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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/2025 - Disability Advisory Board - AGENDA - Regular MeetingDISABILITY ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING April 21, 2025– 5:30 pm 300 Laporte Ave Microsoft Teams – See Link Below 1. CALL TO ORDER: Linda Drees reminds everyone to please state your name before speaking for transcription purposes a. (TIME STARTED) 2. ROLL CALL 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-March 17, 2025 5. BUDGET Participation for this Disability Advisory Board Meeting will be in person at 300 Laporte Ave You may also join online via Microsoft Teams, using this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting ID: 268 124 508 158 Passcode: wX75Hj2S Online Public Participation: The meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:20 pm, March 17, 2025. 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. Masks Strongly Recommended in Indoor Public Spaces While there are currently no public health orders in place, Larimer County Public Health officials strongly recommend that well-fitting, high-quality masks are worn in crowded indoor spaces. For more information, please visit fcgov.com/covid DISABILITY ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING 6. GUEST PRESENTER a. Katlyn Kelly-Transfort 7. NEW BUSINESS: a. Election of new Chair and Vice Chair for DAB b. Amber Kelly and Linda Drees Awards update • Food suggestions for dessert bar • Art show idea • Estimate of number of attendees • Awards to be given (5) c. Does the DAB want to continue with providing meals at meetings 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Banner update-Scott Winnegrad b. Briefing papers-Linda Drees 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Jan Reece Report • Attended Autism Awareness event for City employees • Will be attending ADA Training in June for continued education • Autistic Joy event • April 30th, 5:00 PM to 7:00 P.M. 10. ADJOURNMENT a. (TIME ENDED) 3/17/25– MINUTES Disability Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING Monday, March 17, 2025 – 5:30 PM 300 Laporte Avenue and Microsoft Teams 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present – Linda Drees (Chair), Terry Schlicting (Vice Chair), Joseph Tiner, Amber Kelley, Scott Winnegrad, Amanda Morgan b. Board Members Absent – Rachel Knox Stutsman, Jaclyn Menendez, Kristin White c. Staff Members Present – Jan Reece d. Guest(s) – Liri, Matthew Cicanese 3. AGENDA REVIEW No changes. 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 10, 2025 Kelley made a motion to approve the February 10, 2025 minutes as presented. Tiner seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. 6. BUDGET Reece noted the current remaining budget is $5,298.12. 7. GUEST PRESENTER a. Rachel Ruhlen – Which Wheels Go Where Rachel Ruhlen, FC Moves Transportation Planner, stated Which Wheels Go Where is exploring how to accommodate more types of micromobility, as that supports climate, active modes, and Vision Zero goals. Additionally, the project is concurrent with the Strategic Trails Plan update as paved trails are the way some kinds of micromobility are accommodated. 3/17/25– MINUTES Ruhlen outlined the variety of devices that encompass micromobility and noted the devices can be either human- or electric-powered. She stated the current regulations around where various micromobility devices can be used are very confusing. Additionally, the current category of ‘toy vehicles’ is complicated; therefore, the proposal is to separate them into two categories: human-powered vehicles and lightweight electric vehicles, which would have a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Anything that goes faster than that would be classified as a low-powered scooter. Ruhlen discussed the proposal for changing the regulations regarding what micromobility devices can be utilized where, including allowing human- powered and lightweight electric vehicles to use streets, bike lanes, sidewalks, and paved trails. She acknowledged that proposal may not be the ultimate regulation, but it would be the simplest. Ruhlen discussed the public outreach efforts, which included a survey and had a focus on lower-income communities. She outlined the survey results in terms of concerns and stated the open-ended comments summary showed a need to accommodate micromobility while protecting pedestrians, people with disabilities, seniors, and children. Additionally, it was noted that how people ride is more important than what they ride; therefore, strategies for safety moving forward should be more about behavior than controlling which types of vehicles travel where. Ruhlen noted Fort Collins Police Services is very concerned that allowing skateboards on streets will lead to severe crashes; however, CSU Police do not allow skateboards on sidewalks, only on streets. She noted Boulder has allowed skateboards on streets since 2021 and Boulder Police also expected to see an increase in sever crashes, though that has not been the case. Ruhlen stated there is some interest in having an actual enforceable speed limit for trails rather than the courtesy limit; however, there are concerns that having a posted speed limit could lead to expectations of patrols and enforcement, and there are limited