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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/20/2024 - Disability Advisory Board - AGENDA - Regular Meeting DISABILITY ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING City Contact Person: Melanie Clark, Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of Equity & Inclusion – mclark@fcgov.com June 20, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 pm   Zoom – See Link Below 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. AGENDA REVIEW Participation for this Disability Advisory Board Meeting will be held via Zoom only using this link: https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/96957373528 Online Public Participation: The meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:30 pm. Participants should try to sign in prior to the 5:30 pm meeting start time, if possible. For public comments, the Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Zoom session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Board or Commission. To participate:  Use a laptop, computer, or internet-enabled smartphone. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio).  You need to have access to the internet.  Keep yourself on muted status. This information is available in Spanish or other language at no cost to a person who would like this information translated to or communicated in Spanish or other language. Please call 970- 232-0512 or cmenendez@fcgov.com to make a request for information in other languages. Esta información está disponible en español u otro idioma, sin costo para la persona que le gustaría esta información traducida o comunicada en español u otro idioma. Favor llame al 970.232.0512 or cmenendez@fcgov.com para solicitar información en otros idiomas. Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. TTY: please use 711 to call 970.416.4254   4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. April 18, 2024 b. May 16, 2024 6. GUEST PRESENTER: DIANNE TJALKENS, SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY; CONSOLIDATED PLAN, BETH JAEGER; HRC CHAIR AND BARB KISTLER; HRC VICE CHAIR; HRC AWARD CEREMONY 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Election of Chair and Vice Chair 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Hybrid Meetings b. Cameras on during meeting c. Reviewing Meeting Materials Prior to Meeting 9. OTHER BUSINESS/UPDATES a. Review 2024 Work Plan b. ADA Conference Update 10. FUTURE AGENDA REVIEW 11. ADJOURMENT Disability Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING Thursday, February 15, 2024 – 5:30 PM Zoom 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:34 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present – Terry Schlicting, Scott Winnegrad, Jaclyn Menendez, Joseph Tiner, Rachel Knox-Stutsman, Mandy Morgan, Linda Drees, Sheila Hammons b. Board Members Absent – Evan Shockley, Jaclyn Menendez c. Staff Members Present – Melanie Clark, Staff Liaison; Jan Reece, Lead Equal Opportunity Compliance Specialist d. Guest(s) – Katlyn Kelly, Dial-a-Ride, Dashiell Bubar-Hall, Anais Campbell, Arc of Larimer County 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. January 18, 2024 Chair Schlicting motioned to approve the January 18, 2024 meeting minutes. Co-chair Winnegrad seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0 6. GUEST PRESENTER Dashielle Bubar-Hall presented on Microtransit. He stated the service is coming in the future but is still a ways out. Microtransit is similar to Uber or Lyft where there will be a smartphone app, or one could call to schedule a ride. Wait times are expected to be around 15 minutes, but there are other parameters that could affect this timing. Transfort is anticipating vans being utilized that will carry up to 6 passengers. Microtransit would primarily be located in areas where there is little to no transportation. At minimum the microtransit route will be made available during the same hours as the fixed route service. Door to door service is anticipated. They are looking at the finances for the micro transit service and are working to make it a fare free service or as low cost as possible. Included in the scope of work is what it will look like for paratransit services and whether one would be able to utilize Microtransit to get inside of the fixed route service area. There will be a late-night flex service that may also be offered on weekends and during special events. Looking at mobility as a service. This will allow users the ability to build a trip throughout the City, based on cost, time and greenhouse gasses. This would include the fixed route, SPIN, Microtransit, and Uber/Lyft as needed. Chair Schlicting explained DAB is primarily interested in paratransit service. He asked if a person is approved for Dial a Ride, if they are able to use the Microtransit service. Dashielle stated that this is something they need to look into. Schlicting stated staff would need to think about the time it will take to get someone connected and disconnected. Dashielle stated that 50% of the vans would be wheel chair accessible which