Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 03/18/1996COMMISSION ON DISABILITY MEETING MINUTES March 18,1996 2:00 PM Council Liaison: Alan Apt Staff Liaison: Nancy Stirling Chairperson: Ray Sanderson Phone: (Vi) 482-2700 (H) 493-9340 Members Present: Members Absent: Tom Brannigan Angela Byrne Peggy Irish Roy Beauchamp Jackie Hyatt Chris Rock Mark Kramer Ray Sanderson Kathy Lassen Shirley Reichenbach (Phone Conference) City Staff Present: Nancy Stirling, ICS, Commission Liaison Tom Chapel, Engineering Department Jennifer Fesperman, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Bob Noe, Parking Officer Supervisor Dick Schaffer, Parking Program Manager Alan Apt, City Council Liaison Visitors: Frank Blakely Jean Batchelder The meeting began at 2:05 pm. Presentation: Pedestrian Ramp Standards Presented by Tom Chapel, Civil Engineer, City of Fort Collins Tom presented revisions made for the Pedestrian Ramps that will be presented to City Council for approval. (See information provided with the agenda for this meeting.) If approved, these ramps will be the standard for developers and contractors to follow for all construction in the public right-of-way. The City determined there was a need for safer and easier manueverability of pedestrian ramps which prompted the plan to come up with standards for construction of pedestrian ramps. Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes March 18, 1996 Page Two Several revisions were proposed and experimented with. Some minor changes were made to these designs: - increased the slope of the ramps to aid in water drainage and lessen the build up of debris, as well as improved manuverability.. - colored the cement of the center section of the ramp to aid the visually impaired - the grooves in the ramp are scored to provide directional information that tells the pedestrian the direction/location of the street. These designs will be presented to the City Council at the April 2nd City Council Meeting. COD Response: The COD members are very supportive of this proposal and very pleased with the efforts given to provide safety as well as accessibility for persons with disabilities. There was some discussion over the colored section of the ramp -- what color is more helpful to persons with visual impairments (red or black). There was agreement that red would be the preferable color. Jean Batchelder commented that there have been studies done where the color red was found to be more easily discerned (created more of a contrast) by persons with visual impairments. Presentation: Changes Proposed for EPIC Center Presented by Jennifer Fesperman, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist 1. Changes for the Family Changing Room: There is a room provided in the locker rooms for use by family groups and persons with disabilities that may need assistance. This proposal is to put in a bench that would accommodate a child laying down or support an adult's torso while laying back. The bench would attach to a wall and fold down during use, and then fold back up when not in use. The benefits of such a bench is to provide sturdy support for adults and allow children to be changed off the floor (presently, families lay a towel on the floor, which is not a very sanitary option). The current plan shows the bench would infringe on the 5 feet turn -around space mandated by the ADA by 4 to 7 inches when folded up. Despite this infringement it was determined that there would still be ample space around the bench for turn -around and accessibility. This request was brought to the attention of the COD to obtain their input and their support. EPIC feels that having the bench would make the changing room even more accessible, despite decreasing the size of the turn -around area. COD Response: The members of the COD are in agreement that such a bench would be very beneficial and support this proposal of improvement for the family/accessible changing room. Since there would still be ample room around the bench for manuverability, infringing on the the Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes March 18, 1996 Page Three turn -around space by a few inches was not a concern. The members are appreciative of the efforts being made to assure accessibility for persons using the EPIC center as well as the safety precautions. There was some discussion about the weight of such a bench. Taking into consideration the individuals who would be utilizing the bench, it was suggested that the bench should not be so heavy as to put a strain on the individuals or have springs too tight that might create a danger. Also, since when the bench is down it will block access to the restroom, it was suggested that assurances be made that there was some way an individual could get in or out (i.e., in case the individual in the changing room needs assistance but the bench is down; make the doors accessing the room swing out of the room). 