Advisory Committee on Accessibility

Advisory Committee on Accessibility Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Meeting Invite information Zoom Link:https://zoom.us/j/92356452507?pwd=Zk6QCJswEJla4hSa3seazYvWwFa3Uh.1 Webinar ID: 923 5645 2507 Passcode: 120399 1. Call to Order 2. Adopt the Agenda 3. Adopt Minutes Subject 3.1. approve and adopt the minutes of the June 16th Burlington Advisory committee on Accessiblity Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 3. Adopt Minutes Department Other Type Recommended Action 4. Committee memebers Introductions 5. Public Forum Subject 5.1. Email Communication about ADA parking Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Page 1 of 17  Category 5. Public Forum Department Other Type Recommended Action Subject 5.1. Email attachment - ADA Parking notes Accessibility Committee 06.16.25 Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 5. Public Forum Department Other Type Recommended Action 6. News & Updates Subject 6.1. Update on Walking Path Mural Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 6. News & Updates Department Other Type Recommended Action Subject 6.2. Update on capital budget request for Leddy Park Area elevator Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 6. News & Updates Department Other Type Recommended Action 7. Continued discussion on accessible city parking and accessibility during construction 8. Election of Officers Page 2 of 17 9. Discussion on best practices for maintaining accessiblity to Burlington Open meetings Subject 9.1. Accessibility Committee Meeting Accommodations for the deaf and hard of hearing Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 9. Discussion on best practices for maintaining accessiblity to Burlington Open meetings Department Other Type Recommended Action 10. Other Committee Business Subject 10.1. Checking city email addresses for BACA news and updates Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 10. Other Committee Business Department Other Type 11. Adjournment Subject 11.1. Motion to adjourn Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 11. Adjournment Department Council and Board Type Recommended Action 12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 12.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. Persons with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in advance so that proper arrangements can be made. The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, Page 3 of 17  veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. Meeting August 18, 2025 - Burlington Advisory Committee On Accessibility - Monday, August 18, 2025, 3:00 PM, This hybrid meeting will take place in the Sharon Bushor Conference Room, first floor of City Hall 149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont and online over Zoom. Category 12. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type Page 4 of 17 DRAFT Page 5 of 17 DRAFT Page 6 of 17 DRAFT Page 7 of 17 DRAFT Page 8 of 17 Page 9 of 17 Timothy Williams From: Phillip Peterson Sent: Wednesday, August 6, 2025 12:26 PM To: Jackie Esperti; Moira Cc: Parsa Pezeshknejad; Sarah Bailey; Timothy Williams; Laura Wheelock Subject: RE: Accessible parking Attachments: ADA Parking Notes Accessibility Committee 6.16.25.pdf Hi Moira, Thank you for following up and for your continued advocacy for accessible infrastructure in Burlington. Serendipitously, I gave a presentation on this topic at the June 2025 Accessibility Committee meeting. I’ve attached the meeting notes for your reference, and I’ve also included the key details below to provide immediate context. Additionally, I’ve cc’d Tim Williams, the City’s Safety Manager, who oversees the City Accessibility Committee. If you’re interested in getting involved with the group’s efforts, Tim would be the best point of contact. The attached notes outline how accessible parking is planned, approved, and maintained across the City—including both residential and metered zones, public lots, and construction zones. They also touch on how we handle complaints, coordinate with the ADA community, and adapt standards over time based on demographic trends and public feedback. If you have specific ADA-related requests or concerns, I’d be glad to talk them through with you. Could you share your number and a few good times to connect? Alternatively, you’re welcome to email me your specific requests, or feel free to call me directly—my phone number is listed in the signature block below. Best, Phillip Peterson P.E. Senior Transportation Engineer & Planner Burlington Department of Public Works 645 Pine Street Burlington, VT 05402 802-598-8356 ppeterson@burlingtonvt.gov “Please note that this communication and any response to it will be maintained as