resources and challenges with enforcement. Therefore, the recommendation is for a safety and education approach to control behavior, which is what has been used in Boulder. Additionally, Ruhlen noted Park Rangers do not have the authority to detain or pursue and instead use a technique called “Authority of the Resource” wherein the Ranger deemphasizes the regulation and invites the individual to discuss the needs of the trail or area to place the onus back onto the community member. Ruhlen outlined possible changes to the regulations around which types of devices could be used where and noted dismount zones will not change. She requested input from the Board regarding concerns and opportunities. Kelley stated she rides on the sidewalk due to the fact that if she has a seizure and falls, she would not want to be on a street. She asked how trail users are made aware of the courtesy speed limit of 15 miles per hour. Ruhlen replied there are a few signs on the paved trails; however, the Strategic Trails Plan update includes a four-pronged education approach which involves center line 3/17/25– MINUTES striping, some trail widening, slow down warning signage, and potentially more courtesy speed limit signage. Kelley suggested utilizing mirrors on the trails to allow users to be seen by others. Liri asked if the courtesy speed limit is for just electric vehicles or those with speedometers. Ruhlen replied a posted speed limit and the courtesy speed limit apply to everyone, and there is a challenge with users not having speedometers. Winnegrad commended education efforts, particularly the engagement and mutual respect approach used by Rangers. Kelley asked about the possibility of having signs that would show the speed users are going. Ruhlen replied those signs, which can be self-powered, cost about $4,000 each, though no budget has been identified at this point. Winnegrad asked if there are statistics available on injuries or complaints. Ruhlen replied crashes involving micromobility devices are underreported, and if a police report is not filed, it is very difficult to gather any data. She noted there is a database of complaints and crashes that have been reported, and those are few in number. Chair Drees asked if Ruhlen is requesting support from the Board. Ruhlen replied she is just seeking feedback this evening. b. Katlyn Kelly – Transfort requesting suggestions from DAB on labeling Katlyn Kelly, Transfort, discussed the new draft labels that may be added to the Transfort website which would include information as to whether the bus stop has an accessible concrete pad or accessible pad and connecting path. She requested input from the Board regarding the clarity of the labels, the actual symbols being used, and which phrases would be most informative for trip planning decisions. Winnegrad commended the use of blue for the symbols. Cicanese stated the only icon consideration may be that not all mobility challenges involve a wheelchair; however, he commended the design overall. Vice Chair Schlicting stated people tend to look for the wheelchair symbol when considering transportation accessibility. Tiner concurred with Vice Chair Schlicting and supported the use of the word ‘path’ rather than ‘sidewalk’ to help keep the language used within Transfort consistent. Vice Chair Schlicting asked if one symbol is better than another for color contrast. Tiner replied anything that is high-contrast should be fine. 3/17/25– MINUTES Kelley asked if color blind individuals would be able to see the blue symbols. Kelly replied she was unsure if there are readers that assist with that but noted the Communications and Public Involvement Office has come out with standard accessible color contrast patterns using the brand colors and the new proposed symbols will be approved by that Office. Vice Chair Schlicting stated the proposed changes are an improvement for trip planning. Winnegrad also commended the proposed changes. The Board thanked Kelly for her presentation. 8. NEW BUSINESS a. Amber Kelley • Transfort presentation she attended Kelley reported on attending the 50-year Transfort presentation and noted Amanda Morgan was a large part of the video. She thanked community members who advocate for people with disabilities. Morgan commended the Transfort video noting it reviews the history of Transfort, including the first female driver. • Joy House Kelley stated Joy House in Estes Park has a storefront for people with developmental disabilities to sell their crafts. She also noted she connected the owners with a lender to help them navigate opening a coffee shop, which they are now doing in Longmont. The shop is called Best Day Ever Coffee and will include workforce training. b. Meeting with Melanie Potyondy Chair Drees stated she, Vice Chair Schlicting, and Claudia Menendez met with the Board’s Council liaison, Melanie Potyondy. She noted Councilmember Potyondy is very supportive of the Board and its work. She mentioned the Board could provide position papers on upcoming Council agenda items. Additionally, Councilmember Potyondy suggested looking at the legislative docket to see if there are any ADA-related items the Board may want to address. Chair Drees stated Councilmember Potyondy will be a good advocate and stated having her as a liaison will provide a good opportunity to move