Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2014-10-01DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 12:15 p.m. October 1, 2014 PRESENT: DAC Chair – Roberts DAC Members: David McElrath Amy Scott Andrew Rappaport Jody Scriber Information Management Specialist – Myers Sidewalk Program Manager - Hathaway Alderperson/Liaison – Brock EXCUSED: DAC Vice Chair - Gizewski DAC Members: Anderson, Sember-Chase, APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the June 4 and August 6, 2014 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes: There was a consensus among those members present to approve the above minutes for placement on the website – since there was no quorum. DISCUSSION: Preparation for November presentations of survey results to Board of Public Works City Administration Committee; and the Planning and Development Board; preparation for presentation to Common Council in December: Discussion followed on the floor regarding accommodations for people at public meetings, as expressed in the survey responses. DAC Member Scott asked whether visually impaired people who attend meetings at City Hall let City staff know ahead of time; how are materials made available to them? Chair Roberts responded that it is the public’s responsibility to let City staff know ahead of time. The same is true for people requiring sign language interpreters. For people who are hard of hearing, it is becoming more of an expectation that there will be standard listening systems available. For City meetings, committee members need to make sure to use and speak into the microphones. Common Council Chambers does not have a listening system, he has talked with City Clerk Holcomb about this, but the cost is high for that type of system. In Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 2 addition, there are so many different kinds of hearing aids and competitors that having a standard listening system to hook into is tricky. However, in general there should be a listening system available at all city meetings - especially as the population ages. Chair Roberts asked that any additional suggestions to include in the presentations be forwarded to him by late October. He thinks that, at this point, the DAC is all set; it will be good is to have actual numbers and statistics from the survey to present to the committees. He further noted that he does not feel that the DAC is at a point to say what these recommendations will cost to implement. Update on Sidewalk Program – Sidewalk Program Manager Hathaway: Mr. Hathaway explained that he wanted to talk with the DAC regarding some general issues and newer developments regarding the new sidewalk program. The first concerns a sidewalk location near the Ithaca Ballet school near the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) and Esty and Plain Streets. The problem is a couple of sidewalks with joints out of level that are presenting accessibility barriers to pedestrians and people in wheelchairs. He is trying to think what could be done in these situations, where it’s just the joint out of level and the rest of the sidewalk is alright. The cost to replace the entire concrete slab is expensive and it doesn’t make sense to just replace one slab. He has located a firm that does concrete cutting, and the work complies with ADA standards. That means that they are able to come in and cut across the joint that is out of level to level it. The cost is about $20 per linear foot. For example, a sidewalk with a 1" displacement that is 1' long will cost about $100.00 to repair; whereas, to replace the entire slab of concrete it would be 3 or 4 times that amount. He is excited about the prospect of the amount of sidewalk joint repair work that might be able to be completed in a short amount of time, and at a relatively low cost. He has checked the contractor’s references, and they have come back very positive. Alderperson Brock questioned why City crews, who used to just grind these types of sidewalk problems, couldn’t be utilized in these instances. Mr. Hathaway responded that the City crews are on such a back log (several months behind) and the fact that the number of these types of issues in sidewalks are starting to accumulate that he would rather address the problems sooner rather than later. Mr. Hathaway stated that the Ithaca Ballet school sidewalk joint problem is so significant that he is not sure that just grinding would work. In addition, the advantage to cutting means that the sidewalk is left with a clean surface; grinding can only occur on rainy days because of the dust, and by cutting the concrete slab the work can be done pretty efficiently any time. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 3 Chair Roberts responded that this is something to explore but can't be done with all problems. Although, as a stop gap solution he would, personally, be thrilled. Some of these joint deformities are significant and have been in place for at least 20 years. Alderperson Brock questioned the long term cost benefit as far as spending $100 to shave off a joint to help it become aligned that would then cause that sidewalk to crack and need replacement sooner rather than just replacing it to begin with. She also realizes the need to address the back-log of these types of issues too. Mr. Hathaway responded that he has read studies from this particular contractor’s work 8-9 years after shaving off the surface to align the joints and the sidewalks have held up well. They have not had problems with the sidewalk cracking or not holding up. He stated that the City needs to address the back-log and create safer conditions for people on sidewalks. This, by no means, will even replace the need to completely replace sidewalks where needed. DAC Member Rappaport stated that if this work could improve 50 or so sidewalks rather than none, it is well worth it. Chair Roberts concurred stating that because there has been such little attention paid to joints out of level that anything to address the issue