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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_ADA_ 03.31.2015Notice of Meeting for the Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board of the City of Georgetown March 31, 2015 at 10:00 AM at 300-1 Industrial Ave., GMC Building - Williamson Conference Room The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance in participating 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. 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 B Review of Attendance Policy - Tonnia Gibbs - Board Liaison C Purpose Of the ADA Advisory Board within the guidelines of the City Council adopted By Laws – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official D Presentation, discussion and overview of past accomplishments through the previous ADA Task Force. – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official E Presentation and discussion of current and future goals to be achieved through the ADA Advisory Board – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official F Presentation and discussion of a draft ADA Title II Transition Plan for a proposed update from the current adopted Transition Plan. – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official Legislative Regular Agenda G Nomination and Election of a Board Vice-Chair H Nomination and Election of Board Secretary I Discussion and approval of future Board meeting times and dates Adjournment Adjournment CERTIFICATE OF POSTING I, Jessica Brettle, City Secretary for the City of Georgetown, Texas, do hereby certify that this Notice of Meeting was posted at City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, a place readily accessible to the general public at all times, on the ______ day of __________________, 2015, at __________, and remained so posted for at least 72 continuous hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting. ____________________________________ Jessica Brettle, City Secretary City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Call to Order ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Review of Attendance Policy - Tonnia Gibbs - Board Liaison ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Attendance Policy Backup Material SEC 2.36.010 DUTIES OF COMMISSION, COMMITTEE & BOARD MEMBERS D. Attendance by Members is integral to success of the commission, committee or board. It is Council policy to require a minimum of 75 percent attendance of each Member at each regularly scheduled meeting including subcommittee meetings. A Member shall be allowed two excused absences for the Member's personal medical care, required medical care of a Member's immediate family member (as defined by City Ordinance), or Member's military Service that shall not count against the 75 percent attendance requirement. Written notice shall be sent to a Member and the Member's City Council representative when it appears the Member may violate the attendance policy by being absent from more than 25 percent of regularly scheduled meetings, including subcommittee meetings. Excessive absenteeism may result in the Member being replaced by the Council. If a Member is removed from a committee, commission or board, that position shall be considered vacant and a new Member shall be appointed to the Board in accordance with Section 2.36.040 City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Purpose Of the ADA Advisory Board within the guidelines of the City Council adopted By Laws – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Presentation, discussion and overview of past accomplishments through the previous ADA Task Force. – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Presentation and discussion of current and future goals to be achieved through the ADA Advisory Board – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Presentation and discussion of a draft ADA Title II Transition Plan for a proposed update from the current adopted Transition Plan. – Dave Hall, Chief Building Official ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG ATTACHMENTS: Description Type Draft ADA Backup Material Draft of adopted plan to be update - 2015 Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Standards for State and Local Governments City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 2 PART I - INTRODUCTION TO THE ADA 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. 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. The Title II regulations cover “public entities.” Public entities include any state or local government and any of its departments and agencies. All activities, services, and programs of public entities are covered, including activities of state legislatures and courts, town meetings, police and fire departments, motor vehicle licensing, and employment. PART II - CITY COMPLIANCE WITH THE ADA AND TAS 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. In providing access, city governments are not required to take any action that would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of any program, service or activity or that would result in undue financial and administrative burdens. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the City must take any other action it can to ensure that people with disabilities receive the benefits and services of the program or activity. 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; City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 3 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. The City of Georgetown is committed to ensuring that its programs, services and activities are accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with Title II. The City of Georgetown will not discriminate on the basis of disability regarding employment and services or programs provided by the municipality. Additionally, the City of Georgetown will inform individuals that reasonable accommodation will be provided and that protections against discrimination are provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. *Include the minimal Title II requirements (others can be added, but at least list minimum): 1. Grievance procedure 2. Designation of responsible person 3. Self-evaluation (create stand-alone section with findings) 4. Transition plan *I recommend structuring the document to follow the requirements above in that order with those sub-headings. *Include statement about complying with the Texas accessibility Standards. Example: Along with complying with the ADA. the City of Georgetown is also committed to complying with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), Elimination of Architectural Barriers per the Texas Government Code, Chapter 469. Where there is a code conflict between the ADA and TAS, the requirement providing more accessibility will be followed. *Include a listing of the technical requirements that will be applied. When the document mentions “accessible” elements there is no mention of which standard is applied. • 2010 Standards for Accessible Design • Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) as safe harbor for the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design • Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) for the right-of-way until the guidelines are adopted as standards • 2012 TAS • 1994 TAS as safe harbor for the 2012 TAS *Include statement regarding “Modifications to Policies and Procedures” City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 4 The statement should include a basic definition of reasonable modifications and set the expectations for what the city will and will not do. Include language about undue burdens. PART III - TRANSITION PLAN ELEMENTS New construction in the City shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable ADA Standards for Accessible Design. This Transition Plan addresses renovations or modifications required to achieve Program Accessibility. 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. SIDEWALKS, CURB RAMPS, INTERSECTIONS AND STREETS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT- OF-WAY The City of Georgetown recognizes that pedestrian walkways or sidewalks often 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 ADA Standards for Accessible Design standards. When the City constructs new roads or alters existing roads, it is committed?? [Make sure that this is true. If true, insert policy or ordinance. Remove if not true.] to installing curb ramps where public walkways cross curbs at intersections. Without the required curb ramps, sidewalk travel in Georgetown may be dangerous, 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 chose 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. Transportation Services 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. City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 5 *I recommend moving the text in green to an appendix that lists planned projects A City Sidewalk Study was conducted in 2001. Since that time, significant improvements have been made to miles of sidewalks, countless curb ramps, street parking and intersections throughout the City to facilitate accessibility and access to persons with disabilities. Current and planned improvement projects include: • Austin Avenue Sidewalk from Georgetown High School and the Recreation Center • CDBG Annual Parking Program • Street Maintenance Ramp Upgrade/Installation • Street Parking Around the Courthouse after Resurfacing • 6th Street Sidewalk Improvements • 9th Street Sidewalk Improvements • Tin Barn Alley Sidewalk Improvements The City also currently accommodates requests for unplanned curb ramps and sidewalks and for emergency repairs. A dedicated budget should be developed and funded for such unplanned contingencies. [Add policy and procedures once developed] The City is currently planning a 2014 Sidewalk Study. The Sidewalk Study will include identification of sidewalk conditions that are not in compliance with Title II. [Add findings from self-assessment in appropriate section] *Include criteria used to prioritize projects. PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PARKING LOTS Georgetown Support Services ensures application of ADA Standards for Accessible Designs to accessibility compliance of all new construction, remodels, renovations and alterations of public buildings and public parking areas. *I recommend moving the text in green to an appendix that lists planned projects In addition, public buildings and public parking areas are maintained for ADA compliance. Examples include: • An ADA ramp on the sidewalk at the City Council Chambers was installed 8 years ago. • An accessible door was installed in the GMC Building lobby last year. • The Tennis Center locker room area is being remodeled this year. The sidewalks going down to the court have been identified as a future project for compliance. City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 6 • Buildings that do not have automatic door openers meet the ADA pull requirements. • Public and facility parking lots are maintained to ensure that stripping and signage is visible for accessibility. Georgetown Support 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 Feasibility Study will identify any public facility and public parking deficiencies. [Include findings from self-assessment in appropriate section] *Include criteria used to prioritize projects. PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES Georgetown Parks and Recreation is committed to providing access to recreational areas and programs for persons 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. *Include statement about programs and services to be provided at accessible facilities. Programs and services to be provided or mirrored at accessible facilities. Not all programs or services need to be provided at a fully compliant/accessible facilities if there is an identical program or service provided at an accessible facility until all facilities are brought into compliance. *I recommend moving the text in green to an appendix that lists planned projects Current Projects (2013/2014) • Creative Playscape Replacement • River Ridge Pool Renovations • San Gabriel Trail Additions • Chautauqua Park Renovations • San Jose Park Renovations • Rowan Park Development • Madrone Park Development • Old Town Park Renovations (Completed) Future Projects (Proposed 2014/2015) • VFW Renovations • Williams Drive Park Renovations • Emerald Springs Park Renovations • San Gabriel Park Renovations *Include criteria used to prioritize projects. City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 7 EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION The City is committed to maintaining an effective means of communication with the public through public media, public meetings and project notification. Twenty years ago, interactions with the City often required a physical trip to a City facility to make a payment, request information, or attend a meeting. The City now uses its website, social media, and other communication tools to increase outreach and reduce barriers to access City services and information. [Insert methods or examples of methods such as Braille, closed-captioning, large print, etc. Specifically mention that services must be requested per the policy.] *Include the standards used for each type of communication such as technology standards for the website. *Create a policy and procedure for the requests of accommodations for effective communication. For example, all requests must be made within ___ working days prior to the event/meeting. List the person to contact. Outline steps if the request cannot be accommodated. *Include open records act procedures. Below are some of the ways that online services are providing access to City information and services for those with mobility limitations [do not limit to mobility limitations, must include other disabilities such as visual and cognitive impairments, etc.]. City Council Meetings: The City began broadcasting meetings on tape delay in 1996 on local access cable channel 10. In 2009, the City began streaming City Council meetings live on Georgetown.org and GTV channel 10. City Council meetings are also replayed on GTV and are available at any at any time for replay on Georgetown.org using a computer or mobile device. Online Payments: City utility bills, municipal court tickets, some permits, and some kinds of event tickets can be paid online via Georgetown.org. The Public Communications Department continues to seek ways to improve and expand online payments in order to reduce the need to visit City offices. City Records: Agendas and minutes for City Council meetings and board and commission meetings are available at Georgetown.org. Many other records such as current and past city ordinances and the local unified development code are available on the City website. 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/LivePlayGeorgetown. These social media sites allow anyone with a City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 8 computer or mobile device to stay informed about City events and projects or ask questions of City staff. 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 outreach of City information and programs to people of all abilities in the community. *I am not familiar with the web access requirements. Website Accessibility: In designing websites for City departments, the Public Communications Department has avoided using Flash animation and some dynamic features that are not ADA compliant. The webmaster also has implemented responsive design on many of the key website pages which optimizes web content based on the type of device accessing the website. Such technology improves readability of webpages for those with visual acuity limitations. Improvements in screen reader technology will expand the options for web design in the future. As the City redesigns its websites in 2014, ADA compliance for City webpages as well as webpages from vendors that are providing City services will be a priority. The City will be developing a policy to verify that all digital communications are accessible through assistive technology such as screen readers and audio technology by following the guidelines below: • Adopt a City policy that requires all webpages, including those purchased from third party services, to meet the following 508c3 standards: Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision, or support for assistive technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired. Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for assistive technology used by people who are visually impaired. Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing, or support for assistive technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Where audio information is important for the use of a product, provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval in an enhanced auditory manner, or support for assistive hearing devices. City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 9 Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech, or support for assistive technology used by people with speech disabilities. Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength. • Train all webpage content creators so that they understand alternate tags, descriptions, and captions. Minimize the use of portable document format (pdf) or non-text documents for the conveyance of information, and when pdfs are necessary, train content creators how to make such documents accessible. • Ensure that all pages and documents include an easy to find contact phone number or email address so that users with disabilities have alternate ways to receive information. • Minimize the use of tables for formatting, ensure all form elements are tagged, do not rely on graphics for the conveyance of information, and explain the content of maps in an alternate way when that map is being used to convey critical content. • Routinely run digital services through online ADA check tools to ensure compliance. The City uses other communication tools such as the 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. Through all 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. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE *Create a procedure. Include Legal in the process. Should be part of city ordinance which makes complaints go through a formal process that must be exhausted before the complaint becomes a lawsuit. Include contact names and time frames for response from the city. RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL The official responsible for implementation of the City’s ADA Transition Plan is the Building Official with Inspection Services in Georgetown Utility Systems, 300-1 Industrial Avenue Georgetown, Texas, 78626. City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 10 The City will adopt and publish grievance procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging violations of Title II. Complaints of alleged noncompliance and grievances concerning violations of Title II and Program Access in the City of Georgetown should be directed to: Dave Hall, Building Official 300-1 Industrial Ave Georgetown, Texas 78626 Telephone: (512) 930-2547 Email: dave.hall@georgetown.org BUDGET The financial cost to fully implement the ADA Transition Plan in compliance with Title II should be included in the City’s annual budget each year. Each affected City Department, including Transportation (street parking and sidewalks), Facilities (public buildings and public parking lots), Parks and Recreation and Public or Effective Communications (to include the City’s web page) should allocate funds in the respective budgets for inclusion in the City Budget. [Insert budget once developed] PART IV – RECOMMENDATIONS *Remove feasibility study portion once self-evaluation is completed. FEASIBILITY STUDY. The City should conduct a feasibility study to obtain an analysis and evaluation for proposed projects to determine if the projects are technically feasible and to provide an estimated cost for project prioritization and budgeting. The Feasibility Study will provide recommendations for implementation of the ADA Transition Plan, including prioritization of projects, scheduling and integration of those projects into the City CIP and City Budget. The Feasibility Study has been included in the scope of services for the 2014 Sidewalk Study proposal. Once the Feasibility Study is complete it will be presented to the ADA Advisory Committee for review and recommendation to the City Council. ADA ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The City should establish an ADA Advisory Committee. Membership on the Committee should include City Staff (including transportation, street parking and sidewalks), parks and recreation, facilities (public buildings and public parking lots), public or effective communication (to include the city’s web page) and legal and citizen representatives with ADA mobility limitations, as well as the sight and hearing impaired. The ADA Advisory Committee would inform the City Council concerning Title II issues applicable to the City and provide ongoing recommendations concerning implementation and amendment of the ADA Transition Plan as necessary for compliance with the ADA. The ADA Advisory Committee would also allow for regular public participation from citizens and other interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or organizations representing individuals with disabilities. City of Georgetown, Texas ADA Transition Plan - 3.26.2014 Page 11 DATA ORGANIZATION. Data should be collected and organized in a form to be included in the City’s Asset Management System or other database to organize project data, including inspections and construction. WEB PAGE. The City has created an ADA page on the City’s website located at ada.georgetown.org. City Staff will work with the ADA Advisory Committee to develop the ADA page as an effective and meaningful resource for City residents with disabilities. * Add Appendix • List projects from previous sections • Show progress on projects • Include reports from self-assessment *I recommend adding a section regarding emergency management/preparedness. Should coordinate with Williamson County on dealing with emergency situations and serving the community members with disabilities. City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Nomination and Election of a Board Vice-Chair ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Nomination and Election of Board Secretary ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Discussion and approval of future Board meeting times and dates ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG City of Georgetown, Texas Americans with Disablilities Accessibility Advisory Board March 31, 2015 SUBJECT: Adjournment ITEM SUMMARY: FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA SUBMITTED BY: TAG