HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 08/14/19900
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COMMISSION ON DISABILITY
Minutes
August 14, 1990 - 1:00 p.m. - CIC Room
MEMBERS PRESENT
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
GUESTS PRESENT:
Mark Fetter
Angela Byrne
Nancy Jackson
Shirley Reichenbach
Roy Beauchamp
Greg Funk
Lori Gehricke
Jeanne Morris
Mike Wilson
Arne Andersen
Heather Heafer
Debra Kaestner
Debbie Zeigler
Jack Murray
The minutes of the July 9, 1990 meeting were unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Snow removal sub -committee report - Shirley, Arne and Debra met two
weeks ago to draft a letter that will go to snow removal
contractors and property managers. A copy of the draft is enclosed
with the minutes. A copy of the brochure that the Street
department published will also be included in the mailing. They
discussed getting the information in the utility bills and putting
out a press release. All of this information can be used as a part
of the proposed seminar that is being planned for service groups
and contractors. Shirley Reichenbach showed slides that she had
taken during the March snow storm, depicting poor snow removal
policies all over town. After the slide show, Mark Fetter said it
would be nice to include slides of those businesses that complied
or write letters to those that helped by keeping accessibility open
during the snow storm. COD agreed that the seminar should include
slides of good examples
Mayor's Awards - The awards will be given on October 2, 1990 at the
Council meeting which starts at 6:30 p.m.. The mayor will sign a
proclamation designating the month of October as National
Disability Employment Awareness month. The Mayor's awards will be
presented and then last year's recipient will present the Dorothy
Lasley Award. There will be an open house in the foyer directly
after the meeting. COD members were reminded to pass out
nomination forms to agencies they work with.
COD Minutes
August 13, 1990
Page 2
Nancy Jackson asked the Commission to approve a letter to the mayor
arising from the council meeting that was held June 5th, regarding
City funding for the accessibility of City owned buildings,
specifically an elevator for City Park Center. The letter was
approved and will be sent.
Old Business Ramp Update - Roy said he took Craig Kitzman out to
look at ramps. Craig got in a wheel chair and found out what the
problems were with different ramp designs.
NEW BUSINESS
ADA Report - Shirley told everyone about her trip to Washington
D.C. to see President Bush sign what is essentially "the
handicapped bill of rights". She highly recommended the city to
visit because everything is accessible. A problem with traveling
in the past had been renting a van with a lift, but she found them
in Washington D.C. for $80/day.
Portable Handicapped Access Ramp - Debra Kaestner explained that
Loren Maxey is storing a portable ramp in his airplane hangar. The
ramp was donated by a stair manufacturer. Loren was asking the
Commission on Disability to be in charge of scheduling and delivery
of the ramp. A regular size pick-up and two strong men are needed
for delivery. The commission thought it was a good idea to make
people aware of its availability but didn't know what they could do
to schedule or help in delivery. It was suggested that Parks and
Recreation, who has access to equipment and men for delivery, or
possibly a private rental agency would want to handle it in
exchange for free publicity. Care -A -Van and Neighbor to Neighbor
were also suggested. Debra will turn this over to Jody Kole.
OTHER BUSINESS
Plan review report - Greg Funk
plans in July: Pizza Hut, 4600 S.
Cunningham; Carpet Exchange, 5000
Building, Lemay and Harmony.
reported reviewing the following
Mason; Willow Grove, Shields and
S. College; and Oakridge Medical
Plans reviewed in August: Fox Meadows; Steele's at Harmony and
Lemay; Golden Meadows; Beacon Hills, Willox and North College; and
Silverplume; Builders Square, Harmony and Lemay; City of Fort
Collins Utility Services Building, 700 Wood Street; and a three
bedroom single family home that Lori Gehricke submitted.
