ADA Committee

Montpelier ADA Committee January 6, 2015 Subject to review and approval Attendance: Kim Brittenham, Tom McArdle, Thom Wood, Chris Lumbra, Marty Roberts, Jessie Baker, Kevin Casey, Donna Barlow-Casey. Introductions and Welcome Meeting called to order by Kim Brittenham, Chair. Approval of the agenda Kim wants to discuss the anniversary of the ADA, Tom wants to add sign language interpreters, and the issue of the Capital Plaza parking issue. Jessie moved to approve the agenda as amended, Kevin seconded. Updates from Committee Members There will be an ADA symposium that the City has sent people to before. It will be in Atlanta in May on Mother’s Day weekend. Kim knows some of the presenters and can help people choose courses. One of the instructors will be coming to Vermont to teach on parks and recs accessibility. Kim will be leaving her job in July and moving down south. Vermont Tourism and Vermont Adaptive, as well as others, are putting together a map that highlights accessible recreation areas. Kim reported that this year is the 25th anniversary of the passing of the ADA. On the 20th anniversary, a lot of munipalities did official proclamations that their goal was better meeting and surpassing the ADA requirements. When the Austine School closed, that included a lot of specific services for people that are deaf and people who are deaf and blind, one of those services was the Vermont Interpreter Referral Service. VCIL picked up that service but the contact information is the same. Tom said there was a complaint to the Human Rights Commission regarding the snow/ice buildup at the Capital Plaza lot. He wasn’t sure why the ADA committee wasn’t made aware of it. They were able to prove that the City did due diligence to change the parking layout and address winter maintenance methods to keep them clear in the future as a response to the complaint. Thom reported that the doorhandles at Union Elementary got changed over the break, it also was part of the safety implementation. There are still some interior doors that need to be updated, but that will happen over the next few weeks. Kevin said that Senator Leahy has a proposal to extend and expand Federal tax credits for sprinklers and ADA compliance. Committee Priorities Jessie mentioned that the priorities should be updated for 2015. The meetings should be changed quarterly and to content specific meetings to get city department’s involved in the meeting that was specific to them. There should then be training for the people in specific departments to educate them on ADA requirements. Jessie will talk to Arne to see if he has concerns with this change, Kim will talk to Dianne. Thom made a motion to approve the change, Tom seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The next meeting will the the first Tuesday in April. The committee will meet more often if grievances need to be addressed. Donna is working on job descriptions to include functional requirements and HR practices. Jessie will write up the priorities and email to members for review and feedback. Review and approve meeting minutes from November 4, 2014 Thom made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Jessie seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Confirm next meeting date – April 7th Respectfully submitted, Tami Furry Recording Secretary