is a big improvement and needs to be done, as in some areas the joint out of alignment is huge. Mr. Hathaway stated that there is a limit – any joint more than 2" out of alignment would not be done and requires replacement. He further stated that is the contractor’s policy as well. He is also requiring replaced sidewalks to include mesh to help them last longer. He further stated that, in general, he is looking towards the future and the best ways to interact with the DAC for input and feedback on the sidewalk program. He noted that there are certainly different ways to approach the work, and that maybe the most important sidewalk work schedule should be established in an effort to then help determine the locations with the highest priority to help the program be more efficient. Alderperson Brock wondered if there wasn’t a guideline already in place with this information. Mr. Hathaway responded that the sidewalk program work has historically been based off of complaints. He would very much like to work closely with and talk to the DAC to make the sidewalk program work better. DAC Member Rappaport suggested looking at one sidewalk district at a time. Perhaps with GIS mapping of each district, that then could be combined with locations of complaints as an overlay, as well as the council members that belong to that district to Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 4 meet and review district by district. In addition, complaints could be reviewed and weighed against pedestrian traffic. Alderperson Brock stated that she feels complaints are kind of misleading, and would prefer if there were a rule of thumb that could be followed. For example, the proximity of the sidewalk to bus stop, school, business, park etc. Chair Roberts stated that he opposes setting priorities; however, if Mr. Hathaway thinks that setting priorities will drive the sidewalk program and get things done then he would be open to it - especially in the way described by DAC Member Rappaport. Chair Roberts stated that he would like to go with Transportation Aid Johnson and Mr. Hathaway when they traverse city sidewalks in a wheelchair. DAC Member Scriber stated that it would also be helpful to look at areas that people are likely to visit in the City such as Family Medicine, Lifelong, the Library, etc. since there is so much pedestrian movement in those areas, which will only increase in the future as the population ages. Mr. Hathaway reported that he is also trying to reach out to other municipalities who have successful sidewalk programs such as the City of San Francisco to see how they respond to these various types of sidewalk issues, and in a different climate. The City of San Francisco has a great sidewalk program; he needs to learn more and follow-up with them. He noted that when he was speaking to staff in San Francisco they told him that a group from West Virginia was flying out for training with them on how they repair and maintain curb ramps. He is also trying to speak with staff from other similar cities that have gone ahead with various types of sidewalk programs to get ideas, and plans so as to not recreate the wheel here unnecessarily. DAC Member Rappaport noted that if the sidewalk program were closer to completion that he might disagree with the need to set priorities, but considering how far behind it is they have to be addressed. Alderperson Brock concurred, that the City’s sidewalk needs are so great, the turn around rate so slow that anything that can be done will make it better. She further stated that Mr. Hathaway is doing a great job interacting with people here who have been dealing with the sidewalk issues for years and years. Chair Roberts stated that whatever will help move the program along and get the work done he wants to support. Mr. Hathaway stated that as he goes through this process he would like to share with the DAC and get feedback because they are a great resource and he values their input. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 5 He then shared some pictures of a sidewalk curb at the intersection of Wood and Fair Streets. He is hoping that along with sidewalk work that work can also be done to address some issues at curb ramps. He is running into a few constraints involving catch basins and in some cases utility poles. At these types of intersections he would like to improve the drainage and make upgrades to the ramp that is ADA compliant. Some of this work is beyond what he can do now, and he is discussing with City crews what he would like to do at the intersection. The larger issue to study here, after this construction season, is where is the best place to cross Wood Street because of utility constraints and no receiving ramp down the block, he is not sure what should be done. He feels that until he knows that, it would be more efficient and safe to remove the ramp, replace it with grass, and come back to do the work the right way later on. This would allow him time to have someone evaluate it and provide recommendations. Discussion followed on the floor regarding what should be done at this intersection. It doesn't make sense to have ramps on both sides of the street since one would serve just as well, and the fact that this is a weird intersection. Chair Roberts stated that he hates to take away the ramp, but if we're committed to a design solution later, maybe it would make sense. He does not like the idea of a mid-block crossing either. Mr. Hathaway stated that he contacted the US Access Board to ask them about the curb ramp to see if there was one on one side should, by default, there be one on other side. Their answer was no; the curb ramp is for accessibility to the street not for a crosswalk. The DAC expressed their support for Mr. Hathaway’s recommendation, at this intersection, to remove the ramp and put in grass until a solution is found. Mr. Hathaway thanked the DAC for their time, and the opportunity for him to share some concerns and provide information on the sidewalk program to them.. Updates: Public Meeting – Ithaca Festival 2015: Chair Roberts reported that there would be a public meeting on October 6, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tompkins County Library regarding the 2015 Ithaca Festival. He stated that Ithaca Festival Board members would be available for questions/concerns the public might have. He noted that it would be nice if a member from the DAC could attend the meeting particularly related to accessibility concerns and sign language interpreters – especially for performance venues. He stated that some of the larger local festivals will need to start building into their budgets accommodations for accessibility for everyone to participate in the festival. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 6 Public Service Announcements (PSA)’s: Chair Roberts asked for suggestions for the next PSA; he thought that one regarding the fact that vehicles should not park across the sidewalk would be a good one. He stated that a lot of people identified that as a problem on the survey. He noted that the standard PSA’s regarding the removal of snow and ice will be used as well. He will talk with City Clerk Holcomb regarding developing additional PSA’s including the one noted above. Suggestion from Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC): 1. Chair Roberts reported that the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council e-mailed him a proposed resolution that they support regarding the intersection at North Aurora and East Martin Luther Jr./State Street. They would like the DAC to review and discuss it, and provide their support as well. The resolution recommends that the stop signs in place there now (as a result of the recent incident at Simeon’s where a tractor trailer lost control and crashed into Simeons resulting in a fatality) be kept rather than reinstalling the traffic signal. Chair Roberts noted that there would not be enough time to discuss this today, and wanted DAC members, if they had an opinion on the proposal, to provide input to the BPAC regarding what they would support at the intersection. DAC Member Rappaport responded that he would be interested in Transportation Engineer Logue’s recommendation for this idea. Chair Roberts stated that he imagines there will be some time for the DAC to provide either its support or opposition to proposal, so he will get in touch with Mr. Logue for his input. It was noted that right now traffic backs up Route 96B because the traffic signal had better timing to keep traffic moving than the stop signs currently do. Pedestrian safety is a factor as well. 2. BPAC Chair, Daniel Keough, also brought to Chair Roberts attention that CTB on Aurora Street and Viva Tacqueria on East Martin Luther King, Jr./State Street continually have their outdoor dining tables and chairs blocking the sidewalk making it difficult for pedestrians and persons in wheelchairs or with strollers to navigate the sidewalk. Mr. Keough also has concerns regarding the way the Hilton Garden Inn entrance way makes navigating the sidewalk difficult as well. 3. DAC Liaison to BPAC – Chair Roberts stated that DAC Member McElrath is no longer able to continue as the liaison. He asked if any other DAC Member might be interested in fulfilling this liaison role. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 7 Request to BPW – Residential Parking Permit – Hardship Appeal: Chair Roberts reported that at a recent Board of Public Works meeting there was a discussion of a request to allow someone who was not eligible for a parking permit because of the zoning of the house they are renting to obtain a residential parking permit due to a medical condition. The issue that concerns him is that the letter detailing the medical condition of the applicant was included in the Board’s agenda packet as well as distributed to the public via the website. Chair Roberts stated that he wrote to Transportation Engineer Logue regarding the DAC’s opinion that there should be a policy to protect personal medical information, after he saw this information in the agenda packet. Chair Roberts further noted that requests of this nature should be able to be handled administratively in an effort to protect personal privacy. DAC Survey Presentations – Continued (See Attached Detailed Presentation Information): Chair Roberts reported that work is underway in preparation for November presentations of survey results to the Board of Public Works, the City Administration Committee, and the Planning and Development Board. A presentation will be made to Common Council at their December 3, 2014 meeting. Chair Roberts described the format the presentations will follow, and noted that the materials used at the presentations will be provided to DAC members prior to these meetings. He further noted that DAC Member Sember-Chase developed a list of responses that might be useful to speak to specific committees about. The presentations will highlight and focus on recommendations from the DAC. Chair Roberts requested that DAC members let he or DAC Member Sember-Chase know if they see something else that should be brought to a particular committee’s attention. Chair Roberts will do the presentation at the Board of Public Works Meeting (11/24/14), DAC Member Sember-Chase will do the presentation at the City Administration Committee (11/19/14), and DAC Member Scott will do the presentation at the Planning and Development Board meeting (11/25/14). Chair Roberts encouraged DAC Members to attend the meetings, if they're able. Chair Roberts further stated that he will provide a report to Common Council for their information on the work of the DAC, in general, during the past year. That will not be part of the presentation. Alderperson Brock suggested that the background of DAC be explained to Common Council members that includes information on what the role of the council is, current members, any vacancies, etc. and then do the presentation. This additional background information will be helpful to