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Home My WebLink AboutMN-DAC-2010-09-01DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. September 1, 2010 PRESENT: DAC Chair — Roberts DAC Members: Andrew Rappaport Alderperson Rooker Information Management Specialist — Myers OTHERS PRESENT: Danielle Conte, from Tompkins County Office for the Aging Megan Gilbert, City Planner EXCUSED: DAC Vice Chair - Gizewski David McElrath Erin Sember George Eberhardt Otis Jackson Jason Anderson Allen Walters Siobhan Whalen APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the August 4, 2010 Disability Advisory Council Meetinq Minutes — Resolution There being no quorum for today's meeting, approval of the August 4t" minutes was postponed until the October 6, 2010 Disability Advisory Council meeting. Updates: Handicap Parking Education: Chair Roberts distributed the following wording for a public service announcement about handicap parking enforcement that will be used on the different campuses in the area: 'INITIAL HANDICAPPED PARKING PSA :60 Stop. Think. Don't. It's the law. This is Stop and think about it. That handicapped parking space posted with the familiar blue sign may be tempting ... but DON'T use it. Your use of that space ... even for just a minute... prevents its use by someone who needs it ... and who is entitled to it by law. People with disabilities have these parking privileges so they can obtain the goods and services they need, . It's not just the right thing. It's the law. In Tompkins County, we're committed to protecting parking for people with disabilities. If you're caught parking in a handicapped space, you will be ticketed ... and even your first offense will cost you a $100 fine in the City of Ithaca. Do what's required ... and what's right. Protect handicapped parking. A message from Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca Disability Advisory Council. For more information, call ? ? ? ? ? ? ?? or visit ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?" September 1, 2010 Chair Roberts noted that he and Marcia Lynch are wondering whether or not the word "handicap" should be used in these announcements. They are thinking that perhaps the word "accessible" or "designated" parking might be better. He asked those present what they thought about wording, and noted that he would talk with Marcia Lynch again as well. Ms. Conte suggested stating the following in the announcement: "Handicap parking, now known as accessible parking" and just use the word accessible throughout the rest of the announcement. Accessibility Map: Chair Roberts reported that he would be meeting with City Clerk Holcomb, and Vicki Taylor from the Downtown Ithaca Alliance today to review the map, and then they want to work with the DAC on it. Clinton Hall Chair Roberts noted that he would check with Historic Planner and DAC Liaison Leslie Chatterton when she returns from vacation to see whether or not she has been able to meet with the owner of the Clinton Hall to discuss some of the concerns raised by the DAC. Table Heights: Chair Roberts reported that DAC Member Jason Anderson met with Frost Travis, owner of Center Ithaca, to discuss the possibility of purchasing new tables that are different heights as Mr. Travis renovates Center Ithaca. Mr. Travis was very receptive to the idea and will probably incorporate the new tables and chairs in his plans. Chair Roberts noted that both Frost and his father Mack Travis have been very receptive to ideas raised by the DAC in the past. They both want to make accommodations for everyone at Center Ithaca where possible. Hiring Committee Training: Chair Roberts reported that DAC Member Erin Sember spoke with the Director of Human Resources, Schelley Michell -Nunn, about the training needed to become participants in the City's hiring committee, and the training is much more involved than originally thought. He stated that both he and Erin will work to determine whether there are enough DAC members interested in the training to warrant a specific training being scheduled for just DAC members, possibly at a regular DAC meeting time. Collegetown Handicap Parking: Alderperson Rooker distributed a map that shows where there is handicap parking in Collegetown. There is just one metered handicap spot by St. Luke's Church on Oak Ave. There are eight handicap parking spots in the Dryden Road garage as well. He explained that after 5 p.m. handicap parking is free by Hollister and Cascadilla Halls, and 312 College Avenue has one spot in front of the building but he believes a pass or permit is required to park there. That means there is a total of 14 handicap spots in Collegetown. Discussion followed on the floor regarding on street handicap parking needs, requirements, designating certain spots for handicap parking, and the need to talk with Traffic Engineer Logue about additional handicap parking needs as well throughout the City. City Planner Megan Gilbert reported that Common Council endorsed the Collegetown Plan in August 2009 and the City is now working on the implementation of the plan. There is a new streetscape plan for College Avenue (the entire length) and Dryden Road. She noted that travel for pedestrians in those areas is difficult. They are just in the early stages now and once a draft design is done she will bring it to the DAC for input. September 1, 2010 Chair Roberts asked how the consultants see on street traffic in relation to pedestrians with disabilities as well as drivers with disabilities. He wondered where in Collegetown i- makes sense to designate spaces. He stated that there is also a lot of information regarding safe streets for senior citizens, and suggested that the consultants review a recent study done by AARP on that topic. He would like them to look at developing way finding information signs that incorporate universal symbols as well. Public Hearing — Pedestrian Issues: Chair Roberts reported that five years ago the Mayor established a Pedestrian Awareness Committee. That committee created a report with recommendations concerning pedestrian issues in the City. He stated that as a result of the committee's work, the City made changes to the City Code regarding violations and enforcement of penalties for those property owners who do not keep their sidewalks clear of ice and snow. He further stated that the last time the DAC hosted a public hearing it was done during one of their regular meetings. He wondered whether it made sense to schedule a public hearing for the November 3rd meeting and invite people to provide input about what problems they encounter as pedestrians. He stated that this would be a big part of the discussion at the October 6t" DAC meeting. He also wondered what would be a useful way to ask for information and input. Discussion followed on the floor regarding whether a survey would be helpful, getting questions ahead of time so that staff can be present at the public hearing to respond to them, addressing how complaints can be made, and explaining what the City can and cannot do. One suggestion would be to see if curb cuts could be installed throughout the City. Chair Roberts noted that he would ask DAC Member David McElrath, who is the liaison to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council, to inform them of the DAC's plans for a public hearing and ask for their input as well. He will also work with Information Technology Director, Duane Twardokus, to see what information for the public hearing could be posted to the City's website. A brief discussion followed on the floor regarding the fact that Cornell University does not recognize NYS's handicap parking permit. It was suggested that someone from the transportation offices of both Cornell University and Ithaca College be invited to a future meeting to discuss handicap parking permits, fees, and parking requirements. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Larry Roberts Information Management Specialist Chair, DAC V