HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-DAC-2017-11-01Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
November 1,2017
Present:
Chair Roberts
Vice Chair Scriber
DAC Members:
Andrew Rappaport
Erin Sember-Chase
David McElrath
Others Present:
lnformation Management Specialist - Myers
CC Liaison Brock
City Clerk - Holcomb
City Attorney - Lavine
Chief of Staff - Cogan
Jan Lynch - Finger Lakes lndependence Center
Excused:
DAC Member Monroe
Approval of Minutes:
Approval of the Septem ber 6 and October 4.2017 Disabilitv Advisorv Council
Meetinq Minutes - ResoluliaD
By Vice Chair Scriber: Seconded by DAC Member Sember-Chase
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 6 and October 4, 2017 Disability
Advisory Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Discussion ltems:
Discussion of PossibiliW of an ADA Co ordinator Position for the Citv of lthaca
with City Clerk, Julie Holcomb:
Chair Roberts explained that recently he e-mailed information to Director of Parking
Nagy regarding the elevator at the Green Street Garage by Cinemopolis not working
Director of Parking Nagy responded, and stated that the City is working to repair it.
Chair Roberts stated that he travels through Home Dairy Alley fairly regularly; recently
he noticed that there were signs notifying the public that the elevator in the garage was
out of service; however, they were completely inadequate in providing information to the
public about where the working elevator could be found. He saw another sign that said
"the working elevator is available at the East End of the garage". That is not helpful
information to someone that may not be familiar with the City or know which direction is
which. He sent another e-mail to Director of Parking Nagy about the poor signage, who
directed one of his staff to make up new signs that would better explain where the
working elevator was located. Subsequently, Chair Roberts received an e-mail from
Brett Bossard, Manager of Cinemopolis, who explained that he had new signs made up
that provided better and more appropriate information to the public about the elevator
being out of service, they also provided directions to the working elevator - the City of
Ithaca did not make up any additional signs. The reason Mr. Bossard did that was
because the city made signs were unclear which resulted in the public seeking out his
employees at Cinemopolis for directions to the working elevator.
This is a clear example of how an ADA coordinator for the city of lthaca would have
been very beneficial. An ADA Coordinator would be the conduit for the flow of
information between the city, the public, and downtown merchants/employees about
Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes November 1 ,2017
Page 2
various items such as the location of a working elevator in the parking garage as one
enters the garage. ln this instance, had the City had that position, it would have saved a
lot of complaints and frustration from the public. lt addition, it would show that the City
of lthaca is aware of the importance providing clear information to the public about
matters that may affect them.
Chair Roberts further reported on another concern raised about parking in the Green
Street garage. He stated that it is unclear where people the public can park in the
garage because there are areas where the signage indicates "for hotel parking only" for
guests of the Marriott.
City Clerk Holcomb responded that in this instance she feels that the responsibility for
the appropriate signage in the parking garages falls more under the purview of the
Director of Parking; rather than the purview of an ADA Coordinator.
DAC Member Sember-Chase responded that an ADA Coordinator would be the
resource for staff to obtain direction as to what information should be included on any
needed signage such as where they should be placed, and provision of maps where
appropriate.
City Clerk Holcomb agreed that with all the new development occurring in the City of
Ithaca right now, it is going to be very important to pay attention to potential impacts to
the public, and then providing appropriate prior notification, signage and information as
to the contact person name and phone number for the project.
Chair Roberts stated that an ADA Coordinator would make the connections that the
DAC has tried to make through the years with key people in the city. The ADA
Coordinator would know who specifically to contact about each project or situation that
impacts the public and could work with them to provide the appropriate information in a
timely and useful way. For projects that impact the parking garages (i.e. inoperable
elevators), the ADA Coordinator could meet with merchants on the Commons to explain
the impacts to the public, and work together to insure accessibility needs are considered
and implemented accordingly. At this point in time, after all the work of the DAC on this
topic, this appropriate planning and accommodation should be something that is
automatically done by city staff/developers without an independent committee having to
raise the issue - after the fact. An ADA Coordinator would have their eye out for these
types of issues in order to include in the planning phase of the project what will need to
be done in order to meet ADA requirements.