Lori Gehricke said she is working with Vern Sunset on an accessible
subdivision on north Lemay, east of Andersonville. The cost of a
3 bedroom, 1000 square feet home will be $59,900. The garage is 16
feet wide which allows room for moving around the vehicle, the
kitchen has a larger turning radius and the sink is open under it,
the washer and dryer are in the bathroom with space in between the
COD Minutes
August 13, 1990
Page 3
washer and dryer so that a wheel chair can move in between to reach
the knobs, and an escape door is provided out of the master
bedroom.
Tickler File - Mini Mart - College and Willox, concrete bollards
block the sidewalk. No entry to the building is possible.
281 N. College - Access ramp construction should start in August.
College and Stuart - still waiting to hear about access at this
intersection.
Palmer Plaza - A ramp has been installed from the parking lot in
front of Curtis Mathis.
Items to add to the tickler file
0 1221 E. Elizabeth - no hand rail on the ramp and no
accessibility to any restrooms.
0 1025 Garfield - no access ramp
0 New orthopedic center on Lemay - basement not accessible
0 Larimer County Courthouse - Handicapped parking spaces in the
back, but access is in the front. Elevators are not marked.
Shirley will write to Larimer County to point out the
problems.
Jeanne Morris suggested any comments made should not appear only
negative. The positive things should come through also.
Guest Jack Murray asked how to get around in the snow in a
wheelchair. Shirley told him there is not a way. There aren't
studded snow tires or chains made for wheelchairs. Nancy Jackson
pointed out that there is a program with the Larimer County Humane
Society called PAWS. Dogs are made available for the handicapped.
There is also an organization called CCI - Canine Companions for
Independence. Jack asked about handicapped swimming and exercise
programs through Parks & Recreation. Debra checked with Parks and
Recreation and "Twinges in the Hinges" at EPIC is in the accessible
hot pool, therefore handicapped participants are welcome. Also,
at the Fort Collins Community Pool, Janet Robinson, 221-6657, has
worked with handicapped clients establishing exercise programs.
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley Reichenbach, Chairperson
Debra Kaestner, Staff Liaison
M AFT
August 28, 1990
Name
Company
Address
Dear
The Commission on Disability, an advisory group to the
Fort Collins City Council, needs help from business owners,
property managers and snow removal contractors. Current snow
removal practices in parking lots and at curb access ramps are
inconsistent and create hardships for citizens with mobility
impairments. Unfortunately, many contractors aren't aware of
the problems they can cause. Lack of snow removal or haphazard
plowing, which leaves snow piled in handicapped parking spaces
and/or access routes, prevents equal access to businesses by
all citizens.
Prior to the arrival of Winter weather, snow removal con-
tractors should become familiar with the location of handicap-
ped parking spaces, access routes and ramps within the parking
lots they will be clearing. Handicapped parking spaces are
identifiable by raised signs with the international symbol, or
painted symbols on the asphalt. Snow should be plowed out'of
and away from these areas; they should not be used as a place
to pile ;Mowed snow.
Snow removal efforts should begin w"..ien r1.ry snow reaches a
depth of two inches, or when wet snow is one inch deep. opera-
ting a wheelchair in the snow is extremely difficult, and maneu-
vering a waeelchair on an icy surface is impossible. Accumu-
lated hard -packed snow turns to ice. This can be especially
treacherous to persons with limited ambulatory ability, as they
are already at an increased risk of slipping and falling. Once
the handicapped parking spaces, access routes and ramps have
been cleared of snow, they should be salted or sanded to prevent
the accumulation of ice and to provide better traction.
Businesses whose handicapped parking spaces, access routes
and ramps are clear will benefit by improving customer service
and increasing revenue. operating a business safely during all
weather conditions is vital to the economic stability of any
business. Consistent snow removal practices will increase ease
of access for all, regardless of the presence or absence of
mobility impairments.
The Commission on Disability thanks you for your concern
and cooperation in making the City of Fort Collins accessible
to all people.
Sincerely yours,
Shirley Reichenbach
Chairman
Commission on Disability