a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Vermont Public Records Act.” From: Jackie Esperti <jesperti@burlingtonvt.gov> Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2025 2:31 PM To: Moira ; Phillip Peterson <ppeterson@burlingtonvt.gov> Subject: RE: Accessible parking Hi Moira, Phillip has assigned this to one of the engineers to work on. It may be a bit, but the tech services team is working on it! 1 Page 10 of 17 Thank you for your patience From: Moira Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 12:51 PM To: Phillip Peterson <ppeterson@burlingtonvt.gov>; Jackie Esperti <jesperti@burlingtonvt.gov> Subject: Re: Accessible parking [ WARNING ]: This email was sent from someone outside of the City of Burlington. Hello Phillip and Jackie, If this is something you do not have time for at the moment, can you give me a date in future when we could talk? If there is someone else within the city who is a better contact or could provide the information I am happy to be redirected. Thank you Moira Mulligan On Jul 8, 2025, at 10:16 AM, Moira wrote: Hello Phillip, I am following up on an earlier email about Burlingtons handicap parking, specifically accessible spots. I know you must be busy with all the work being done in Burlington. However I see changes which are decreasing accessibility and also not consistent with ADA recommendations. Id like to have a better understanding of how accessibility is being considered Thank you. Moira Mulligan On Mon, Jun 23, 2025, 9:35 AM Moira wrote: Thank you for your quick response. I really appreciate it. I look forward to hearing from Phillip. On Mon, Jun 23, 2025, 9:15 AM Jackie Esperti <jesperti@burlingtonvt.gov> wrote: Good morning Moira, Thank you for reaching out! Phillip Peterson is part of our engineering team and is going to be the most helpful person to help us navigate this situation. He is out early this week, but will be able to respond upon his return in a few days. Thank you! -----Original Message----- From: Moira 2 Page 11 of 17 Sent: Friday, June 20, 2025 12:53 PM To: Jackie Esperti <jesperti@burlingtonvt.gov> Subject: Accessible parking [ WARNING ]: This email was sent from someone outside of the City of Burlington. Hello Jackie I am a Burlington resident and I use a wheelchair and a ramp van. I am having increasing diffictuly accessing different parking options in Burlington and am interested in knowing how the city is considers accessibility in changes to our streets/sidewalks. The most recent concern is the sidewalk in front of the NuChocolat/Kismet on Battery St. This was one of the most reliable and easiest parking option in Burlington. It was ramped right where ramps drop or for someone getting out on passenger side with a walker. It was consistently shoveled in the winter and it gave access to multiple businesses (coffee, hair salon, two restaurants). I saw the construction going on and just realized they have put in a curb and appear to be putting in a grass strip which is always problematic in winter and often problematic the rest of the year. I would like to meet with someone to telk about the approach to handicap parking. I frequent downtown Burlington and travel independently much of the time. It would be helpful to understand the planning and reasoning around these decisions. As anther aside. The handicap spots at Battery Park are now inclosed by a fence. This again is a location which was easy access, wonderful view and a great place to sit, see the lake and “escape” for awhile. Thanks for your response. Moira Mulligan Please note that this communication and any response to it will be maintained as a public record and may be subject to disclosure under the Vermont Public Records Act. 3 Page 12 of 17 I. Accessible Parking in the City of Burlington General Policy and Oversight 1. Is there a formal City policy or standard that outlines the criteria for designating accessible parking spaces? Yes. The City follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines as well as Vermont Agency of Transportation standards for accessible parking. Locally, on-street ADA parking policies are informed by DPW procedures, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the ADA Transition Plan. 2. How often does the City reassess ADA parking needs to accommodate demographic changes, development, or feedback from the public? Reassessment is generally performed in response to resident requests, changes in land use or transportation infrastructure, or through area-wide planning projects. Input from the public, especially through NPAs and the Advisory Committee, is a key trigger for reevaluation. 