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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2009-08-05DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. August 5, 2009 PRESENT: DAC Chair — Roberts DAC Members: Wendy Skinner David McElrath George Eberhardt Erin Sember Jason Anderson EXCUSED: Vice Chair — Gizewski DAC Member - Kemp DAC Member — Jackson OTHERS PRESENT: Information Management Specialist — Myers FLIC Peer Counselor — Emily Papperman Tompkins County Information and Referral — Ed Swayze Building Commissioner — Radke Director of Information and Technology — Twardokus City Historic Planner and Liaison to DAC - Chatterton Andrew Rapport — HOLT Architect — interested in possibly becoming a DAC Member Leah O'Connor — Assistant Director for Cayuga Heights School after school program, interested in becoming a DAC Member APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the June 3, 2009 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes — Resolution By DAC Member Sember: Seconded by DAC Member Eberhardt RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 3, 2009 Disability Advisory Council meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Anaroval of the 2009 Disabilitv Advisory Council Annual Resort — Resolution By DAC Member Eberhardt: Seconded by DAC Member Sember RESOLVED, That the 2009 Disability Advisory Council Annual Report be approved as published. Carried Unanimously City Historic Planner and Liaison to DAC — Chatterton noted that she felt that the annual report was an excellent account of all the activities of the Disability Advisory Council worked on throughout the past year. DAC Chair Roberts stated that he would present the report to Common Council at their September meeting. He asked the Clerk's office to send the report to Common Council members for their information after today's meeting. DAC Roberts stated that there had been miscommunication between him and Director of Information Technology Twardokus about today's agenda. He will include a report from the IT Department on the agenda for the September meeting. City of Ithaca Building Department's Role in ADA Compliance and Snow and Ice removal: Building Commissioner Phyllis Radke addressed the Council to report on ADA codes. She explained the history of the development of ADA requirements through the 1970's and 1980's and the codes that the Building Department follows in its enforcement of codes for new construction and repairs. She also answered questions from those present and listened to input for ways that the building department can work with the DAC in improving accessibility in the community. DAC Member Sember offered her business card and the services of her office "DBTAC - Northeast" to building department August 5, 2009 staff and the public. Building Commissioner Radke explained that accessibility codes continue to change, as well as building, fire, and housing codes and the demands it puts upon staff to keep up with the changes because of all the other demands placed upon them such as housing and building inspections. She explained that the building department is interested in working with people to help educate them on accessibility requirements as they work on various construction projects to help them understand the requirements. She stated that meeting the various code requirements is expensive and the public is slowly becoming aware and understanding why these requirements are in place, and the staff time that it takes to work with them on various projects. She requested that DAC members forward complaints to her department and explained that each one is logged in, assigned to the appropriate inspector and investigated. She noted that if violations are found, the building department will make every effort to have them corrected. She further explained that she does attend the meetings of the Landlords Association and will continue to as needed to address changes in code and any concerns that arise. DAC Chair Roberts stated that he plans to meet with the Landlords Association as well to talk about accessibility issues. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the enforcement of the Exterior Maintenance Ordinance as it relates to snow and ice removal. Building Commissioner Radke explained the recent change in the ordinance which allows the department to issue tickets one day and notify the City's DPW who will go out and remove the snow and ice the next day if it's not been shoveled. This change has really made a positive improvement in the ability for sidewalks to be used by everyone because the snow and ice has been removed in a timely manner. Updates: Accessibility Map: DAC Chair reported that the DAC has been working on the accessibility map since 1999. He stated that Asst. Civil Engineer Lynne Yost is very interested in creating an interactive City map. He further stated that he would be meeting with Ms. Yost and Andrea Haenlin -Mott, ADA Coordinator - Facilities Management from Cornell University to see how the map could be used and what information to include. He explained that after that the map would come back