ADA Committee

Montpelier ADA Committee November 4, 2014 Subject to review and approval Attendance: Kim Brittenham, Tom McArdle, Thom Wood, Chris Lumbra, Jessie Baker, Kevin Casey, Arne McMullen, Diane Richardson, Donna Barlow Casey Introductions and Welcome Review and approve agenda Snow removal, ballot voting items to be added. Motion to approve as amended seconded. Updates from Committee Members Diane mentioned that accessibility at the winter’s farmer’s market is limited since it’s so crowded. Jessie said that the venue is accessible. There may be times when it’s less crowded. Jessie will reach out to them to see if they would like info on how to ease that congestion. The City Council will be updated by the committee annually; it was last done in August. Between mid April and December is the best time to do it next year. Facility and program availability concerning the City Clerk’s office was discussed. Kim asked whether voter assessment was done. Diane mentioned that the ballot contains some fairly small print. Jessie said that was the election officer’s responsibility and maybe that person should be brought in to discuss before Town Meeting Day. That can be added to the next agenda. There is an option to vote by phone that requires at least 3 people to participate to justify per Sec of State’s office. Arne said there was a second set of numbers (costs) that came in for the ramps at the Recreation Dept that were a lot higher than the initial numbers. They are searching now for grants (ie cultural arts). Thom said one issue driving the overall cost is the need to develop accessible restrooms. The Rec Committee is now under the schools but there’s talk about moving it under the City’s general overview as a City Dept. Thom said there’s some accessibility renovation work to the auditorium at the high school that is being paid for from the remainder of the bond that was passed a few years ago. Examples he provided included access to the stage and wheel chair seating, etc. He’s working with folks from VCIL knowledgeable with theatrical design. Chris reported that a building permit was just issued for VCFA to install an elevator in one of their halls. Cedar Street has a 6 unit apartment being built with one accessible apartment. Kim reported that the ramp into the Washington county courthouse on State and Elm streets will be the center of a conversation end of this month with Disability Rights Vermont and Judge Conlan. The courthouse isn’t subject to municipal review falling under other county control and ADA compliance and overall building use may be better served via a planning grant which the county can apply for through VCDP, Vermont Community Development Program. However, the ramp is currently stalled due to this planning need as well as security concerns conflicting with access needs. Tom reported that Barre Street should be done by the end of the week and teh the work included some improvements to crosswalk ramps & trip hazards with additional sidewalk problems identified for repairs next construction season. He also mentioned that DPW purchased is a new tool that grinds off concrete or asphalt trip hazards in the sidewalk which is equipped with a water feedto reduce the dust. There was a study done by an intern that identifies the sidewalks that need work (hazards, etc) which the department is using as guidance in addition to their own inventory. Kim brought up concerns that people have with snow removal. DPW has sent out a snow removal plan in the past and will be making it available to the public again this season. The Parking Committee is considering revising the winter parking ban. This matter will be discussed at a future City Council meeting. Jessie revisited the proposal to revise the meetings to quarterly meetings instead of monthly. The ADA Symposium is in May of 2015 in Atlanta. Review and approve meeting minutes from October 7, 2014. There was a motion and a second to approve. The motion carried. Confirm Next Meeting Date – December 2nd. Adjournment Respectfully submitted, Tami Furry Recording Secretary