new Common Council members and those watching the meeting on television. These meetings will also be a great opportunity for some public relations outreach, as the City Administration and Common Council meetings will be televised. She further noted that they should explain to public what the Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 8 DAC recommends regarding accessibility needs for the general public (i.e. for board/committee/council members to speak into their micro-phones, the use of large print agendas, full access to meetings, how important it is for snow and ice to be removed consistently from all sidewalks and curb ramps, and perhaps the creation of a "adopt a ramp" program for the clearing of snow and ice from sidewalks and ramps. In addition, not everybody understands accessibility terms so explaining what some of the terms mean would be very helpful to the public. Chair Roberts stated that the deadline to submit ideas or suggestions to him for the November presentations would be October 31st. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. Sarah L. Myers Larry Roberts Information Management Spec. Chair, DAC Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 9 Which Challenges & Recommendations based on DAC Survey Feedback to mention to each group: For BPW (Larry prepares for upcoming BPW meeting): Challenges for pwd responders cited:  81% cited Broken/missing sidewalks  Nearly 60% cited poor snow and ice removal  14.5% cited no audible cross walk signals.  30% cited cars or other vehicles blocking/parked across sidewalks  Nearly 50% cited trees and bushes obstructing pathways, sidewalks, or crosswalks.  Trends seen among Open ended comments included: o crosswalk pedestrian time far too short or that they display “walk” when drivers still have green light to go. o manmade obstructions on sidewalks, such as tables and chairs near street/trees on curbs, providing little walking space between. Recommendations/Suggestions:  FOCUS ON SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL/MAINTENANCE: City needs to prioritize this more. One person suggested that City keep a registry of community members/volunteers who can shovel or who city can hire to do snow removal, such as for elderly and disabled people.  FIX BROKEN SIDEWALKS AND CURB CUTS: this included fixing other barriers that exist, but primary emphasis was on sidewalks.  IMPROVE CROSS WALKS: install audible cross walks, more time for pedestrians, and clear messages to pedestrians and drivers.  INVOLVE PWDS IN PLANNING: A few people emphasized the need for incorporating accessibility improvements during construction and renovations and that pwds should be sought out/consulted during the planning and review phases. For Planning (Amy prepares, for meeting on September 10th): Challenges for pwd responders cited:  46% cited doors too heavy to open, or not having automatic door openers  Open ended comments cited lack of accessible parking options and/or accessible parking spaces being taken by others without disabilities, including city employees/offices. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 10 Recommendations:  INSTALL AUTOMATIC DOOR OPENERS: at all public facilities.  INCREASE ACCESSIBLE PARKING OPTIONS: Increase both the number as well as the location so that closer to building entrances and path of travel.  INVOLVE PWDS IN PLANNING: A few people emphasized the need for incorporating accessibility improvements during construction and renovations and that pwds should be sought out/consulted during the planning and review phases. For City Administration (Erin prepares for meeting on Sept. 17th): Challenges for pwd responders cited:  Nearly 60% cited poor snow and ice removal  Nearly 3% said there was need for more effective communication methods to be provided via city website, while over 10% cited this need to be more present at city meetings.  30% cited cars or other vehicles blocking/parked across sidewalks  Nearly 50% cited trees and bushes obstructing pathways, sidewalks, or crosswalks.  Trends seen in open ended comments were: o lack of accessible parking options and/or accessible parking spaces being taken by others without disabilities, including city employees/offices. o Other people, including city employees, lacking awareness, education, or appropriate attitude toward pwds and their needs. o More comments re/ manmade obstructions on sidewalks, such as tables and chairs near street/trees on curbs, providing little walking space between. Recommendations:  ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION: a majority of responders cited the need for the City and Police to hold property and business owners responsible (such as through issuing fines) for keeping their sidewalks clear of obstructions and snow/ice; ticketing people who violate accessible parking rules; install signage re/ where parking is restricted so as to not block accessible spaces or entrances; educating TCAT drivers more about driving slower; educating everyone more about disability issues and needs; and including information on city website about how to report problems like this as well as how to get a hold of the DAC.  FOCUS ON SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL/MAINTENANCE: City needs to prioritize this more. One person suggested that City keep a registry of community members/volunteers who can shovel or who city can hire to do snow removal, such as for elderly and disabled people. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014 11  FIX BROKEN SIDEWALKS AND CURB CUTS: this included fixing other barriers that exist, but primary emphasis was on sidewalks.  IMPROVE COMMUNICATION AT CITY MEETINGS: provide priority seating for people with visual/hearing disabilities; given information in multiple formats, etc.  INVOLVE PWDS IN PLANNING: A few people emphasized the need for incorporating accessibility improvements during construction and renovations and that pwds should be sought out/consulted during the planning and review phases.