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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2016-04-06Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes April 6, 2016 Present: Chair Roberts Vice Chair Scriber DAC Members: David McElrath Andrew Rappaport CC Liaison Brock Others Present: Information Management Specialist – Myers Tompkins Office for the Aging Representative - Monroe Transportation Engineer – Hathaway Excused: DAC Members: Sember-Chase, Anderson, Dragovich Approval of Minutes: Approval of the April 6, 2016 Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes - Resolution By DAC Member McElrath: Seconded by Vice Chair Scriber RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 6, 2016 Disability Advisory Council Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Updates: Board and Committees: Chair Roberts reported that Mayor Myrick is looking at re-organizing city boards and committees in an effort to better utilize the time of the many volunteers and to perhaps consolidate some of the boards so that they might operate more efficiently. In addition, the DAC is in need of new members; he asked that DAC members share that information with people they think might be interested in serving on the DAC. The ultimate goal is to make the best use of volunteers and to make sure boards meet quorum needs. CC Liaison Brock explained that Mayor Myrick’s plan may be to combine boards of like interests. For example, it might work well if the DAC and Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council (BPAC) were combined since they have similar areas of interest regarding accessibility. Chair Roberts noted that the DAC has a broader goal than just a focus on accessibility, and that there are other issues that need to be addressed regarding various disabilities. He is not so sure how successful the merging of the DAC and BPAC might be. He stated that this topic has been discussed in the past by Mayor Myrick and at one point Alderperson Mohlenhoff, Chair of the City Administration Committee met with all the chairs of the boards to discuss the idea and get their ideas and input about the plan. He hopes that will happen this time around as well. Parking: Chair Roberts reported that the Board of Public Works really liked and supported the idea of the “Scratch-Off” card payment method for parking. Director of Parking Nagy will be moving ahead with that plan. He stated that it would be good to have Director of Parking Nagy come to the next DAC meeting to discuss the initial plans for “Scratch-Off” card parking payment program, and how the DAC can be involved. Stewart Park: Chair Roberts further reported that Rick Manning would be attending the DAC meeting in May instead of today’s meeting to talk about the renovation work taking place at the park as well as how plans are moving ahead with the new playground. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes                                                                                      April 6, 2016    2    Proposed Bicycle Boulevard on North Tioga Street: Chair Roberts reported that he did submit a comment, on behalf of the DAC, to the Board of Public Works which stated that the DAC did not support the removal of parking on North Tioga Street so that a bike lane could be constructed. He stated that it looks like the Board of Public Works will be re-thinking that proposal, and how to accommodate parking. A decision will need to be made regarding whether bike lanes or sharrows will even be a possibility in that area in the future. He further reported that he has been getting copied on a lot of the comments that people have made about different issues concerning parking in that area. The main push and majority of the comments has been to keep the parking as it is on those two blocks. Commons Playground: Vice Chair Scriber reported that she has not received any additional information regarding the Commons Playground. She stated that the therapists that attended the last meeting made some suggestions for some simple changes that could be made. She will reach out to the therapists as one of them was going to contact the family that had attended the DAC meeting regarding the lack of accessibility on the playground to get their input about those simple suggestions to see if they have updates. Chair Roberts suggested that she reach out to City Planner, Jennifer Kusznir who has been the point of contact on the project for the City, to see what the status of the is. Proposed 2016 Sidewalk Program Work Plan/Guidelines for Projects That Use CHIP’s Funding – Discussion with Transportation Engineer Hathaway: Transportation Engineer Hathaway shared information from the New York State Department of Transportation that outlined the guidelines for the design, layout, and acceptance of pedestrian facilities. He is happy that the State updated their guidelines, and noted that it was probably due to the fact that if the State wanted funding from the Federal Government they have to follow the new guidelines. He stated that all municipalities are getting this information from the State which is requiring more detail when work concerns curb ramps. He noted that curb ramps always have to be upgraded to the latest ADA standards when road work is occurring at or near them; there is no further ability to not comply with the requirements. He stated that North Tioga Street is a good example – last year City crews milled and re-paved it, the work included 30 curb ramps, and they turned out beautifully. He was also able to have an expert look at the project last year so she could provide input which was very helpful for both him and the city crew. CC Liaison Brock stated that when road/curb ramp work is being completed by city crews that there is confidence that the work will comply with the newest regulations. She asked if there is a concern or a process in place to make sure that contractors follow and implement these standards as well. Transportation Engineer Hathaway responded that both he and Engineer Technician O’Connor went out last year and will again this year to inspect milling and re-paving projects, especially when there is a contractor involved. When new projects are ready for bid, they will conduct a preliminary assessment of the work that will be needed which is then included in the bid package. The bid package will have specific instructions that the contractors have to follow these guidelines which include elevations and slope; inspectors from the City to will also conduct regular inspections of the work to make sure those guidelines are followed completely. The Contractors are beginning to realize that