ADA Committee

Montpelier ADA Committee July 2, 2013 DRAFT: Subject to review and approval Attendance: Kim Brittenham, Tom McArdle, Chris Lumbra, Marty Roberts, Jessie Baker, Arne McMullen. Introductions and Welcome Meeting called to order by Kim Brittenham, Chair. ADA 23rd Anniversary on July 26th – City Take Any Action This Year? Jessie is going to draft a press release to review the committee’s accomplishments. Kim said this would be a good opportunity to recognize the ADA committee, VCIL and what they offer for support services. A few items of interest that may be included is the draft ADA plan, sidewalk assessments, and the City’s proclamation of commitment. Updates from Committee Members Chris had an update on the Econo Lodge. He is working with them to create two accessible rooms with accessible bathrooms This needs to be finished before their permanent CO can be issued. They are working with an architect on this. Tom reported they are rebuilding Marvin Street but no room to add sidewalks or funds at this time. It was mentioned that the rebuilt sidewalk section on Liberty Street results in improved pedestrian access in this residential part of the City and is ADA compliant. Tom mentioned additional sidewalk reconstruction planned on Liberty St & Hubbard St this summer. He also mentioned that the DPW intern is determined to get the City-wide sidewalk assessment done before he heads back to school. The State Street paving project has a proposal to create two accessible parking places by the Statehouse. John Kaplan has determined that funding should be available to pay for this from the paving program. The paving project has been postponed for this season until the heating project is finished. The access to Shaw’s is difficult, especially with the plants in the doorway. There is no crosswalk or sidewalk. Kim called Pomerleau and they were having a design engineer look at the parking lot for pedestrian access solutions. Kim forwarded an email to them that shows the bike path location and no one has heard back from them since then. Jessie had sent a letter to the complainant about the Asiana House. With vacations, a meeting hasn’t been set up yet. She feels the initial meeting should just be between Mr. Albert and the city, without the owners or building renovators. The city’s limited authority in these matters will be made clear. Kim said the city was copied on the letter to enforcement people and city plays a supporting roll for Title II & III. It may be per code but still not fully accessible so there is an educational piece that is missing to explain the rules for renovations. Kim will be attending the New England ADA Center access assessment training July 16 at the Bradford Library. Arne had attended the one in Bethel last year and he asked about registration for this one. Kim will send him the info. Tom Sullivan will be at the Main Street Landing to help VCIL celebrate the 23rd anniversary. Review and Approve Meeting Minutes from June 4, 2013 The minutes were sent out for review. Kim made a few changes regarding the vertical access at the Asiana House. A motion to approve was seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Confirm Next Meeting Date – August 6 is the First Tuesday of the Month An agenda item for next time is the counter in the City Clerk’s office. Tom will talk to Todd and report at the next meeting. Arne mentioned that a flip up counter might work, so when it’s down, it’s a counter but when it’s up, it’s a doorway. Kim said this does not meet compliance for a forward approach and there isn’t enough space in the room now for a side approach. Respectfully submitted, Tami Furry Recording Secretary