City Clerk Holcomb agreed that having an ADA Coordinator would be a good idea for
the City. As City Clerk, part of her responsibilities are to act as an ADA Coordinator for
the City, in addition to her other job responsibilities. She explained that through the
years, accessibility related issues and special accommodations that were needed had
been split up between different staff members. She shared that some of those staff
Vice Chair Scriber explained that if the City had a centralized person, an ADA
Coordinator for example, that would be the contact for staff and/or public/developers to
contact for guidance and direction in insuring accessibility for everyone, rather than
many different staff that may or may not communicate regularly with one another about
projects. This would increase the outcome and efficiency of addressing those needs in
advance of the start of the project which would be more efficient for everyone
concerned.
Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes November 1,2017
Page 3
members are no longer affiliated with the City and no one has been assigned to take on
those responsibilities.
Discussion with Citv Attornev Lavine.Citv Clerk Holcomb. and Chief of Staff
Coqan Reqardinq ADA Title ll Complaint P rocedures for the Citv of lthaca:
Chair Roberts explained that the purpose of inviting City Attorney Lavine, City Clerk
Holcomb, and Chief of Staff Cogan to the meeting today was to discuss the City of
Ithaca and the Americans with Disabilities Act law and regulations. One of the
discussion items is related to the City's current situation not being sustainable;
especially after the Disability Advisory Council is disbanded as of December 31 ,2017
City Attorney Lavine began the discussion by explaining that the core initial focus from a
legal perspective is the ADA Complaint Procedure. He explained that recent
conversations with the Disability Advisory Council brought attention to the fact that the
City did not have a procedure in place for responding to ADA related complaints. ln
response, he drafted a City of lthaca "Americans with Disabilities Act ('ADA) Complaint
Form" (the draft form will be attached to the minutes). He distributed a copy to
everyone so they could review it as he explained the City's current process for
responding to complaints. lf the DAC approves of the complaint form, he would like to
have it posted on the City's website as soon as possible. He further explained that the
City code does have ADA mandates built into it. ln city government, he sees these
mandates falling roughly into two programmatic areas - one is related to open meeting
laws and the requirement to provide appropriate accommodations for accessibility to the
public; the other is focused around infrastructure needs (i.e. elevators, sidewalks, curb
ramps, etc.). Currently, the City is utilizing its Sidewalk Project Manager's expertise in
ADA law as well as the City Clerk to support issues presented by the ADA law related to
the operation of city government. He is aware that the DAC is looking for a much
broader staff position to focus on those issues. As has been noted in previous DAC
meetings and among other things, the creation of a position titled "ADA Coordinator" for
the City of lthaca is a budgetary issue and currently there is no budget for such a
position. ln addition, from the legal perspective, that position is not mandated for the
City of lthaca by the ADA law. However, there is an ADA Coordinator required to
administer the ADA complaint procedure in city government.
Chair Roberts responded that he was not surprised by City Attorney Lavine's answer
about there not being a lot being written down about what the City of lthaca's process is
for meeting the compliance requirements related to the ADA. For a long time the City of
Ithaca has relied on staff who have be "assigned" to this task or may be interested in
ADA requirements, and the by complaints to the DAC about ADA related items that
need to be addressed. For example, activities in city parks and designated handicap
parking requirements. He also understands that City Clerk Holcomb has been
designated as the ADA Coordinator for the City of lthaca.
Chair Roberts stated that he thought there was also a staff person in the Planning
Department who had been designated in the same role; however, he does not know
who.
city clerk Holcomb stated that currently the Planning Department does not have staff
assigned as an ADA coordinator. she explained that at one time the Historic planner
had fulfilled that role. when that person retired there was a lot of conversation about
who in the Planning Department would pick up that role. At that time, the planning
Department agreed that they play an important role but did not want to designate a
specific staff person to that role.
Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes November 1,2017
Page 4
CC Liaison Brock stated that she appreciates the City Attorney for recognizing what is
required under ADA law and the City's commitment to go above and beyond (i.e.
sustainability and diversity goals) what is required by the law. She would like to improve
the City's site plan review process because where it could use its authority to make sure
aspects of each and every project reflect the values of those who are disabled by
including specific accommodations and providing them for the entirety of the project.
When the DAC is disbanded, there is no way to insure continuation of the DAC's efforts
to address ADA requirements during the early planning stages of each project. The City
of lthaca has so many boards that provide specific expertise in particular areas that are
going to be disbanded, and she is very concerned how their knowledge and expertise
will be carried over in order to continue with the new commission structure.
Chair Roberts responded that he spoke with Alderperson Deb Mohlenhoff, who is the
Chair of the Working Group that oversaw the creation of the new commission structure.