3. Once an ADA space is approved, how does it come to be put into place & what is a general timeline for that? Once approved by the Department of Public Works, a work order is issued for signage and pavement markings. Installation typically occurs within 4–6 weeks, depending on weather and crew availability. From request to install it can be a two-month process. 4. Secondarily, how and/or if ever are ADA spaces removed? ADA spaces are rarely removed but may be relocated or removed if: o A resident moves away and the location no longer serves a need. o A street undergoes major reconfiguration. o New, more suitable locations are identified nearby. On-Street ADA Parking – Residential (Non-Metered) 5. What is the process for a resident to request an accessible parking space near their home on a non-metered street? Residents submit a request (phone, in-person, email or letter) to DPW. Medical documentation or a state-issued accessible parking placard is required. Staff then conduct a site visit and determine feasibility based on curb use, street geometry, and proximity to the residence. 6. What eligibility requirements must be met to receive an ADA space in a residential area? o Applicant must hold a valid ADA placard or license plate. o The requested space must be reasonably close to their home. o There must be no accessible off-street parking available at the residence. 7. How does the City determine the exact location, striping, and signage for these residential spaces? A site visit evaluates available curb space, sightlines, driveway access, snow removal Page 13 of 17  considerations, and grade. Spaces are marked with standard blue signage and sometimes include white striping for parking brackets with cross-hatched access aisles where feasible. On-Street ADA Parking – Metered Areas 8. How is ADA parking integrated into the City’s metered parking zones, especially downtown and in commercial corridors? The City ensures that ADA-compliant metered spaces are available within every metered zone. These spaces are often located near major intersections, civic buildings, and popular destinations, with attention to proximity to ramps and crosswalks. 9. Is there a guideline to how many per block, for example, or location near amenities? There is no strict per-block minimum, but general guidance calls for approximately 2% of on-street spaces in a zone to be accessible, with at least one on each high-demand block when feasible. Location selection prioritizes proximity to destinations and curb ramps. 10. How does the City respond to feedback or complaints regarding the adequacy of accessible metered parking? Complaints are logged with DPW or Burlington Parking Services through our online platform SeeCilckFIx. Site visits and usage data are reviewed, and adjustments are made where feasible. The City also engages directly with stakeholders or accessibility groups when responding. City-Owned, Managed, or Leased Parking Lots 11. What is the City’s standard for the number and layout of ADA spaces in public parking lots it owns, leases, or manages? ADA standards require 1 accessible space per 25 total spaces (minimum), with van- accessible spaces included. The City ensures compliance in all lots it controls. 12. When parking lots are constructed or renovated, how are accessible spaces incorporated into the design? DPW and Department of Planning and Zoning review all plans to ensure ADA compliance. Accessible spaces are included in the earliest design phase, often near main entrances and on the most level grade. 13. How does the City ensure that third-party managers of leased lots comply with ADA requirements? City leases include ADA obligations. Compliance is monitored through inspections and contract oversight. Non-compliance can result in withheld payments or lease termination. 14. Are there any known City-managed lots currently lacking compliant ADA parking, and are there plans to address these? There are no known public lots fully lacking compliant ADA spaces. However, older lots may need improvements to signage or access aisles, which are being prioritized for upgrades. Page 14 of 17 Enforcement and Maintenance 15. Who is responsible for maintaining signage, pavement markings, and access aisles for accessible spaces? • On-street spaces: Maintained by DPW. • Off-street/public lots: DPW/Burlington Parking Services. • Privately managed lots: Property owner is responsible. 16. What is the City’s enforcement strategy for unauthorized use of ADA parking? Parking Enforcement Officers issue tickets for violations. Offenses carry a substantial fine (currently $125). Complaints can be reported via SeeClickFix or by calling Parking Services directly. Community Engagement and Equity 18. How does the City gather input from the disability community regarding parking accessibility? • Regular presentations to the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. • Public forums and NPAs. • One-on-one feedback through SeeClickFix, 802-863-9094, or email. • Survey outreach through planning efforts, e.g. planBTV Walk/Bike SAP; planBTV Comp Plan 19. Has the City analyzed trends to determine if accessible parking needs are increasing based on aging populations or disability data? Yes. Staff review census data, Vermont Department of Health statistics, and regional planning reports. We have a collaborative relationship with Melissa Needham, the Healthy Communities Specialist at the Vermont Department of Health. Aging in place trends and an uptick in ADA placard issuance have informed planning for higher demand in downtown and residential zones. 20. Are there ongoing outreach efforts to educate the public and businesses about the importance of ADA parking? Outreach has included: • Coordination with Local Motion and the Chamber of Commerce. • Presentations at business association meetings. II. Accessibility in and Around Construction Sites Page 15 of 17 Policy and Compliance Framework 21. How does the City ensure that accessibility is maintained during major street and sidewalk construction projects? DPW requires ADA-compliant temporary traffic control plans for all major projects. Plans must maintain accessible pedestrian routes and safe crossings throughout construction. Accessibility is a key approval criterion before issuing a Right-of-Way permit. 22. Are contractors required to adhere to ADA and MUTCD standards for temporary pedestrian access during construction? Yes. All contractors must comply with ADA and MUTCD standards. Standard plans include detectable warnings, minimum 36-inch clear routes, and level surfaces. Pedestrian detours must be ADA accessible. 23. What is the approval process for temporary traffic control plans, and how is accessibility evaluated within them? Plans are submitted to DPW for review. Engineering staff evaluate: • Pedestrian detour routes. • Tactile warning placement. • Ramp slopes. • Signal access. Plans failing ADA standards are returned for revision. 24. Does the City require contractors to provide accessible detours for both pedestrians and cyclists, and how are those routes vetted for usability? Yes. The requirement applies to all users, especially where sidewalk closures affect downtown or transit routes. City staff field-test detours when needed and monitor their condition. 25. How does the City maintain this? Compliance is maintained through permit conditions, field inspections, and resident reporting. Problematic sites may be issued stop work orders. Oversight, Enforcement, and Community Input 26. Are field inspections regularly conducted to ensure contractors are maintaining accessible walkways, curb ramps, and crossings? Yes. Field inspections are performed by both DPW inspectors and the City’s ROW Enforcement Officer on a weekly basis, or more frequently during high-impact phases. 27. How are accessibility-related complaints handled when they arise near or within active construction sites? Complaints can be submitted via SeeClickFix, email, or phone. Staff investigate within 24–48 hours, and contractors are required to remedy issues immediately or face penalties. Page 16 of 17  28. Are there contractual penalties or enforcement mechanisms if a contractor fails to provide or maintain compliant accessible routes? Yes. Contracts include enforcement clauses allowing the City to: • Withhold payment. • Issue stop work orders. • Require corrections before continuation. 29. How is the public, particularly those with disabilities, notified when sidewalks or crossings are closed or altered? Notices are posted on-site and online. For long-term or large-scale closures, public service announcements, neighborhood newsletters, and outreach through partner organizations (e.g., Vermont Center for Independent Living) are used. 30. Has the City considered involving the ADA Coordinator or disability advisory groups in reviewing staging plans for high-impact projects? The City is open to this collaboration. While not standard, DPW is exploring formalizing this review step for major projects and welcomes Advisory Committee participation. Accessibility Innovations and Improvements 31. Has the City explored innovative approaches—such as modular walkways, temporary tactile guidance, or audible signage—to support accessibility during long-term projects? Yes. The City has: • Piloted modular rubber walkways for sidewalk gaps. • Used tactile mats on detour routes. 32. Are accessible pedestrian signals, transit stops, and bike access points maintained during all phases of construction? Efforts are made to maintain these throughout construction. Where relocation is necessary, ADA-compliant temporary alternatives are required. Transit agencies are notified in advance to reroute or flag altered stops. Page 17 of 17