Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 02-25 HRRMf MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA . REGULAR SESSION FEBRUARY 25, 1976 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met ip regular session and was called to order by Chairman Weyrauch at 7:40 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Tolve, Miller and Stire. Also present were Councilman Robert Jensen and Administrative Assistant Ron Warren. Expression of Condolence Chairman Weyrauch reported that the Commission's February 18, 1976 meeting had been postponed until this evening due to the untimely death of Commissioner Erv Blomberg. The Chairman expressed his condolences to the Blomberg family on behalf of the Commission.. Introduction of Chairman. Weyrauch introduced, and welcomed, Mrs. Mary Commissioner Mary Stire Stire, 5706 June Avenue North, who had been appointed to the Human Rights Commission by Mayor Philip Cohen at r the Februa ry 23, 1976 City Council meeting. He explained that Mrs. Stire is replacing Commissioner Sugimura whose term on the Commission expires December 31, 1976. Postponement of Chairman Weyrauch stated that there was not a sufficient Approval of Minutes number of Commissioners present that were in attendonce at the January 28, 1976 meeting to approve the minutes of that meeting. He recommended deferring the matter to such time as it could properly be acted upon. Correspondence The secretary reported that he had received a letter from Mr. Ken Lundquist, a support specialist for Project ABL of Multi Resource Cetera, Inc. , expressing that group'_~ appreciation for the many copies of A Guide for the Handi camped they have received. The secretary read the letter to the Commission noting that Mr. Lundquist had expressed the opinion that the booklet was an informative resource that will be put to good use by members of the group. Commissioner Campion arrived at 7:45 p.m. P Special Event Announcement Chairman Weyrauch next recognized Mr. John Keprios, is a student intern in the Park and Recreation Department and a member of the Brooklyn Center Jaycees. Mr. Keprios distributed a brochure and announced that the Brooklyn Center Jaycees, in cooperation with the Park and Recrea- tion Department, is sponsoring a special event, "Listen for the Handicapped", in the Brooklyn Center Social Hall on Monday, March 15, 1976 beginning at 7:30 p.m. He explained that the program would include performances by three country-western musical groups with proceeds going to help the handicapped. He thanked the Commis- sion for the opportunity to announce this special event, and urged all Commission members to attend the program. Chairman Weyrauch introduced Mr. Don Hubert and Mr. David Therkelsen of the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) who had been invited by the Commission to respond to the current controversy between the MTC and the United Handicapped Federation (UHF) involving bus accessibility for handicapped persons. Mr. Hubert expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to address the Commission on the MTC's position relative to accessible bus transportation and mobility problems. He began his presentation with a brief histewtcal review of the problem. He stated that in the past, persons with mobility problems have had to rely either on relatives, friends, or perhaps even a hired person for mandatory transportation needs. He further stated that a handicapped person's social mobility has been extremely limited. He stated that due to our mobility conscious society, the needs of these persons have been hlglaliy`cted. He reported that in many cases handicapped persons are asking for, or demanding, accessible transportation in order that they may become more a part of society's socio-economic framework. 2-25-76 -2- Guest Speaker: Mr. Don Hubert of the MTC 0 0 • ti definitions that pertain to social security, worker°s' compen~4<: •(Dn, and others. He further explained that many deiinitions do not consider mobility limitation as a prime factor for defining a handicapped or . disabled person. Hubert stated that in response to their concern for lack of transit research, the MTC attempted in 1973 to identify the number of handicapped persons in the metropolitan area and the extent of their mobility deficiency. He explained that through 1970 census data, the MTC established that there were 126,000 handicapped persons in the metropolitan area between the ages of 16 and 64 and that of this number 3,300 were wheelchair bound or in some way require personal assistance devices. He reported that the entire handicapped and/or disabled population for all ages in the metropolitan area is approximately 180,000 persons. Commissioner Martinsen arrived at 7:55 p.m. Mro Hubert reported that the handicapped can be categorized, for purposes of their transportation study, into two groups, the ambulatory and the nonambulatory. He explained that the ambulatory handicapped are generally persons who need assistance such as crutches or canes but can get to a bus stop and make use of mass transit facilities. He further explained that nonambulatory handicapped are persons who are wheelchair bound and not able to get to a bus stop and, therefore, not make use of the present mass transit facilities. Hubert reported that the MTC estimates that it can accommodate 90% of the ambulatory handicapped in the metropolitan area with a few changes in bus design such as nonskid floor covering, a driver operated rear door, a lowered or powered front step and by designating , special seating spaces for handicapped patrons. He stated that it is the intent of the MTC to provide a powered front step on its buses for use by the handicapped. Mro Hubert briefly reviewed some of the operational