to the DAC to review and provide input. City Historic Planner and Liaison to DAC — Chatterton asked if the paper accessibility map that had been created would be used as a starting point for this new one. DAC Chair Roberts responded that it would and then he explained what the old map looked like and the information it contained. He further stated that he would invite City Historic Planner and Liaison to DAC — Chatterton to the meeting with Asst. Civil Engineer Yost and Ms. Haenlin -Mott. DAC Member Eberhardt noted that there is a snow fence at Buttermilk Falls Plaza that is blocking the ramp and the need for the elevator at the Comm. School of Music to be accessible as well. Housing Projects — Cliff Street and East State Street: DAC Chair Roberts stated that there are plans in the works for major housing projects on Cliff Street and East State Street. He further stated that he has been talking with Planning and Development Director Cornish about them and the need for accessibility at each one. He stated that he had been informed by the developer of the Cliff Street project that because of the location (steep terrain) it could not comply with ADA requirements. He noted that Director of Planning and Development Cornish is interested in getting a liaison between the DAC and the Planning Board in order to have input during site plan review. Hotel Ithaca: DAC Chair Roberts stated that the entrance to the Hotel Ithaca will be located on Aurora Street, where the TCAT bus stop shelter is located. He explained that the City is in the process of negotiating with TCAT and the developer about the relocation of the bus stop. He further stated that the developer is aware that the DAC would be opposed to a patron pull -off similar to the Hilton Garden Inn on Seneca Street and is working to avoid that situation. August 5, 2009 Handicap Parking: DAC Chair Roberts reported that work on this project has slowed down because the County is currently working on the 2010 budget, but it is still on the table and work will continue on it. Downtown Comprehensive Plan: DAC Chair Roberts stated that the committee working on the downtown comprehensive plan would like input from people with disabilities. He further stated that a public meeting on the plan would be held at Finger Lakes Independence Center in September. He would also like to invite members of the comprehensive plan committee to a future DAC meeting to explain the plan and answer questions and receive input. OLD BUSINESS: DAC Chair Roberts reported that he is working with DAC member David McElrath regarding Titus Towers providing handicap accessible vans for transporting residents. He has spoken with the City Attorney who will do research on requirements that Ithaca Housing Authority must follow regarding the provision of accessible transportation for its residents and report back to the DAC. He also suggested that DAC member McElrath call HUD in Buffalo who oversees the Ithaca Housing Authority about this issue as well. City Historic Planner and Liaison to DAC — Chatterton reported that she had prepared forms for departments to update regarding accessibility issues relating to the Access America Grant. This information will update current information on file from 1995 regarding City facilities and programs. The information will focus on what has been done from 1995 to see what needs to be completed and whether there are new facilities to survey and if there are other needs that should be addressed. She stated that there are some different grant monies available, in addition to the Access America grant that could be used to fund the improvements. She stated that she has prepared a cover letter to departments that will be signed by both the Mayor and DAC Chair Roberts regarding the forms and will distribute both shortly after August 27tH FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: DAC Chair Roberts noted the following future agenda items: Report on the Information Technology Department from Director Duane Twardokus Update on Stewart Park Plans from Rick Manning Designated handicap parking spaces and enforcement by the Police Department from Chief Vallely Chair Roberts noted the newly installed handicap entrance at City Hall and stated that he likes it and appreciates the work the City has done regarding accessibility at City Hall. DAC Member McElrath stated that additional street lights are needed on Wood Street and noted that there is a sidewalk on only one side of the street. DAC Chair Roberts stated that he raised that issue during discussions of moving the GIAC basketball program to the Wood Street Park and safety concerns. DAC Chair Roberts stated that he would invite staff from Streets and Facilities to a future meeting to talk about street lighting needs throughout the city. DAC Chair Roberts noted that the City has done a lot of work on sidewalk improvements including working with merchants to install all new sidewalks along Route 13 which has been a big improvement for pedestrians. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Larry Roberts Information Management Specialist Chair, DAC V