Montgomery County, MD

COMMISSION ON PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Meeting Summary Points

January 9^th, 2008

Welcome and Approval of December Points – Nelson Jackson, Chair, convened the meeting and the summary points for the December 2007 meeting were approved as written.

Presentation: “Montgomery County Committee of Stakeholders on Context Sensitive Road Design Standards” – John P.S. Salmen, AIA, President of Universal Designers & Consultants, Inc. and former Commissioner, and Andrew Yarrish, AIA, Universal Designers & Consultants

Mr. Salmen said he and Mr. Yarrish are quite honored to sit on the Context Sensitive Road Design Standards committee. Last year on July 3^rd the County Council passed an adoptive bill which revised Chapter 49 of the Montgomery County Code and will lead to comprehensive revisions to the County’s Streets and Roads Code. The eventual changes to street and road design, construction, and regulations are intended to have considerable impact in future subdivisions, including the creation of streets that will be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and standards that will improve stormwater management. The real test is in the revision to bring these standards up to the 21^st century and to address issues such as sustainability, plans to reduce run off, accommodating growth, and differences between rural, urban and suburban settings. The objective of the County Executive is for the Committee of Stakeholders to go through these various issues between now and April 25^th. The meetings are public and take place every other Friday morning from 9:00am to 12:00pm (noon) at the new Rockville library – 21 Maryland Avenue. The upcoming meetings are as follows:

Friday, January 18^th – Urban Area – Applicable roadway types

Friday, February 1^st – Suburban Area – Applicable roadway types

Friday, February 15^th – Rural Area & Remaining Facilities

Friday, February 29^th – Street trees and Utilities

Friday, March 14^th – Pedestrian, Bicycle & Transit Facilities

Friday, March 28^th – Other Items

Friday, April 11^th – Distribution and Discussion of Draft Standards

Friday, April 25^th – Comment, Discussion/Resolution for Draft Standards

Mr. Yarrish noted that there are a number of organizations that are represented in the Committee of Stakeholders such as the American Automobile Association, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Montgomery County Road Curb Committee, Montgomery County Bicyclists, Montgomery County Planning Department, Coalition for Smart Roads, Pepco, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, WMATA, Montgomery County Department of Public Works and Transportation, Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee, Montgomery County Public Schools, Stormwater Partners, State Highway Administration, and the Montgomery County Police Department. Each meeting will be taking on a different topic. For example, on January 4^th they met about storm water issues. April 25^th will be the last meeting and all draft work for the standards must be completed by then.

Mr. Salmen said that there is a tremendous partnership with the pedestrians who have a lot of input and are representatives of the disability community. The work being discussed is not just about roads; it is also about right of way, the land dedicated to each side of the road, sidewalks, and stormwater, which can affect how steeply the road surface is. Mr. Salmen indicated that he has a sense of some of what the needs are for accessibility, but he would like feedback from the Commission for issues they may not be aware of. For example, how people deal with circular intersections and street crossings or audible signals and traffic patterns, as well as mobility with slopes, curb ramps and operation of controls.

Harold Snider, Commissioner, said that brick pavers are a problem with white cane users and they are all over the Rockville area. Betsy Luecking, Staff, noted that the City of Rockville as well as many other jurisdictions do not inspect the pavers to ensure they are properly installed, which is why there are gaps larger than the required maximum of ¼”. He also noted that the Department of Works and Transportation fails to comply with the basic requirements of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) for sidewalk access. For example, they install concrete posts in the middle of sidewalks. Mr. Salmen noted that they want to do what they can, and go beyond the new ADAAG and focus on good design. Harold also said that the County is unresponsive to individuals who want audible signals in their neighborhoods. He said these signals are needed in urban areas, such as Silver Spring and Rockville. The State Highway Administration met with the Commission last year to discuss this issue as part of a settlement. ADAAG requires that audible signals be used at all intersections of a traffic circle.

