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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_ADA_11.09.2016Notice of Meeting for the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Adv isory Board and the Gov erning Body of the City of Georgetown Nov ember 9, 2016 at 6:00 PM at 300-1 Industrial Av e., Georgetown, TX 78626 The City o f G eo rgeto wn is committed to comp lianc e with the Americans with Dis abilities Ac t (ADA). If yo u req uire as s is tanc e in participating at a p ublic meeting d ue to a disability, as d efined und er the ADA, reas onab le as s is tance, ad ap tatio ns , or acc o mmo d ations will b e provid ed up o n req uest. P leas e c o ntact the City Sec retary's Office, at leas t three (3) days prior to the sc hed uled meeting d ate, at (512) 930-3652 o r City Hall at 113 Eas t 8th Street fo r add itional info rmation; TTY us ers ro ute through Relay Texas at 711. Regular Session (This Regular S es s io n may, at any time, b e rec es s ed to convene an Exec utive S es s io n fo r any p urpose authorized b y the Op en Meetings Act, Texas Go vernment Co d e 551.) A Call to Ord er The Board may, at any time, rec es s the R egular S es s io n to convene in Exec utive S es s io n at the reques t of the Chair, a Board Memb er, the City Manager, As s is tant City Manager, G eneral Manager of Utilities, City Co uncil Member, o r legal c o uns el for any p urpos e authorized b y the Op en Meetings Act, Texas Government C o d e Chapter 551, and are s ubjec t to actio n in the Regular Ses s ion that follows . B Introduction of Vis itors Legislativ e Regular Agenda C Review and p o s s ib le ac tion to approve the minutes from the Regular ADA Bo ard meeting held on Oc tober 12, 2016. – Jana Kern – ADA Bo ard Liais o n D Review and p o s s ib le rec o mmendatio n to finalize the 2016 ADA Transition P lan and works hop presentation for cons id eration by the City C o uncil in Novemb er - Nat Waggo ner, Trans p o rtatio n Analys t, PMP, AICP Adjournment CERTIFICATE OF POSTING I, Shelley No wling, C ity S ecretary fo r the C ity of Geo rgeto wn, Texas , d o hereby c ertify that this Notice of Meeting was p o s ted at City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, a p lace read ily acc es s ible to the general p ublic at all times , on the ______ d ay o f __________________, 2016, at __________, and remained so p o s ted fo r at leas t 72 c o ntinuo us ho urs p receding the sc heduled time o f s aid meeting. ____________________________________ S helley No wling, City Sec retary Page 1 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board November 9, 2016 SUBJECT: Review and pos s ible actio n to ap p ro ve the minutes fro m the Regular ADA Board meeting held o n Octo ber 12, 2016. – Jana Kern – ADA Board Liaison ITEM SUMMARY: Bo ard to review and revis e and /or ap p ro ve the minutes fro m the regular meeting held o n Octo b er 12, 2016. FINANCIAL IMPACT: n/a SUBMITTED BY: Jana Kern ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Draft Minutes Backup Material Page 2 of 37 Minutes for the Meeting of the Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Advisory Board and the Governing Body of the City of Georgetown, Texas October 12, 2016 at 6:00 PM at 300-1 Industrial Ave., Georgetown, Texas 78626 The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance in participation at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City at least four (4) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512)930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East 8th Street for additional information: TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. Board Members: Dawn Jennings – Chair, Sheila Mills - Secretary, Chris H’Luz, Bea Kinney, Anya Juan Risco, Chris Sypniewski (Arrived at 6:06 PM) Board Members Absent: Jon Carey – Vice Chair, Staff Present: Nat Waggoner, Jana Kern Regular Session (This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas government Code 551.) A. Call to Order: Ms. Jennings called the regular ADA Board meeting to order on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 6:02 PM The Board may, at any time recess the Regular Session to convene in Executive Session at the request of the Chair, a Board Member, The City Manager, Assistant City Manager, General Manager of Utilities, City Council Member, or legal counsel for any purpose authorized by the Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551, and are subject to action in the Regular Session that follows B. Introduction of Visitors MOVED TO ITEM ‘D’ AT 6:03 PM C. Review and discussion of Council Workshop Presentation on 11/8/16. – Nat Waggoner, Transportation Analyst, PMP, AICP Waggoner reviewed the presentation with the Board. Legislative Regular Agenda D. Review and possible action to approve the minutes from the Regular ADA Board meeting held September 14, 2016. – Jana Kern – ADA Board Liaison Motion by Juan Risco second by Kinney to approve minutes as presented. Approved 6-1 (Carey absent) Page 3 of 37 E. Review and possible direction to staff to finalize 2016 ADA Transition Plan for adoption by the City Council in November. – Nat Waggoner, Transportation Analyst, PMP, AICP Waggoner reviewed with the Board the updates that were made to the Transition Plan. Waggoner also stated that he will be taking this to City Council workshop on November 8, 2016 MOVED TO ITEM ‘C’ AT 7:08 PM Adjournment Motion by Juan Risco second by Kinney to adjourn meeting. Approve 6-1 (Carey absent). Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM Approved: Attested: _______________________ ______________________ Dawn Jennings - Chair Sheila Mills – Secretary _________________________________ Jana R. Kern – ADA Board Liaison Page 4 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board November 9, 2016 SUBJECT: Review and pos s ible recommend ation to finalize the 2016 ADA Trans ition Plan and wo rksho p presentation fo r c o nsideration by the City Counc il in Novemb er - Nat Waggoner, Transp o rtatio n Analys t, P MP, AICP ITEM SUMMARY: Staff rec o mmend s adoptio n o f approval of the works hop p res entation and 2016 DRAFT ADA Trans ition Plan. FINANCIAL IMPACT: All financial c o ns ideratio ns are includ ed in the C ity's adopted F Y 2017 b ud get. SUBMITTED BY: Nat Waggoner, PMP, AICP ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Works hop Pres entation Pres entation 2016 ADA Trans ition Plan for Adoption Pres entation Page 5 of 37 Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan Update Workshop Nov 22, 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 6 of 37 Agenda City of Georgetown •Introduction of ADA Board Members •ADA Overview •Year in Review FY 15/16 •Proposed Amendments •Next Steps and Questions Street Crews correcting curb ramps at the request of Southwestern student in a power chair ADA Transition Plan Page 7 of 37 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) •Enacted in 1990 to provide comprehensive rights and protections for individuals with disabilities •Designed to ensure that persons of all abilities have equality of opportunity,economic self-sufficiency,full participation in American life and independent living ADA Title II •Requires State and local governments to make programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 8 of 37 FY 15/16 ADA Transition Plan Results -Administration •Facilitated year ling review of Plan with Advisory Board •Assembled and trained City Department ADA Liaisons •Adopted and secured funding for Administrative Budget •Completed ADA 101, Myths & Misconceptions and Customer Service Training for 45 City Staff City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 9 of 37 ADA Transition Plan FY 15/16 ADA Transition Plan Results -Facilities •Completed capital improvements at 5 facilities (interior) totaling $115K –Airport –Community Center –Fire 1 –Library –Parks Admin –Rec Center •Capital improvements (exterior) in design at 5 facilities, totaling $76K City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 10 of 37 ADA Transition Plan FY 15/16 ADA Transition Plan Results -Parks •Completed capital improvements at 3 Parks, totaling $740K –Emerald Springs –Woodlake –Williams Drive Pool •Additional capital improvement projects under design, totaling $1.1M –McMasters Sports Complex –Village Pool –VFW Park –Booty’s Road –Founders Park City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 11 of 37 ADA Transition Plan FY 15/16 ADA Transition Plan Results –Pedestrian Network •Completed 36 capital improvements at 36 sites, totaling $558K •12 Additional capital improvement projects under design, totaling $516k City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 12 of 37 ADA Transition Plan FY 16/17 •Capital Improvements Funded •Staff and Liaison Training Budget Department Budget Transportation $2.16M Facilities $150K Parks and Rec $150K City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 13 of 37 ADA Transition Plan FY 16/17 Planned Improvements - Facilities •Capital improvements at 7 facilities, totaling $256K –Library –Parks Admin –4th & Austin Lot –6th & Main Lot –9th & Main Lot –Animal Shelter –Art Center City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 14 of 37 ADA Transition Plan FY 16/17 Planned Improvements - Parks •Capital improvements at 5 facilities, totaling $152K –McMaster –Village Pool –VFW Park –Booty's Road –Founders Park City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 15 of 37 ADA Transition Plan FY 16/17 Planned Improvements – Pedestrian Network •12 Capital improvement projects totaling $2M –10th St. –11th St. –8th Street (MLK-Rock) –8th Street (Church-Myrtle) –Access Rte to Government Services –Austin Ave (9th-University) –Austin Ave (SH29-FM2243) –Church Street –Phase 1-Signal&CurbRamp Improvements –I 35 Southbound Frontage Rd –3rd Street –University (I 35 to Scenic) City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 16 of 37 Summary of Proposed Amendments to the Transition Plan •Includes updates to accomplishments in 2015/2016 •Includes Plan Implementation for 2016/2017 and approved budget items for FY17 •Includes recommendations for next annual review, including: –Re -evaluating administrative budget for the Transition Plan –Evaluating data collection/organization needs for annual review of Plan –Scheduling, scoping, and completing self-assessments for other Transition Plan elements as funding is available –Continuing to review the Effective Communication plan element ADA Transition Plan Page 17 of 37 Next Steps •Council Approval of Amended Transition Plan –November 22 Council Meeting •Evaluate and Report on Recommendations for next annual review to ADA Advisory Board and City Council •Develop ADA Transition Plan proposed Budget for FY17/18 Implementation City of Georgetown ADA Transition Plan Page 18 of 37 Questions and Guidance City of Georgetown Nat Waggoner, AICP, PMP Transportation Analyst 512.930.8171 nat.waggoner@georgetown.org ADA Transition Plan Page 19 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disabilities Act Title II 2016 Transition Plan Page 20 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 2 of 18 Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW ................................................................................. 3 1.1 Federal Accessibility Requirements for Public Entities – TITLE II ............................. 3 1.2 Definitions ........................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 COMPLIANCE WITH ADA TITLE II REQUIREMENTS ................................................ 4 2.1 Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act ....................................................... 4 2.2 ADA Coordinator .............................................................................................................. 4 2.3 ADA Advisory Board ........................................................................................................ 4 2.4 Accommodations and Modifications .............................................................................. 4 2.5 Grievance Procedure .......................................................................................................... 5 3.0 PLAN ELEMENTS .................................................................................................................. 6 3.1 Public Pedestrian Rights-of-Way and Facilities ............................................................ 6 3.2 Public Safety ....................................................................................................................... 8 3.3 Effective Communication ................................................................................................. 8 4.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION FOR FY 2015/2016 ............................................................. 