed and updated properly? It was suggested
contacting the Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, as well as seeing what Independent
Connection is doing. It was also suggest that an information program be produced
for running on Access TV. Gina McDonald will report on this in a follow up.
5. Adjournment
NEXT MEETING DATES: MAY 21, AUGUST 20, and NOVEMBER 19