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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 06/14/2007COMMISSION ON DISABILITY MINUTES edited with corrections and approved 9/13/07 Thursday, June 14, 2007 Fort Collins City Hall Council Information Center: 12:15 p.m. Present: Beverly Hageseth, Susan Williams, Steve Rierson, Janie Bondhus Black, Mary Elizabeth Lenahan, Rob Gerk, Amber(sign interpreter), Bruce Bryne (City Liaison), Vivien Armendariz, Terry Schlichting. Guests: Felix Lee, Fort Collins Neighborhood and Building Services and Michael Gebo, Building Codes Services Manager for the City of Fort Collins Minutes from the May meeting were not available and will be reviewed and approved at the July meeting. GUEST PRESENTATION: Fort Collins Neighborhood and Building Services is in the process of reviewing the 2006 International Building Code to replace the 1997 Uniform Building Code currently in use. Mr. Gebo (Mike) supplied the commissioners an outline of his presentation (copy included). Mike addressed the changes that are recommended for all new and re -modeled buildings that are larger than two-family and single family dwellings (for example, three-plexes and larger multi -family dwellings and all commercial buildings). Building Services has been reviewing the code changes for the past year to replace the 1997 code for commercial and multi -family dwellings. Accessibility in 1997 dealt with entrances; in the current code accessibility also addresses emergency evacuations (Section 10.07) and how persons in wheelchairs will be served in an emergency. The number of exits per building will be determined by occupant load: i.e. if serving greater than 50 people, two exits are required and "all need to be accessible from an accessible route" and have access to a public right of way. For example, with two exits, the first should have no step and the second ideally would have no step, but have "an area of assisted rescue to an outside area". This would be a smoke - detected area of safety with 1 space for a person in a wheel -chair per 200 people. The fire department could then rescue those in need from this area of safety. Also, one elevator in five -story buildings is required to be fully accessible with and area of refuge and emergency stand-by power. Stairways also will be accessible by being 48 inches wide to allow rescuers to carry a person and/or person in a wheelchair out safely. Requirements also include flashing lights, braille, and sounds to offer directions to safety areas. These areas of safety will have two-way communication. Platform lifts will now be part of an accessible route. All requirements prior to the new regulations will still be in effect. These changes should only incur a reasonable cost increase. More buildings will have fire -sprinkled systems. All new buildings, additions, and remodels will be impacted when the new code is implemented January 1, 2008. Mr. Gebo would like the Commission on Disability to review the code and changes and make a statement reflecting our comments, additions, support, and/or recommendations by August, 2007. He is willing to return should we have questions or clarifications. The code approval will go before City Council in November. The Commissioners thanked Mr. Gebo and Mr. Lee for attending the meeting. Action: Commission on Disability will review the building code prior to the July meeting, at which we will discuss and create a statement. Those commissioners who cannot attend the July meeting, please send your comments and questions via e-mail before July loth to be incorporated in the discussion on July 12th. The commission moved to draft a letter for Mr. Gebo and Mr. Lee at the July meeting and all were in favor. NEW BUSINESS: Steve and Susan will be exiting from the Commission on Disability in December. Nominations for the executive committee could be made in August. Only those who have served for one year are eligible and only Terry meets that criteria unless we change the by- laws. Terry has indicated that he is available to chair. Schedule for elections: August = nominations; October = elections; January = new executive committee takes office. SUB-COMITTEE REPORTS: Community -Access Advisory Sub -Committee shared a DVD "Ten Small Business Mistakes", produced by the Access Video Fund under a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. In summary, the DVD pointed out that over 50,000,000 people in the U. S. have disabilities and half of people over 65 have disabilities. These citizens annually spend $175 billion dollars on discretionary spending. Businesses have made some of these mistakes: 1. Thinking that there are "no people with disabilities to serve in the area". 2. Assuming their property has been "grandfathered" and is exempt from the law. Businesses are not exempt. 3.Simply having "a new building" is enough. Businesses need to look at their communication with patrons, keeping aisles cleared, and operating policies for serving persons with disabilities. 