Sandra Sermons, Commissioner, agreed with Harold’s thoughts. She also addressed the issue of traffic signals that have two green lights – one for the vehicles to go and one for the pedestrians to cross. This is confusing for individuals who rely on the flow of traffic in order to cross streets. Mr. Salmen asked if having all traffic stop so pedestrians can cross streets, even diagonally if necessary, would help. Sandra said this would only cause more problems.

Jackie Simon, Commissioner, said her son, who works for Chesapeake Rehab, has noticed that the pavers have required people to make modifications to their wheelchair equipment including shock absorbers. The pavers are also causing some people to fall from their chairs and forcing them into the streets to avoid using those sidewalks. Jackie said that roadside memorials are becoming a problem as well as some are very distracting to drivers. She also thinks pedestrians need to be re-educated on traffic laws as many pedestrians create their own rules and cause problems.

Sharon Freiman, Commissioner, has a son who is disabled and walks slowly. He is unable to cross the intersection of Connecticut Avenue and Manor Road before the light changes. Mr. Salmen asked Sharon to find out how long it takes him to cross the road. This information will help when determining time needed for crossing streets. Sharon also said that she lives in an older community with very few sidewalks. Individuals with mobility impairments cannot get down the street without going into the road. She would like to know who is responsible for building these sidewalks since they are older suburbs. Sharon noted that many people drive through crosswalks even when there are pedestrians trying to cross. She asked if there could be traffic cameras set up similar to the red light cameras to capture people who ignore crosswalks. Marcie Povitsky, Commissioner, said that red light cameras may be able to double for crosswalk cameras as many are already positioned at crosswalk areas.

John Miers, Commissioner, commended Montgomery County for installing accessible parking meters and paying stations in Bethesda. He said the County should continue this process as there will be a financial incentive.

Cindy Buddington, Commissioner, said she is concerned with sidewalks and driveway entrances. Sometimes they are too steep and she is unable to cross them. Also, the sidewalks are too narrow. She also is concerned with narrow streets as she drives a large van.

Aaron Kaufman, Commissioner, said that curb cuts are sometimes located far away from parking making it difficult for people with mobility impairments to get around. He noted that he also lives in an older neighborhood with narrow streets which are an issue of public safety.

Lise Hamlin, Co-Chair, said that visibility at night is poor and pedestrians cannot be seen by drivers. She would like to advocate for more street lights particularly in intersections. She also noted that it is a problem for some individuals to know that a fire truck or other emergency vehicle is coming and perhaps the County should consider installing emergency signals at intersections. {Editor’s note: Several police department across the country are equipping their vehicles with state of the art siren system that people nearby can hear and/or feel called by Rumbler. It emits a low frequency siren and also make the ground vibrate. It is intended to get the attention of distracted drivers and pedestrians wearing earphones, but also alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing.}Mr. Salmen noted that DC has added a type of boom box in their police vehicles to create a large rumbling noise that drivers can feel to alert them.

Nancy Aldous, County Council Liaison, agreed with Lise’s remarks about lighting. Upper County rural areas are in need of more lighting, particularly in areas where Metrobuses stop, as it is difficult for drivers and dangerous for pedestrians.

Connie Caldwell, Commissioner, asked if the Committee was looking at shopping centers as well. Mr. Salmen said they were not since those areas are in a private development. Connie commented that the curb cuts in these areas are not wide enough and that the committee should make note of this problem in public areas.

Austin Heyman, former Commissioner of the Commission on Aging and host of Montgomery County’s “Seniors Today” program, noted that seniors would like to have left hand turn signals installed in certain areas. They are also concerned with the amount of time it takes to cross the street. Mr. Heyman said that the Committee should focus on areas that all people use such as community centers, senior centers, libraries and Metro stop. He also said the Commission might want to consider advocating with the Commission on Aging as they have some of the same issues.

Shane Feldman, Commissioner, said there is a problem on 355 with lack of u-turn signs and drivers making u-turns even though they are not allowed to. Perhaps drivers should have an easier way to turn around and go in another direction.

