HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_ADA_03.14.2018Notice of Meeting for the
Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Adv isory Board
of the City of Georgetown
March 14, 2018 at 6:00 PM
at GMC Building - 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
B Introduction of New Board Memb ers and Vis itors
C Review Bo ard /Meeting P ro cedures - Bo ard Liais o n
Legislativ e Regular Agenda
D No minations and elec tion of Vice-Chair of the ADA Board. – Jonathan Dad e – Chair P ers o n fo r ADA
E No minations and elec tion of Sec retary of the ADA Bo ard . – Jo nathan Dade - ADA Chair Person
F Review and p o s s ib le ac tion related to the Day and Time o f ADA Board Meetings – Jonathan Dade, ADA
Chair Pers o n
G Co nsideration and possible ap p ro val o f the minutes from the ADA Meeting held o n Septemb er 13, 2017. -
- Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
H Review and p o s s ib le rec o mmendatio n regard ing the City o f Georgetown F Y17 ADA Trans ition Plan, FY
2018 Work P lan, and d is cus s io n o f work tas ks needed to complete the draft of the F Y 17 updated
amend ment. Ed P o las ek, AICP
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 __________________, 2018, 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 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board
March 14, 2018
SUBJECT:
Call to Ord er
ITEM SUMMARY:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
NONE
SUBMITTED BY:
Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
Page 2 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board
March 14, 2018
SUBJECT:
Review Bo ard/Meeting Proc ed ures - Bo ard Liais on
ITEM SUMMARY:
The fo llo wing doc uments will b e provid ed , at the meeting, for your referenc e:
Bylaws
Code of Ord inance - Attend anc e Po lic y
Roster
Bo ard Memb er Tid b its & Don't Forgets
Review:
Attendanc e Polic y
Quorum Requirements
Sign in S heet
Parking
Attorney General Trainings - http s ://www.texas atto rneygeneral.go v/og/open-government-training
1. Open Meeting Ac t
2. P ublic Meetings Ac t
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
Page 3 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board
March 14, 2018
SUBJECT:
Nominations and electio n o f Vic e-Chair of the ADA Bo ard . – Jo nathan Dade – C hair Person for ADA
ITEM SUMMARY:
Per the Bylaws of the Americ ans with Disab ilities Acc es s ib ility (ADA) Board ;
“Section 3.1 – Officers. T he Bo ard Offic ers are C hairman, Vice-Chairman and Sec retary. The Chair is
ap p o inted by the C ity Co uncil d uring the annual ap p o intment proc es s . The other Bo ard Offic ers are
elected by a majority vote of the Members at its firs t meeting after the annual appointment p ro cess.”
The Chair of the Bo ard , Mr. Jo nathan Dad e, will take the no minatio ns fro m the floor, fo r positio n o f Vic e-
Chair.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
Page 4 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board
March 14, 2018
SUBJECT:
Nominations and electio n o f S ecretary o f the ADA Board. – Jonathan Dade - ADA Chair P ers o n
ITEM SUMMARY:
Per the Bylaws of the Americ ans with Disabilities Acc es s ib ility (ADA) Board ;
“Section 3.1 – Officers. T he Bo ard Offic ers are C hairman, Vice-Chairman and Sec retary. The Chair is
ap p o inted by the C ity Co uncil d uring the annual ap p o intment proc es s . The other Bo ard Offic ers are
elected by a majority vote of the Members at its firs t meeting after the annual appointment p ro cess.”
The Chair of the Bo ard , Mr. Jo nathan Dad e, will take the no minatio ns fro m the floor, fo r positio n o f
Sec retary.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
Page 5 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board
March 14, 2018
SUBJECT:
Review and pos s ible actio n related to the Day and Time of ADA Bo ard Meetings – Jo nathan Dad e, ADA
Chair Pers o n
ITEM SUMMARY:
Per the ADA Bylaws Section 4.1 Time & Date of Regular Meeting. The Board s hall meet o nc e a
mo nth o n the s ame week o f the mo nth, the s ame d ay o f the week, at the same time, and at the same p lace.
The regular date, time, and p lace o f the Bo ard meeting will b e dec id ed by the Members at the first meeting,
o f the Bo ard after the annual appointment proc es s .
Currently, the GTAB Bo ard meeting date is the s econd Wednes d ay o f eac h month at 6:00 p.m.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
ADA 2018 Meeting Schedule Backup Material
Page 6 of 29
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACCESSIBILITY
ADVISORY BOARD (ADA)
Meeting Schedule
March 2018 – February 2019
All Regular Meetings will be held on the second WEDNESDAY of every month
at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting location is the Georgetown Municipal Complex, at 300-1 Industrial Avenue
Please contact Laura Wilkins at 512-930-2010 if you have questions regarding meeting
dates or times.
