Kitchen, bath, clothes, furniture, electronics and MORE!
All items donated for a fund raising event and all must go CHEAP.
All proceeds benefit Summitt Elementary School Booster Club.
When
Saturday April 17 8am to 2pm
Where
Summitt Elementary School
12207 Brigadoon Lane
Austin, TX 78727
Contact Joel Zimmerman (joel@thezimmermanzone.com) for more information
12 noon Mayors Committee People With Disabilities 1. Intro members, and guests who want to CC Delores sign up 2, Feb minutes passed 4. New business Inez Evans, Metro Access manager, presentation Discuss CM policies and procedures; 13 questions legislative update, Tina submit list of questions, 1. CM website policy and procedure 2002? updated manual? Eligibility, taxi voucher, & open returns; still need to discuss and get approval MMWG, publish/web~6mos? 2. new policies, public hearings Feedback from MCPWD ,committees ACCESS, CSAC, public hearings 8 changes 7 beyond name, no show policy, reservation hrs, updated unprepublicized policy website click new guide for review by committees, then TODD Chip Howe scheduled pick up ride for 8p, not until 9p; I stayed to confirm actual pickup, what to do in future to assure timely rides, or what to do if late? This seems to be routine rather than exception! Action to track drivers? We can now track every vehicle. Auto Vehicle Locator CH approx efficiency? Goal? FR 90% ACCESS actual Feb 92% can check by hour; current,previous,next 30 minute window if work can + “plus” to 30 min after, no early arrival. open returns for mtgs, MMWG? 2. allow input from various sources, web, print in manual Tina Bui government measures, public allowed to speak 3. no longer in effect removed in legislature 4. Application not in accessible form on website, Inez working on new application form when finished will make accessible from website recertification. How? Inez it is available documented in WORD format eligibility@capmetro.org 5. conflicts in guidelines , city hall only has wc lifts on 2nd st. vehicles not easily seen from door for blind passengers, out in weather 6. 30 minute window blind passengers must wait outside to be seen by driver, can passengers be left in vehicle, judgement call, how far to go (in sight of vehicle) call notification helps, may be able to adjust to passengers? “If shared ride?” How to know, when you are waiting?” Assume, unless told otherwise it is a shared ride system. having vehicle where seen, policy, hard to see at city hall 2nd st. Malls, some drivers don’t always know pickup spots; especially if more than one. Some malls like barton creek may have two, main entrance/California kitchen and theatre. Will drop off document data for return trip, unless specified in advance? Mobile Data Terminals (what options for blind passengers? Taxis call passengers upon arrival. ITS testing pilot added more customers, goal add 25/week 8. 2009 how many recertifications denied? 3.04% Feb 2009 2010 479 recerts 10 denied how many limited? (eligibility module) separate area ~ 2weeks to manually extract b. how does CM determine who qualifies? Every 2 years re certify c. How CM determine in person for recertification? Persons only brought in person for denials. May call over phone to complete application. 12:46p d. pg 5 of guide FTA.GOV part 37.123 Ron add hyperlink e. any unwritten policies? No. f. previous clients? Denied disability and functionality different disability and functionality forms. specific activities may require M.A. or both FR and MA Inez looking for combinations, when possible, CM wants to hear about. CM honor system your call. Ron customer database complex? Needed/wasted time? Inez database is possible, perhaps more detail? More description? Tanya why a choice? either/or accept or “conditional”? Inez conditional, some 100% users not really required. In person assessment better than just reading a paper for eligibility. Ron Lucey conditions could affect people/complex. Inez standby, consider(?) Chip Howe some users fearful of losing MetroAccess for using FR. Public awareness guidelines. Inez would like to work w MCPWD on public awareness Kathy encourage CM to keep an open mind, some feel disrespected. feel not heard. how is info given? listen to comments KATHY K CM approaches w/conditions (not personal needs?) look at people who know their needs. Inez want to hear them paper only vs interview. Chip Howe Have a neurophysicist on team.(cognitive) g. open returns request; waiting. h. right to appeal 60 days; will give help with it even if “late” some appeals being reviewed Ron are they being reinstated during the appeal? Inez please call if you want to be reheard. incorrect appeal process on website, MA director ADA reviewer? staffing not complete; Nancy Crowther filled many capacities, not all have been replaced. original taker of application can’t be on denial appeal hearing. medical conditionality/functionality on honor system. 