equals around 12-15 vans. Boardmember Drees inquired whether older adults living in the south part of Fort Collins, would be able to use the service. Dashielle stated that Harmony is going to have a lot of mobility with this service. She asked if a person has a direct service provider if those individuals would also be able to use the system. Dashielle, confirmed this is a possibility. Chair Schlicting asked if one would need to be approved for Dial-a-Ride to use the paratransit service. Dashielle stated that they would not. Schlicting sees this service being in high demand, especially for those who use wheelchairs as this would open some opportunities. He believes people would be willing to pay a fee if they were able to get from point A to point B in one trip. Katlyn Kelly provided a few updates including the ability to submit the Dial-a-Ride application online. She explained due to security requirements this will not be an option. She stated Transfort is moving forward with finding a HIPPA compliant vendor. Katlyn followed up on an issue with service animals that are being unruly or exhibiting aggressive behavior. She stated there is not currently a written policy, but Transfort is working with the Attorney’s office to implement one. She explained the bus drivers currently have the authority to ask for the animal to be removed. Katlyn shared that she does not yet have an update regarding the specific projects that the additional tax will fund. One of the roadblocks Transfort is experiencing with the app is that the software needs to be updated. This caused some issues in the test environment, so this is now scheduled for April/May for the cutover. The first part of the project will be the portal and is expected to be completed this year. The mobile app will be rolled into 2025. Katlyn assured the Board that this is a priority project Transfort is continuing to work on. 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Award Ceremony Debrief Boardmember Menendez was not able to join the meeting but submitted her thoughts via email. Chair Schlicting agreed that a bigger venue would be needed. He believes that the Senior Center works well as it is centrally located in town, is affordable, and offers transportation to the front door. Boardmembers agreed that the Senior Center is a good location for the event. There used to be an updated list of City businesses to invite. Part of the challenge of this was that the award ceremony had not been held since pre covid. Boardmembers agreed that more handheld food should be offered and would be better than a sit-down dinner. Folks with mobility issues had a hard time cutting food and needed help. In the future the Board would like to make sure there is time for folks to socialize. Folks were only able to socialize with those who were at their table and at the end everyone left. Melanie Clark, Executive Admin Assistant, shared the Human Relatios Commission DAB. Co-chair Winnegrad thinks this is a great idea. Boardmember Drees shared concern that the Disability community has been overshadowed so much was concerned this would dilute the DAB award ceremony. Chair Schlicting and Boardmember Morgan shared the same concerns. Co-chair reiterated that it is a way to broaden and expand their reach and more inclusion with the community. Boardmember Tiner agreed. Chair Schlicting stated there needs to be more investment from all members of the Board. The full board should volunteer for the tasks that need to be completed. Boardmembers discussed the possibility of a shorter event with a reception which could be a good way to address the time limit and financial issues. The Board would still like to see tables available. Board members discussed having the award ceremony every other year and were interested in the idea of using this year to explore the idea of collaborating with HRC and other event ideas. Chair Schlicting motioned to move the award ceremony to take place every other year. Boardmember Tiner second the motion. Motion passed 7-0. 9. OTHER BUSINESS Chair Schlicting shared that the Blind Pig is closed and the fencing in front will be removed, so he believes this is no longer an issue. Melanie Clark stated Engineering will be coming before the board in March and shared that it may be a good time to discuss downtown sidewalks in general and the sandwich board signs. Board members agreed they would like to keep them on the agenda. Melanie shared that the HRC would like to partner more with DAB. They would like to attend the DAB meetings and they would like DAB to attend their meetings. The Board discussed this would be a way to advance their cause and mission and liked the idea of having Boardmembers rotate attendance every other or third month. Chair Schlicting motioned to collaborate with the HRC and attend their meetings. Co- chair second the motion. Motion passed 5-2. Jan Reece, Lead Equal Opportunity Specialist shared that she is currently working on bringing the City’s website in compliance with ADA requirements. Chair Schlicting shared that he was contacted by Tim Kemp who used to work with him at CSU. Tim is working with Dylan Willett with the City who is developing sidewalks in midtown. They are pursuing a RAISE grant with the Department of Transportation. The purpose is to improve sidewalks along College Ave to be 12ft wide. They are seeking for support from the Board via a letter. Boardmember Drees inquired if the grant is just for the plan or who would be implementing the project. Schlicting’s understanding is that the City would be implementing the grant. Schlicting stated that it has been really difficult to improve this corridor due to it being a state highway. Schlicting motioned to support the grant by submitting a letter of support. Tiner second the motion. Motion passed 7-0. 