ADA Advisory Board

CITY OF DERBY ADA ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES April 8, 2013 4:00p.m. City Hall Vitality Room In Attendance: Judy Morris, ADA Board Chairperson Thomas Muskus, ADA Board Member Polly Jones, ADA Board Member Patricia Moore, ADA Board Member Absent: Kathleen Gearhart, ADA Board Member James Sweeney, ADA Board Member City Staff: Jenny Evans, Director of Human Resources/ADA Coordinator MacKensie Cornell, Admin. Asst. to Human Resources Ted Austin, Director of Operations Dale Wasinger, Project Inspector Darrell Zimmerman, Parks Superintendent Judy called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. and welcomed everyone. MacKensie took roll call. Judy asked for a motion to approve the January 14, 2013 minutes. Patricia made a motion to approve; Tom made the second and the minutes from January were approved. Jenny informed the board members that Kathleen was having medical issues and a card was passed around for members to sign for Kathleen. Jenny then gave the board members an update to the Transition Plan; several items have been completed, including items that were not originally on the transition plan. Jenny stated that our Public Works employees have gone above and beyond to make updates. Jenny was pleased to report that the plan is on track time-wise and looks good. Jenny then went over the layout of the plan, it is broken down in to low, medium and high priority items. The City of Derby Parks Superintendent, Darrell Zimmerman had attended the meeting with a slideshow of pictures to show what updates had been made. Darrell then shared over 80 before and after photos of ADA updates made around the City. Tom stated that it was amazing to see the volume of improvements that have been made, and he wishes more people knew what had been accomplished. He gave a big Thank You to City staff for making these updates a priority. Judy then said, Derby has been very pro-active in ADA compliance and the City should be commended. Tom said the sensitivity employees have to ADA issues is amazing. Polly then shared that she had recently been walking at High Park and had fallen, and employees got into their work truck to come assist her. Polly also said she feels that the sensitivity training employees received has made them more comfortable with ADA in our community. Darrell stated that he was pleased to show what all has been accomplished; all restrooms have been completed, including some that were not originally on the list. In the bathrooms the brick stall partitions had to be removed, towels, sinks, urinals and soap dispensers all needed to be lowered. Additionally, grabbers were installed even though they are not required, but because it is most helpful. The enclosed shelter at High Park had also been made fully ADA accessible. Darrell went on to say that this month, all water fountains will be made ADA accessible. Also, on the list to be done this Spring and Summer were installing hand railings on sidewalks at Garrett Park that were at a steep incline. Also, a complete renovation of the soccer fields at High Park. Polly asked if there would be restrooms by the fields at High Park. Darrell responded that portable restrooms would be available but permanent restrooms were not an option because that area is a flood plain. Tom asked if an ADA accessible portable restroom would be available. Darrell responded yes, there is always at least one ADA accessible restroom available. Darrell then discussed updates needed at the new Madison Avenue Central Park; plans are being made to bring the entire structure into compliance. Renovations will be made to the restrooms, and the mezzanine and stage. Judy then thanked Darrell for all his work and Darrell thanked the board for all their hard work and input in keeping the City accessible to all citizens. Judy then announced the next meeting was scheduled for July 8, 2013, 4:00 p.m. at City Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.