She very strongly supports the idea of a paid ADA Coordinator for the City of lthaca so
he wanted to share that information with the rest of the DAC.
DAC Member Sember-Chase wanted to clarify some information to make sure everyone
was on the same page. She explained that what the ADA law says, and it does not
require the use of the term of "ADA Coordinator", that if the municipality has more than
50 employees there has to be a complaint process and someone has to be designated
to coordinate ADA efforts on behalf the municipality.
City Attorney Lavine stated that he prepared a draft proposal concerning the complaint
procedure for the City's website which is ready to go right now and will meet the
requirements of the law. That is why he is meeting with the DAC today because he
wanted to review and discuss the complaint procedure. He explained that there are
three draft documents - the first is the ADA complaint procedure, the second is a non-
discrimination notice, and the third one is the complaint form. To respond to the point
made by DAC Member Sember-Chase, the City of lthaca does not have to call the
designated person an'ADA Coordinator" and that information is included with this
document. At a recent department head meeting, it was discussed who would be the
most appropriate staff person to be the "designated" person. The City of lthaca will
utilize existing staff to satisfy the ADA requirement, and they may not have a great deal
of time to devote to this task because of their other job responsibilities. There are two
different topics to address; one is the new procedure which takes an existing staff
person who is designated as the one who accepts the complaint. That designated
person will forward the complaint to the appropriate staff person to address; that is what
the designation represents. Department Heads agreed that City Clerk Holcomb would
be the appropriate staff member to become that "designated" person, which he believes
that make sense. The City Clerk is very visible and easy for the public to access.
chair Roberts and vice chair scriber agreed. Vice chair scriber asked to whom would
the designated person go to if they don't know what to do with the complaint or if the
CC Liaison Brock noted that it is one thing to have central "designated" person who will
contact the appropriate department when a complaint is received. She would also hope
that as part of that responsibility/designation that person would also have the
responsibility to follow up with the appropriate department to make sure the situation is
being addressed and rectified. She is concerned that the person to whom the complaint
is forwarded may not respond or address the problem because they may not fully
understand what the city of lthaca responsibilities are with regard to complying with the
requirements of ADA law.
Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes November 1 ,2017
Page 5
appropriate staff person to whom the complaint is forwarded to is not sure what needs
to be done in order to meet the requirements of the ADA law.
City Attorney Lavine responded that the City Clerk would refer complaints to the
appropriate new commission or to Finger Lakes lndependence Center to determine the
best course of action. Complaints for sidewalks would be referred to the Sidewalk
Program Manager.
CC Liaison Brock stated that the point she was trying to make was with the
currenVproposed process would be that when a complaint is submitted to the City Clerk,
it will be forwarded to the appropriate staff person, in this case to the Director of Parking
because one of the elevators in the Green Street garage is not in service. The Director
of Parking asks staff to put a sign up that the elevator is out of service, the sign is
inadequate - that inadequate sign is in place for five weeks, a business owner puts up a
sign with better information for the public because their employees were being
interrupted by the public who had questions about the city's parking garage and the
location of the working elevator. Do all staff (both department heads and staff) know
what the ADA requirements are in order to provide a basic level of responsiveness to
complaints received?
City Attorney Lavine thought that was a great point; however, that point is about the
other half of this conversation which he can't respond to which relates to the City having
the budget that would support the creation of an ADA Coordinator position.
Chair Roberts understands; however, just in case people think that the garage is the
only problem - it's just the current problem. ln terms of transition plan, the DAC has
made it clear what issues are being passed onto the new commission to take care of
due to the lack of time to respond and address them all before the DAC was disbanded
DAC Member Sember-Chase quoted the ADA law which states, in part that the
designated person must investigate the complaint and be the one to follow up to make
sure it is addressed. The other thing that should be included is related to the
coordinator serving as a point of contact for persons to seek to file a complaint or when
addrtional accommodations are needed. That is important information to include in the
notice.
City Attorney Lavine was provided with the following suggestions to edit the Complaint
Procedures and ADA Notice as follows:
The City should have a written policy for staff to follow when complaints are filed
with the City.
The fourth paragraph on the Complaint Procedure form should not say,,must,'
present a detailed description of the issues because it is unlikely that will be
provided; perhaps use the word "should" or say "include as many details as
possible" rather than the word "must".
a
. The second paragraph on the ADA Notice should be moved because it is strange
to request that a complaint be submitted to the City and then to indicate in the
next paragraph that if the cost to mitigate the problem is too high the City doesn't
have to address it.
Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes November 1,2017
Page 6
There should also be information that would indicate that if someone is unable to
fill out the complaint form themselves, that staff in the City Clerk's office can
assist them.
Are sections lV and V on the complaint form required or relevant (City Attorney
Lavine feels section V is relevant).
The complaint form seems to suggest, under sections lV and V that if a complaint
has already been filed with another Federal, State or local agency that it may be
"a more important type of complaint" than submitting a complaint to the City of
Ithaca. City Attorney Lavine thought that was useful information for the City to
know. The city's form is modeled after the language used in the Federal
template. The City of lthaca could build into its complaint process that it will
review other complaints on file to see if they might relate to the current complaint.
a
City Attorney Lavine responded that the City of lthaca already advertises that service
through its public channels (websiteiagenda notices, etc.) that the City WILL help make
accommodations upon request.
Vice Chair Scriber expressed her support for CC Liaison Brock's suggestion
because the City should remind people that if they are needing accommodations
or to make a complaint that this form would be the first step in that process.
a
CC Liaison Brock stated that unlike section V talking about "this" complaint,
section lV is about ANY complaint to the City of lthaca (ADA related). She likes
DAC Member Sember-Chase's language use about someone who may be
seeking "public accommodation", perhaps this same form could be used (and
reference it on the title page) for someone to use with regard to needing special
accommodations from the City to participate in a program offered by the City.
City Attorney Lavine responded that, from a legal perspective, the City needs a
formal, written complaint filed.
CC Liaison Brock wondered if the complaint form could be completed online or
someway that would allow it to be done through the City's website. Can people
scan the completed complaint form, save it as a PDF and e-mail it.
DAC Member Rappaport stated that the Federal ADA complaint form can be
filled out entirely online, and that the federal government is accepting online
submission.
. After a DAC member personally filed complaints with the Department of Justice,
they were not provided with the name of the contact person in a reasonable
amount of time. Not sure if that is need. City Attorney Lavine stated that the
City's objective or thought there is for the complainant to understand what legal
requirements exist.
. CC Liaison Brock noted that it is best to be consistent when referring to different
titles, the complaint form mentions both the City Clerk and the Department of
Public lnformation and Technology. ln addition, is there a legal requirement why
this complaint form can't be sent by e-mail and then add the appropriate e-mail
address; orwhat about by means ofTDD or sending a text.
Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes November 1,2017
Page 7
City Attorney Lavine stated that the City would be happy to explore doing something
sim ilar.
CC Liaison Brock would also add on the form that it can be faxed, e-mailed or however
it may be received by the City of lthaca so that it is clear to the public that there are
multiple means by which to submit a complaint to the City. She would also like to adjust
the complaint form to add more contact information on who complaint is being filed on
behalf of.
DAC Member Sember-Chase stated that the complaint form is not intended to be
completed by someone with second hand knowledge. A complaint shouldn't be filed
unless it happened to yourself.
Chair Roberts asked what the City's process is for an employee who wants to file a
discrimination complaint.
City Attorney Lavine responded that the City has a separate complaint process through
Title ll for employees to use.
Chair Roberts noted that he assumes there is some known process for an employee to
request accommodation, and City Attorney Lavine acknowledged that there was
However, if an employee uses the wrong form by mistake, the City will still review it.
Chair Roberts reported that he spoke with Alderperson Mohlenhoff (Chair of the
Working Group) and she intends to have the City Administration Committee adopt the
DAC recommendations at their November meeting, and that a formal resolution from
the DAC was not necessary. She also intends to incorporate all the DAC's suggestions
into the policy and procedure manual for the new commissions.
City Attorney Lavine stated that the City is definitely interested in incorporating all the
DAC's recommendations in the policy and procedure manual.
DAC Member Rappaport stated that the procedure and legal designation of place for
the public to submit complaints is great; however it should not be a substitute for the
discussion related to the need for the City to have an actual ADA Coordinator position
on its roster.
Chair Roberts stated that he would like to have one more informational meeting of the
DAC after January 1 to make sure all is in place for the new commission. He noted that
there is already a commitment from the City to appointment a person with a lived
disability or experience or both to each of the four new commissions, and that any DAC
member is welcome to apply to serve on one of the commissions. The DAC made a
decision to not officially oppose the referendum, but acknowledged that they have some
significant concerns about their work being continued through the new commission
structure. As such, they did what was advisable which was to provide
recommendations to the City about what should be included in the new commission
structure and in the new policies and procedures. The DAC wants to know not if but
when an ADA Coordinator will be in place for the City of lthaca, and what their duties
will be.