9. detailed budget – Randy Hume 10. trips MA = $40 Randy Hume 11. taxi vouchers to save $? 435 taxi drivers MA eligible, independent drivers/schedules ~ 30% always help; others driver’s decision? MANDATORY TO TAKE TRIPS NOT IN CURRENT CONTRACT Ends Oct31,2010 Future contract NOV 1 hope must take in allotted time? now no denial rate new contract April/May request for quote dedicated drivers to serve MA 12. Austin literature distribution? less communications Steps to restore trust? CM Goal to provide service to all customers shareholders. MA newsletter? open policy dialogue Ron has management directed you to reduce riders? Inez asked to review budget. Ron board considering consolidation of ACCESS & CSAC lose ACCESS? Inez John Michael Cortez(CSAC) has more detail. Ron were you asked to reduce budget? Inez No. To review cost 26-30million has ridership reduced? No. Norman K all 8 changes presented ? review Inez 1-5 Chip proposed fare increase, bus or MA twice in past year. Tina no date set 389-7503 part of long range plan Chip sensitivity training. recommend consumer group survey MA? 1:26p Ron use 3rd party Pat Bartel & Diane Aleman certified interview training determination changed w/o notifying MMWG good/bad day unconditional conditional eligibility; not specified condition changing service area 2005 no public input. Travel trainer just hired last week. some escorts can be required to allow drivers to leave vehicle. appeals not just CM employees not allow ACCESS to attend appeals safety not an ADA requirement. go into contract? CM option to call taxi driver w/o advising client? request cell phones for drivers in vehicles Inez how does your disability affect using Fixed Route? question needs to be answered. CM considering 3/4 mile guideline , grandfathering considerations? change seasonal to temperature conditions disruptive passengers dementia Personal Care Attendant PCA not required to update FTA annually Tanya newsletter formats? web based blogs, MA blog? telephone line on hold(info?) trying to get more on FR? Inez 2 wheelchairs can board on a bus. w/c limited seating space. FR drivers coming to a stop see disabled riders, leave w/o announcing route Inez not allowed, report IVR what, now with MA? CM has a blog! separate MA blog. mail out newsletter? 1:44p Pat Bartel & Diane Aleman paratransit eligibility specialists FTA says policy every 2 years can’t change conditionality unless in policy. travel guidelines, travel trainers not tied to eligibility eligibility= property right not removed w/o due process. Review all conditional eligibilities to unconditionality Kathy need for transparency & sensitivity consolidation combine CSAC/ACCESS not independent input not legal. Pat legal info activity civil rights serve not revisit to restore Norman resolution to city council 1. 2. Restore eligibility 1944 3. Policy & Procedure 4. P&P revisions 5. Sensitive to MA customers 6. Ron add preserve MA committee
motion to approve Chip 2nd Ron passed Tanya subcom ACCESS work w/ch 6 access parking Jesus tx access standards Ron TH DARS 4800 n lamar 11:30a-1p 5. CC JM ARCIL MA eligibility conditional allowed if not imposed? any excuse to deny trips CC Cheryl seizure disorder only used MA FOR MEDICAL/WORK sent letter dated 15m, mailed 19th received 24th, no appeal date given feb 2 letter to respond? doctor does not agree to losing services. lost 2 employment positions check ARCIL(?) Chris Riley called Inez? Mike Martinez chair of advisory board city hall 311. CC Henna taxi driver helps many MA clients policy? suspension / cancelled 4day/5 day? concern/health cell phone publicity bad!
Date: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 12:35:33 -0600
To: Diane access
From: Michael Zitz-Evancih <mzitzevancih@austin.rr.com>
Subject: metrorail testing 3/5/10
Cc: David Patterson <dapatt78765@yahoo.com>,jane.lansaw@DARS.state.tx.us,"Malcolm Graham" <mjgraham@earthlink.net>,"mary sanchez" <sanchez.maryellen@gmail.com>,"Boone J Blocker" <boonejblocker@austin.rr.com>
ride notification 6:03a(6:02a-6:32a) pickup @6:37 hm to Howard station
arrived 6:55?
My driver knew the area had no problem finding the station; others later had comments.
driver left me out close to station looking for seating area because it looked like I would have to wait awhile, hopefully not standing.
Handicapped access area clearly marked, on right of main entrance; with handicapped symbol and lines pointing to entry area; this was confusing to some drivers, mistakenly almost thought it meant handicapped parking, but parking there would have blocked accessible entry area.
nobody out yet, in cars.
set up by ticket machine
station leader passed out bags and numbered lanyards and schedules.