10. FUTURE AGENDA REVIEW a. Brad Buckman – Sidewalk in front of Blind Pig 11. ADJOURNMENT a. 7:39 pm Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on XX/XX/XX X/XX/XX– MINUTES Page 1 Disability Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING Thursday, May 16, 2024 – 5:30 PM Via Zoom: https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/96957373528 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:33 PM 2. ROLL CALL – a. Board Members Present – Terry Schlicting, Mandy Morgan, Linda Drees, Kristin White, Joseph Tiner, Jaclyn Menendez, Scott Winnegrad (late arrival) b. Board Members Absent – Amber Kelley, Rachel Knox-Stutsman c. Staff Members Present – Jan Reece, Lead Equal Opportunity Compliance Specialist; Melanie Clark, Executive Admin Assistant d. Guest(s) – Katlyn Kelly, Program Manager; Dial-a-Ride; Dashiell Bubar-Hall, Transportation Planner; FCMoves; RJ Glorso, Sr. Project Manager; Transfort; Dave Kemp, Trails Planner; Park Planning & Development; Anais Campbell, ARC of Larimer County, Blake Dowling, Disability Program Navigator; Larimer County Economic and Work Force Development 3. AGENDA REVIEW a. Board member White pointed out at the top of the agenda there is an error in the date that the meeting is available. This should be removed. 4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION a. Anais Campbell shared they are pushing for training for staff members of public and private organizations in intellectual and development disabilities (IDD), disability awareness, disability acceptance, etc. It is crucial for folks to not only have physical accessibility, but also interactional and cognitive accessibility. They offer an adaptable and interactive training that goes through several disabilities and techniques they recommend on how to interact, have accessible materials and experiencing. Anais would like to know what staff is currently doing to train their staff in these areas and how they might be able to assist with this training. They would like to ensure that any front facing folks are trained in this area and would like to know how they can move forward with getting City staff trained. Anais stated that she is also a member of the State’s Housing Subcommittee. They have public meetings and are encouraging public statements. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. April 18, 2024 – Board Chair Schlicting motioned to approve the minutes. Board member White second the motion. Motion passed 5-0 6. GUEST PRESENTATIONS a. Dave Kemp, Sr Trails Planner presented on the Strategic Trails Plan Update. He provided an overview and schedule for the project, pointing out the three phases: Vision & Needs, Proposed Connections & Policies, and Draft Plan & Recommendations. This is about a year long process. This is a community driven project. A Community Working Group was created for ideas, recommendations, identifying gaps and priorities, and reviewing proposed routes, and policies. This will also be shared with City Boards and City Council for approval. DK shared other community outreach efforts include making sure they reach underrepresented communities, along with web-based and in person engagement opportunities. DK stated they are trying to create a system that appeals to all users and not just those who ride bikes. Board Chair, Schlicting shared his concern for e-bikes using the trail system. DK explained that not all e-bikes or electric powered bikes are allowed on the trail system. Through the Strategic Trails Plan they will be making recommendations on how they can educate and enforce what is allowed or not. b. Katlyn Kelly, Dashiell Bubar-Hall, and RJ Glorso; Bus Stop Design Standards and ADA Upgrades Dashiell gave an overview of the different types of stops such as types I, II, III, IV and the amenities they have, such as a bench or shelter. Their main requirement for ADA standards is having a 5’ wide by 8’ foot long ADA pad, at the boarding area, where the bus doors open, with an accessible path connected. If there is a shelter at the stop, there must be an area that is wheelchair accessible. Dashiell shared potential changes being considered, which included expanding requirements for lighting, braille signage, micromobility parking, and Spanish signage and materials. Board Chair Schlicting stated that he has struggled with obtaining information or a map from the City that shows which stops are accessible. He explained how helpful it would be to have an online or paper map the disabled community could use when they are planning a trip. RJ Glorso stated that he is not aware of such a map but would discuss this with the City’s GIS department. RJ shared they are mandated to have 100% of bus stops to be ADA accessible by the year 2026 He stated 90% of the current stops are accessible. 