HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 02/12/2009Commission on Disability
February 12, 2009
Members Present: Mare Franklin-Gaumer, Bev Hageseth, Michael
Devereaux, Karen Perry, Michelle Miller, Sam Cavallaro, and Terry
Schlicting.
Absent:
City Liaison: Bruce Byrne and Jenna Stieben
Guests: Vivian Armendariz
1. Introductions — No introductions necessary
2. Call to Order 12:25 by Terry Schlicting
3. Approval of Minutes
Bev moved to approve the minutes.
Terry seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
4. Open Discussion General Public & Community News
Topics included:
Fundraiser at Marriott by Ensight: Wednesday, February 18`h for people
without or with limited vision.
5. New Business
Bike Lanes:
Joe Olson, City Traffic Engineer, and Helen Migchelbrink came to solicit
feedback from COD on the topic of wheelchairs in bike lanes. He will send a
copy of the recommendations he will be sharing with the City. Terry
commented that this is really an issue about sidewalks and not about bike
lanes. The sidewalks are often too damaged to safely or comfortably travel
on in a wheelchair. Vivian Armendariz, guest and City Council candidate,
suggested the COD advocate for funding to repair sidewalks. It was also
suggested the COD sponsor or host some type of sensitivity training for the
City of Fort Collins police department to bring awareness about the barriers
people in wheelchairs experience while simply trying to get around the city.
Jenna, City Liaison, suggested the COD create a sub -committee to address
the bike lane issue. Volunteers: Terry, Mare, Mike, Lydia, and Michelle.
Portable Signs:
Tracy Dyer, Construction Engineer, came to discuss city policy on portable
signs in the downtown area. City code prohibits portable signs however, the
Downtown Business Association has argued the issues and thinks signs
should be allowed downtown. DBA believes it creates an economic boost
and vitality.
Proposed Criteria:
- Minimum 7' sidewalk clearance.
- Maximum dimensions 30" x 30" x 60" high
- Sign within 32" of the building front and 2' from curb
- Sign placed within existing patio space
Adhere to aesthetic and stability specifications
Permitted in high volume sidewalk areas only
Revocable permit/insurance required
Enforcement will be provided by one staff member and complaints can be
sent to Tracy.
Parking Enforcement:
Tisha McCrae with the City of Fort Collins Parking Enforcement Program
explained that the Handicap Witness Program Ordinance had been passed
and a training program is in place to train volunteers. There is a waiver for
witnesses to sign and each volunteer is required to go through the training
program. A booklet will also be issued and there is no warning — fines are
$100 and $150 if not paid within 8 days.
6. Old Business
Building Review Board Follow -Up:
Bev received a call from a representative from the City Manager's office to
find out what happened at the Building Review Board meeting. Bev
explained what had occurred and later received a call from Felix Lee who
apologized for disclosing her name and contact information. He is writing a
letter of apology and will copy the mayor.
Subcommittee Meeting to.review cell phone, bike lane, and handicap
parking letters be held Feb. 26`h 12:15pm — 2:OOpm at the CIC.
The COD Annual Report has been completed and submitted.
Meeting Adjourned at 2:03 p.m.