Disability Advisory Council Meeting Minutes November 1 .2017
Page 8
Vice Chair Scriber asked where the right place would be for the DAC to continue to
push for that position. City Attorney Lavine responded that the DAC should bring this
topic/recommendation to the attention of the new "Mobility, Accessibility and
Transportation Commission".
Chair Roberts stated that, separate from that, any individual City of lthaca tax paying
citizen can come to speak at Common Council meetings to speak and encourage
Common Council to include in its budget the position of ADA Coordinator in the very
near future.
Members of the DAC should start early in 2018 (June/July) to push and keep this issue
in front of the Mayor and Common Council as work on the 2019 budget commences. lt
should be voiced that this should be a priority for the City of lthaca for 2019.
Chair Roberts stated that at the December DAC meeting, members should plan to take
a look at what the ADA Coordinator job description might look like, what their
responsibilities would include, and what current salaries are for that position.
Adiournment:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:35 pm.
Sarah L. Myers,
lnformation Management Specialist
Larry Roberts,
Chair
Dta+k
Crrv or lrxaca
AMERTcANS wrrH Drslgr-trtes Acr: CouputHr PRoceoune
FILING A COMPLAINT
Any person who believes that they have been excluded from participation in, denied the benefits
of, or subjected to discrimination under Title ll of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
("ADA'), relating to any program and/or activity administered by City of lthaca may file a written
complaint with the City of lthaca Clerk (Public lnformation and Technology Department), who
serves as the City of lthaca's ADA Coordinator:
The complaint must present a detailed description of the issues, including names, job titles of
individuals perceived as parties to the action complained against, date, time-of-day, location,
and contact information of any witnesses. The best way to provide such a written complaint is
by using the City of lthaca's ADA Complaint Form, which is available online at
www.citvofithaca.oro under the "Civil Rights" page and in hard copy at the Public lnformation
and Technology Department.
The written complaint must be signed, mailed or returned to the Public lnformation and
Technology Department at First Floor, City Hall, 108 Green Street, lthaca, NY 14850.
Within ten ("10") days of receiving of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator will notify the
complainant of receipt and will forward the complaint to appropriate City staff and officials for
review and investigation.
The City will make all reasonable efforts to promptly investigate the complaint and will strive to
complete its investigation within thirty ("30") days of receiving the complaint. lf the City's
investigation reveals an ADA violation, the City will take reasonable remedial measures to
address the violation as are appropriate under the ADA and in the City's discretion.
The complainant will receive an investigation report within sixty ("60") days of the complaint's
filing, which will describe the investigation's results and any remedial measures adopted as a
result. lf no violation is found to exist, the report will indicate as such.
APPEAL PROCESS
City Clerk /Public lnformation and Technology
ADA Coordinator
First Floor, City Hall
108 Green Street, lthaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 274-6570 | Fax: (607) 274-6432
Web: www.cityofithaca.org
The written complaint should be filed as soon as possible, but not later than sixty ("60") calendar
days after the alleged violation.
INVESTIGATION AND RESPONSE TO COMPLAINANT
lf the complainant wishes to appeal a finding of no violation or remedial measures taken, he or
she may file a written appeal within thirty ("30") days of the date of the investigation report to the
Office of the City Attorney, City Hall, 1 08 E. Green Street, lthaca, NY '14850. The City Attorney
shall respond to the complainant, in writing, within thirty ("30") days from the date of the appeal.
Draft
Crrv or lrxlca
NoncE UNDER THE AmenrclNs wlrH DrslerLrrres Acr
ln accordance with the requirements of Title ll of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 'lgg0
('ADA'), the City of lthaca will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities,
including applicants, participants, beneficiaries, or other interested persons, on the basis of
actual or perceived disability in the services, programs, or activities of the City of lthaca.
The ADA does not require the City of lthaca to take any actron that would fundamentally alter
the nature of rts programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.
City Clerk /Public lnformation and Technology
ADA Coordinator
First Floor, City Hall
108 Green Street, lthaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 274-6570 | Fax: (607) 274-6432
The City of lthaca's ADA Complaint Procedure and ADA Complaint Form are available online at
www.citvofithaca.oro under the "Civil Rights" page and in hard copy at the Public lnformation
and Technology Department.