forward items that are important to the Board, including accessibility, housing, and expanding Dial-a-Ride service. Vice Chair Schlicting noted historically the Board has often been presented with issues when decisions have already been made and it is important to be more involved in the decision making process. He suggested regularly 3/17/25– MINUTES discussing Council’s six-month planning calendar and noted the Board can write letters taking official positions on issues which may give the Board more leverage in the decisions that are made at the Council level. Winnegrad asked how the Board formulates position statements. Chair Drees replied any member could bring forth a topic and the Board could develop a standard format for a briefing paper. Winnegrad noted the main important topics for the Board are transportation, housing, and employment and stated this will be an opportunity for the Board to help shift attention to the allocation of resources and focus on those issues. Kelley suggested the formation of a two-person subcommittee to look over Council’s six-month planning calendar and identify topics of interest to be part of each Board agenda. Tiner noted four new members will be joining the Board next month and suggested waiting to form a subcommittee until then. Tiner made a motion to table this discussion until the April meeting. Kelley seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Chair Drees noted she and Vice Chair Schlicting had discussed developing a position paper regarding the standard issues with Transfort and asked if the Board is comfortable with them continuing with that. Winnegrad replied he would support that. Tiner asked if a position paper could be written on a topic that is not on Council’s docket. Vice Chair Schlicting replied in the affirmative and stated it would be beneficial for the Board to be more proactive. Cicanese concurred with Vice Chair Schlicting and, as an incoming Board member, stated he would be happy to help write a position paper related to Transfort. 9. OLD BUSINESS a. Discuss 2025 DAB Awards Ceremony Chair Drees stated there is possibility of developing a subcommittee for the Awards Ceremony that would not be a full dinner, but would perhaps include a dessert bar. She asked the Board members whether they would like to stick with the same awards they have presented in the past. Tiner suggested more than one award should be presented. Winnegrad suggested collaborating with the Human Relations Commission given the limited time and to have not the full array of awards it has had in the past, but perhaps one to three that could be highlighted during a collaborative effort. 3/17/25– MINUTES Vice Chair Schlicting stated he does not believe the Board doing its own award ceremony is an option. Additionally, he noted there were some budget concerns last year. He concurred with Winnegrad. Winnegrad noted there is also a rich history with the award ceremony and he does not want to be insensitive to that; however, there is more that could be accomplished by the Board focusing on other things and collaborating on the ceremony. Chair Drees expressed concern that having just one award waters down the Board’s efforts. She noted the Human Relations Commission (HRC) has four awards for which they give pieces of art. Kelley noted people with disabilities interact with many different Boards and suggested the possibility of offering unique awards related to members on other Boards doing positive work around disabilities. Chair Drees asked Reece if an art donation may be possible. Reece replied that could be considered or the Board could consider hosting an art contest for people supported by the Board for a piece that would become the award. She also suggested the possibility of providing awards in each of the three main foci of the Board: employment, housing, and transportation, to either an organization or an individual. She stated she would need to check with Liz Messenger regarding whether collaboration with the HRC is possible at this point. Winnegrad stated the biggest challenge will be getting the nominations and organizing in a short period of time. Chair Drees stated she would volunteer to be on the subcommittee to look at the different awards that may be developed. Kelley stated she would also serve on the subcommittee. Members concurred the three awards mentioned by Reece would be a good idea. Kelley asked if the Board would like to wait to form the subcommittee until the new members join the Board. Chair Drees replied she believes it should be formed now so work can begin. Vice Chair Schlicting suggested starting with a subcommittee of two and adding others if new members want to join. Chair Drees asked members whether they want to have the ceremony in October. Morgan noted it has historically been held in October as that is Disability Awareness Month for employment achievement. Vice Chair Schlicting commented on dreaming of day that people do not have to be awarded for supporting people with disabilities. 