ADA Committee

Montpelier ADA Committee February 5, 2013 Attendance: Kim Brittenham, Chair, VCIL Thom Wood, Montpelier Schools Marti Roberts, Citizen at large Tom McArdle, DPW Arne McMullen, Rec Department Meeting called to order by Kim Brittenham, Chair. She heard back from Bill Fraser and Ann Wilson who will not be able to make the meeting. Bill will hopefully attend next month’s meeting to help the committee set priorities. Additions to the agenda: Capitol improvements and the City Hall elevator. Review & Approve Meeting Minutes from January 8, 2013 The minutes are not available at this time for review. These and last month’s minutes should be available for the next meeting. Kim distributed the December 4, 2012 meeting minutes and didn’t hear back from anyone about them. It was decided to email the minutes to the committee for discussion and approval since the number for a quorum is not set in stone and Robert’s Rules are not strictly followed for this committee. The Secretary of State has advised that minutes need to be taken and must be posted, but the posted minutes need not be the final, approved version. Identify Committee Priorities for 2013 Kim explained that this is something the committee attempts to do each year, described last year’s priorities and asked for input to begin thinking about what initiatives the committee feels are important. The topics mentioned were: - Encourage more people to attend meetings - Attempt to gain more committee members - More involvement. Kim noted typical meeting attendance is staff and hopes we can find a way to include more citizens Kim said she asked Bill Fraser about advertisting for openings on the Committee and she will follow up with him. Tom will check with Sandy about what is needed to be sent out. Marti mentioned that a full page ad ran in The Bridge last time, Kim will talk to them about that happening again. Tom mentioned that we could include the DPW pedestrian right of way assessment as a priority so that we could include this self evaluation in the plan. Much of the final determination of the prioritization of needed work could depend heavily on the Committee’s input. Thom Wood mentioned the school priorities, described the many ADA compliance improvements targeted in the school facilities bond, and is hopeful the bond vote will pass so that the work can be accomplished in the very near future. ADA Committee Meeting Minutes Page 2 February 5, 2013 Arne noted the need to include assessment and ultimately a solution to the inaccessible Recreation Department facility as a priority. Council Member Appointment Kim mentioned that we must wait until after town meeting when elections are resolved. Committee assignments are done after this so won’t know who is assigned / volunteer until late March or April. Shaws /Pomerleau Pedestrian Route Follow-Up Kim said she made contact with Brian Waxler, COO @ Pomerleau Real Estate and learned they were very interested in the problem and would be willing to address the situation (accessible route from Main St sidewalk to store entrance) and would welcome guidance. Tom wondered whether there would be room along the RR ROW at the front of the parking spaces where the concrete blocks are now located. May need to also pull the parking back provided the travel aisle is wide enough. Tom also described plans for the bike path as part of the Carr Lot multi-modal center which will include a fence along the RR ROW thereby negating the need for the blocks. Updates from Committee Members - Kim discussed the NE ADA Center’s architectural assessment plan initiative and encouraged Arne to apply again for assistance with the review of Recreation Dept building. - Kim also mentioned that Jonathan Goddard @ VTrans is seeking input from citizens on its Transition Plan through Feb 28th. - Thom Wood provided additional information about the bond vote & gave a detailed explanation about all of the work that needs to be done with regard to the ADA. He noted that requested funding to replace the inaccessible & unsafe bleachers that they had to take out (recently mentioned in the newspaper). - The committee discussed the City Hall elevator that is out of service. Although there was discussion about alternative accessible meeting locations such as the high school, the committee learned that alternative accessibility arrangements were already underway for the Town Meeting and was being addressed by the City Clerk. It was also noted that the City Council seating on the stage is not accessible which will need to be addressed if a person with a disability is elected to fill a council seat. - It was mentioned that Sandy Pitonyak, City Manager Admin Assistant should be made aware that the City may have obligations to provide access in its sub- lease arrangements with Lost Nation Theater when the elevator is inoperable. The contract should also provide requirement that any entity sub-leasing from Lost Nation needs to be trained on its obligation to keep rear entrance and elevator unlocked during performances. Kim reported attending a December Music event and the rear entrance and elevator were not open. ADA Committee Meeting Minutes Page 3 February 5, 2013 - Tom mentioned the possible need for an accommodations request form. Confirm Next Meeting Date To be held on March 12th , second Tuesday of the month because 1st Tuesday is Town Meeting Day. Respectfully submitted, Tami Furry Recording Secretary Tom McArdle Staff Notes (due to battery failure, recording of meeting only partial)