[NFBSea] Seattle Chapter Meeting Minutes for November, 2020

[Jim Portillo]

Thanks to Crystal Jones for taking notes for this meeting. We appreciate it
very much.

Jim


Grater Seattle Chapter of National Federation of the Blind


November 21, 2020 


Welcome & Introductions


Everyone on the call introduced themselves and where they live.


Treasures Report


Could not access site, so tabling until December.


Secretary’s Report


Tabled until next month. October minutes were emailed out on Saturday,
November 21st.


Seattle Department of Transportation (Eliot and Liz)


In early March, made many changes:

*	Removed curb side parking to free up room for food pick up.
*	Changed free parking zones to free up street spaces.
*	Stay healthy streets to create more green space.
*	Freeing up more space for outdoor dining.
*	Reducing permitting fees for restaurants 
*	Whereever possible, facilitating safer outdoor spaces for dining and
recreating.

About a month ago, temporary permits have been extended up to October 2021.

SDOT is working closely with the fire department to ensure zones, new tents,
heaters, etc. are safe.

SDOT is also permitting for residential street closures to allow more space
to move around.

Open Q&A 

1.	Is SDOT looking at how to ensure cane users are not impacted by
fences and chairs

a.	SDOT is not actively monitoring streets, so have a complaint
process.
b.	Asked to look at 2nd avenue in Belltown 
c.	Eliot, if you feel comfortable , please let business owners know
when they are blocking.
d.	684-ROAD to report issues.

2.	Is the city providing guidance to business owners on types of fence
and tables  to be used?

a.	Liz, said yes there is pre-approved fencing in the permitting
process.
b.	Liz, said if folks want to do something custom, it requires review.
c.	Lize, said they are focused on getting around the area and not
what’s inside.

3.	How are headspaces managed like umbrellas

a.	Eliot placed guidance in chat on the guidance provided.

4.	Are there guidelines on how wide items are spaced for wheelchair
users?

a.	Liz says yes there are requirements on clear width that must be
maintained.

5.	Are the fencing products fixed to the ground?

a.	SDOT is not requiring fixed bolted down fencing, but there is more
required than chain and cones.
b.	Trying to balance cost with safety.

6.	How does enforcement work and what is the volume of complaints?

a.	There have been a couple of complaints around non permitted
businesses.

7.	Eliot wanted to close by saying that this is a benefit that has come
out of covid. There is an advantage with how business can continue to use
these outside spaces and the city is really 
8.	Will unused outdoor cafés be removed when not in use to give back
some of the sidewalk space.

a.	Liz said this is something this is something they are looking at,
but some structures are more permanent like decking and fencing.
b.	In non covid times, businesses have to pay for those outdoor spaces,
so hoping this incentivizes only keeping outdoor spaces when needed.
c.	When businesses are no longer in operation, they are required to
remove outdoor seating.

9.	Can fencing be open on both sides to eliminate traps?

a.	Liz said they will look at how these can be closed and revisit what
the requirements are.

10.	There should never be a fence free café.

a.	Liz thinks they are not permitted and would be happy to look into
any issues.

11.	Fenced areas should have more contrast on the barriers or around the
sidewalk area that is containing the outdoor café 
12.	What are the two different programs.

a.	The safe start or temporary covid permits require fencing.
b.	Longer term permits do allow for fence free zones in some cases.

Eliot and Liz proposed coming back in the future to review some of the real
world examples of fence free zones to better understand how they can
improve.

SDOT did work with the alcohol control board to free up the parking spaces
and planting zones for alcohol table service, so hoping businesses will move
to these areas and out of the sidewalk.


State Convention


Folks shared how well it ran.


December Meeting


Do we want to have a get together maybe holiday related.

Let’s try something later in the day.

Could we do a gift exchange?

Add a game or other fun activity.

Everyone seems on board for the second Saturday in early to mid afternoon.


State Update


Vispero is matching donations to NFB through December 31st.

Next presidential release is Dec 1st.

Working on resolutions for State and National.


How are we going to pay dues next year?


Working on paypal and can receive checks.

We may use email or provide a link online.

Finally, you can meet up in person.


January Meeting


May need another host or to move meeting.

Elections will also occur in January.

Move to move the January meeting to the second Saturday and approved.


How are folks celebrating this year?


*	Participating in online gift exchange.
*	Brief descriptions of all of our early decorations.
*	Making my own Christmas gifts with all my free time.
*	Baking to bring the holiday smells into your home.
*	Scented candles.
*	Support blind baker.
*	Netflix decorating shows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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