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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2015-12-02Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 2, 2015 Present: Chair Roberts Vice Chair Scriber DAC Members: Dragovich Rappaport McElrath CC Liaison Brock Information Management Specialist – Myers Others Present: Sidewalk Program Manager Hathaway City Clerk – Holcomb Catherine Russell – Guest Linda Payne – Guest Approval of Minutes: Approval of the November 4, 2015 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution By DAC Member Rappaport: Seconded by Vice Chair Scriber RESOLVED, That the minutes of the November 4, 2015 Disability Advisory Council Meeting be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously Updates: Parking and Pay Stations: Chair Roberts reported that he and DAC Member Rappaport were recently discussing the new pay stations for parking. They would suggest that the DAC make some sort of formal recommendation or provide advice to Common Council about how to include disability concerns when the City is considering implementation of new programs. He noted that former Common Council Member, Pat Pryor, had done some research into how other cities accommodate the need for accessible parking spaces when parking meters are removed and replaced with some sort of pay station. The DAC and/or City might want to research that as well to see if there is a program that might work here. In the short term, the DAC is supportive of Director of Parking Nagy’s suggestion to keep the parking meters at the handicap parking spaces. However, most DAC members felt that there was a need to have something more done to accommodate those parking needs around the city in the long-term. He stated that this topic would be placed on a future DAC agenda for further discussion with Director of Parking Nagy so that the DAC might provide a recommendation to the City. In addition, to accessible parking, they discussed briefly the possible strategies for removing snow and ice from curb ramps. He stated that the DAC might want to meet with the City’s Citizen Pruners, who are volunteers, to discuss ideas and whether they might be able to provide assistance in some way. The DAC’s general sense, is that even though people continue to ignore the law or they are unable to clear the sidewalk themselves, that snow and ice removal from the sidewalks is getting better. The main obstacle that remains is the removal of snow and ice from curb ramps. This needs to be addressed so that a permanent solution can be found. Vice Chair Scriber voiced a concern that Racker Center staff need to go into the community in order to evaluate children and they are finding that on street parking is becoming more and more difficult. They have had conversations with Cornell University which were not helpful, and need to discuss the problem with the City. The issue is that staff can’t park close enough to the children’s homes in the community to evaluate them for placement at the Racker Center. Racker Center staff would like to work with the City and Cornell University on a possible solution. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 2, 2015 2 Chair Roberts expressed his support for discussing that concern further, and invited other DAC members to let him know about other items or concerns that they would like discussed, so he can plan agendas accordingly, and invite the appropriate people to the meetings to participate in the discussions. Discussion Items: Possibilities for Updating the Information Regarding the Disability Advisory Council Presence on the City of Ithaca Website – A Discussion with City Clerk Holcomb: Chair Roberts reported that one of the recent successes of the DAC was the survey that went on the City’s website for community members to participate in related to accessibility issues in the City of Ithaca. He stated that the DAC would like to provide easy to access information for the public about the role of the DAC, that their meetings are open to the public, and how to apply to serve on the DAC. Towards, that goal, the DAC invited City Clerk Holcomb to talk about increasing information about the DAC on the City’s website related to accessibility issues. He noted that one thing that is a priority, right now, for the DAC is the ability to remind the public about their responsibilities related to snow and ice removal from sidewalks and curb ramps. City Clerk Holcomb, thanked DAC Member Dragovich for sharing information from Flagstaff, Arizona’s website about how they inform the public about responsibilities related to snow and ice removal. She stated that the City of Ithaca could do something similar for the DAC on its website. In the past, the City has run public service announcements on the website, in the newspaper, and sometimes on the radio about the responsibility of property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks. That has been done, usually, when the first snow occurs and more as a seasonal campaign. If the DAC feels that a dedicated page would be helpful, she can do that as well. She reported that she recently hired a new writer for the City’s newsletter. One of the stories for the December issue that needs to be written is information related to the City’s Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance. She will have the writer reach out to Chair Roberts to discuss what the DAC would like included in the newsletter related to removal of snow and ice from sidewalks, as well as curb ramps. She stated that she has instructed the writer to try to get all the perspectives regarding the ordinance by talking with the DAC, the Rental Housing Advisory Commission, and Common Council members so current concerns and responsibilities of property owners can be highlighted. She also hopes to include a list of volunteers that are available to assist those that can’t shovel their own sidewalks. The City of Ithaca also has a TV channel, part of the programming being developed for the channel, could be information about the importance of removing snow and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps to make the city as accessible for everyone as possible. DAC Member Dragovich asked that information about where the public can call to make complaints about unshoveled sidewalks/curb ramps be included in the newsletter along with the information about volunteers. City Clerk Holcomb responded that complaints can be made to the City of Ithaca Building Department. That department has one person that