Kamran Rasul, Commissioner, said there is a lighted crosswalks at the crosswalk attached to the Twinbrook Recreation Center. They should be used at both crosswalks by the recreation center as many people drive through the crosswalks.

Mr. Salmen ended the discussion by encouraging Commissioners to attend the public meetings. If you have any more thoughts to share with Mr. Salmen he can be reached at: 301-270-2470 (V/TTY) or jsalmen@universaldesign.com.

Update from the Chair –

Nelson Jackson, Chair, said that Betsy Luecking, Staff, had e-mailed out a letter from the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities in regards to the State Legislative Agenda for 2008 prior to the meeting. The Commission last year voted to support the closure of Rosewood Center.

Betsy noted that she had met with the Maryland Alliance on Monday, Jan 7^th, and Baltimore County shared the State Legislative Agenda. By law the Commission can only advise the County government, which meets with the state delegation every Friday. The Commission needs to make a decision as to whether or not the County should discuss this with the delegation. The Commission might want to do outreach to the Arc of Maryland and the Maryland Disability Law Center. As private citizens, Commissioners can write their state and local officials to support the closing of Rosewood.

Jackie Simon, Commissioner, moved that the Commission coordinate with other organizations within the County to let them know of our support. She also recommended informing the Office of Legislative Affairs that the Commission advises the delegation to support the closing of Rosewood. Aaron Kaufman, Commissioner, supported the motion. Aaron added that the Commission should also advocate for the Governor’s Transitioning Youth Initiative. A vote was taken and the motion was unanimously approved. Nelson Jackson, Chair, noted that he has asked that the Maryland Alliance keep the Commission apprised of the Rosewood closing and transition.

Aaron also noted that he had attended a special session at which time the appropriate subcommittees for Health and Human Services discussed disability funding, which included an adjustment for community care providers. He is concerned with budget cuts and would like the Commission to support restoring the 2% COLA for Community Living Providers as many providers are understaffed. Aaron moved that this be added to the Legislative Agenda. The motion was voted on and unanimously approved. Betsy added that she will include under the Rental Subsidy Program that the Commission will ask the delegation to support the introduction of a source of income law with the state. Jackie Simon, Commissioner, explained that for almost 15 years Montgomery County has had a law that prohibits discrimination based on source of income. For example, if your income is Section 8 or a housing certificate voucher, the landlord cannot reject you. For years a law has been introduced to the Maryland legislation delegation and has been defeated every year by Baltimore and various landlords in the rural counties of the state who don’t want to sign the HUD addendum to the lease which requires that the property meet minimum property condition standards. Those of us who support this law feel that public subsidies should not go to properties that don’t meet minimum property standards. This law has been fought for many years and the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors supports this legislation. Baltimore City and rural counties of the state oppose it. DC, Howard County, and many states across the country have a law prohibiting discrimination. There has been difficulty getting it passed in Maryland. Jackie hopes the Commission will support this law and will ask the legislative office to ask the delegation to support it. Susan Smith, Commissioner, noted that it may be easier to get the law passed this year as recently there were some legal proceedings in regards to source of income. The landlords tried to get the case appealed, but it was overturned.

Tonya Gilchrist, Commissioner, commented on the Medicaid Buy-In program. She supports the expansion of the program and outreach throughout the state. There is a $75.00 fee that individuals pay for continued Medicaid coverage while they are working. It’s a great program, but many people don’t know about it. Tonya moved that the Commission support expansion of the Medicaid Buy-In program to include those persons who are on the waiver programs. The motion was voted on and unanimously approved.

Arlene McCrehan, Commissioner, said she had received an e-mail in regards to BRAC – the Base Realignment and Closure of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She questioned whether the Commission would be involved in the discussions about BRAC in regards to the large population being brought into Montgomery County, how the County will extend the needs for disability services for that population and the budget for those services. Nelson noted that it is also a concern of his.

