HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 9/27/2016 - Memorandum From Terry Schlicting, Commission On Disability, Re: Cod Recommendations For The 2017-2018 City BudgetCity Clerk
300 LaPorte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
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DATE: September 22, 2016
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
FROM: Terry Schlicting, Chair Commission on Disability
RE: COD Recommendations for the 2017-2018 City Budget
On behalf of the Fort Collins Commission on Disability, we advocate for increased access to
public transportation for community members with disabilities. As a commission, we would like
to offer our input and support for the continued and expedited process of updating bus stops
and sidewalks to ADA standards to increase equal access and mobility for individuals with
disabilities. We would also like to express strong support for the funding of TransFort to be able
to provide service on Sundays.
The particular budget offers from the 2017-2018 City Manager Recommended Budget include:
Transportation Offers:
1.7 – ENHANCEMENT: Community Capital Improvement Program – Pedestrian
Sidewalk/ADA
60.10 – KFCG ENHANCEMENT: ADA-Safe Routes to Everywhere Compliance (1.0 FTE)
67.6 – Transfort Capital Repair and Replacement including CCIP Bus Replacement & Bus
Stop Improvements
67.11 – KFCG ENHANCEMENT: Transfort Sunday Service and 7.5 FTE Support Staff for
the Service
With the funding of these budget offers, it will allow the City of Fort Collins to update all
sidewalks and bus stops to ADA standards in approximately 9 years. With some additional
funding from federal and other public sources, Fort Collins can become a fully inclusive
community for underrepresented populations, specifically those with disabilities. We at the
COD strongly encourage members of council and other concerning entities to make the
maintenance and federal code compliance of public transportation a priority. We at the COD
strongly encourage members of council to make Sunday Service a priority in funding for this
budget cycle, as it currently lies just below the recommended budget offers. The absence of
Sunday service prohibits populations who rely on public transportation from participating or
carrying out activities vital to their ability to live independently as a contributing member of the
Fort Collins Community. An inclusive community not only benefits underrepresented
populations, but offers economic and social opportunities for all. With proactive community
and council support, Fort Collins can be a leading example that promotes inclusion and
participation as a vital component of a “Choice City.”