problems of providing a totally accessible transportation system. He stated that it takes approximately 2 1/2 minutes to load a wheelchair person onto a bus, and: about the same time to unload, which could. slow down,... considerably the "running time" of each bus causing., numerous scheduling problems. He further stated that many wheelchair bound patrons require assistance in boarding buses, and he noted that drivers are not permitted to leave their seats when the bus is running. He explained that in order to accommodate many of these patrons, MTC would be required to hire as many as two attendants per bus at a projected salary of approximately $11,000 per year. Hubert further -3- 2-25-76 In response to a question by Chairman Weyrauch concerning the availability of the European market for transportation equipment and ideas ® Mr, Hubert responded that the MT°C 2-25-76 -4- must have permission from the federal government before it can award a contract to a foreign bidder. He stated that the present feeling is for the MTC to buy American made enquipment. Commissioner Campion inquired about the training given drivers of "Project Mobility" vans. Mr. Hubert responded that they will not have paramedic training but will have training from the Sister Kenny Institute on how to assist handicapped persons. Councilman Jensen inquired as to the MTC's philosophy relating to their meeting requirements of the law. Mr. Hubert responded that the MTC feels it is meeting the requirements by trying to upgrade its buses so that the majority of the handicapped persons can be accommodated on regular buses, and that they are attempting, through "Project Mobility", to provide a specialized service for those who are handicapped and cannot make use of the present system. He stated that the cost of services is a major constraint, but that the MTC is attempting to provide a level of service within these constraints that is in the best interest of its total constituency. He further stated that the MTC is generally trying to provide a service capable of meeting all of its demands for service, but that it reserves the right to determine what is the best or most effective utilization of that service. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the MTC's operational expenses and its attempt to provide services. Recess The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission recessed at 9:00 p.m. and resumed at 9:20 p.m. United Handicapped Chairman Weyrauch opened the meeting to members of Federation Response the United Handicapped Federation (UHF) for comments relative to the accessibility problem. Mr. Steve Wrbanich of the UHF stated that the MTC, throughout its presentation, seems to insinuate 'that hanidcapped persons are not taxpayers and, therefore, do not have the right to demand a totally accessible bus service. He commented that there are no hard facts or data that indicate that bus service will be slowed down due to making buses totally accessible. He stated that Doug Kelm, MTC Chairman, has expressed the opinion that "Project Mobility" will be contracted out to a private organization after it has been in operation only nine months. He further stated that the MTC has made no assurances that "Project Mobility" will be expanded from its proposed ten vehicle concept. He explained that due to these inconsistencies the UHF is seeking -5- 2-25-76 to ultimately have all buses on,all bus routes totally accessible to the handicapped to guarantee a future level of service Mr. Tom Junnila, UHF Staff Organizer, stated that this transportation problem is very complex and that the MTC has thrown up a number of peripheral issues, such as the number of riders and the loss of time, to avoid the central issue, that of providing accessible transportation for handicapped persons. He further stated that the handicapped person can best answer the question of what is the best level of service to be provided, and that the UHF feels a totalty accessible transportation system best meets the needs of the handi- capped. Mr. Junnila expressed the opinion that the MTC's phJlosophy is contrary to that expressed earlier this evening and that the MTC has no interest in providing transportation for the handicapped e He referred to a statement attributed to MTC Chairman Doug Kelm, stating that Mr, Kelm has said that the MTC has "no moral or legal obligation to provide accessible transportation for the handicapped" e He stated that the only things that have been installed in MTC buses, such as radios, have been done only after the MTC has been mandated to do so. He explained that it is the UHF's position that federal and state laws mandate that public transportation be accessible to the handicapped and that the MTC has not met, and is not attempting to meet, these mandates. Mr. Junnila stated that an MTC Advisory Committee had passed a resolution urging totally accessible vehicles, which the MTC has ignored. He further stated that the MTC proposed "Project Mobility" will not really help the situation; that it is based on an unsuccessful project (the Dial-A-Ride Program); that it will prove to be too costly; and that there is no guarantee by the MTC that "Project Mobility" will be continued or expanded beyond its present test basis He concluded his presentation by asking the Commission to step forward and speak out on behalf of total acces- sibility by adopting a resolution supporting the United Handicapped Federation's position and urging the MTC to incorporate a totally accessible transit system into its operation, 2-25-76 -6- Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Tolve and seconded by Commi = loner Martinsen to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9®57 p.m. • • Chairman m7- 2-25-76