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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommission On Disability - Minutes - 06/20/1994COMMISSION ON DISABILITY MEETING JUNE 20, 1994 2:30 - 5:00 Members Present: Steve Annear Roy Beauchamp Judith Sayre Grim Debbie Kahn Rita McGill Diane Rehner Ray Sanderson Bob Willmot Staff Present: Pete Dallow Andrea Rieger Members Absent: Arne Andersen Angela Byrne Shirley Reichenbach 1. ADA training: ADA training for City employees and interested community members is scheduled for August 10 and October 5 in the Columbine room of the Lincoln Center. Within three years most City (1000) employees will have attended. Internal policies/procedures (ADA grievance procedure) will be included in the training. COD members are invited to attend. In addition, if COD members are willing to answer questions during the ADA training, it would be helpful. Please call Employee Development (221- 6535) to register and Suzanne Jarboe -Simpson at 221-6821 with questions, concerns. 2. Recreational Possibilities for People with Disabilities: This coalition asked the COD to send a letter to City Council in support of the proposed therapeutic recreation specialist position. COD concurred, and a letter will be sent. This position has been proposed by the Recreation Division, and was discussed by Council at the first budget worksession on June 14. 3. Disabled Parking Enforcement Program: The Police Department has put together a program whereby employees of specific businesses and community volunteers will be empowered to take down information on illegally parked cars. They would call this information into the Police Department and the Police Department would send a ticket out to violators. The Commission expressed concern that the volunteers may not receive training that is extensive or through enough - especially with regard to conflict management. The kick-off for this program will be in approximately two weeks. A P.R. event will be held at Steeles. Andrea will call COD members with the date and time, as this information becomes available. The Police Department is asking that COD members be present to support the program, and discuss the program with the media. A letter is to be sent to the Council stating how important this program is, and that volunteers be appropriately trained. 4. Parking Fines: COD to send a letter to Dan Martin (City prosecutor) and Kathy Allin (municipal judge) asking that the fine for parking in a disabled spot be raised to $50. Pete reported that Judge Allin has the authority to raise fines if there is evidence that suggests that our fines are too low. Currently, the fine is $25 unless it is not paid within seven days or unless it is appealed. 5. Snow Removal: Bob proposed that an ordinance be drafted making it illegal to pile snow in handicapped parking spaces. Pete suggested that we ask the attorneys to do some research on this issue. Also - we will invite Rich Kopp (Streets Department) to our July meeting to discuss snow removal procedures. 6. Diane handed out a proposal whereby volunteers would actually perform snow removal required under City code. Property owners would then be billed for this service and a portion of the proceeds would be put into a "Fort Collins Access Fund" for sidewalk repair and wheelchair accessible bus -stops. Rich Kopp may be able to provide feedback on this proposal in July. 7. Police Dispatch: Bob Willmot suggested that Police Dispatch include information about mobility impairment or special needs into the enhanced 911-system. Pete discussed this with Police Dispatch. The enhanced 911 system the City uses is a U.S. West system, and there is not room physically (on the screen) for this information. However, the City's internal data- base may be able to accommodate this information. We will invite Debbie Telez to our July meeting to more fully explain the City's system. 8. Rose Tree Development Appeal: It turns out that the building standards would have resulted in 1 - 1/2 baths being accessible. The Building Review Board granted a variance on the "inch" requirements so that all bathroom space (2 baths) became accessible and a shower was added - the intent was to improve accessibility. COD executive committee decided not to appeal. 