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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDisability Advisory Board - MINUTES - 09/16/2024 Disability Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING Monday, September 18, 2024 – 5:30 PM City Hall: 300 Laporte Ave and Zoom: https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/96957373528 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM 2. ROLL CALL – a. Board Members Present – Terry Schlicting, Linda Drees, Mandy Morgan, Kristin White, Joseph Tiner, Scott Winnegrad, Rachel Knox-Stutsman, Amber Kelley b. Board Members Absent – Jaclyn Menendez c. Staff Members Present – Councilmember Melanie Potyondy, Jan Reece, Lead Equal Opportunity Compliance Specialist, Melanie Clark, Executive Admin Assistant d. Guest(s) – Jim Fellion, Anais Campbell, ARC of Larimer County, Cammy Cortes 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION – NONE 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. August 19, 2024 Board member Tiner motioned to approve the August 19, 2024, meeting minutes. Board member Kelley seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0 6. GUEST PRESENTATIONS – COURTNEY GEARY, FCMOVES – CANYON, MAGNOLIA, SHERWOOD, ASPHALT ART Courtney Geary shared information about recent infrastructure improvements, including the installation of pedestrian and bike-friendly features. She stated that the City received a grant in 2021, to fund a series of initiatives, and by 2022-2023, the first set of improvements, including the installation of pedestrian and bike lanes, were completed. These early efforts helped extend sidewalk spaces and slow traffic in key areas, such as through intersections. She also touched on how the street designs aim to reduce complexity and improve traffic flow while enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Courtney noted, the city's first round of infrastructure updates received positive feedback for providing safer crossings, but there were also concerns raised about driver behavior and confusion at intersections. One key focus was the development of a larger, more complex intersection design for 2024. This redesign separated a previously complicated 5-way intersection into two smaller, more manageable intersections. The plan aimed to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and simplify traffic flow, ultimately improving safety. The project, which involves the installation of new bike lanes, crosswalks, and other traffic- calming features, is funded through a combination of public grants and community health funding. There was a specific emphasis on the introduction of new technologies, such as flashing beacons to improve visibility at crosswalks, although these were not yet universally implemented. Board members discussed challenges related to the placement of crosswalks and signage for people with visual impairments. One of the more complex issues is directing pedestrians with visual impairments across busy intersections safely, especially in areas where diagonal crossings are involved. Concerns were raised about the difficulty of navigating intersections, particularly for those who may rely on canes or other mobility aids. Several ideas were proposed, including better signage and the use of detectable warning strips. There were also suggestions for improving communication to people with disabilities through apps or direct services, to ensure better access to information and support. Courtney touched on the long-term goals for these projects, including how to assess their success, make improvements, and ensure accessibility for all. Questions about the design and budgeting for future phases of the project were discussed, and the Board emphasized the need for ongoing feedback from the community to refine these efforts 7. BUDGET 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Council Meetings Board members discussed regularly attending City Council meetings so they can be aware of any DAB related issues that come up. Board members agreed to regularly review Council’s 6-month agenda planning calendar. 9. Old Business a. Disability Employment Awareness Month Board members discussed candidates to invite to receive the Disability Employment Awareness Month proclamation. Board member Tiner motioned to invite JT to accept the proclamation. Vice Chair Schlicting seconded the motion. Motion passed 8-0 10. OTHER BUSINESS/UPDATES a. Discussion to develop strategy for 2025 Work Plan – Special Session Board members discussed having a structured and facilitated conversation to help them draft their 2025 Work Plan. Possible dates for scheduling the Work Plan meeting were discussed. Three dates will be provided to the facilitator to see which date works best for them. 11. Future Agenda Review a. Council 6-Month Agenda Review 12. ADJOURNMENT a. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM 09/16/24– MINUTES Page 2 Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on 11/26/24