Complaints that a program, service, or activity of the City of lthaca not accessible to persons
with disabilities should be directed to:
Americans with Disabilities Act ('ADA") Complaint Form
Home Address (Street No., City, State, Zip code):
Telephone
Electronic Mail Address:
Section I
Name:
Accessible format requirements? (please check preference)
Large print :_ Audio tape: _ TDD:
Section ll
Are you filing this complaint on your own behalf? Yes_
(lf you answered "yes" to this question, please go to Section lll)
lf you answered "no," please supply the name and relationship of the person for whom you are
complaining
Please explain why you have filed for a third party
Please confirm that you have obtained the permission of the aggrieved party if you are filing on behalf
of a third party. Yes_ No
Section lll
I believe the discrimination I experienced within the City prohibited by the ADA specifically pertained
to (check all that apply):
[ ] Employment [ ] City programs, services, or access to City facilities
Date of Alleged Discrimination (Month, Day, Year):
Citv of lthaca
Other: _
No
Explain as clearly as possible what happened and why you believe you were discriminated against on
the basis of your disability or otherwise denied access to a program, service, or activity of the City of
Ithaca. Describe all persons who were involved. lnclude the name and contact information of the
person (s) who discriminated against you (if known) as well as names and contact information of any
witness. lf more space is needed, please use the back of this form or additional pages.
Section lV
Have you previously filed an ADA complaint with the City? Yes
Section V
No
Have you filed this complaint with any other Federal, State or local agencies, or with any Federal or
State court? Yes No
Please provide information about a contact person at the agency/court where the complaint was filed.
Name:
Title:
Agency/Court:
Address:
Telephone:
Signature:Date:
Please submit this form in person at the address below, or mail this form to:
City Clerk's Office /Public lnformation and Technology
108 E Green Street
City of lthaca, NY 14850
Feedback on ADA notice and complaint form Page I of2
Feedback on ADA notice and complaint form
Erin Marie Sember-Chase [ems65@cornell.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2017 4i03 PylTo: Sarah f4yers; Cynthia Brock; davidlmcelrath@gmail.com; andrew@chiangobrien.com;
larryeroberts@hotmail.com; jodyscriber@gmail.com
Cc: Aaron Lavine; Julie Holcomb
NOTICE:
o For second section about how ADA doesn't require city to take action that alters or causes burden- there
is an additional piece in Title ll Primer for State and Local Governments that says when such an action is
deemed to alter or cause undue burden, the city shall take any other action that would not result in
alterations or burdens but would ensure individual with disability receives the benefits and services
provided by city. Therefore I think it's important to add that in some manner to that line/section.
o As I said earlier, I think the notice should encompass the full scope of the City Clerk's role re/ ADA
Coordination. I propose editing the thlrd section that starts with "Complaints that a program..." to read
instead: "The City Clerk/Public lnformation and Technology staff acts as the lthaca City ADA Coordinator
and serves as the point person for individuals with disabilities to request either auxiliary aids/services to
partlcipate in/access city programs and services, or policy modifications, and/or to file a complaint that a
program, service, or activity of the City of lthaca is not accessible to those with disabilities. All such
requests or complaints should be directed to:... "
CITY OF ITHACA COMPLAINT PROCEDURE:
. ln first paragraph where it first says a written complaint should be filed, perhaps asterisk that (*) and do
a footnote that says *Please contact the City of lthaca if you need assistance and/or auxiliary aids or
accommodations in order to submit a written complaint".
. Whereever it says X number of days, you might want to specify "business" days to set up reasonable
expectations.
COMPLAINT FORM:
o For accessible format requirements, change "audio tape" to "audio tape or file (please specify)".
. ln light of what we talked about today re/ employment setting being a different process, do you even
want to include that in Section lll? Maybe Instead tell them how they can file an employment related
complaint (assuming there's a separate process with HR?)
. lf you think it's important to know whether the person ever filed a complaint with the city before, then
wouldn't you also want to know when and about what? Might be worth adding that in section lV.
Please let me know if any questions about my feedback/edits.
Best,
Erin
Erin M. Scmber-Chase
Assistant l)irector. Srudent Disabiliry Sen ices
NEW LOCATION: Level 5, Cornell Health
https://mai l.cityofi thaca.orgl ow a/? ae=ltem&t:lpM.Note&id:RgAAAAD%...1U312017
Thanks all for a good meeting today. Here's my feedback and suggestions on the drafts Ari shared: