ACCESS/HOUSING SUBCOMMITTEE

MSCOD OFFICE

121 E. 7th Place

St. Paul, MN 55101

January 23, 2014

AGENDA

  • Call to Order & Introductions
  • Approval of October Minutes
  • Approval of January Agenda
  • Nonemergency Medical Transportation Update
  • Minnesota Council on Transportation Access Update
  • Emergency Preparedness Update
  • New Legislative Office Building Update
  • State Park Promotion Project
  • Multi-Purpose/Viking Stadium Update
  • Saints Lowertown Ballpark Update
  • Light Rail Transit Complaint
  • Old Business/New Business

CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS

The meeting was called to order at 9:16 a.m. by the acting chair. Nate Aalgaard, Bryce Samuelson, and David Schwartzkopf participated by phone; Kim Tyler participated on site. Stephen Grams and Bob Johnson were absent. Staff members present were: Joan Willshire, Margot Imdieke Cross, and Elizabeth Demski.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES & AGENDA

Kim Tyler motioned for approval of the October meeting minutes. Dave Schwartzkopf seconded the motion. It was approved by unanimous voice vote.

David Schwartzkopf motioned for approval of the January meeting agenda.

Kim Tyler seconded the motion. It was approved by unanimous voice vote.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS UPDATE

Margot Imdieke Cross reported that MSCOD will participate in the Governor’s Conference to be held February 11,2014 through February 13, 2014. There will be a statewide panel with over fifty enrolled on “Surviving Disaster”. MSCOD will conduct a workshop on February 11, 2014 and may possibly do a second one. Questions were raised if this could be put on the web or DVD; Margot will consult Homeland Security. It was also suggested tool kits be sent to committee members. Margot Imdieke Cross also discussed the possibility of holding an Emergency Preparedness Conference in fall of this year, before Barb Fonkert of Homeland Security retires; she will give a progress report at the next meeting.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE

Joan Willshire presented reports on MN-Net and the MN Council on Transportation Access. The Nonemergency Medical Transportation committee is focused on updating the policy manual without going through the legislature. One of the major problems is prompt payment. The Minnesota Council on Transportation Access consists of 30 agencies; she will send a report to the committee. The Transportation Access committee is monitoring a pilot program in Marshall for veterans that consist of 1 call transit system.

NEW LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING UPDATE

Margot Imdieke Cross reported on the new legislative office building and capitol renovations. The new Senate office building will be located across University Avenue at the Capitol and will be 155,000 sq. ft. with parking below the structure; this will include 20 disability parking spaces. There will also be a parking ramp across the street. There will be accessible bathrooms on all levels, power doors, wheelchair seating in hearing rooms, and accessible features for individuals who are deaf or hard or hearing.A tunnel will connect the buildings. The Capitol renovation will also replace mechanical systems.This will eliminate some offices and hearing rooms, but more bathrooms, extra elevators, improved sightline and acoustics and new dining areas will be added. The completion date is 2017.

STATE PARK PROMOTION

Margot Imdieke Cross reported that the leadership at the DNR has changed.They are in the process of hiring a new ADA coordinator.We are still waiting to meet and hope the DNR will move forward. Right now the project is on hold.

VIKING STADIUM

The Minnesota Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit against the stadium; payments can now be made for demolition and construction. A plan is underway for 345 wheelchair seats and limited mobility seating. There will be 3 times family restrooms, captioning for the big screen, extra escalators and elevators, lifts with back up systems, and extra wheelchair seating in suites.

Nate Aalgaard signed off phone at 10:40 a.m.

SAINTS LOWERTOWN BALLPARK

The Saints Ballpark will be small with 7,000 person capacity. It should be referred to as a ballpark for accuracy. The access advisory committee has met twice and is very co-operative. It plans a full 1% wheelchair and companion seating as well as limited mobility seating. It also plans on family restrooms.

LIGHT RAIL COMPLAINT

The green line will open on June 14, 2014. There are no dedicated wheelchair and companion seating. Margot Imdieke Cross filed a complaint. There will now be 1 space per car dedicated for wheelchairs. This meets the minimum Federal code. Discussion followed on further action that may be taken.

OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS

There was no old/new business.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:52 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Demski

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