HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/1982MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Minutes of Meeting
February 2, 1982
Present: Bryant, Fischer, Larsen, Rostron, Williamson s Regrets: Haynes
Guest: Clarence Norbau, Coon Rapids HRC
The meeting was held at the St. Paul Priory inasmuch as the Public
Works Building was inaccessible due to locks being changed while the
city employees were on strike.
As a result of the move the meeting started an hour late, and the main
item was a presentation by our guest from Coon Rapids HRC.
Clarence Norbau explained to the group how the Coon Rapids Human Rights
Commission conducted an Architectural Accessibility Survey of their city.
Press releases were issued outlining the proposed project and explaining
how certain areas were targeted for surveying. Letters of invitation to
participate in the survey were mailed to a percentage of establishments
within the targeted areas. Highest priorities were assigned to schools,
the medical profession, business, churches, and entertainment facilities.
The survey team consisted of one disabled and one non-disabled surveyor.
With the agreement of the participants, the survey team evaluated such
accessibility features as the existence and number of disabled parking
spaces, ramped entrances into buildings, width and types of doorways,
existence of curb cuts or curb ramps, heights of entrance thresholds, di-
mentions of interior and exterior landings, etc. , and where appropriate,
existence and nature of accessible sanitation facilities.
Several goals were sought initially: implementation of an architectural
barriers removal program, preparation of an accessibility guide, and
possibly recognition awards to local citizens for results obtained.
However, once the survey was undertaken, the Human Rights Commission
determined that their objectives could best be met by applying for funding
from Anoka County Community Action Agency. They were successful and
funding was made available for the Architectural Barriers Removal Program.
Any business or individual was invited to apply for the funding, but
priority was given to those facilities surveyed. The initial survey plans
had to be curtailed somewhat due to time and effort available by the survey
team.
The accessibility guide and recognition awards program have not yet been
completed.
Following a question and answer period, the Chair thanked Mr. Norbau for his
presentation. Additional information will be sent to MHRC next month for our
use in considering a similar survey.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Submitted by
Pat Williamson