Sandra Sermons, Commissioner, asked why there might not be a budget for the Governor’s Transitioning Youth Initiative in 2009. Betsy said it is due to budget cuts.

Jackie said it is important to convey to the County Executive and the Legislation that budget cuts can’t always be for those least capable of absorbing the cuts, such as persons with disabilities who are traditionally underemployed and whose income is disproportionately impacted by medical expenses. Aaron added that he hopes the Commission will reserve time in future meetings to talk about the County’s budget crisis. Nelson said that we can discuss that issue at the upcoming Steering Committee meeting.

Nelson Jackson, Chair, said that the Commission had received a letter of congratulations from Ike Leggett in regards to the Commission’s Annual Report.

Workgroup Updates –

Nelson Jackson, Chair, discussed the form that workgroups need to use to develop their workgroup strategies and goals. If you need a copy of the form, please call Betsy Luecking at 240-777-1256 (V) or Betsy.Luecking@montgomerycountymd.gov. Betsy noted that workgroups do not need to meet monthly unless they decide to do so and they may stay in contact via phone calls or e-mails.

David Sharp, Commissioner, said he recently spoke to a Washington Post reporter in regards to the County’s suspension of the Call n’ Ride program for 90 days from April through June. David hopes that people with disabilities will look to other transportation options for people with disabilities and the elderly especially now that Ride On Bus is free for seniors who are 65 years or older and who have a valid Metro Senior ID card or Medicare card with a photo ID and persons with disabilities who must have a valid Metro Disabled ID card. The Call n’ Ride service should resume on July 1^st. Susan Smith, Commissioner, said that a lot of her clients use the service to get to the HOC office, which is not easily accessible by Metrobus, and she is urging them to obtain ID’s.

Shane Feldman, Commissioner, said that the Communication Access Workgroup recently met with several organizations within the County and learned about the social services available to the deaf community. The workgroup will continue to share information with these groups. Lise Hamlin, Co-Chair, also said they have continued to work on installing video phones in public County facilities as well as assisted listening devices. They are also continuing to work on accessible cable programming for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to include audio description. Legislation is currently being proposed in Congress to support this.

Harry Eisenberg, Commissioner, asked if the Commission could have speakers talk to the community about Montgomery County disability issues. Betsy said the Commission did have a Speakers’ Bureau in the past, which can be restored. If you wish to be a part of the bureau, please let Betsy know what you are an expert on and what you can talk about.

Betsy Luecking, Staff, said the Department of Recreation is seeking a Commissioner to join the Recreation Advisory Board. Meetings are on the third Thursday of every month from 7pm to 9pm. Please let her know if you would like to be the liaison.

Aaron Kaufman, Commissioner, said that the County Council is in recess until Jan 18^th. He encourages Commissioners to write to the Council to express their views about the proposed budget cuts. Nelson Jackson, Chair, asked Aaron to draft a letter on behalf of the Commission. Aaron said he will write in general terms about disability programs as it is not apparent yet where the budget cuts will be. Nancy Aldous, County Council Liaison, encouraged Commissioners to write as individuals as well and to be specific about particular areas.

Francie Gilman, Commissioner, noted that County Executive Isiah Leggett is holding several public forums throughout the community to discuss the current budget. Please check the County’s website for updated information.

Sharon Freiman, Commissioner, asked about the Commission’s booth at the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo. Carly Clem, Staff, said that the Expo is on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm at the DC Convention Center. Space is still available for those wishing to help man the booth. She encouraged Commissioners to send e-mails to contact lists to let them know the Commission will be present.

Betsy Luecking, Staff, said that she and Carly Clem have been working a Design for Life Montgomery PowerPoint presentation which will be shown by the Maryland National Capital Builder Industry Association and GCAAR.

The Commissioners discussed what time was best to hold the Commission meeting. They agreed to continue to hold meetings from 6:30pm to 8:00pm as many Commissioners are unable to come earlier.

Public Remarks –
None

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 – EOB, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD - Lobby Auditorium, 6:30pm to 8:00pm.