11 4.1 Self-Assessment and Transition Plan ............................................................................. 11 4.2 Public Pedestrian Right-of-Way ..................................................................................... 11 4.3 Public Buildings and Parking Lots ................................................................................ 11 4.4 Parks and Recreation Facilities ...................................................................................... 11 4.5 City Department ADA Representatives ....................................................................... 11 4.6 Administrative Budget .................................................................................................... 11 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT ANNUAL REVIEW ............................................ 12 5.1 Annual Review of ADA Transition Plan ....................................................................... 12 5.2 Data Collection and Organization ................................................................................. 12 5.3 Self-Assessment for Additional Plan Elements ........................................................... 12 5.4 Effective Communication ............................................................................................... 12 5.5 ADA Training ................................................................................................................... 12 Appendix A ................................................................................................................................... 13 Appendix B ................................................................................................................................... 15 Appendix C ................................................................................................................................... 16 Appendix D ................................................................................................................................... 17 Appendix E ................................................................................................................................... 18 Page 21 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 3 of 18 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted on July 26, 1990 and provides comprehensive rights and protections for individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA covers individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a major life activity, persons with a record of such impairment, and persons regarded or perceived as having such impairment. The law was designed to ensure that persons of all abilities have equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, full participation in American life, and independent living. 1.1 Federal Accessibility Requirements for Public Entities – TITLE II To ensure that the fundamental goal of the American with Disabilities Act is met, Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to make their programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities. This requirement extends not only to physical access at government facilities, programs, and events, but also to policy changes that governmental entities must make to ensure that all people with disabilities can take part in, and benefi t from, the programs and services of the state and local governments. In addition, governmental entities must ensure effective communication, including the provision of necessary auxiliary aids and services, so that individuals with disabilities can participate in civic life. Title II requires city governments to ensure that each of its programs, services and activities, when viewed in their entirety, are accessible to people with disabilities. This emphasis on access to programs, as opposed to access to buildings or facilities, distinguishes the requirements for public entities from those for private places of public accommodation. Program Access covers the entire range of city services and programs, including as an example appropriate access along sidewalks and at intersections in the public right of way, access to a city building or facility such as City Council Chambers, the ability to pay a utility bill, or to access a Parks and Recreation Facility. Program Access may be achieved in a variety of ways: city governments may choose to make structural changes to existing facilities to achieve access; or it can pursue a variety of non- structural alternatives to achieve program accessibility. For example, city governments may choose to renovate a non-accessible building, relocate services to an accessible level of a building or to another building that is fully accessible, or to deliver services in an alternate accessible manner. When choosing among possible methods of achieving program access, however, city governments must give priority to the choices that offer programs, services and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate. 1.2 Definitions For the purposes of this Plan, please refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act for the full text of definitions and explanations (http://www.ada.gov/pubs/adastatute08.htm#12102). Page 22 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 4 of 18 2.0 COMPLIANCE WITH ADA TITLE II REQUIREMENTS 2.1 Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act The City of Georgetown is committed to ensuring that its programs, services and activities are accessible to persons with disabilities. The City will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in providing programs, ser vices, or activities. The City informs individuals that protections against discrimination are provided by the ADA, that reasonable accommodation will be provided, and of the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities to interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing. This information appears on the City’s Internet home page (www.ada.georgetown.org), in public meeting notices, agendas, and City publications. The City will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services to accommodate participation in programs, services, or activities. 