HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 02/14/2008s
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY MEETING MINUTES
February 14, 2008
Fort Collins City Hall: Council Information Center: 12:15 p.m.
Members Present: Terry Schlicting, Beverly Hageseth, Vivian
Armendariz, Mary Elizabeth Lenahan, Harry Meyer, Laura Burnett,
Mare Franklin-Gaumer, Jason Holland
Absent: Kimberlee Imig, Lydia Wiatrowski
City Liaisons: Bruce Byrne, Jenna Stieben
Guests: Beth Sowder (Neighborhood Services), Marcus Haveluck-Dee,
Dennis Harrison (Chief of Police)
1. Call to Order: 12:20 by Chair Terry Schlicting.
2. Approval of Minutes: Minutes were not reviewed.
Updated Commission on Disability member list, fliers about the
upcoming forum March ls`, and January minutes were passed out.
3. Introductions
New members introduced themselves: Mare Franklin-Gaumer and Jason
Holland. Harry suggested name tents until we all know each other.
New member Alva Vineyard was not present.
4. Open Discussion General Public
Guest Dennis Harrison, Chief of Police, joined the COD today to
clarify use of wheelchairs in bike/pedestrian lanes and to answer COD
questions. He has researched the issue and there have been no citations
for persons in wheelchairs in bike lanes in "a long time". To his
knowledge, the FC Police to not cite or summons persons in
wheelchairs.
He is familiar with the strict law from the State about wheelchairs
sharing the road on the shoulder. In Old Town, the streets are congested
and compression, visibility, and safety (especially when the roads are
not cleared) are problems. In the rest of the city, generally wheelchairs
may share the road. However, truly this is a dangerous situation, where
even persons in recumbent bicycles with flagging are not always visible.
Granted when the sidewalks are too narrow or discontinued, a person in
a wheelchair has no other choice.
Police Chief Harrison therefore requests:
1. Persons in wheelchairs use the sidewalks as possible.
2. We consider safety first.
3. The police staff use understanding of issues for persons with
disabilities, with wheelchairs, or with ambulatory devices who are
using bike lanes.
Terry brought up the issue of cars exiting alleyways and suggested
the use of mirrors. Dennis will talk with the appropriate personnel about
mirrors and signage at alley exits. He has concerns about vandalism
with mirrors and sign pollution. DDA owns Old Town Square and may
be responsible. Mare requested signage for caution. Dennis reports
these concerns are as great or greater for the community of bicyclists.
Vivian feels safer going against traffic. Dennis referred to the statute.
When there is no sidewalk or shoulder, pedestrians or those traveling in
a wheelchair shall travel on the outside edge on the left side facing
traffic.
Vivian reported problems on east Vine since traffic travels fast.
Mark suggested speed bumps or road markings to avoid extra signage.
Dennis does not believe speed bumps would be approved since the cost
is prohibitive; road markings would be preferable.
The issue of drivers "multi -tasking" while driving was discussed. It
is not likely that using cell phones while driving will be banned.
For crossing streets, since College Avenue is a state highway, Fort
Collins follows the state law: if a pedestrian is on one side of the midline
v
of the road, traffic on that side must stop, but traffic on the other side of
the midline does not need to stop. This differs from the standard that if a
person is in a crosswalk lawfully, then traffic would have to stop both
ways.
Generally, inattention is a huge problem and the biggest killer
nationwide. Harrison advocates for "Yield to Pedestrians" education
and suggests that we all be "defensive pedestrians." Mary Elizabeth
noted that Bike Fort Collins will include education programs and shared
signage.
Terry noted that tinted windows reduce a pedestrian's chance to make
eye contact for safe crossings.
Fort Collins police are interested and willing to consult and commit to
working with the COD on these issues. Harrison suggested that Vivian
contribute her ideas and do a series on awareness.
Terry asked whether persons in electric wheelchairs are considered a
pedestrian or a motorized vehicle. Dennis answered that they have
rights as pedestrians even though the chair is motorized due to the size
of the motor and no greater speed that 36 mph. However, a person in a
wheelchair can cross in a crosswalk, whereas bikes cannot. Bicyclists
should dismount and walk the bikes.
Bev noted that we should keep in mind that driving is a privilege, not
a right. When on the streets, having flashing lights, LED's, reflectors,
and/or lighted belts on the wheelchair would improve visibility. These
are available at bike shops and through the National Safety Council.