Numbers were assigned to testing at a particular station.
mine was at Crestview
#243 tech ridge wells branch grand ave pkwy bus came through frequently ~ 10min?
Gerardo Castillo station leader handed out packets and lanyards
reviewed ticket machine briefly, pointed out questionnaires and schedule
station assignments
downtown transfer
lunch
train arrived
1 wheelchair and escort in my car. I was told seats needed by wheelchair and escort(3 seats but wheelchair turned sideways for better view and less blockage to other passengers entering and exiting. I was told by wheelchair rider not to use seat needed by escort.(later i showed wheelchair rider my capital metro disabled rider ID, said next trip I would use accessible seating, said I run into this on buses too!)
2 bike on racks, 3 in doorway.
7:39a depart
7:53 highland some testers depart
display towards Kramer(near Braker)
8:08 MLK some testers depart
8:10 MLK connector buses
8:15 Saltillo station some testers depart
8:18 Downtown station testers depart, all depart breakfast
8:20 downtown testers reboard connector bus testing
smooth rides, stops mild, but noticeable because ride so smooth and constant.
Some other riders asked interesting questions, no tie downs on wheelchairs; ride smooth enough not needed , no personal attention by driver. If needed could wheelchair be turned facing out instead of sideways? Yes, but could limit entry/exit by other passengers.
Visibility(size & color/blue universal) and location of handicapped seating signs pointed out.
If many bikes will have to be in doorway.
9:05 passengers reboard downtown for crestview station testing.
9:15 depart various testing stations
9:26 arrive crestview John Michael Cortez Crestview station leader
residential near airport and north lamar
busses 461,460,320
wait until other stations ready for testing,(start to fill out or read survey for capital metro) survey?neighborhood& facilities, or wait at station
10;15 platform testing crestview
read review ECC card in packet, attempt to use ticket vending machines and validate tickets, and call customer service go line
ask questions about trips using rail/bus and tickets offered etc. Report initial problem with 1 ticket machine not working, saying not available. Note ECC card not to go in cash or credit slips, (actually hold near and scan)not touchscreen but everything visible on machine.
tickets show value type date choice english/ spanish(small print)
10:46
461 connector bus used in light of cold weather
11am bus to north ops for lunch wheelchair tied down pick up at highland mall station
ride trip plan DMU = train
11:10 delivered to north OPS for lunch early
11:30 all passengers arrive
11:45 midday debriefing lunch
call trips plan?/
I tried hm to Alamo pm
240 Amherst(4:37p) to Kramer rail station @ 4:45p, train dntn @ 5:22p arrive dwtn 5:50p
12:37p lunch briefing Doug Allen Rail open March 22
intro of each group and designated spokesperson to read comments
additional weather covering?
parking trash cans needed
more bike ride holders/mounts?
good wheelchair gap
station announcements need to be clearer / louder
train announcements better
smooth ride
able to use wireless yes but intermittent
Phone OK! NO INTERRUPTION
call CM 3 min wait offered spanish
IVR sometimes confused rd vs st if same name
validation statement should be bilingual
ticket ECC could be clearer, easier to read understand
sign no food/drink on platform tables
<> buttons to open door GOOD!
Doors open direction relates to forward direction of train (not seats facing)
accessible seating sign >larger more visible
30 sec stop too short?
horns need to be louder to warn traffic
Doug Allen we want to excel not just be allowed to run
vertical vs horizontal station markers?
feedback icons? types
door braille layout?
voice slow(?) announcements?
high quality ride expand hours?
Howard signage PK&Ride poor / windy
problem if many bikes
bilingual announcements
on hold 2-3 minutes
easier to hear announcements at front of train
no food and drink signs hard to see
go line directions need to give parking info.
clearly mark 911 button
MLK bus stop signage confusing
add airport and amtrak stops
White marking(do not step beyond white) should be yellow universal caution
Lakeline poor signs and lighting
enough time to get off? 30 sec stop?
emergency button more visible
TVN visible route on screen?
Please pay now(HOW?) better visibility
emergency – how to identify train/car location?
default into english even if start spanish
Crestview hard access by bikes, busy intersection, pedestrians have to cross rd from bus stop
ECC cards expire in 15 days no change (cash)
sealed containers?
Howard
confusing accessibility signs design actually points to entrance could be confused with parking but would block entrance.
need trash cans
bikes block wheelchair access
small gap good(wheelchair gap)
wifi intermittent
hold customer service IVR repeat ask operator
ticket dispenser slot low!