2.2 ADA Coordinator The City of Georgetown has designated a responsible employee to coordinate its efforts to comply with the requirements of Title II. The City’s ADA Coordinator is the Transportation Services Director or their designee: Transportation Services Director 300-1 Industrial Ave Georgetown, Texas 78626 Telephone: (512) 930-2544 Email: ADA@georgetown.org 2.3 ADA Advisory Board The City has established an ADA Advisory Board. The ADA Advisory Board directly informs the City Council concerning Title II issues applicable to the City and provides ongoing recommendations concerning implementation and amendment of the ADA Transition Plan as necessary for compliance with the ADA. Meetings of the ADA Advisory Board allow for regular public participation from citizens and other interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or organizations representing individuals with disabilities. 2.4 Accommodations and Modifications The City of Georgetown will make reasonable accommodations and modifications to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy its programs, services, and activities. The ADA does not require the City to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of any program, service or activity that would create a hazardous condition to the participant or others, or that would impose an undue financial or administrative burden. Whether a particular modification or accommodation will impose an undue financial or administrative burden is determined on a case-by-case basis based on an evaluation of all resources available to the City. The following factors shall be considered in determining Page 23 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 5 of 18 whether a program accommodation and modification would create an undue burden: the nature and cost of the modification; the financial resources of the City available to make the modification; the impact the expense of the accommodation will have on the affected City operation; and the permanence of the alterations affecting the site. If cost of a modification or accommodation is determined to be an undue burden, and no funding is available , the City must give the person with a disability the opportunity to provide the accommodation or modification or to pay for that portion of the accommodation or modification that constitutes an undue burden. If a particular modification or accommodation is determined to cause an undue burden to the City, the City must consider other options that would not pose such a burden to ensure that people with disabilities are provided access to the benefits and services of the program or activity. 2.5 Grievance Procedure The City of Georgetown has established a grievance procedure for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of City services, activities, or programs in violation of Title II. Complaints shall be in writing. Alternative means of filing a complaint to accommodate a person with a disability, such as a personal interview or an audio recording, will be made available on request. Complaints shall contain at a minimum the following information:  The name, address and telephone number of the person making the complaint;  The date and time of the incident or condition observed or experienced;  A statement in sufficient detail to define and explain the incident or condition and the alleged violation;  Suggested recommendations to adequately resolve the incident or condition and the alleged violation; and  Any other written information or documentation (such as photos, maps, diagrams) to completely explain the incident or condition and the alleged violation. A complaint form is available on the City’s Accessibility web page (ada.georgetown.org) and is attached to this Transition Plan in Appendix A. A complaint should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than 60 business days after the incident or condition observed as an alleged violation. The complaint should be sent to the ADA Coordinator. Within 15 business days after receipt of a complaint, the ADA Coordinator, or their designee will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and may, at his/her discretion, meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint. Within 30 business days after receipt of a complaint and/or meeting, the ADA Coordinator will respond to the complaint in writing or, if requested, in an alternative format such as large print or audio format, to accommodate a disability. The response will explain the position of the City and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint, or advise the complainant that additional time is necessary to provide a complete response. Page 24 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 6 of 18 If the options offered by the ADA Coordinator do not satisfactorily resolve the complaint, the complainant may file an appeal with the City Manager within 15 business days after receipt of the ADA Coordinator’s final response. The appeal should be in writing and sent to: City Manager PO Box 409 Georgetown, Texas 78627-0409 Within 15 business days after receipt of the written appeal, the City Manager, or designee, will acknowledge receipt of the appeal. Within 30 business days after receipt of the appeal, the City Manager, or designee, will provide a final response to the complaint in writing or, if requested, in an alternative format such as large print or audio format, to accommodate a disability. During this 30-day period, the City Manager or designee may, at his/her discretion, meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the ADA Coordinator’s response. Written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator, appeals to the City Manager, and written responses to complaints will be retained by the City for a period of at least three years from the date of final resolution of the complaint or the date of the last written response from the City. 3.0 PLAN ELEMENTS 3.1 Public Pedestrian Rights-of-Way and Facilities New construction in the City of Georgetown shall be in accordance with the applicable ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The City will maintain equipment and features that are required to provide access to individuals with disabilities in working order in compliance with ADA requirements. Title II requires public entities having responsibility for or authority over facilities, streets, roads, sidewalks, and/or other areas meant for public use to develop a Transition Plan to meet the standards for program accessibility. A Transition Plan transitions inaccessible public areas into environments that are accessible to and functional for individuals with disabilities. The Transition Plan is required to identify physical obstacles in the City that limit accessibility to its programs or activities to individuals with disabilities; describe in detail the methods that will be used to make all public facilities acce ssible; specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance in making the facilities accessible; and indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan. This Transition Plan combines the findings of facility surveys, public rights-of-way surveys, policy assessments, and program evaluations to address renovations or modifications required to achieve program accessibility. Facilities include buildings, parks, and their related grounds. Public pedestrian rights-of-way include sidewalks and curb ramps in front of City-owned facilities and City-owned parking lots. Page 25 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 7 of 18 Public Pedestrian Rights-of-Way Sidewalks, Curb Ramps, and Demand CARTS Service The City of Georgetown is committed to evaluating on-street parking for ADA compliance and to investigate and act on opportunities to improve access to public walkways and facilities on all Capital Improvement projects. The City recognizes that pedestrian walkways or sidewalks play a key role in providing access to government programs and services and to the goods and services offered to the public by private businesses. When walkways cross a curb at intersections, a ramp or sloped surface is needed. Curb ramps allow people with mobility impairments to gain access to the sidewalks and to pass through center islands in streets. All newly constructed or repaired curb ramps are designed and constructed in compliance with the applicable standards. When the City constructs new roads or alters existing roads, it is committed to installing curb ramps where public walkways cross curbs at intersections. Without the required curb ramps, sidewalk travel in Georgetown may be difficult and in some cases impossible for people who use wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility aids to navigate. Likewise, when new sidewalks or walkways are built or altered, the City is committed to ensuring that curb ramps or sloped areas are provided wherever they intersect with streets or roads. At existing roads and sidewalks that are not being altered, the City may choose in some cases to construct curb ramps at every point where a pedestrian walkway intersects a curb, or it may choose to provide curb ramps at only select corners or at other locations if equal access to the programs served by these walkways can be ensured. Alternative routes to buildings that make use of existing curb ramps may be acceptable when people with disabilities must only travel a marginally longer route. The City has partnered with the Capital Area Rural Transit System (CARTS) to provide general public demand response service throughout the City ("curb to curb"). This service complies with the ADA. This demand response contract provides para-transit services for Georgetown residents; enabling retail and community services access. On average, City funded demand response provides 9,126 passengers trips a year. The yearly cost to provide service is $312,000, of which $208,000 is funded directly by the City. Facilities - Public Buildings and Parking Lots Georgetown Inspection Services ensures accessibility compliance of all new construction, remodels, renovations and alterations of public buildings and public parking areas. Georgetown Inspection Services is committed to maintaining public buildings and public parking for ADA compliance and to investigate and act on opportunities to improve access to public facilities on all Capital Improvement Projects. The City fully supports the access of service animals, as outlined by the Department of Justice, regulations implementing title II (State and local government services), published in the Federal register September 15, 2010. Page 26 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 8 of 18 Facilities - Parks, Recreation Facilities and Programs Georgetown Parks and Recreation is committed to providing access to recreational areas and programs for individuals with disabilities. The Parks and Recreation Department’s Capital Improvement Plan identifies park renovation projects to provide ADA compliance. Additionally, the City will ensure facilities are in compliance as they are altered or replaced. Georgetown Parks and Recreation operates programs and activities when viewed in their entirety are accessible and usable to individuals with disabilities. The City achieves this through redesign of equipment, reassignment of programs to accessible sites, alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities. The City shall give priority to methods that provide the most integrated setting for individuals with disabilities. 3.2 Public Safety Access to 9-1-1 Services The City of Georgetown provides direct access via TTY (text telephone) or computer-to- telephone emergency services, including 9-1-1 services for persons who use TTY’s and personal computers. Emergency Management The City of Georgetown Emergency Management works with Williamson County to develop, maintain and facilitate the all- hazard Emergency Operations Plan as required by Local, State and Federal statutes and laws. During all emergency planning (Mitigation, Planning, Response, Recover y) the City is committed to be in compliance with the ADA requirements as outlined in Title II Chapter 7 of the ADA. The Office of Emergency Management ensures that all parties with responsibilities under the Georgetown Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) are aware of ADA requirements and that all programs, documentation, and third party agreements are also in compliance with ADA through the review of the EOP every five (5) years. Annually Georgetown Emergency Management reviews individual select appendices of the Plan for ADA compliance. The Office of Emergency Management utilizes Federal, State, Regional, County, and Local resources to educate, to provide emergency warning and notifications, and to keep informed those persons with disabilities within the City. These systems were developed and continue to be modified after numerous disasters throughout the country and the lessons learned. Georgetown relies on both voluntary registration and multi prong methods as listed:  (EAS) Emergency Alert System (Federal)  Relay Texas (State)  Outdoor Warning Sirens (Local) 3.3 Effective Communication The City of Georgetown works to ensure that all communication is as effective as possible to all audiences. To accomplish this, the City strives to use communication methods proven to be openly accessible, and , upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for persons with disabilities so they may participate equally in the City's programs, services, and activities. The City uses its website, social media, and other Page 27 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 9 of 18 communication tools to increase outreach and reduce barriers to accessing City services and information. Below are some of the ways that online services are providing access to City information and services. City Council Meetings: In 2009, the City began streaming City Council meetings live on Georgetown.org and GTV channel 10. City Council meetings are replayed on GTV at set days and times and are available at any time for replay on Georgetown.org using a computer or mobile device. Additionally, the City Council Chambers is equipped with a hearing loop system. All members of the public who use a hearing aid are able to switch to a channel that will pick up the audio being transmitted through the PA system. He or she can pick up the sounds spoken into the PA system’s microphone instead of the hearing aid’s internal microphone. This results in improved speech understanding because the listener receives a clear signal without any background noise. If a member of the general public requires other assistance in attending a City Council meeting or any other public meeting, he or she may contact the City Secretary’s office at least four days prior to the meeting date so that accommodations can be made. Online Payments: City utility bills, municipal court tickets, some permits, and some kinds of event tickets can be paid online via Georgetown.org. City Records: Agendas and minutes for City Council meetings and boards & commissions meetings are available at Georgetown.org. Many other records such as current and past city ordinances and the local unified development code are also available through the City website. The City records archival system utilizes a technology called Optical Character Recognition (OCR) which is able to extract text out of graphic files which makes more City doc uments open to the visually impaired and easier to locate through search engines. City News and Information: City news releases and City project information is posted to Georgetown.org and to City Facebook sites such as www.facebook.com/CityofGeorgetown and www.facebook.com/VisitGeorgetownTX. The City uses other communication tools such as the weekly email newsletter and monthly City Reporter newsletter in the utility bill, as well as, monthly ads in the Williamson County Sun to provide information on City news and initiatives. Postcards mailed to customers are used for certain messages such as water restrictions or information about City elections. Video: The City provides some messages and information via the City YouTube channel and on GTV channel 10 and on Georgetown.org. The Public Communications Department seeks to expand video programming in order to increase exposure to City information and programs. Website Accessibility: In designing websites for City departments, the Public Communications Department has avoided using technologies and formatting that are not ADA compliant/friendly. Page 28 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 10 of 18 Webpage: The City has created an ADA page on the City’s website located at ada.georgetown.org. Through all of these means, the City provides outreach to the community in a variety of ways for those who may have mobility impairments or difficulty in using certain kinds of electronic or print media. Future Communication Projects The City’s IT Steering Committee has formed a Subcommittee to evaluate ADA considerations with City wide technology systems. The Subcommittee will make recommendations to inform the IT Master Plan annual update and future decisions to acquire and implement new technology systems. The City is in process of implementing a Spanish translation service to most *.georgetown.org websites. 3.4 Employment The City of Georgetown does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA. The City has guidelines in place to eliminate discrimination, against any individuals that may have a disability, in relation to application procedures, hiring process, compensation, training, advancement and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. In conjunction with these anti-discrimination guidelines, there are also adopted procedures in place to both determine and provide reasonable accommodations upon request. These guidelines are conveyed through our internal, city-wide, “Americans with Disabilities” policy and communicated to those seeking employment through the City’s employment website . The City’s ADA Employment Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination. Page 29 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 11 of 18 4.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION FOR FY 2015/2016 4.1 Self-Assessment and Transition Plan Title II requires the City to conduct a self-assessment to evaluate the City’s current policies and practices to identify and correct those policies and practices that are inconsistent with Title II requirements. In 2015, the City of Georgetown conducted a self-assessment process for assessment of facilities and public pedestrian rights-of-way to identify any physical or program barriers to accessibility that might be present. This Transition Plan provides a schedule that indicates a projected time for resolution and the department responsible for implementation. 4.2 Public Pedestrian Right-of-Way In 2015 Transportation Services completed a self-assessment of the pedestrian network in the public right-of-way. See Plan Appendix D for recommendations and improvement scheduling. 4.3 Public Buildings and Parking Lots In 2015 the Facilities Department completed a self-assessment of facilities and programming. Existing facilities, constructed or altered after January 26, 1992, were reviewed for accessibility compliance and to document deficiencies. They were then ranked by the City’s ADA Task Force (now the ADA Advisory Board). The facility ranking was determined by the volume of public interactions. Facilities that serve the greatest number of citizens received a hi gher ranking than facilities that primarily serve employees. The ADA Task Force also took into account facilities that are currently planned for renovations or that will be returned to the private sector. See Plan Appendix B for recommendations and improvement scheduling. 4.4 Parks and Recreation Facilities In 2015 the Parks and Recreation Department completed a self-assessment of facilities and programming. See Plan Appendix C for recommendations and improvement scheduling. 4.5 City Department ADA Representatives As part of the execution of the 2015 Plan, a City staff representative was nominated for each department for contact and coordination of ADA issues and implementation of the City’s Transition Plan. Those representatives conducted training on essential elements of the ADA Law, Title II requirements and the City’s adopted Transition Plan on August 25, 2016. See Plan Appendix E for list of identified ADA department representatives. 4.6 Administrative Budget In FY2016, the ADA Coordinator requested and was funded monies to administer and the Transition Plan and provide training for City staff. Page 30 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 12 of 18 5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NEXT ANNUAL REVIEW 5.1 Annual Review of ADA Transition Plan The ADA Transition Plan is a living document that will be reviewed, updated, and revised annually in conjunction with the City’s Capital Improvement Process which begins in February and the subsequent annual Budget Process. The City’s ADA Coordinator will coordinate meetings of the ADA Advisory Board, other Advisory Boards as necessary, and City staff, for annual review of the ADA Transition Plan so that recommendations may inform the CIP and Budget Processes. 5.2 Data Collection and Organization Evaluate data collection and organization needs for Transition Plan annual review. 5.3 Self-Assessment for Additional Plan Elements Evaluate the City’s current policies and practices to identify and correct inconsistencies with Title II requirements for the following plan elements. Scope and tentatively schedule self assessments, to the extent funds are available.  Human Resources  Police  Fire  Finance-Purchasing  Municipal Court  Library  City Secretary  Signage  Website 5.4 Effective Communication Continue development of the ADA webpage as an effective and meaningful resource for City residents with disabilities. Develop a policy establishing minimum standards and recommendations for future procurement of website/digital communication technology. The City will consider purchasing JAWS assistive screen reader software to help with an accessibility audit for text to voice technology of City websites. Public Communications is currently reviewing costs and other obstacles to providing closed captioning for our meeting broadcasts 5.5 ADA Training Continue to develop and refine training materials and opportunities. Page 31 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 13 of 18 Appendix A The City of Georgetown AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) GR.IEVANCE FORM Title II of the Americans with Disability Act Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Name of Complainant: ______ ___________________________________________________________________ Name of Agent/Representative: ___________________________________________ Address of Complainant: ______________________________________________ Telephone of Complainant ( ) _____________________________Email of Complainant___________________________ Preferred Method of Contact (1) Phone (2) Email (3) Mail (4) Other DESCRIPTION OF GRIEVANCE This grievance as it relates to a City of Georgetown: service _______________________ activity___________________ program_______________________ benefit________________ practice_______________ or policy_________________ Provide the date(s) the incident occurred: _________________________________________________________________ Which City of Georgetown Department, if any, is alleged by you to have failed compliance with the ADA Law? City Department: _______________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ( ) _______________________________________________________________________________________ Please identify the names of all City of Georgetown agents, representatives or employees, if any, whom you contend were involved. (Use additional paper if necessary) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 32 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 14 of 18 APPENDIX “A” - CONTINUED Give a brief description of incident that made the basis of your grievance. Include in your response the identity of the service, activity, program or benefit you contend your access has been denied or any other manner you contend you have been subjected to discrimination. Please also provide in your description specific dates, times and places as well as the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any and all persons who may have witnessed or been involved in the act or basis of your complaint. (Attach additional information if needed). _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please provide a suggested outcome for resolution: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ Signature of Complainant/Representative Printed Name of Complainant/Representative Date: ___________________________________ Complaints shall be submitted in writing to the office of the ADA Coordinator: Transportation Services Director PO Box 409 Georgetown, Texas 78627-1458 OR Email at –ADA@georgetown.org Page 33 of 37 City of Georgetown, Texas 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 15 of 18 Appendix B Capital Improvements Completed and Planned, City Buildings FY 15-25 Facility 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Grand Total Completed $114,848 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $114,848 Airport (interior)$1,439 $1,439 Community Center (interior)$14,471 $14,471 Fire 1 (interior)$7,036 $7,036 Library (interior)$20,427 $20,427 Parks Admin (interior)$32,220 $32,220 Rec Center (interior)$39,255 $39,255 In Progress $76,531 $52,108 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $128,639 Airport (exterior)$9,434 $9,434 Community Center (exterior)$8,635 $8,635 Library (exterior)$6,895 $23,646 $30,541 Parks Admin (exterior)$28,462 $28,462 Rec Center (exterior)$51,568 $51,568 Not Started $0 $204,712 $185,564 $37,577 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $136,794 $564,647 4th & Austin Lot $6,716 $6,716 6th & Main Lot $3,838 $3,838 9th & Main Lot $5,117 $5,117 Animal Shelter $31,740 $31,740 Art Center $75,753 $75,753 *City Hall $83,228 $83,228 *Council/Court $26,543 $26,543 *CVB $27,023 $27,023 Fire 1 $15,191 $15,191 Fire 2 $13,991 $13,991 Fire 3 $35,018 $35,018 Fire 4 $18,788 $18,788 Fire 5 $30,941 $30,941 Fire 5 TT $29,102 $29,102 G CAT $54,686 $54,686 GMC $42,533 $42,533 Grace Heritage $26,863 $26,863 Tennis Center $37,577 $37,577 Grand Total 76,531$ 256,820$ 185,564$ 37,577$ -$ -$ -$ -$ -$ 136,794$ 808,934$ Notes *Facilities scheduled for sale on private market, the City will make modifications as requested through the grievance process Page 34 of 37 City of Georgetown 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 16 of 18 Appendix C Capital Improvements Completed and Planned, Parks FY 15- 25 Park 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Grand Total Completed $57,304 $683,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $740,304 Emerald Springs $41,694 $41,694 Woodlake $15,610 $15,610 Williams Drive Pool $683,000 $683,000 In Progress $0 $0 $1,136,929 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $1,136,929 McMaster $114,169 $114,169 Village Pool $106,573 $106,573 VFW Park $916,187 $916,187 Booty's Road $48,941 $48,941 Founders Park $112,917 $112,917 Not Started $0 $118,966 $153,504 $225,059 $198,996 $133,392 $54,798 $0 $0 $0 $884,714 Bark $43,413 $43,413 Bedford $4,592 $4,592 Berry Creek $22,466 $22,466 Blue Hole $48,322 $48,322 Chandler $16,630 $16,630 Edwards $8,954 $8,954 Geneva $2,079 $2,079 Katy Crossing $3,518 $3,518 Kelley $35,818 $35,818 Meadows $9,466 $9,466 Old Town $1,919 $1,919 Pinnacle $20,147 $20,147 Raintree $8,635 $8,635 Rivery $38,984 $38,984 San Gabriel Park Trail $71,555 $71,555 San Gabriel River Trail $118,966 $153,504 $153,504 $71,315 $497,289 Skate Park $6,476 $6,476 Summercrest $13,751 $13,751 University $8,155 $8,155 Windridge $22,546 $22,546 Grand Total 57,304$ 683,000$ 1,255,895$ 153,504$ 225,059$ 198,996$ 133,392$ 54,798$ -$ -$ -$ 2,761,947$ Page 35 of 37 City of Georgetown 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 17 of 18 Appendix D Capital Improvements Completed and Planned, Pedestrian Network FY 15-25 Location 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Grand Total Completed $546,364 $12,100 **2nd St. 112,775$ **Madella Hilliard 70,000$ **4th 20,500$ **9th Street 314,333$ *3208 Northwest Blvd ADA ramps 1,943$ *Rivery Blvd 1,693$ *Railroad Ave 1,943$ *Ash St 2,693$ *SE Inner Lp & Belmont 1,943$ *Churchhill Farms Dr 462$ *Carriage Hills Dr 792$ *Keenland Dr 1,716$ *Lancaster Dr 224$ *Praire Dunes Dr 343$ *Katy Crossing Dr 528$ *Praire Springs Cv 660$ *Quail Valley Rd 396$ *West Bury Ln 693$ *899 E 15th St 12,727$ *Addie Lane 550$ *100 River Ridge Drive 1,430$ *106 S Rock Street 880$ *Del Webb Blvd Bridge 550$ *122,103,115 Parque Vista Drive 495$ *123,125,127, 203 Parque Vista Drive, 101 Parque 660$ *212 Parkview Drive, 108, 114, 116, 100 Pecan 660$ *107, 122, 121, 115, 100, 105, Benchmark Street 550$ *207, 203, 205, 114, 101 Rio Vista Drive 550$ *900 Maple Street 1,100$ *598 Rosedale Blvd 1,210$ *1310, 1316, 1322Ashberry Trail 715$ *1328, 1334, 1338, 1352, 1368 Ashberry Trail 770$ *1345, 1351, 1359 Ashberry Trail 935$ *400 E 11th Street 1,045$ In-Progress $516,375 $2,031,628 $2,184,000 $2,199,097 $168,000 $2,019,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $3,847,620 10th St. 94,000$ 94,000$ 11th St. 151,000$ 151,000$ 8th Street (MLK-Rock)15,000$ 120,000$ 142,000$ 8th Street (Church-Myrtle)6,000$ 67,000$ Access Rte to Government Ser 200,000$ 200,000$ Austin Ave (9th-University)178,000$ 462,000$ Austin Ave (SH29-FM2243)70,000$ Church Street 18,000$ 105,000$ 123,000$ Ph 1-Signal&CurbRamp Impr 96,672$ 305,000$ 500,000$ I 35 Southbound Frontage Rd 132,000$ 414,128$ 640,000$ 3rd 87,120$ 87,120$ University (I 35 to Scenic)161,583$ Not Started $192,000 $2,184,000 $2,199,097 $168,000 $2,019,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $5,610,097 Scenic 135,500$ 135,500$ Old Town Northeast 192,000$ 960,000$ 1,152,000$ 8th St Austin Ave Katy Crossing Old Town Southeast 1,500,000$ 1,500,000$ Remaining Downtown Repairs 671,000$ 504,000$ 168,000$ 1,343,000$ SH 29 (IH 35-IH 130)2,019,000$ 2,019,000$ (blank) Main 300,000$ 300,000$ Rock 154,000$ 154,000$ Ph 2-Signal&CurbRamp Impr 253,000$ 253,000$ Ph 3-Signal&CurbRamp Impr 41,097$ 41,097$ Grand Total $546,364 $528,475 $2,223,628 $4,368,000 $4,398,194 $336,000 $4,038,000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $10,002,717 Notes *In house work does not include cost of labor **CIP projects reflect total cost including engineering and design Page 36 of 37 City of Georgetown 2016 ADA Transition Plan Page 18 of 18 Appendix E ADA Coordinator List as of 8/22/2016 Department Coordinator (Liaison) Phone Email Citywide ADA Coordinator Edward Polasek (512) 930-2544 ada@georgetown.org Assistant ADA Coordinator Nat Waggoner (512) 930-8171 nathaniel.waggoner@georgetown.org Board Administrator Jana Kern (512) 930-8473 jana.kern@georgetown.org Office of the City Manager Jackson Daly (512) 930-3115 jackson.daly@georgetown.org Legal Susan Demeo (512) 930-3628 susan.demeo@georgetown.org Human Resources Tracey Bousquet (512) 930-8494 tracey.bousquet@georgetown.org Carina Reason (512) 930-8495 Carina.reason@georgetown.org City Secretary Robyn Densmore (512) 930-8486 robyn.densmore@georgetown.org GUS - Transportation Nat Waggoner (512) 930-8171 nathaniel.waggoner@georgetown.org Facilities Eric Nuner (512) 930-3525 eric.nuner@georgetown.org Library Robert Barber (512)930-7149 robert.barber@georgetown.org Parks & Rec Eric Nuner (512) 930-3525 eric.nuner@georgetown.org Police Lt. L. Neal Crawford (512) 930-2597 larry.crawford@georgetown.org Fire Clay Shell (512) 930-3600 clay.shell@georgetown.org Purchasing (Finance)Deborah Knutson (512) 930-3649 deborah.knutson@georgetown.org Communication Keith Hutchinson (512) 930-3690 keith.hutchinson@georgetown.org IT Steven Wicker (512) 930-6111 steven.wicker@georgetown.org Planning and Development Matt Synatschk (512) 930-3581 matt.synatschk@georgetown.org Convention and Visitors Bureau Marcy Renneberg (512) 931-7616 marcy.renneberg@georgetown.org City of Georgetown ADA Coordinator List Page 37 of 37