Resolution 17-075(A) Universally Accessible City

HOMER, ALASKA

Lewis

RESOLUTION 17-075(A)

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL COMMITTING TO CONTINUING TO WORK TOWARDS BECOMING A CITY THAT IS UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

WHEREAS, The population of Homer, Alaska and the United States is growing older; and

WHEREAS, This aging population has the most disposable income of all age groups; and

WHEREAS, The City of Homer has made significant progress in working towards becoming a City that is Universally Accessible to All by establishing the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance Committee via Resolution 16-057; and

WHEREAS, The ADA Committee is tasked with developing a transition plan and establishing an ADA grievance procedure as outlined in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and

WHEREAS, Council appropriated $25,000 in the 2017 budget to help the committee on the first step of developing a transition plan, a self-evaluation on how all City facilities and programing can improve accessibility; and 

WHEREAS, The City of Homer’s Departments, Commissions and Committees are committed to improving accessibly of City facilitating and programing to work towards making the City Universally Accessible to All; and

WHEREAS, The City should continue to work towards making Homer a city that accommodates and welcomes individuals who are over the age of 65 as well as those who experience a disability to live in or visit Homer

WHEREAS, Homer is in competition with coastal towns in southcentral Alaska for Tourism and could increase our number of visitors and population by advertising Homer as Universally Accessible; and

WHEREAS, The Homer Chamber of Commerce has an important role to play in making businesses more accessible and is encouraged to work towards helping their members with accessibility awareness and improvements.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the City of Homer will continue to  work towards becoming a City that is universally accessible to all.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ADA committee will review the draft Comprehensive Plan and make suggestions as to how to prioritize accessibility in our most important planning document.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the City of Homer will explore joining the World Health Organizations Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

CITY OF HOMER

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BRYAN ZAK, MAYOR

ATTEST:

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MELISSA JACOBSEN, MMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: N/A