is solely responsible for enforcement of the Exterior Property Maintenance. They take complaints, log them in, and that inspector investigates the complaint; they will also inspect areas surrounding the complaint location for violations. In addition, they also go out every day to inspect various areas of the City. Chair Roberts confirmed that the DAC would like a page that can always be on the City’s website about snow and ice removal because something there all the time would be helpful. City Clerk Holcomb expressed her support and agreement for that idea. Chair Roberts also asked how the DAC might increase its presence on the City’s website. City Clerk Holcomb responded that the DAC has a webpage; she wants all the pages on the website to have a consistent look and feel, however, she would be willing to work with the DAC about how their webpage might be customized but still have a consistent look and feel to it. The webpage currently has information from the City Code on the DAC and its responsibilities, DAC member information, and a link to its agendas and minutes. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 2, 2015 3 Chair Roberts stated that a couple months ago the Clerk’s office intern created a pamphlet with very useful information about the DAC. It would be helpful to have that pamphlet information on the DAC webpage. City Clerk Holcomb responded that currently that pamphlet is being scrolled on the City’s television channel. Chair Roberts noted that this past summer was one of the worst in a long time, probably related to all the construction occurring, for vehicles parking across sidewalks and driveways obstructing them completely for pedestrians and persons in wheelchairs. Information related to the prohibition of that and possible tickets and fines that could be given would be good information to have on the DAC’s webpage as well. Vice Chair Scriber suggested using some humor i.e. a funny picture on the webpage of what a violation is would be very helpful. She stated that having the DAC webpage remain static is not helpful, it would be better if it could be changed up during different seasons. City Clerk Holcomb agreed, noting that pictures say a lot more than text; the Flagstaff website is very effective because it has pictures of what cleared sidewalks look like and what they shouldn’t look like during the winter. DAC Members agreed that pictures on their webpage would be great and encouraged their use. City Clerk Holcomb noted that having the same property owner who does not comply with the requirement to remove snow and ice from their sidewalk and continues to get tickets is one of the reasons that the Rental Housing Advisory Commission is proposing changing the first violation to be a warning with no fee because compliance seems to increase when that is done. She agreed that the City is better off than five years ago with snow and ice removal from sidewalks due in part to enforcement efforts. Enforcement is key to it, and knowing about the City’s ability to ticket and fine or having to pay because City crews cleared the sidewalk for them is important information for the public to be aware of. CC Liaison Brock agreed that by increasing the presence of the DAC on their webpage and increasing the public awareness for them will be good. That way, the people who are interested in these issues will know that the DAC is available so they may reach out to them for additional information and assistance. One of the guests at the meeting questioned where the Public Service Announcements go; she is physically disabled, and she would not have known about the DAC until she met DAC Member McElrath at a recent meeting. Is it just on the city website? City Clerk Holcomb responded that was true; the city has 30 boards/committees and many volunteers and some boards require different expertise. It comes down to what resources are available to the City to promote them. CC Liaison Brock suggested that perhaps a program to “Adopt a Curb Cut” might be successful (similar to the current “Adopt a Fire Hydrant” program). If neighborhoods could identify a curb cut that they could be responsible for removing the snow and ice from, it might be very successful. A program such as that would do a lot to raise awareness, and hopefully address the issue of inaccessible curb ramps. She also suggested that before the Rental Housing Advisory Commission (RHAC) proposes any changes to the Exterior Property Maintenance ordinance that it might be very helpful for them to have input from the DAC. DAC Member Dragovich reported that he attended the November RHAC meeting; there was no quorum, he will try to go to the December meeting. City Clerk Holcomb encouraged the DAC to reach out to Alderperson Martell, who is the CC Liaison to the RHAC, Alderperson Mohlenhoff, Chair of the City Administration Committee and Alderperson Murtagh, Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee to let them know that the DAC would like an opportunity to provide input before proposals to change the Exterior Property Maintenance ordinance get to the committee level. Chair Roberts suggested that perhaps the Chair of the RHAC or their CC Liaison could come to a DAC meeting to discuss what changes the DAC does and doesn’t support. The DAC has a sense about the proposal to reset time periods and fines, and has questions. It would be good for the RHAC to hear from the DAC before finalizing any recommendation to Common Council. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 2, 2015 4 DAC Member Dragovich stated that at the November RHAC meeting, the landlords at the meeting were very upset about fines for garbage and were mainly complaining about them. They weren’t discussing or complaining about snow removal fines. City Clerk Holcomb encouraged DAC members to take a look at the Exterior Property Maintenance ordinance to familiarize themselves with it so they can see the different fine structures for various violations. It would be good if the DAC partnered with the RHAC to come up with legislation that is supported by both of the committees and then bring it to Common Council; there is great opportunity for collaboration here. DAC Member Dragovich stated that he would plan to attend the next RHAC meeting to get additional information, which he will share at the next DAC meeting. He did note that Alderperson Murtagh was at the RHAC meeting in November, where he reported that the City’s attorneys are reviewing certain aspects of the proposal and need to provide