MARCH 14, 2018
APRIL 11, 2018
MAY 9, 2018
JUNE 13, 2018
JULY 11, 2018
AUGUST 8, 2018
SEPTEMBER 12, 2018
OCTOBER 10, 2018
NOVEMBER 14, 2018
DECEMBER 12, 2018
JANUARY 9, 2019
FEBRUARY 13, 2019
Page 7 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board
March 14, 2018
SUBJECT:
Cons id eration and p o s s ib le approval of the minutes fro m the ADA Meeting held on S ep tember 13, 2017. --
Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
ITEM SUMMARY:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None
SUBMITTED BY:
Laura Wilkins - Board Liaison
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
ADA Minutes from 9-13-17 Backup Material
Page 8 of 29
Minutes for the Meeting of the
Americans with Disabilities Accessibility Advisory Board
and the Governing Body
of the City of Georgetown, Texas
September 13, 2017 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, Anya Juan Risco - Secretary, Jonathan Dade,
Chris H’Luz
Board Members Absent: Bea Kinney – Vice Chair, Chris Sypniewski, Levera Patton
Staff Present: Ed Polasek, 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: Jennings called the regular ADA Board Meeting to order at
6:02 PM on Wednesday September 13, 2017.
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
Legislative Regular Agenda
C. Review and possible action to approve the minutes from the Regular ADA
Board meeting held on July 12, 2017. – Jana Kern, ADA Board Liaison
Juan Risco stated that on the “signature page” it states that Dawn Jennings is
listed at Vice Chair and it should be listed as Chair. Kern stated the
correction has been made and the minutes for signature are the corrected
minutes. Motion by Juan Risco second by Dade to approve the corrected
minutes. Approved 4-3 (Sypniewski, Kinney & Patton absent)
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D. Review and possible recommendation regarding existing sidewalks along
SH 29 and maintaining access routes. – Christopher C. H’Luz, P.E., ADA
Board Members
H’Luz gave a presentation on the sidewalk conditions along parts of SH 29.
Polasek explained to the Board the Sidewalk Prioritization and Funding
Sources. Motion by H’Luz, second by Juan Risco for staff to bring to the
next meeting the Sidewalk Master Plan update and priorities along with
available funding. Approved 4-3 (Sypniewski, Kinney & Patton absent)
E. Review and possible recommendation regarding the City of Georgetown
FY17 ADA Transition Plan, 2017 Work Plan and Discussion of work tasks
needed to complete the draft of the FY 17 amendment. – Ed Polasek, AICP
Polasek stated that at the past few meetings you have discussed certain
elements of the plan along with updates from different departments. What
we have not done is work on the actual plan. Staff will bring a draft of the
Plan to the next meeting for review. At that meeting we will discuss any
changes and/or updates. NO ACTION NEEDED.
Adjournment
Motion by Dade second by H’Luz to adjourn meeting. Approved 4-3 (Sypniewski,
Kinney & Patton absent). Meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM
Approved: Attested:
__________________________ __________________________
Dawn Jennings – Chair Anya Juan Risco – Secretary
_________________________________
Jana R. Kern – ADA Board Liaison
By: Laura Wilkins
Page 10 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board
March 14, 2018
SUBJECT:
Review and pos s ible recommend ation regarding the City of Geo rgeto wn FY17 ADA Transitio n Plan, FY
2018 Work Plan, and disc ussion of work tas ks need ed to c o mp lete the draft o f the FY 17 up d ated
amendment. Ed Polas ek, AICP
ITEM SUMMARY:
Fisc al years 2017 acc o mplis hments include review o f the P lan with Ad vis ory Board , acc es s ib ility
imp ro vements to eight City fac ilities, five parks and mo re than 10 individ ual pedes trian network projec ts.
Fisc al Year 2018 ac tivities will includ e c o mpletio n o f a Trans ition Plan update fo r elements completed in FY
2017 and work program as outlined in the FY 2018 Budget, and rec ommend ation fo r funding of future Plan
element’s .
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Develo p 2018 Work P lan to acc o mp lis h FY 2018 Plan up d ate.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Edward G. Polas ek, AICP
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
2017 Draft Trans ition Exhibit
Page 11 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
Americans with Disabilities Act Title II
2017 Transition Plan
Page 12 of 29
City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 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
....................................................................................................................................................... 18
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City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 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 benefit 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).
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City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 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, services, 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
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City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 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.
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City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 ADA Transition Plan
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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 accessible; 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.
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City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 ADA Transition Plan
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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 (ʺcurb to curbʺ). 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.
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City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 ADA Transition Plan
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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,
Recovery) 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 Cityʹs
programs, services, and activities. The City uses its website, social media, and other
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City of Georgetown, Texas
2017 ADA Transition Plan
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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 documents 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.
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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.
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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 higher
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.
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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 an 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.
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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)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
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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
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Appendix B
Capital Improvements Completed and Planned, City Buildings
FY 15‐25
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Appendix C
Capital Improvements Completed and Planned, Parks
FY 15‐215
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Appendix D
Capital Improvements Completed and Planned, Pedestrian
Network FY 15‐25
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Appendix E
ADA Coordinator List
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