Bruce is aware of greatly improved LED lights. These devices would
encourage drivers to look down rather than simply at the eye level of the
windshield.
Thank you to Police Chief Harrison for his very helpful visit.
Guest Beth Sowder, Neighborhood Services joined us to talk about
snow removal and contacts for non-compliance for snow removal. For
sidewalks in city limits, please phone the Nuisance Hotline at 416-2200.
Personnel at the hotline can ascertain who is responsible for clearing and
communicate with them. Beth can provide the COD with magnets with
the phone number. This phone line is answered from 8:00 to 5:00
weekdays.
Terry asked about the "order" for clearing bus stops, streets, etc.
Beth said that curb cuts in residential areas are enforced after a 24-hour
period and will send notices whether the area of concern is a business or
a residence.
Vivian questioned the protocol for repeat offenders. Beth replied that
in the city streets, etc. must be cleared within a 24-hour period. If not,
first a courtesy note is sent. Then, if not cleared, a private contractor is
hired and the property owner billed a fee plus the cost of clearing.
Thirdly, a civil citation with a $100 fee can be made. Any more than
two instances in a year equals a repeat offender.
Mare noted that having clear guidelines for snow removal is valuable
and important. Beth stated that the law is that sidewalks within city
limits (not the UGA) need to be "free & clear of snow and ice" and
suggested that even ice blocks be reported. Harry shared that ice melt
lasts through many cycles.
Beth also encouraged citizens to register with the Adopt -a -Neighbor
program for assistance or as a volunteer. This service is available within
city limits. Call 224-6046 to enroll. Currently the program has 68
matches within the city. Services include fall leaf clean-up as well as
snow removal and gutter clearing for persons with disabilities and the
elderly.
Thank you to Beth for her valuable information.
5. New Business
City Liaison Bruce noted that there is a new COD letterhead with the
city's new logo. This includes Jenna's phone and fax (221-6610 and
221-6534). He and we will greatly appreciate Jenna's help.
Ta %Anz"I
Also, Taa&y Gilmore and Darin Atteberry will need the meeting
room on Thursday, June 12ffi. The COD agreed that we could meet that
day at 117 North Mason. This change of location will be posted on
public bulletin boards.
Also, mandatory training for board and commission members is
scheduled for February 27`h, 1:00 to 4:00. All members should have
received a letter.
Review of Mason Street Corridor information was postponed until
the March meeting.
6. Old Business:
"Reducing Barriers and Changing Attitudes" forum will be held at
the Fort Collins Public Library, Ben Delatour Room, Saturday, March 1,
2:00 to 4:00. Ideally this is the start of an awareness campaign with
topics pertaining to persons in wheelchairs and a disability rights forum.
Story for the Coloradoan with Neighborhood Services Rick Kopp is
not ready yet according to Vivian.
7. Sub -Committee Reports
No progress to report on the Community Access Power Point and
brochure.
8. Community News and Updates
Mary Elizabeth brought a copy of the news coverage about the access
issues during snowy weather that Bob Overbeck, Krfc, aired February
7`'. COD thanks him for covering this story on his program. He
included comments from an interview with Terry and from Vivian's
presentation at City Council in January. A copy was given to Historian
Vivian for our records. Members listened to the sound track at the end
of the meeting.
Mare asked how the COD will keep connected with the police
regarding information shared today by Dennis Harrison. Terry said we
could re -connect within one to two months to see how things have
proceeded and that he will e-mail and let the members know how things
are going before the next meeting. He may prepare a list of what the
regulations are. Harry wanted to know what the law for exiting alleys is.
Bruce noted that mirrors might not be enforceable in all locations and
that alleys should be right-of-way. Jason considers this to be a respect
issue and that this is a recurring message for the COD to deliver within
the community. This message would include rules of the road, respect
for pedestrians, concern with inattention issues, and community
responsibility.
9. Adjourn: Laura motioned that the meeting be adjourned and Bev
seconded. Meeting adjourned at 1:57
TOPICS FOR MARCH AGENDA:
MINUTES: Review and approve January and February minutes.
NEW BUSINESS: Mason Street Corridor
OLD BUSINESS: Coloradoan article
SUB -COMMITTEE: Community Access Power Point i