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2007-11-28 - Commission for Residents with Disabilities - Minutes Board orCommission: ❑ commission on Residents With Disabilities Document Type: ❑A e g nda 0 Minutes Meeting ate: 11/28/2007 Type of Meeting: ❑ Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE BUFFALO GROVE COMMISSION FOR RESIDENTS WITH DISABILITIES MEETING November 28, 2007 Call to Order -Meeting called to order by Chairman Kahen at 1901 hours. Roll Call -Rick Kahen, Beverly Sussman, Dean Massman, Debbie Holm, Judy Samuels, Sue Gottlieb, Debbie Verson, Mara Sabath, Debby Holm, Dave Morton, Mark Weiner, Geri Miller-Brown, Donna Garfield, Trustee Steve Trilling, Larry K. Swieca. Absent: Mara Sabath Guest: Ben Weinberg Division Chief,Attorney's General Office, Public Interest Bureau Approval of Minutes - Approval of Minutes. Motion by Commissioner Sussman, second by Commissioner Morton to approve. Passed. Chairman Kahen's report: Senior Expo April 29. Commissioners Gottlieb & Holm will represent the Commission at the Expo. V. Commissioner's Reports: Commissioner Holm, do you have to pay for H/C parking at the Metra Station? It is not convenient to pay, for those who are handicapped. Also, can anything be done about the curb cuts in front of the Advocate offices in the Town Center? Chairman Kahen: when restriping permits are pulled the Commission is asked if the spots should be changed, this has never happened so far. Trustee Trilling: if a parking lot is just being restriped, they are just going over the existing lines. When a lot is resealed, the existing lines are covered and new striping could be done at this time VI. Sub-Committee Reports: None VIII. Staff Liaison Report: None IX. Other Business: Mr. Weinberg oversees 6 different bureaus including the one covering disabilities. They have 3 lawyers, need 6, 2 investigators and support staff. They are responsible for Affirmative Public Interest; Environmental Barriers Act; the Illinois Human Rights Act; and can prosecute violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They handle cases throughout the State. They conduct investigations and seek voluntary compliance as a first step. They prioritize the cases. Physical access in public places and housing, i.e. chains and repeat offenders; access to local government facilities and programs; effective communications for deaf/hard of hearing. They assist service animal users and give priority to complaints from the Center for Individual Living. In 2006 they resolved 78 investigations. Last year they received over 1,000 calls. They also provide technical assistance to individuals, businesses and municipalities. Case studies: Lawyer put in 1 parking space; had to litigate; finally settled along with a $1 OK fine. Walgreens- many previous complaints received since 2004. Big cases have little impact on the community or State until settled. They also have many requests for training from LEA'S. For example on Communicating with the Deaf& Hard of Hearing; Abuse of Special Needs Children, and dealing with autistic individuals. Buffalo Grove Police sent 3 officers to the training on autistic individuals. Although these trainings may not seem as "sexy" as the big cases they may actually have more impact day to day. The Bureau may not always handle a complaint directly but will network and hook the complainant up with the proper source. The Bureau also tries to work behind the scenes in cases involving schools and school districts. Question from Commissioner Garfield: Where do the fines go? They go into the general fund, in some special instances are given to an advocacy group. Question from Trustee Trilling: 1. What responsibility/obligation does a municipality have in enforcing ADA? Answer: Municipalities are not liable, they can call for assistance. However, just because Buffalo Grove approves, doesn't mean that the State or Federal government approves. There is a difference between municipalities and their abilities, but it is the obligation of the architect/engineer to put their stamp on blueprints. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) could be so bad they could be liable but this is usually not the case. 2. What type of liability? Civil suit not criminal. Person suing might only receive money and not have the problem fixed. 3. When does ADA apply when remodeling? When a certain percentage of the building is remodeled. But local government must be compliant and provide access for programs. Commissioner Sussman's husband has called the AG's office many times and they have always come through on his complaints The Attorney General's Office tries to deal with systemic issues when prioritizing. Some people may be left behind. X. Adjournment- Motion by Commissioner Sussman, second by Commissioner Morton to adjourn. Approved. Meeting adjourned at 2050hrs. Next meeting is scheduled for December 19 at the Golf Course for our Holiday dinner.