3/17/25– MINUTES Winnegrad stated the possible opportunity to provide additional input to Council could ensure the Board has a larger voice for what it is trying to achieve. He suggested that through that collaboration, employers, organizations, and public services that are doing good work could be identified and vocalized to Council. He also noted Council meetings draw larger audiences and media coverage. Kelley noted the Board has the responsibility to educate the public and questioned whether there would be something else the Board could do in that space with its budget rather than having awards. Vice Chair Schlicting noted the majority of the Board’s budget has historically gone to the awards and stated there may be a more effective way to spend the funds. Winnegrad asked if the Board could spend its budget on advertisements or public service announcements, for example. Cicanese commented on the benefits of conversational education and cited an example of hearing a talk on neurodivergence at the Founded in FoCo event. Winnegrad commented on the importance of public relations and stated he would be happy to reach out to the media to see what entities might be interested in hearing that same talk. Reece commented on working with ARC last October regarding employment awareness, which is something the Board could sponsor if the education is for the community and not just City employees. She suggested there could be a community awareness and training event or a resource fair. She also noted public service announcements are typically less expensive than advertisements. Winnegrad asked if there are spaces on Transfort buses that would allow for community-based public service announcement advertising. Reece replied she would do some research. Chair Drees noted the awards ceremony is on the Board’s Work Plan; however, that could be amended. Kelley suggested determining whether the HRC is still having its ceremony and whether the DAB could participate. Winnegrad stated he is not opposed to the award ceremony. Members discussed the educational and media components of the previous awards ceremonies. Winnegrad suggested a subcommittee of three individuals given the possibility of the three awards. Reece stated a subcommittee of three or more members would require public posting of each meeting. 3/17/25– MINUTES Tiner made a motion to let Kelley and Chair Drees take the lead on exploring the possibility of an awards ceremony type of event. Winnegrad seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. 10. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS 11. STAFF REPORTS 12. OTHER BUSINESS a. Jan Reece noted she just completed her ADA training and is now the ADA coordinator certified person for the City. She noted she will be attending a continuing education ADA training in June. Reece noted the City’s Transition Plan has been posted on the City website and the Transition planning team will be meeting to determine what projects will be completed in 2025. Reece commented on the upcoming Autism Joy event on April 30th at the Old Town Library. She asked if the Board would like to serve as a sponsor of the event around autism awareness education to provide art supplies for children at the event. Members discussed a possible donation amount. Cami, Disabled Resource Services, asked if local non-profits could attend the event and have a booth. Reece replied the event is open to the public, resources will be available related to how to contact the City with ADA issues, a quiet room will be available, and the educational component will be around ‘What Brings You Joy.’ She stated there will not be booths per se, but encouraged Cami to contact her about providing information to be handed out. Vice Chair Schlicting made a motion that the Board donate $250 to the event. Tiner seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Winnegrad suggested it may be beneficial for the Board to have a banner for these types of events to make attendees aware of its existence. Reece replied she would look into pricing and chat with CPIO staff. Cicanese suggested using a vertical pop-up banner for better accessibility and to avoid having to tack up a traditional banner. Kelley suggested ensuring the event coordinators are okay with having a banner displayed. Reece replied she would check with the event coordinators. Winnegrad made a motion to approve the expenditure of no more than $250 for a City of Fort Collins Disability Advisory Board banner that gets approved by the Board. Vice Chair Schlicting seconded the motion. The 3/17/25– MINUTES motion was approved unanimously. 13. ADJOURNMENT a. 7:27 PM Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board on XX/XX/XX Signature: Headline Copy Goes Here Dial-A-Ride Program Manager Katlyn Kelly Transfort Updates for Disability Advisory Board 04-21-2025 Headline Copy Goes HereDAR Technology Projects 2 •Notifications •In testing phase •Web Portal/Mobile Application •Web Portal design will begin once notifications are implemented •App design and launch dependent on V21 Upgrade to Trapeze⎻Now estimated for June 2025 •Web Based Eligibility Application •In final phases of design •Next step – Spanish translation, then post on site! Headline Copy Goes Here2024 Passenger Survey 3 Headline Copy Goes Here2024 DAR Client Survey 4 Headline Copy Goes Here 5 2024 DAR Client Survey Headline Copy Goes Here 6 2024 DAR Client Survey Headline Copy Goes HereOngoing Training for Staff 7 •Arc Disability Acceptance & Inclusion Training •Creating Inclusive Excellence Program (CIEP) through CSU •CSU Symposium for Inclusive Excellence •IMPACT •Continuing Ed Program