their recommendation prior to any recommendation moving on to a committee of Common Council. Vice Chair Scriber reiterated the fact that it is very important for the DAC to provide input at the beginning of a process rather than later to prevent unnecessary time and work. She cited the problems which have resulted by not doing that with the new playground on the Commons. Discussion returned to the topic of another survey being done by the DAC. Chair Roberts suggested that the survey include questions about accessible parking problems in the City, as well as whether or not participants might be interested in attending a DAC meeting. Otherwise, the general public really does not know about the DAC or when their meetings are held. Over the years the DAC has had a couple public hearings with so so success, the online survey had a better response and encouraged people to attend DAC meetings. DAC Members expressed their thanks to City Clerk Holcomb for attending the meeting today, and listening to their concerns and suggestions. New Business: Chair Roberts asked the guests what issues brought them to the DAC meeting. They responded that they went to the new restaurant where “Manos Diner” used to be recently, and found no accessible ramp into it. There is a nice handicap parking space though, right next to the steps into the restaurant. Chair Roberts responded that if there wasn’t a ramp when it was Manos Diner, then since the new restaurant is not a change in use of the building, there is no requirement that the new restaurant provide one. DAC Member Rappaport explained that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed 26 years ago. It requires accessibility on different levels depending upon what it is. Every city/town has rules in place, and all new work needs to comply with ADA requirements. Those older buildings that don’t comply with the ADA law aren’t required to. That is, unless they change the use of the building or need to obtain a building permit, then certain requirements must be met. The only way to enforce the ADA is through complaints made to the New York State Department of Justice. In addition, anytime there is a change of use then the new use must comply with ADA requirements. CC Liaison Brock suggested that the City of Ithaca Building Department be notified of the lack of a ramp at the new restaurant, and accessibility concerns. DAC Member Rappaport reported that the Building Department staff make great effort to ensure that new and remodeling/renovation projects comply with ADA requirements. So, if complaints are brought to their attention, they will do everything they can to get the building into compliance with ADA requirements so that it is accessible to everyone. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes December 2, 2015 5 The guests noted that they both live at Titus Towers so they are spoiled by those buildings ADA compliance and snow removal that is done promptly and very well. It’s just off the property that accessibility problems are encountered. Chair Roberts invited both guests to attend future DAC meetings, and to perhaps, if they wish and are interested, to make application to serve on the DAC. Next Agenda: Chair Roberts stated that topics for the January 6, 2016 DAC meeting will be on parking and pay stations; and strategies for clearing curb ramps of snow and ice. CC Liaison Brock stated that she would report at tonight’s Common Council meeting about the DAC’s interest in meeting with members of the RHAC and being informed about any proposed changes in the Exterior Property Maintenance ordinance. Chair Roberts explained that last year there was serious discussion about changing the timeline for compliance with requirements of the Exterior Property Maintenance ordinance as it related to the requirements for snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Some property owners were being fined hundreds of dollars a day for each violation, so they raised their concerns about the daily fines that can accumulate for every day that the violation exists. CC Liaison Brock noted that what is moving the proposal to make changes to the Exterior Property Maintenance ordinance is not the timing for removal of snow and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps, but the fine structure. Some people just want the current practice of fines accumulating until compliance is achieved to just stop until the issues that have been raised can be addressed. Chair Roberts reported that there was a similar problem with the City’s sidewalk maintenance/repair program until it was completely changed. Sidewalk Improvement Districts were established, and a new Sidewalk Program Manager hired to oversee the program. Now, there are dramatic differences in the work being done on and schedule for sidewalk repair/replacement. The condition of the sidewalks around the city has improved steadily since the new program was implemented a couple years ago. He further noted that the sidewalk in front of City Hall was recently replaced and it looks great. It was a sidewalk that received a lot of traffic and attention about its poor condition, he thanked Sidewalk Program Manager Hathaway for his work to repair and replace the sidewalk and how nice it looks now. Chair Roberts reported that the City now has a Community Outreach Worker. The position is funded in part by the City, Tompkins County, and the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. That person is Tammy Baker and she is employed by Family & Children’s Services. Her role is to be available to members of the community downtown (the covered area includes the Commons to Meadow Street, to State Street, to DeWitt Park and to the Tompkins County Public Library). Her job is to be out and about the downtown area to help see and address any problems that might arise between business owners, people on the commons and people in need that could use some kind of social, mental, emotional or financial assistance. She can address issues in a softer way than the police department, explain their rights, and direct them to the appropriate resources that are available. Would DAC members be interested in meeting with her and having her explain more about what she does? Some of the people she may interact with are people that are usually seen as mentally ill or disabled. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m. ____________________________________ __________________________________ Sarah L. Myers, Larry Roberts, Information Mgt. Specialist Chair