9. Updated copies of the workplan were distributed. Diane and Rita will meet on the New West Fest event. A preliminary decision from the City Attorney's office indicates that we will be able to send letters to businesses complimenting them on the accessibility efforts and letting them know if the Commission has received a complaint. Andrea will bring back an approved procedure and sample letters in July. Adjourned: 5:00 PROPOSED PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING ACCESSIBILITY LETTERS A. ACCESSIBILITY CONCERN I. When a complaint is received because accessibility is lacking at a place of business, at least one (or more) COD member will look into the matter as soon as possible by- ,% Calling the complainant and asking for more information. %f Visiting the site to assess the situation. 2. At that point, the commission may send a letter to the business involved generally stating: �! That the commission has received a complaint (describe complaint) without mentioning the complainant's name (unless prior consent is given). �! That this is not a legal opinion, and the COD does not have jurisdiction over these matters. f However, because the business is a responsible member of the community, the COD would like to bring this matter to their attention. �( A contact name for questions is included. 3. Important points to remember: �i No opinion will be given, either in the letter or by phone, on to whether the situation is in compliance or not in compliance with ADA, ANSI standards, Building Codes, etc. �! Letters are sent on accessibility issues only, not on employee behavior. %f The complainant's name is not included in the letter sent, however we will release the name if requested. �f The COD has no enforcement role or power - just a sincere interest in letting the business know that a customer was/is unhappy with the accessibility. B. ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIMENTS - 1. When a compliment is received because of an outstanding job on accessibility, at least one (or more) COD member can look into the matter by - Calling the citizen who delivered the compliment and asking for more information. Visiting the site to assess the situation. Alternatively - COD members may also notice a business that is doing a good job with accessibility issues. 2. At that point, the Commission may send a letter to the business involved stating: .\! That the commission has received a compliment on their business (describe compliment). The this is not a legal opinion, and that the COD does not have jurisdiction over these matters. f However, the CUD has noticed and appreciates their responsiveness to issues of the disabled community. �( A contact name for questions is included. 3. Important points to remember: �( No opinion will be given, either in the letter or by phone, on to whether the situation is in compliance or not in compliance with ADA, ANSI standards, Building Codes, etc. Letters are sent on accessibility issues only, not on employee behavior. SAMPLE LETTER - ACCESSIBILITY COMPLAINT (date) (business name) (address) Dear (business owner or manager) The City of Fort Collins Commission on Disability has received a (letter/phone call) from a concerned citizen which mentions that (business name) is not fully accessible to disabled clientele. Specifically, the citizen has stated that (describe complaint). We sincerely believe that (business name) is an important part of our community. We believe that as a responsible and respected business (owner/manager), you would want to hear of any customer concerns. Therefore, we feel that it is appropriate to call your attention to this matter. We hope that you will take this issue under consideration, and utilize available resources to improve this situation. As you may know, the Commission on Disability is an eleven -member citizen board appointed by City Council to assist Council and City staff on issues affecting the disabled community. Part of our charge under City Code is: "To serve as an ombudsman between city departments, the private business sector and the community of handicapped citizens." This letter does not constitute a legal opinion, nor does the Commission have jurisdiction or authority to require you to make any modifications. Please do not hesitate to contact (name of commission member) at (phone) with any questions you may have. Sincerely, Shirley Reichenbach Commission on Disability Chairperson SAMPLE LETTER - ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIMENT (date) (business name) (address) Dear (business owner or manager) The City of Fort Collins Commission on Disability would like to thank you for your efforts in making (business name) accessible to disabled clientele. Specifically, (we have/a citizen has) noticed that (describe outstanding effort). We sincerely believe that (business name) is an important part of our community. We applaud your efforts as (a business/business owner/business manager), for serving the disabled members of Fort Collins. As you may know, the Commission on Disability is an eleven -member citizen board appointed by City Council to assist Council and City staff on issues affecting the disabled community. Part of our charge under City Code is: "To serve as an ombudsman between city departments, the private business sector and the community of handicapped citizens." Please contact (member name/phone) with any comments or questions. Thank you again. Sincerely, Shirley Reichenbach Commission on Disability Chairperson June 22, 1994 TO: Commission on Disabilities FR: Patrick T. KellyA4_� RE: Handicapped Parking Program The handicapped parking program is progressing well. The forms are being printed now and as soon as they're done we'll be ready to have a press conference to announce the pro- gram. A press release will be sent to all news organizations in the area and I'm assuming Channel 14 will want something on camera. I'm planning on doing that part at Steele's so they can get some publicity for helping us initiate this program. I think it would be most appropriate if members of the Commission on Disabilities could participate in the press conference. Unfortunately, it's the nature of television to have one or two "talking heads" so the participation would be limited. The Commission on Disabilities could assist us in two other areas. The first is getting other businesses to assist us in enforcing the handicapped parking. I would like to see all the supermarkets and major discount stores participating. I think it could be very helpful is the members of the commission could contact these businesses to gain their support and participation. I also think it would help the program be successful if the City would provide signs, at no expense to the stores, which say. "Handicapped Parking Enforced by Store Employees." This would alert customers that they can file a complaint with the store and it would alert potential violators that they're likely to get a summons. I would like to stress that the greatest measure of success with this program is not the num- ber of tickets issued. That means, in a sense, that we've failed. The real measure of success will be if the community members with mobility handicaps can go shopping during the Christmas season and park reasonably conveniently. I do sincerely appreciate you assistance with this program. Georgette Wallace had worked on it quite diligently for months and it was your interest that helped get it moving. Thank you. Commissions City of Fort Collins MEMORANDUM DATE: June 27, 1994 TO: The Honorable Mayor and Council Members FROM: Shirley Reichenbach, Commission on Disability Chairperson Commission Members RE: Budget Proposal for a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist The Commission on Disability recommends that Council support the proposal for a full-time therapeutic recreation specialist. Such a position would make the city's recreation programs more accessible to members of the disabled community. A citizen's coalition, Recreational PossABILITIES for People with DISABILITIES, has approached both the Parks and Recreation Board and the recreation staff, and requested that such a position be funded. The Parks and Recreation Board concurred with this recommendation, and we understand that recreation staff proposes to fill this position in 1995 if Council approves the funding. The Commission on Disability has also talked with this citizen's coalition, and we concur that such a position is needed at the city. Recreational opportunities contribute to everyone's quality of life. New skills are learned in these programs, and new friends and acquaintances are made. This is a chance for Council to demonstrate it's commitment to all of it's citizens. We ask that you approve the 1995 funding for a therapeutic recreation specialist. cc: Steve Burkett, City Manager Diane Jones, Deputy City Manager Jean Helburg, Recreation Manager 300 Lal'ortc Avenue I'.O. 13m 580 