7. New Business a. Election of Chair and Co-Chair Board members wanted to move this discussion to the June meeting in hopes that more members would be present. Board Chair, Schlicting explained that he no longer wanted to Chair the Board. Co-Chair, Winnegrad also shared that he no longer wanted to serve as Co- Chair for the Board. Chair Schlicting and Co-Chair Winnegrad shared what the duties and time commitments look like. Board members discussed what would happen if no one wanted to volunteer as Chair or Co-Chair. Melanie will find more information about this but thought it could be a possibility that the Board would need to elect someone. b. Hybrid Meetings Board Chair Schlicting explained that he believes something is lost by having all virtual meetings. He stated that he has not had the opportunity to meet some of the other board members in person. He would like to have a hybrid meeting option during the nicer months. Board members discussed concerns over transportation and agreed members would still have the option to attend virtually. • Board Chair Schlicting made a motion to return to hybrid meetings for the Disability Advisory Board during the nicer months of the year. Board member Drees second the motion. Motion passed 5-0 c. Camera’s Being Turned on for Virtual Meetings – Moved to June meeting. d. Board Members to Review Meeting Material Prior to Meeting – Moved to June meeting. 8. Old Business a. HRC Award Ceremony – DAB Present one Award • Participate in presenting an award related to disability – Will discuss at the June meeting. 9. Other Business/Updates 10. Future Agenda Review a. Sidewalks presentation scheduled for June – would also like an update on sidewalk project, what ones are being improved, widened, etc. b. Follow up on IDD training and what the City is already doing in this space c. Election of Officers – June d. Accessible/Affordable housing at a future meeting e. Work Plan review 11. ADJOURNMENT a. 7:34 PM 05/16/24– MINUTES Page 2 Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on XX/XX/XX The Consolidated Plan Consolidated Plan The Consolidated Plan •Is a five-year planning document for the use of federal dollars •Includes a needs assessment and market analysis •Housing •Homelessness •Community Development •Identifies priorities and sets goals •Earmarks resources 2 HUD Funding Resources Funding from HUD to support Community Development and Affordable Housing •Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) •HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) How much? •Approx $8.5 million over 5 years •~$1,100,000/yr CDBG •~$600,000/yr HOME 3 Competitive Process How are funds distributed? •Competitive Process: City funds, CDBG and HOME •Staff review for eligibility •AHB ranking of housing applications •HSHF Board reviews all applications and recommends funding for all applications (40+). •Council approves the recommendations. 4 CDBG 34% HOME 22% AHF 16% HSP 28% Overview of Funding Sources CDBG: Community Development Block Grant Purpose: Improve the physical, economic, and social conditions for low income people Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Eligible Uses: Projects must: principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons, aid in the elimination of slums or blight, and/or meet an urgent or unanticipated community need 5 Public service activities: May not exceed 15% of annual CDBG fund allocation (~$170,000/year) Overview of Funding Sources HOME: HOME Investments Partnerships Program Purpose: Increase the supply of safe and sanitary housing affordable to low income people Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Eligible Uses: Eligible uses include development of new housing, rehabilitation of existing housing, tenant based rental assistance and homeownership assistance. 6 Consolidated Plan 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan Goals •Increase the supply of affordable housing units •Preserve existing affordable housing •Provide emergency sheltering and services •Provide housing stabilization services •Increase access to services 7 Consolidated Plan 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan Achievements (in progress) In 3 years, CDBG & HOME funds have supported: •55 new affordable rental housing units •6 new affordable ownership units •112 affordable housing units preserved •94 people provided homelessness prevention support •2238 people provided overnight shelter •1367 people provide supportive services to improve living conditions (case management, adult day care, behavioral health services, supports for people with disabilities, etc.) 8 Examples of Funded Projects 9 Housing •Habitat for Humanity: Harmony Cottage •Housing Catalyst: Plum Street Rehabilitation •Habitat for Humanity: Poudre Build #8 •Housing Catalyst: Impala Project •Housing Catalyst: Village on Bryan Rehabilitation •Mercy Housing: Northfield •Neighbor to Neighbor: Coachlight Plaza Rehabilitation •Neighbor to Neighbor: 44 Unit Rehabilitation •Housing Catalyst: Village on Bryan Rehabilitation Human Services Current •Catholic Charities: Samaritan House •Crossroads Safehouse: Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter •Family Housing Network: Shelter Programs •Neighbor to Neighbor: Homelessness Prevention Former •Elderhaus: Community Based Therapeutic Care •SummitStone: Community Behavioral Health Treatment Program •SummitStone: Essential Mental Health Services at Murphy Center •Disabled Resource Services: Access to Independence Consolidated Plan 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan •What are our community needs? •What goals can we achieve with CDBG & HOME funds? •How should we prioritize funding? 10 Consolidated Plan Determining Goals •Data: Census, American Community Survey, Housing Catalyst, HUD, MLS, etc. •Stakeholder Outreach: Stakeholder interviews, workshops & focus groups, boards & commissions •Community Outreach: Community questionnaire, public meetings 11 Timeline Timeline •Now -December: •Collect community and stakeholder input •Collect and analyze available data •December: Draft plan goals •January-March: Continue outreach to refine and prioritize goals and funding •April: Complete draft Consolidated Plan •May: Public Review Period •July: Council Approval •August 2025: Final due to HUD 12 Questions/Contact More Info: fcgov.com/socialsustainability/consolidated-plan Questions? Too shy to ask now? Contact me later: Dianne Tjalkens CDBG Program Administrator dtjalkens@fcgov.com 970-221-6734 13 Questions/Contact Additional Information 14 Eligible Projects CDBG National Objectives $5,375,000 over 5 years •Low - and Moderate-Income (LMI) Benefit •Activities that benefit LMI populations •Ex: services for seniors, homeless shelter, micro loans for LMI business owners, job training, etc. •LMI Housing •Ex: homeowner rehab, rental acquisition, homebuyer assistance •LMI Jobs •Ex: business loans, commercial rehab, infrastructure to a business •Slum and Blight Remediation •Area Basis •Ex: code enforcement, infrastructure, commercial rehab •Spot Basis •Ex: acquisition, clearance, relocation, historic preservation, remediation of contaminated property, building rehab •Urban Renewal •Activities in Urban Renewal or Neighborhood Development Program action areas •Ex: infrastructure, economic development •Urgent, Unanticipated Community Need 15 Eligible Projects CDBG Eligible Uses $5,375,000 over 5 years •Homeownership rehabilitation: energy efficiency, handicapped accessibility, emergency repairs, weatherization •Homeownership purchase: direct homeownership assistance to LMI households (ie: downpayment assistance) •Rental housing activities: •Acquisition: site clearance and assemblage, site improvements •Rehabilitation: labor and materials, energy efficiency improvements, utility connections, conversion of a closed building from one use to a residential use •Off-site infrastructure: installation of roads & public utilities in support of housing •Public facilities: develop facilities for persons with special needs and homeless shelters •Public service activities:may not exceed 15% of annual CDBG fund allocation ($806,250 over 5 years—$161,250 per year) 16 Eligible Projects HOME Eligible Uses $3,500,000 over 5 years •Affordable Rental Housing: acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction & tenant based rental assistance •At least 90% of families must have incomes below 60% AMI; the remainder must qualify as low-income •Affordable Ownership Housing: acquisition, rehabilitation, new construction & down-payment assistance •100% of families qualify as low-income •Includes: Building or rehabilitating housing for rent or ownership, providing homeowners with funds to purchase or rehabilitate, site acquisition, improvement or demolition to make way for HOME- assisted development. All units must meet current property standards. 17 Overview of Funding Sources AHF: Affordable Housing Fund Purpose: Increase the supply of housing affordable to low income people Source: City of Fort Collins General Fund and KFCG Eligible Uses: Acquisition of real property, soft costs associated with housing development, relocation expenses, site improvements, housing construction, housing rehabilitation, homeownership assistance 18 Overview of Funding Sources HSP: Human Services Program Purpose: Provide social services to low income people Source: City of Fort Collins General Fund and KFCG Eligible Uses: Public services KFCG: Keep Fort Collins Great Purpose: Sales tax originally passed in November 2010, renewed for 2020-2030, to fund critical services and programs for the community Source: .85 percent sales tax Eligible Uses: Road improvement projects, increased staffing and facilities for emergency responders, diverse needs in the Parks and Recreation Department, and other community priorities 19