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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2015-06-03Disability Advisory Council Meeting Proceedings Wednesday, June 3, 2015 Present: DAC Members: Heath Dragovich Amy Scott Andrew Rappaport CC Liaison Cynthia Brock Others Present: Alderperson George McGonigal Sidewalk Program Manager Eric Hathaway Information Management Specialist Sarah Myers Excused: Chair Larry Roberts Vice Chair Greg Gizewski DAC Members: Erin Sember-Chase, Jody Scriber, Jason Anderson, Jennifer Aronson, David McElrath DAC Member Andrew Rappaport acted as Chair for the meeting today. Introductions were made by everyone. Approval of Minutes: Approval of the April 8, 2015 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution Due to lack of quorum the approval of the minutes will be done at the next meeting. Discussion Items: A. Update from Sidewalk Program Manager Eric Hathaway on the City of Ithaca Sidewalk Program Mr. Hathaway reported that a meeting was held two weeks ago at the Tompkins County Public Library specifically to discuss accessible needs for the sidewalk program. He stated that the consensus of those present was that raised sidewalks were the primary number one issue wherever they are around the City. He will try to make that a primary factor for where work will take place. In addition, snow removal was another major accessibility factor for everyone. He stated that the current policy for snow removal is not part of the sidewalk program; but he agreed that it is a good topic for further discussion and consideration. He might suggest another meeting at the library with appropriate city staff to discuss the topic further. He felt that it was a good meeting and it is his hope to have meetings more regularly about sidewalks with everyone as the program moves forward so that he can hear everyone’s concerns as each year’s sidewalk work plan and budget are reviewed. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2015 2 Mr. Hathaway further reported that since the last Disability Advisory Council meeting in April he has conducted outreach through meetings to all five sidewalk districts in the City. The meetings all went well with the majority of people supporting the proposed sidewalk work plans. He did find one sidewalk district where he received additional feedback than from others, so he will review the work plan for that district again to make sure it meets their needs. He thinks that the program looks good going forward for future years. It will be important to align the work to meet each district needs, through neighborhood meetings, because those neighborhood representatives that attend are the experts and best people to provide input for the work plan. He noted that the sidewalk work plan for 2016 will be made available on the website so everyone can review it. The proposed 2016 sidewalk work plan will then go to the Board of Public Works on July 13, 2015, and then onto Common Council for final approval at their August meeting. The program budget will then be approved in October by Common Council along with the City’s budget. Mr. Hathaway stated that he submitted a request to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) to replace a section of blue stone in a historic district with concrete because it would be less expensive. The ILPC denied the request, it went then to Common Council where there was a split vote, so then the decision reverted back to the ILPC's denial. Therefore, the sidewalk will be replaced with blue stone at a significant cost which will result in less sidewalk work being done elsewhere. The difference in cost between blue stone and concrete is about $5,000 to $7,000 which will result in about 50' of sidewalk that won't be replaced. DAC Member Dragovich reported that he attended the meeting at the library and a question was raised about how sidewalk work is being prioritized. Mr. Hathaway responded that areas where there have been high complaints about the condition of the sidewalk will be done first, then those sidewalks that are deficient in width, then sidewalk with spalling of concrete. In addition, one of the other primary criteria for prioritizing the work are areas that serve bus stops, businesses, and schools. CC Liaison Brock asked what the status of the retaining wall policy for the city was in relation to sidewalk work. For example, who will bear cost of construction/reconstruction of the retaining wall and is that incorporated into the sidewalk design budget. Mr. Hathaway responded that retaining walls are expensive so if that cost became part of Sidewalk Improvement District budget it would have a huge impact. In addition, the city wants to ensure that the retaining walls are installed correctly so that the sidewalk is not damaged. He also confirmed that a lot of the areas that don't have sidewalk are often areas that require retaining walls, so at some point a determination will need to be made as to who will pay for it so that sidewalks can be installed. He thinks that in those areas that require retaining walls the cost may need to be included in capital projects. He also noted that the City will bear the cost of reconstructing city owned retaining walls. Asst. Civil Engineer Yost is actually working with an intern right now to conduct a survey of all retaining walls in the City to determine ownership and which walls to do repair first. At that point, the city may want to take a look at coordinating sidewalk work with retaining wall work. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2015 3 Discussion followed on the floor regarding ADA safety issues related to sidewalk areas where railings may be installed or may be needed, and how the city will be addressing those needs and meeting associated safety requirements. Mr. Hathaway responded that staff has been discussing this and a couple different designs are being looked at - similar to what was done on the Clinton Street bridge. He likes to maintain edge protection but there is no standard that has to be followed. Further discussion followed on the floor regarding who is responsible for the vegetation that overhangs the sidewalk causing obstructions for pedestrians – especially for those who may be visually impaired. The city is responsible for the area between the curb and sidewalk, the property owner for the area on the other side of the sidewalk on their property. The City has an Exterior Maintenance Inspector who is responsible for the enforcement of the ordinance and complaints can be made to the Building Department about any obstructions over the sidewalk. Alderperson George McGonigal - Adjustments to Snow/Ice Ordinance - Discussion Alderperson McGonigal stated that he would like to propose that the ordinance regarding snow removal be changed to suggest that instead of 24 hours from the beginning of the snow storm for sidewalks to be cleared, that it be changed to 48 hours. Alderperson McGonigal further noted that he shovels sidewalks himself for a living, and has been doing it for 20 years so he knows the problems with the 24 hour rule pretty well and has never received a ticket. He knows that during a heavy snow storm it is impossible for him to do all his properties within 24 hours of the beginning of the storm. He has discussed this with the Exterior Maintenance Inspector, Tony Love, and Director of Code Enforcement, Mike Niechwiadowicz, and they both agree that the snow removal ordinance has problems. They both think that a better solution to the problem would be to change the ordinance to 48 hours from the beginning of snow storm that sidewalks are required to be free of snow. It is important for him though, to have the Disability Advisory Council discuss the proposal and provide input from their perspective before moving forward with the proposal. He does feel that the 48 hour requirement is more realistic than 24 hours, especially here in upstate New York. Alderperson McGonigal reported that he shovels a number of properties, and one is DAC Chair, Larry Roberts’ property. He makes a point of going there very early in the day to clear the sidewalk to make sure it is accessible. However, when that sidewalk is shoveled early and it keeps snowing throughout the day, then Chair Roberts’ will get a ticket because it's not cleared because he can't get back to him until the next day to re-shovel it. The 48 hours gives a law abiding citizen a chance to comply; but he is not suggesting that scoffers and lazy property owners be let off the hook. A lot of people that employ services to clear the sidewalk usually can't do it themselves, and everyone can't be done first, plus the more snow the longer it takes to clear the sidewalk. DAC Member Dragovich asked whether those people who provide snow shoveling services can show that the property owner is on their list to get done would they be able to get the ticket waived? Alderperson McGonigal replied, “no”. DAC Member Dragovich responded that he would not be supportive of the change to 48 hours. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2015 4 Alderperson McGonigal stated that he is not saying that if there is 48 hours to clear sidewalks that people will wait to clear their sidewalks. That may not be the case because it would be easier to do it sooner and not let it pile up. In addition, when there is a heavy snow it takes much longer to clear snow from the sidewalk, and if compounded by very low temperatures and high winds (like this winter) that can make it more difficult as well. He sees this suggestion as a good change. The reality of the situation is that some people can't get their sidewalks shoveled within 24 hours, and if someone calls in a complaint the inspector is obligated to go check it out. When he arrives at that location where there is a legitimate complaint, and sees other sidewalks with snow they get tickets too and those are the people who are really angry. The inspector does use a certain amount of judgment; however, there are two sides because the guy with original ticket goes to court and says there is snow on 3 other places and they didn't get tickets so they question why they are the only ones and it was because a complaint was filed. CC Liaison Brock noted that when she served on the Board of Public Works, when tickets were issued by the Department of Public Works there was always photo documentation as well. It could clearly be seen who hadn't shoveled and who had tried to clear the sidewalk. Staff did have a certain level of judgment at that point, if that is not the case now, staff should be given that directive. There is also salt that can be used after a sidewalk gets shoveled that would help to keep it clear. Alderperson McGonigal responded that was true, but does not address the fact that there are people who cannot shovel their sidewalks and have to wait for people to shovel them. With a heavy snow that is impossible within the 24 hour period. DAC Member Scott noted that in some cases she has encountered sidewalks that have not been cleared after one week from the snow storm. DAC Member Rappaport noted that he does not see that the ordinance is being enforced in a reasonable way. So, he is not sure it should be changed because some properties will not comply with the new 48 hour rule either. Alderperson McGonigal stated that he doesn't want someone to slip and get hurt because the person just waited until 48 hours had passed instead of when the storm started to shovel their sidewalk. DAC Member Dragovich stated that to give another 24 hours for sidewalks to be cleared only provides another day that pedestrians can't get where they need to go, which for many could be very important to them. DAC Member Scott questioned whether violators could be fined everyday? Alderperson McGonigal responded that is part of the problem, someone can get a second ticket before they even know they got a first ticket. The City is trying to develop a plan where people are notified by e-mail of the ticket because right now the ticket has to be mailed to violator so that may take 3-4 days and meanwhile tickets can be issued everyday and they add up. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2015 5 Alderperson McGonigal further reported that right now the fines are $40, $60, and $100.00. He would like to reduce the first fine to $25 for the ignorant person who doesn't shovel, and then increase them thereafter. DAC Member Dragovich voiced his concern that making the requirement 48 hours instead of 24 hours would not work. He lives on the 500 block of West Buffalo Street, and there are several houses nearby that don't shovel their sidewalks, so then it makes the block impossible for pedestrians or people in wheelchairs to get around. Alderperson McGonigal responded that was a very good point, and he could see leaving the ordinance the way it is now. DAC Member Rappaport stated that he doesn't like tickets issued when the person doesn't know one has been issued. DAC Member Scott expressed her agreement with DAC Member Dragovich’s comments and understands where he is coming from. He is looking through the eyes of people with disabilities; she is visually impaired and trying to get through snow that has not been shoveled day after day is frustrating. She also does not support decreasing the amount of the fine. For comparison, if a cop gives an old person a ticket for running a red light and a person who is middle age gets the same ticket, they are not going to differentiate between the two because the violation is the same. Alderperson McGonigal responded that if members of the DAC feel that they cannot support the proposed change to the ordinance then he supports and respects that decision. Further, he also sees that the 48 hour change will not change the fact that some people don't shovel their sidewalks no matter what. DAC Member Rappaport noted that before the DAC supports or opposes the policy change, he would like to discuss the proposal with Alderperson McGonigal and staff at a future meeting, where there may also be a quorum of DAC members present for the discussion. He is in agreement that if multiple tickets can be issued before notification to the property owner is made, that something should be done to correct that before winter. For people in wheelchairs and pedestrians with no access on the sidewalk, if they can't make a complaint until after 48 hours that doesn't necessarily work either. Alderperson McGonigal noted that during the winter many wheelchair users may not use the sidewalk and find alternate means of transportation to and from their destinations. He further expressed his thanks to the DAC Members for providing him an opportunity to share his proposal and listening to him. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2015 6 C. Update on Parking Program from Director of Parking Frank Nagy: Director of Parking Nagy reported that all the new pay stations are installed at various locations around the city. They are solar powered, and not in operation at this point, however, they did have one person who actually did a credit card transaction already. They are waiting for “Park Mobile” which is an online application to be installed that allows you to pay the station from your car or wherever you are (meetings, shopping or dining). They hope to begin using the pay stations on July 1st. They will be taking out 320 parking meters and replacing them with 21 pay stations throughout the city. The meters will be relocated to extend the areas to pay for parking in various areas of the city. CC Liaison Brock reported that she had the good fortune to attend Park Mobile’s presentation at a recent Parking Committee meeting. Park Mobile also supplies Cornell University parking needs. She noted that there will also be signage as to where different zones are located with different payment schedules. She noted that a couple benefits of this new system would be that residents probably are "accustomed" to it since it is already in use by the university, it may allow more parking on a block, and is enforced through a License Plate Reader program. She questioned if the City’s intent is to continue to have a dual system with parking meters and the pay stations or phase out meters altogether. Director of Parking Nagy responded that he would love to remove all the parking meters and replace them with pay stations; he has seen this done in Auburn, New York. The problem is that there are still people who don't have cell phones and still rely on parking meters at which they can pay with coins. The advantage with Park Mobile’s pay station is you can pay for parking at the station with credit card or money, time can be extended by the online application, and if someone wanted, the whole payment process could be done online since it is based upon license plate number and enforcement uses license plate readers. The downside is that each pay station costs $10,000 each versus Park Mobile’s online application which is cheaper, and the city can leave the parking meters for those people who want to use coin. Park Mobile’s online application does not cost the city anything; it does cost the user for the convenience. He noted that once the key fob goes into effect, which has a bar code that contains license plate information and payment information, it can just be swiped at the station, make payment, and leave so it will be even easier for people to use them. His ultimate goal is to get rid of all the parking meters, have pay stations all over the city, and use Park Mobile’s online application. Everyone needs to understand the time needed for some of the population to adjust to these new systems. It won't be a problem for students and younger people who have no issues with the use of technology. DAC Member Rappaport noted that last time Mr. Nagy was at a DAC meeting, it was noted that since the City and Cornell University both use Park Mobile that the fees will be reduced. Is that still the case? Also, from the accessibility side, what is the plan for accessible signs currently on parking meters? Director of Parking Nagy responded “yes”, the more transactions the less the fee, and accessible signs will remain with a sign post at their current locations. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes June 3, 2015 7 DAC Member Rappaport questioned whether the City would be using the Park Mobile system in the parking garages? Director of Parking Nagy responded eventually, with special zones for different garages because he wants to get rid of the gates to enter/exit the garages. CC Liaison Brock noted that it took her a while to sign up for Park Mobile’s online application and the use of "pay pal" to make online payments. Director of Parking Nagy noted that it is all about how the City markets it and gets the media involved as far as how people choose to use the new stations. It’s been a long time coming but we’re getting near the end. The next steps are getting more pay stations, deciding what streets to go into that are not metered now (how far do we want to extend parking meters into the neighborhoods), and then develop the residential parking permit system. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting adjourned 1:45 p.m. ____________________________________ ______________________________ Sarah L. Myers, Andrew Rappaport Information Management Specialist Acting Chair