2. Lift for Wheelchair Users at the EPIC Pool: A citizen approached EPIC regarding changing the lift which lowers people into the therapeutic pool at EPIC. (See information that was sent out with the agenda for this meeting.) This lift is more user friendly since the individual using it can manuever it themselves. Ideas for the lift that is currently in place at the EPIC Center are to possibly move it to the deep area of the pool or use at one of the other City pools. The person who brought this suggestion to EPIC uses such a lift in his home and invites anyone to see it and how it works. Jennifer and Janet Robinson will be going over and invite anyone from the COD who is interested to join them. Anyone wishing to go can contact Jennifer at 224-6027. This issue was brought before the COD to seek any input and/or suggestions concerning this request. COD Response: The members of the COD are very positive for such a project. Especially since this particular lift can be used independently by the user. The idea to place the lift currently in place at the deep area of the pool was encouraged and supported. There was a question of what does the City have in place at the City Park Pool for accessibility...? Presentation: Handicapped Parking Spaces in Downtown Area Presented by Bob Noe, Parking Officer Supervisor, and Dick Schaffer, Parking Program Manager The purpose of this presentation was to inform the of the current status/numbers of handicapped parking spaces provided in the downtown area and some areas around CSU. (See information provided with the agenda for this meeting.) It was determined from a survey that there are very few spaces provided. One of the requests that will be included in a parking improvement plan being put together would be to provide more handicapped parking spaces in the downtown area. (This improvement plan is to take into consideration future growth of Fort Collins and the idea/goal to make the downtown area a popular place among visitors and citizens -- to make the downtown area a place that can be visited in the evenings as well as during the day.) This issue was brought before the COD to obtain some suggestions and input concerning handicapped parking spaces -- is what the City has in place now enough? Where would you like to see more spaces provided? Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes March 18, 1996 Page Four COD Response: There is definitely not enough handicapped parking spaces available in the downtown area. And what is there currently is usually in use (whether legally or illegally, another issue). As for where to put more spaces, it was suggested that more spaces be provided in areas where there are several (more than one) restaurants. The spaces that are currently provided are few and far between. There may be one space in a single block. This space is usually filled, leaving others seeking handicapped spaces to use a space that is a distance from their destination. There was also a question of what the law says regarding the required number of handicapped parking spaces that must be provided (per block? per so many spaces?). What is the ADA standard? (Jean may be able to provide the answer to this question.) There was also some discussion concerning enforcement of handicapped parking spaces: "A philosophy for parking enforcing is to be somewhat flexible with the rules, to be educational and gracious." If the driver of a car is being ticketed for illegally parking in a handicapped space and the driver happens to come out as the ticket is being writtern, the ticket may be thrown out and the driver given an explanation and some education of the law and reasons for handicapped spaces. Bob provided information and examples of the various placards available allowing eligible individuals to utilize handicapped parking spaces: 8 1/2 X 11 " Paper = allows temporary use of handicapped parking spaces. Only good for 14 days. Red -colored Tag = hangs from the rearview mirror; about the size of a door hanger advertisement; allows temporary use of handicapped parking spaces; good for 90 days. Blue -colored Tag = hangs from the rearview mirror; about the size of a door hanger advertisement; allows "permanent" use of handicapped parking spaces; ONLY GOOD FOR THREE YEARS - must get renewed every three years. Can be used in time -limited parking spaces (2 hour parking), allowing the car to park in these spaces all day. Some unacceptable placards/plates: - "Disabled Veteran" license plates - Old, deck -of -cards sized handicapped stickers - drivers of cars with this sticker are being given a warning and advised to get the proper placard. If not changed in a reasonable amount of time, they are ticketed if parked in a handicapped parking space. - any placard that has expired or been altered Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes March 18, 1996 Page Five Tom Brannigan asked what is necessary to designate handicapped parking spaces? Does it take only a sign or only a marking on the pavement or both? It