HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 - Commission On Disability - Annual ReportCommission On Disability
2009 Annual Report
This year we had no member turnover on the COD. Our 2009 board consisted of Terry Schlicting,
Michael Devereaux, Mare Franklin‐Gaumer, Beverly Hageseth, Michelle Miller, Sam Cavallaro, Kalin
Logan, Karen Perry, and Carrie Rogers.
The COD spearheaded an effort to legalize the use of bike lanes by people in wheelchairs when
sidewalks are unavailable for use. The COD working with City Traffic Engineer, Joe Olsen and Steve Roy,
City Attorney developed a draft regarding bike lane usage that both met the needs of community
members who use wheelchairs as well as addressed the safety concerns that were raised by council
members. The ordinance was passed by the City Council unanimously. This was a process that took over
a year to be recognized. Michael Devereaux attended many City Council meetings and spoke on behalf
of this ordinance.
Jennifer Petrik, Project Manager of the North College renovation project, regularly consulted with the
COD regarding the improvements that are to be made. She also provided a power point presentation of
improvements of streets and appearance of the north college area. COD members preferred option two,
which provides a bike lane on the street and an eight foot multi‐use path.
Mary Warring from the Front Range Metropolitan Planning office shared a slide presentation on how
her office is addressing the mobility needs of the Northern Front Range. She oversees a Mobility
Commission that has subcommittees addressing the mobility needs of economically disadvantaged
individuals, with those who have disabilities as their focal point. COD member Michelle Miller co‐chairs
this commission.
Ann Aspen and Paul Mills gave a presentation in order to get the COD’s input on the Alley Master Plan
Project. This is a project to renovate specific alleyways in the old town area to make these corridors
pedestrian friendly. COD gave their approval but asked that cobblestone not be used as a surface.
The COD continues to work towards a compromise to the discontinuation of Transfort route 18 which
provided service to EPIC. Currently patrons of EPIC must climb a steep hill in order to use the facility and
this presents a problem for many members of the community. EPIC is a facility that was designed with
the intention that programs for people with disabilities could be accessed.
This year’s Mayor’s awards were presented to:
Service provider of the year‐ Front Range Exceptional Equestrians
Spirit of Fort Collins‐ Rohan William Goel
Volunteer of the year‐ Linda Free
Dorothy Lasley Memorial Award‐ Carmella McDuff
Employer of the year‐ Petco Fort Collins Mary Preston‐Smith, General Manager
Employee of the year‐ Ed Peterson ATG Rehab
The COD completed the 2010 work plan in November 2009.
Future projects for the upcoming year include, resolution to the Transfort route 18 accessibility to EPIC
issue. The COD also wishes to restart the Practical Housing for All Program. This is a program originally
started by Mark Beck former COD chair in which the COD worked with local builders to make more new
homes accessible to buyers with disabilities.