Port Collins, CO ROS2?II,tiO (3113) "Lh S(lll Boards ai. Commissions City of Fort Collins MEMORANDUM DATE: June 27, 1994 TO: The Honorable Mayor and Council Members FROM: Shirley Reichenbach, Commission on Disability Chairperson Commission Members RE: Disabled Parking Enforcement In your June 14 budget worksession materials, there was a brief description of a pilot program entitled "Parking Enforcement for the Disabled". This pilot program has been developed by the Police Department to enforce disabled parking. While no budget request has been made to fund this program, we would like to again call your attention to this program and emphasize that this program deserves your support. Briefly, volunteers from the disabled and business community will be utilized to identify and document vehicles unlawfully parked in designated disabled parking spaces. These volunteers will record information about the illegally parked vehicles, and place a violation notice on the vehicle. The volunteer will call the information on the vehicle in to the Police Department, and the Police Department will mail a parking summons to the vehicles' owner. This program is long overdue, and we would like to commend the Police Department for establishing this pilot program. While adjustments may need to be made to the program after the pilot phase, it is vital That this program be continued long-term. We believe that one of the elements which will make this successful or unsuccessful is the quality of training that the volunteers receive. Thank you for your attention to and support of this program. cc: Pat Kelly, Lieutenant Georgette Wallace, Records Management Assistant Rita Davis, Transportation Planner I 300 I.al'orty AvellLIC • P.O. BOX 580 • Pert Collin., CO 80522-0_,F;O ^ f.+U3) 11-;,-,,00 BoarCend Coniniissions • City of Fort Collins MEMORANDUM DATE: June 27, 1994 TO: Kathleen Atlin, Municipal Judge Dan Martin, Municipal Court Prosecutor FROM: Shirley Reichenbach, Commission on Disability Chairperson Commission Members RE: Disabled Parking Fines We understand that the fine for parking illegally in a designated disabled parking space is currently $25, and that this fine increases to $50 if the ticket is not paid within seven days or appealed in seven days. The Commission on Disability recommends that the initial fine be raised to $50, with an additional charge after seven days, if appropriate. At this level the fines become an effective deterrent to illegal parking. In addition, we believe that a $50 fine is more in line with other municipalities. Please consider our recommendation, and let us know if you will be able to take action on this recommendation. If you would like to further discuss this issue with the Commission we meet the third Monday of every month from 2:30 - 5:00 in the Council Information Chambers. You can also contact our staff liaison, Pete Dallow, at 221-6797 with questions. Thank you in advance. We look forward to hearing from you. cc: Police Department Transportation 300 LaPurlc Avenua • P.(). Bus iSU • I urL C "Hins, C'l) -- I ;U.iI -:_' I otiigl •�g�, { ., Disabled want in on Fort Collins fun PLAY TIME: Sandy Scott pulls her son Zachary, Park because, according to Sandy Scott, it's the 2, up a playground ramp in his wheelchair, and only one in Fort Collins that allows youngsters in little brother Taylor, 1, follows behind. The Scotts wheelchairs to actually use some of the play - regularly use the playground at Rolland Moore ground equipment. Group seeks city action By TONY EAUINDRAN - The Coloradoan A coalition of Fort Collins parents whose children have disabilities are challenging city officials to open the doors wider to recreation op- portunities. "People with disabilities need friends, they need rela- tionships and they just want to go out and have fun like everybody else," said resi- dent Pat Lukens, whose 4- year-old daughter is dis- abled. "Right now, that's not possible." Lukens is among 20 people in the grass -roots coalition, Recreation PossABILITIES for People with''Dis- ABILITIES, who have been talking to members of the city's advisory boards about how Fort Collins can be more accessible to disabled residents in its program- ming. "I.. thought it was going to be a fist -pounding thing with the city," Lukens said Mon- day. "It isn't turning out that way." Jean Helburg, the city's recreation manager, agreed that there is a gap in train- ing among the city's staff. "We really don't have any expertise on our staff to un- derstand" how to deal with people and their various dis- abilities, she said. The coalition has devel- opedfour goals they want the city to fulfill: ■ Hire a certified thera- peutic recreation specialist, a See COAUTION, Page AS )= =Do©oA 100400 Del 11000006 00GO Doi f00000(3 J000 & 0 4 000 )COOJ04 IC�0C®0® 049� 004) 104D'OJ•4 IJ0eC000 )oV'DJ11 Ili00006 >G>cGo'3 tiQ�p Xkacm�°a ordw-a A0!s 0 ci > C �' p v w 3 w o E'^ wy 4 O0 tMtl'17 C1.A�mO•°•wUActl O 03°W y0 k-0 Q0 " 0. d ' o 3 ai dU O r°..w,rC7 A,0 w 3 m y ca c Y S OD M �yi y. , O w m m o j 04 U 0° m A W 4 aw.