Memorandum 16-019 Strategic Doing ADA Accessibility

Memorandum 16-019

TO:                       Mayor Wythe and Homer City Council

FROM:                 Katie Koester, City Manager

DATE:                  January 20, 2016

SUBJECT:         Strategic Doing: ADA Accessibility

When Council first prioritized areas of emphasis for strategic doing, they picked low difficulty high impact priorities from the Comprehensive Plan. One of those was senior services and accessibility.

I have had the opportunity to work with Rick Malley and the Independent Living Center on ADA accessibility, and though I have a lot to learn I appreciate their partnership and guidance as the City learns more about the ADA and effectively accommodating all of our citizens.  I would like to take the opportunity during this work session to explain the progress the City has made, what is left on the table, and where Council input is necessary.

What Has Been Done

-Purchased a ‘Listen’ – a device to assist hearing impaired Council/Commission/Committee members

-Purchased 3 digital voting machines that are accessible to the visually impaired

-Accessibility at Parks:

Parks Coordinator and Public Works Director have met with Rick Malley, ADA/IL specialist from the Independent Living Center to discuss improvements that are needed at Bishops Beach and Karen Hornaday Park.

The main improvement needed for Bishops Beach is a compacted gravel pathway from the restrooms to the picnic shelter and the entrance to the boardwalk.  This can be done this spring.  There needs to be compacted gravel at the picnic shelter as well.  An accessible path to the beach was also discussed, and Rick suggested that this be added to a transition plan. Tactile signage for the restrooms has been ordered.

Karen Hornaday Park: An accessible pathway from the parking lot to the picnic shelter was discussed.  Also an accessible trail around the perimeter of the playground is needed and we need to make sure there are enough accessible playground elements.  An ADA parking space is to be designated at the entrance to the playground with tactile signage, and signage for the accessible campground sites.

WKFL Park’s gazebo also needs to be made accessible with a ramp, and a pathway from the gazebo to the restrooms.

-The City has contracted with the Northwest ADA Center to provide 2 days of employee training on ADA. This includes training supervisors and employees who interact frequently with the public on how to be sensitive and accommodating to individuals with disabilities. Public Works employees will also be trained in standards for accessible design so City employees will be able to easily identify potential physical barriers and troubleshoot problem solving.

-Appointed an ADA coordinator to be a point of contact for the public on ADA issues. The coordinator needs to have great interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills. They are responsible for publishing notices and investigating complaints, among other things.  Sounds like a Clerk! Thank you to Melissa Jacobsen for stepping up to the job.

-All new or remodeled construction meets ADA standards.

What is Next?

Self-Evaluation

All state and local governments are required to conduct a self-evaluation of their programs to identify barriers to people with disabilities. Many of the mandatory requirements apply to employment practices, of which the City is in compliance. However, the evaluation tool also includes best practices and will be a useful first step in working on a transition plan.

Transition Plan

The next step is for the City to draft a Transition Plan identifying ways in which the City can become more ADA friendly and accessible. Independent Living will be at Council to help explain what a transition plan entails. The City could write a transition plan in house, with input of the community, or pursue grant funding for a transition plan. To the extent possible, I think pursuing grant funding, if available, is much more realistic given the current staff workload. Either way, community input will to be key to the success of the plan.

ADA Committee

I would like Council’s input on forming a committee made up of members of the public, ADA advocates, senior advocates, and the City that could provide oversight on a transition plan. In the future, it could help with implementation of the Transition Plan and provide a useful sounding board for viewing City projects and initiatives through an ADA lens. While a transition plan is being written the committee will play a key role in oversight and providing a venue for the public to be involved and may meet on a monthly basis. I appreciate the Council’s awareness of how much staff time a committee takes and would recommend that meetings could be scaled up or down according to demand. Also, much like the Sustainable Animal Control Review Committee, this committee would not be staffed by a City Clerk and would be responsible for taking meeting notes, etc. However, the ADA coordinator would likely attend the meetings and be a liaison for the City. Additionally, as a City committee, the City will have to follow proper advertising and notice. A seat for a Councilmember would provide a great nexus between the City and the committee; however I would ask for your input on a dedicated seat as Council is already fully taxed with meetings, committees and obligations.  

Budget

Many of the things that the City can do require raising awareness and staff time, which does have a cost. However, Council may want to consider dedicated funds to seed improvements. Currently, the City has a line item in the personnel budget for ADA compliance (that was recently reduced, along with all other line items: $1,000 for 2016). This is used to pay for accommodations employees may need and is paying for the ADA employee trainings. In the past, Council has purchased equipment for boards and commission members out of its budget. While these cases are infrequent enough, an ADA reserves may be worth considering in the next budget cycle as a place Council could dedicate funds, as available, to projects that forward the goals of the transition plan. This would also provide match to pursue grant opportunities surrounding improving ADA accessibility. Some of the improvements may be eligible for HART funds as sidewalks and trails are a large part of accessibility and can be kept in mind as Council discusses the future of HART.

Potential Council Action

-Ordinance amending City Code to establish ADA Coordinator role and responsibilities

-Resolution Establishing a Committee

-Consider Establishing an ADA Reserve Account or Line Item

Enc:

Associated excerpt from Comprehensive Plan

City of Homer Staff ADA Training Program

City of Homer Personnel Regulations Addressing Equal Opportunity/Discrimination

Department of Justice ADA Guide for Small Towns