SYMBOLS BETTER THAN TITLES?
Handicapped blue is international symbol
buttons tap? no click or depression how hard?
no distinction between full reduced fare?
MLK low volume in train simulated emergency/ what was it supposed to be?
wifi good
Inez (Leander)
conductor speak slower
luggage racks overhead, keep floor clear traffic entry exit
ID for free travel, if qualified
3p bd to downtown
2:54p-3:32p
,
Summit Elementary School and Milwood Neighborhood Association are joining forces to host a food drive to benefit Caritas of Austin.
Now until March 12, 2010, please bring your canned foods (tuna, stew, meat, etc), dried beans, or other non-parishable items to one of the following locations:
Summit Elementary School
Milwood Branch Library
It’s a Grind coffee shop
If you missed early voting last week, please be sure to stop by Summit Elementary School on Tuesday, March 2nd to vote in the Primary Elections for the Democratic or Republican parties.
All voters registered prior to February 1, 2010 are eligible to vote in this election. Polls are open 7 am – 7 pm.
Precinct conventions follow for each party after the 7 pm poll closing.
Found 2 border collies. 1 black and white, 1 brown and white. If you know who they belong to, please send us a note and we will get you in touch with the people who found them.
Press Release follows:
Have you recently renovated your Great Room or Game/Media Room?
Then HGTV is looking for you!
Home & Garden Television’s (HGTV) BANG FOR YOUR BUCK is looking for fun and enthusiastic homeowners in the greater Austin, TX area RIGHT NOW!
Renovations must have taken place within the past three years.
Each episode will tour three similar remodels at similar price points in the same city. We’ll bring in our design expert and real estate expert to determine how the renovation impacts each home’s value. We’ll also provide viewers with expert advice, answers on remodeling values, and inspiring ideas for design.
Taping will begin shortly, so if you’re interested, please apply immediately!
Please send photos of your renovation and request an application at: BSchledewitz@highnoontv.com or Brooke Schledewitz at (303) 712-3168
Bang For Your Buck is produced for HGTV by High Noon Entertainment in Centennial, CO. It airs Friday nights at 9:30/8:30c.
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:47:59 -0600
To: ~CSACE-mailGroup@capmetro.org
From: Michael Zitz-Evancih <mzitzevancih@austin.rr.com>
Subject: cm bd mtg notes 2/22/10
2:05pm rail committee mtg
present Chris Riley, Norma Cheldez, Beverly Silas, John Langemore, Doug Allen
Elaine & Bob (Herzog)
I 1. CTS progress signal software loaded test 1pm today. ahead of schedule
Revenue testing next Monday on schedule.
4,5 March 100 people on platforms, everything tested wheelchairs, bikes, etc.
$20 5day pass @ HEB only(train and bus)
JL target customer? Shorter commitment? instead of a month(JL how long?)
JL FTA will be present wk of Mar1–?
2. crossing bridge progress 2 crossings fixed? Safety 3 officers present?
5/1 outstanding issues?
Lower grab bars to be installed (separate passenger and freight trains)
4th st bridge CR cyclists S 4th st to N?
Safety stay off tracks, always expect trains
JL Plans to work, Announce? In place communication plan? More education Lamar see arms but not train (30 sec dwell)
after Anderson, lights 90 sec wait
average stoplight 60 secs+—
CR can someone still drive around gates? Possible at some locations.
Call APD if needed city ordinance
CR bus connections? at stations downtown and MLK/UT
Test 4,5 1ST Transit
CR if train at capacity? Alternate bus?
Queue (Howard and Lakeline) parking stations
Buses > MLK UT & DWNTN deadhead at destination
Info in advance?
Facilitators at stations, changeable message signs
NV rail & fare? MetroPlus train & bus
MLK 2 connector UT&
DWNTN 3 connectors
JL if train full? 2nd buses Howard/lakeline
If full downline? Changeable message signs
D.A. adjustments can be made later after opening
JL limited 5 cars ?Discourage new customers?
CR communication plan
Adam Chavitz earned media Tuesday roundtable and again in March to discuss
updates on media
JL Bench marked communications?
cover important issues.
Adam, not solely earned media.
CR routefinder does it incorporate rail & bus?
being tested, will be on website when rail is open.
JL Are volunteers being trained?
NC honor system rail fares, educate public > buy ticket at end of line
communicate fines, will issue citations later
JL presentation education at next board mtg
BS anything to share(beyond agenda?) Answer agenda first.