this is a sticking point for the City, and that they have to comply with these strict guidelines and regulations on every project. DAC Member Rappaport noted that the new code regarding ADA standards will become effective October 2016 which include standards for public right-of-way. Transportation Engineer Hathaway responded that the ADA standards for the public right-of-way will still be based on the 2011 rules because the updates haven’t been officially adopted yet. He noted that the Department of Justice hasn’t quite caught up with New York State and National guidelines. One of the ways these guidelines play out in the City’s sidewalk program is that in the past years, very few curb ramps were Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes                                                                                      April 6, 2016    3    done. He stated that when the City is milling and re-paving a street, they know that curb ramps will need to be constructed. When that occurs, the City tries to create mid-block crossings for pedestrians knowing that the curbs won’t be accessible during the work. That way it gives pedestrians warning about the work taking place and where accommodations have been made for them to cross the street. Staff know that when there is curb ramp work needed, that the whole intersection should be considered and how pedestrians can safely travel from one block to the next. He stated that the City hopes to construct 30-60 curb ramps each season. He further noted that he has asked staff in the Engineer’s Office involved with milling and paving to follow these guidelines.He is happy that a new law and guidelines are in place for everyone to follow. He commented on an interesting occurrence where he was approached by an Ithaca College professor to work on a project with some of their graduate students. The students put together a survey and went to McGraw House, as well conducting one-to- one interviews with people. The purpose of the project was to determine whether there are barriers in accessibility in the community, which ones are the worst, which are priorities, and whether curb ramps or roads should be repaired. DAC Chair Roberts responded that it would be interesting to know the results of that survey and the interviews; it might also be good to conduct a similar survey at Titus Towers, and all the assisted living facilities in the community; including possibly a sidewalk survey. He wondered if that information could be shared with the DAC so they could talk it through about what needs to be done. Transportation Engineer Hathaway will provide that information for the DAC for their next meeting. Transportation Engineer Hathaway reported that interviews for the Sidewalk Program Manager position are occurring. There are three candidates, and interviews have been scheduled with them within the next two weeks. He plans on taking the training offered by the City’s Human Resources Department on interviews and how to conduct them so that he is prepared for the interviews. He stated that for a while he will be working with and providing training for the new person on the responsibilities and duties of the Sidewalk Program Manager. This will be in addition to his ongoing training in his new position of Transportation Engineer so he will be very busy during this transition period. Chair Roberts stated that one of the things that got the DAC re-energized in 2000 was the whole issue of audible crosswalks; the City wasn’t convinced and the Traffic Engineer wasn’t convinced that they were needed. The thing that got him energized was when they put in the audible signals at Clinton and Cayuga Streets. At the last meeting of the DAC, he thought he heard Director of Engineering Logue say that some of the new signalized cross walks won’t have audible cross walk buttons unless they have them now. So one of the things that he would say to Transportation Engineer Hathaway is that he thinks the DAC needs to push the idea of putting in audible crosswalks at every intersection that have traffic signals. He knows that there is new technology that won’t activate a signal unless someone pushes the toggle button. He is interested in knowing where audible signals should be installed around the City. Transportation Engineer Hathaway responded that he would find out more information about that project, and then come back to the DAC to provide a report. He agrees that it is appropriate to get input from the DAC before moving forward with projects involving traffic signals and cross-walk signals. Chair Roberts reported that there are problems with some of the cross walk signals and audible cross-walks around the City. He is not sure how well or how quickly New York State Department of Transportation is taking care of them. It would be good if Transportation Engineer Hathaway knows people at the State that the DAC could talk with about them. For example, some of the textured or toggle buttons that the State uses are gone and need to be replaced. Transportation Engineer Hathaway responded that the City of Ithaca has an agreement with New York State that the City maintains the curb ramps along State routes. However, the City would need permission from New York State to make repairs to them or the signals. He doesn’t think the State has any plans or timeline for when that work will occur. This is because the City of Ithaca would need a formal design plan with Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes                                                                                      April 6, 2016    4    stamped engineering drawings. He would place the project on the 2017 work plan for design and possible construction – if New York State were to approve the request. CC Liaison Brock noted that with the increase in the number of electronic vehicles in use around the City, they make it difficult to hear what direction the traffic is going. When she was a member on the Board of Public Works, the Board made a verbal commitment that all signals would be audible in the future. CC Liaison Brock asked whether or not Transportation Engineer Hathaway approves construction detour plans? Transportation Engineer Hathaway responded yes. She stated that one issue that has come up and she sees it happening repeatedly, especially with the construction at the new Marriott Hotel, is that every pedestrian has to go the long way around the site because there is no ramp or earlier crossing available. DAC Member Rappaport noted that contractors get sidewalk permits all the time. This allows contractors to close the sidewalk which frequently creates a very long detour because