4.Complying is "not affordable". Businesses should remove barriers that are readily achievable over time; there are tax credits & deductions available. S. Using the excuse that the "landlord says NO". Businesses and landlords are responsible under Title III. Even rearranging the furniture can improve access. 6.People might be "uncomfortable" around persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities should be treated just like other customers with dignity and respect. 7."I don't know" where to get information. ADA information is available at 1(800)514-0301 or 1(800) 514-0383 (TTY) or Nww.ada.eov 8. "Health Department won't allow dogs." The Health Department allows service dogs. Service dogs are allowed under ADA and this supersedes any state laws. 9. "Compliance never ends." It is important to simply be of assistance, for example, read signs, use notes, allow access. 10. "Nobody else complies." Businesses are liable for lawsuits for discrimination if they are out of compliance. Terry raised a question about historic buildings, how to interface with the DBA, and what are the enforcement and legal policies. Janie pointed out that there are small business loans with codicils to include accessibility. Rob suggested a developing a survey regarding compliance in the region and what future plans businesses may have for accessibility. Susan recommended the "Heavy Doors" Project in which each person evaluates a business and fives the information to the business owners. Terry has the box of information about Heavy Doors and Practical Housing for All with brochures, etc. Susan would like to do a Heavy Doors evaluation in August. Commissioners will organize this event at the August 9th meeting. CREATIVE ABILITIES FAIR Sub -Committee: Fair will run during the New West Fest on August 18th & 19th. 80 fliers have been sent and the event will be promoted in the July utility bill in Fort Collins. The Fair will also be promoted in Denver. The sub- committee needs help on July 7th to distribute posters. July 319t is the deadline for artists to apply. Artists may show and/or sell their works. Each artist will have a 10 x 10 space. Mary Elizabeth suggested that the Commission be in touch with Carol Bemis of Beet Street about future creative expression opportunities. OLD BUSINESS: Returning to the topic of chemical sensitivity from the March meeting, the commission would like to draft a letter recommending that residents be informed of possible spraying with toxic chemicals in their neighborhoods. Vivian reported that Carol Schonbrun spoke with the City Council and her personal problems have been resolved. However, Vivian will phone Carol to see how she perceives the problem at this time and report back to the Commission in July. Vivian will document what has occurred and draft a note. Depending on Carol's response, we can decide on a course of action. We anticipate writing a letter outlining our position, extending thanks to Carol and the City Council for their roles and for coming to a quick solution. Susan would like to have the Council make a resolution about notification of toxic chemical spraying. Terry agrees, but would also like to include thanks for attending to the problem. Returning to the concern about Dial -a -Ride services: the Commission on Disability would like to draft a statement to share with City Council about our perspective. The ADA and state criteria are not necessarily what are best for our community. We would like to make a statement about what criteria we feel are most critical for our para-transit services and clarification on the certification process. With our recommendations, we will also express our regrets about the changes in the services and our perspective for returning to a service that enhances the quality of life for those in need. Susan has a copy of the criteria she would like reviewed. Bev requests clarification about the process. Susan will request this information. Updating Community Access Advisory Board script for the Power Point will be done on Saturday, June 23rd, at 10:00 at Starry Night by Rob, Vivian, and Mary Elizabeth. Bev would like a paper copy mailed to her. OTHER NEW BUSINESS: Mayor's Award Committee for presentation of awards during October (National Disability Month needs to be created. This entails creating a brochure, organizing a luncheon, reviewing nominations, and introducing award winners at the Award Reception. Awardees will be determined on the first Tuesday of October and Awards presented by the Mayor on the 3rd Tuesday in October. Commission on Disability plaques will be created for the Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award, the Employer of the Year, the Service Provider of the Year, and the Spirit of Fort Collins Award. (See attached flier for award descriptions.) Mayor's Awards Sub -Committee for 2007 will be Steve, Vivian, Rob, and Mary Elizabeth. They will meet July 26th at City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 2:00.