seems several cases have gone to Judge Allin and been thrown out because either the sign OR the marking on the pavement was not clear (covered by dirt, debris or snow) or missing. This is a concern as it appears people are getting off the hook and that illegal parking in handicapped parking spaces are not being enforced. Jean Batchelder says the ADA states only a posted sign is necessary to designate a handicapped parking space -- the sign is all that is required for the ADA. [It has been a long standing issue with the Commission concerning proper snow removal in handicapped parking areas -- especially to clear the dirt and snow from the marking on the pavement so it can be seen clearly and so that proper enforcement can be made to keep out drivers not eligible to park in these spaces.] COD Response: There was agreement among the COD members that proper and forceful ticketing and enforcement of the handicapped parking spaces is needed. By ticketing offenders it is hoped that they will learn from it and be more respectful and understanding by not illegally parking in a handicapped parking space again. The reason for the fine increase was to hopefully prevent people from illegally parking in the first place, as well as make an expensive point to those who are ticketed. There was also a suggestion made by Jean to make the handicapped parking signs more noticable by using ones painted blue with a large wheelchair design on it. It seems some of the signs now in place are not easily seen or noticable. Shirley suggested that a sub -committee be formed to address these issues concerning parking spaces and their enforcement. Addendum: Nancy spoke with Bob Noe from Parking Services and he informed her that the parking enforcement officers will be more assertive in ticketing cars illegally parked in handicapped parking spaces from now on. He also said that he is going to make sure that all current handicapped parking spaces are properly marked with BOTH the sign and the pavement marking. Bob spoke with Dan Martin, an assistant to the City Attorney, to find out what the law states about proper designation of handicapped parking spaces. Mr. Martin says as long as it is clearly designated (by either a sign or the pavement marking) it is considered properly designated as a handicapped parking space. Bob is looking into getting more information on what the ADA says is appropriate for designation and the number of spaces required be provided in particular areas. Bob and Dick will be attending the next COD meeting to bring us up-to-date on this issue and the parking plan. Commission on Disability Meeting Minutes March 18, 1996 Page Six Other Business: a. Council Member attendence: There has been some concern among the Commission members concerning the lack of attendence by the Council Liaison to the Commission meetings. Alan informed the Commission that Council Liaisons are not required to attend every meeting, but that they are kept informed through the minutes and if any "problem" arises they can be escalated to and taken care of by Council. Since Alan has difficulty attending day -time meetings due to his own work schedule, other ideas are being discussed in order to keep Alan and the Council informed of the goings on of the Commission. One suggestion is to have the Executive Team members of the Commission meet with Alan on a quarterly basis, perhaps during the evening. Council is aware of the Commission's concerns in regard to Transfort and Dial -a -Ride (DAR) and are interested in "sensitivity training" for employees of Transfort and DAR. If there is an issue or item that the COD would like to address to Council, let Nancy and/or Alan know and they will help bring it to the attention of the Council. Shirley asked how the Commission can get changes made to building codes? Changes such as: - requiring hotels and housing units (apartments) having rooms/units with roll -in showers - two-story apartments not being accessible, at least on the first floor (Shirley, I am not sure if I said this right. Please let me know.) b. Workplan Items 1. Shirley is compiling information for a "history of the COD" for new member orientation. She is enlisting the help of others who worked with the COD. 2. Felix Lee will provide "training" to COD members interested in learning how to review building plans. Those who are interested let Nancy or Ray know and a list of names will be forwarded to Felix. (So far I have: Mark, Tom, Angela, and Jean) 3. Ray was contacted by the Museum. They would like the COD to provide input and assistance in making the Museum better accessible for persons with disabilities. Ray will work with them and let the COD know of its progress and what assistance may be needed. 4. NewWest Fest: Sub -committee members are getting together to plan for the Fest. Date: April 10th Where: Bruegger's Bagels (corner of West Elizabeth and Shields, across from Moby Arena) Time: Lunch (Noon-ish) Meeting concluded at 4:40 pm.