+ C w y !' 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C Oqu'F' ov cC� cYi��w qmC CQ�_.'w .0 W m8'u8 tm. p•mA 3Aw E.A., c�;ec YYOmyOa ygCmy cm°F mr °C306 mtoC^Ywwo �0.l"cmcojim �',� "u �UwacmUr.m. Caawfar d.c a cwE w cb.0 c 'm ... bb �'o v �p o°i C w� ami q a5i 0.b c. °g •mA 09N CyA S♦>,��°'mo�Yo��'�^.+A'•em.�i6�.70cmoE�rn�ydiad m cu 0k0. .oak ��wu.° m ko oa AfaE0.toa 4 := JOC J Del �10l90, Del oo:.N Do® YC.E 04; 00 v • ZiJ J o D` 1:,r•`1; o 4 ..), J o 0 o MQ'CC;C.)a7JOB City of Fort Collins June 22, 1994 Ray Sanderson 300 Remington #1102 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Dear Ray: Your willingness to serve the community on the Commission on Disability is commendable, and it is our pleasure to announce your reappointment. The expiration date of your new term is July 1, 1998. Working with other interested citizens presents you with a unique opportunity. Through your individual and collective efforts, we can make Fort Collins an even better community. It is your responsibility to always be aware that you now represent thousands of people. Serving the best interests -of the entire community is a major challenge and obligation. Your contributions may not receive the recognition they really deserve; however, be assured the City Council sincerely appreciates your interest and the commitment of time and effort you are making. Mayor cc: Andrea Rieger 300 LaPorte Avenue I'.O. 130� 580 • F-ort Collins, CO 8(1522-0580 • (303) 221-6,�()S • I':AX (303) 221-6329 City of Fort Collins June 22, 1994 Theodore Tsai 4816 Regency Drive Fort Collins, CO 80526 Dear Mr. Tsai: Your willingness to serve the community on the Commission on Disability is commendable, and it is our pleasure to announce your appointment. The expiration date of your term is July 1, 1998. Working with other interested citizens presents you with a unique opportunity. Through your individual and collective efforts, we can make Fort Collins an even better community. It is your responsibility to always be aware that you now represent thousands of people. Serving the best interests of the entire community is a major challenge and obligation. Your contributions may not receive the recognition they really deserve;. however, be assured the City Council sincerely appreciates your interest and the commitment of time and effort you are making. Mayor cc: Andrea Rieger 300 LaPorte Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 • (303) 221-6505 • FAX (303) 221-6329 Arne Andersen 1617 Wagon Tongue Court Ft. Collins, CO 80521 Steve Annear 1437 Terryton Ft. Collins, CO 80525 Roy Beauchamp P.O. Box 703 Ft. Collins, CO 80522-0703 Angela Byrne Oakbrook 11 3300 Standford Road Fort Collins, CO 80525 Debra Ann Kalin 1432 Meeker Drive Ft. Collins, CO 80524 Rita McGill 849 Marble Ft. Collins, CO 80526 Diane Rehner 308 Smith Street Fort Collins,CO 80524 Shirley Reichenbach 1313 Glen Haven Drive Ft. Collins, CO 80526 Ray Sanderson 300 Remington, #1102 Ft. Collins, CO 80524 Theodore Tsai 4816 Regency Drive Ft. Collins, CO 80526 Robert Willmot 2931 Mercy Drive Ft. Collins, CO 80526 H: 484-9451 I May 6, 1986 I July 1, 1995 W: 484-1984 H: 229-0308 September 15, 1992 July 1, 1995 W: 484-7131 H: 224-2735 July 19, 1988 July 1, 1996 H: 229-9341 1 June 12, 1990 H: 482-2761 W: 229-3344 H: 225-2104 W:1-352-4404 November 5, 1991 June 15, 1993 July 1, 1997 July 1, 1996 July 1, 1997 H: 484-6591 June 15, 1993 July 1, 1997 W: 484-6591 H: 223-2240 September 15, 1987 July 1, 1997 H: 493-9340 W: 482-2700 H: 223-9332 W: 221-6407 November 5, 1991 1 July 1, 1994 July 1, 1994 H: 225-3850 1 July 1, 1991 Staff Support: Pete Dallow, Director of Administrative Services, 221-6797 Andrea Rieger, Assistant to the Director, 221-6796 Council Liaison: Alan Apt July 1, 1998 July 1, 1995