there is no signage in place at the beginning of block. What this means is the pedestrian travels the block, comes to the curb/intersection and there is no ramp and no place to cross the street. They have to turn around, go back to the beginning of the block and cross the street there to get where they need to go from the other side. Instead, contractors should be required to have signage at the beginning of the block, as well as construct a temporary ramp or mid-block crossing to accommodate pedestrians and accessibility for everyone. Transportation Engineer Hathaway responded that has been a sort of “pet peeve” for him and other staff is that it requires such effort by the City to get contractors to put signs at the other end of the block alerting pedestrians to cross there because the next cross-walk is closed. He thinks that maybe this year, the City could fine contractors for not complying with those rules. If the City begins to fine early in the construction season, it might then occur less frequently for the remainder of the season. He further noted that the City issues a lot of street/sidewalk permits for all over the City for the many construction projects occurring; however, there is only one person to monitor and enforce the permits by the City of Ithaca. Chair Roberts stated that this is one of the reasons, even though he isn’t able to attend the Board of Public Works meetings as the DAC Liaison, that it is so important to have someone from the DAC attend those meeting. The projects and information related public works infrastructure really impacts people with disabilities much more dramatically than others. So, it is really important that contractors be required to make sure there is an alternative path of travel on a street or sidewalk to maintain accessibility. He agreed, that the City needs to do better at making sure contractors are maintaining accessible alternatives for everyone. DAC Member Rappaport stated that when a contractor applies for sidewalk permit, there really should be a plan in place for what is going to be closed, where signs will be placed, and plans for an alternate and accessible route. He noted that one of their projects that his office is involved with where a sidewalk is closed they are adding a mid-block curb ramp to maintain accessibility for everyone. Transportation Engineer Hathaway stated that he will work over the coming months on the enforcement and oversight of contractors as they obtain street/sidewalk permits, especially as the 2016 construction season gets underway. Vice Chair Scriber noted that the City of Ithaca has been the award recipient for many different reasons such as why it is so great to live, work or retire to the City. She doesn’t see the City of Ithaca doing the things that it should to make sure it meets the standards for a particular award, particularly related to making sure everything is accessible for everyone no matter whether or not they might have a disability. Chair Roberts stated that in Mayor Myrick’s “State of the City” address for 2016, that the Mayor talked about a couple of priorities for the City for 2016. The first one was safety, and the second one was access. The Mayor does have a commitment to improving access for everyone, which carries over to his support for the City’s sidewalk program. Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes                                                                                      April 6, 2016    5    So, the City does have the commitment and vision to start knocking down these access issues; it has done a lot, but there is more to be done. Vice Chair Scriber agreed, and noted that the key to these two priorities is enforcement, consistency, and reward. Transportation Engineer Hathaway reported that the bid package for the 2016 Sidewalk Construction season went out on April 1st, bids will be awarded on April 22, 2016. Construction will begin mid-May/early June. He doesn't think anyone will be hired for the Sidewalk Program Manager position until June, so he will be covering both positions. He is realizing through all this that if he waits until the new person is hired to begin the public outreach meetings about the 2017 sidewalk program priorities that it will be too late. The new sidewalk assessment will be ready July 1st, and next year's assessment has to be approved by October 1st. He does plan to have at least one meeting regarding the 2017 sidewalk program just for accessibility issues. He will try to have all the meetings take place at the Tompkins County Public Library instead of trying to have a meeting in each of the five sidewalk districts because it will be easier as well as accessible for everyone. If he gets those taken care of before new person is hired, then they have a period of six months or so where they can watch the construction season before they have to start the process over again next year. Membership of DAC: Chair Roberts stated that he would like to take a few minutes and have the DAC think about groups that they might approach, groups with disabilities, who live in the City of Ithaca that could be reached out to see if any of them might be interested in joining the DAC. He has a few people in mind that he will e-mail and then talk with. If other DAC members can reach out to people as well, that would be great. There are currently seven vacancies on the DAC that need to be filled. Part of the issue may be that the DAC is not focusing on accessibility issues that everyone is interested in. Chair Roberts reported that DAC Member Dragovich has expressed his intent to resign from the DAC. He will try to reach out and chat with him to see if he might get him to continue to serve on the DAC since he has contributed in such a positive way to the DAC and he would like to have him continue to serve. Chair Roberts stated that he would follow-up with the Clerk’s Office regarding the pamphlet their office created last summer regarding the DAC and what it does. It would be good to have it to share with people to see if they might be interested in serving on the DAC. He stated that future members can be people with disabilities or whose professional interest is in accessibility/disability issues. Transportation Engineer Hathaway stated that he has contact information for the people who attended the sidewalk program meeting geared towards accessibility so he will reach out to them as well to let them know about the openings on the DAC. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m. __________________________________ _________________________________ Sarah L. Myers, Larry Roberts, Information Management Specialist Chair of DAC