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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 2/19/2013CITY OF GLENDALE— SPECIAL MEETING PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION AND COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES GLENDALE ADULT CENTER, 5970 W.BROWN STREET TUESDAY,FEBRUARY 19,2013 6:00 P.M. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Portillo, Chair Jamie Aldama, Vice Chair John Krystek Samantha Cooke MEMBERS ABSENT: Mike Buettner Rachel Nowakowski Gail Meyers James Baribault COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES MEMBERS PRESENT: Raymond Yaeggi, Chair Alika Kumar Samuel Hoerner John Fallucca Robert Steiger Karin Kellas MEMBERS ABSENT: Beverly Marshall OTHERS PRESENT: Erik Strunk,Executive Director Jamsheed Mehta, Interim Assistant City Manager Mike Gregory, Park Manager Chris Gallagher, Recreation Manager Roger Boyer, Project Coordinator Deanna Ortiz, Recreation Manager Christine Frederickson, Management Assistant Gwen Benoit, Senior Secretary John McGovern,Recreation Accessibility Consultants, Inc. Terry McGovern,Recreation Accessibility Consultants, Inc. Eric Leninger, Recreation Accessibility Consultants, Inc. 1 I. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Strunk called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. and announced that there was not a quorum for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. Mr. Strunk stated that this would be an informational meeting only. II. ROLL CALL Mr. Strunk took roll for the record. Mr. Strunk presented Chair Yaeggi with a plaque of appreciation and a service pin for his four years on the Commission. This meeting is Chair Yaeggi's last Commission meeting. Mr. Strunk also presented Commissioner Steiger a plaque of appreciation and a service pin for his years on the Commission and noted that this is Commissioner Steiger's last meeting. Commissioner Aldama announced that he was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission on February 26th and this will be his last Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting as he must resign due to the new appointment. Commissioner Aldama thanked staff for their support and enjoyed his time on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. III. BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR None. IV. 2012-2013 PARKS AND RECREATION COMPLIANCE SURVEY: ADA ACCESS Mr. Strunk introduced representatives from Recreation Accessibility Consultants, Inc. who were in attendance to give a presentation on the compliance audit required by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in regards to ADA access in parks and recreation facilities. Mr. Strunk explained that in September 2010, the DOJ published new, national ADA design standards that require all jurisdictions with parks and recreation facilities to comply. The regulations call for enforceable accessibility standards know as the "2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design". This new rule took effect on March 15, 2012. Mr. Strunk added that Council approved the contract with Recreation Accessibility Consultants, Inc. in June 2011 and the consultants have nearly completed the assessment phase of the audit. Mr. McGovern gave a presentation which included the following: Recreation Accessibility Consultants, Inc. was formed in 2008. Mr. McGovern and his staff have many years of experience in parks and recreation issues. The company performs: 2 o Access Audits of Parks and Recreation Facilities Performed by a two-person team Measurements are carefully done on doorways, slopes and other specific areas of access Close-ups and reference pictures are taken as necessary Information is documented on a checklist o Transition Plans o Policy Review o Project Reviews o Inclusion Process The audit of the parks and recreation facilities must be done because it is required by the DOJ and should be done because it is the right thing to do. The American Disabilities Act(ADA)became effective on January 26, 1992. o The ADA provided comprehensive civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the areas of employment, public accommodations, state and local government services,telecommunications Title II governs the parks and recreation services that are provided cities, counties and other local governments,this includes: o Access to existing sites and facilities o Program access and inclusion o New design and construction Process for ADA Audits: o 92 sites — City Hall, Recreation Centers, Community Buildings, skate courts, golf courses, linear/regional/community/neighborhood parks o 3 trips were made—August,November,February o The audit team consists of Mr. Eric Leninger, Mr. Terry McGovern, Mr. Mike Cleary and Ms. Brittany Freeberg o Teams of two to measure and record o Multiple checklists used on each site which explains what is wrong and what is right o Deficits found, measured, recorded and pictures taken o Each facility and park has its own site report o Checklists, deficits and images all hyperlinked to the site reports o City of Glendale will receive all site reports and checklists (electronic copy too) Where Does the Public Fit In? o Requirement of the law to invite resident input o We can measure, but need real life practical input from those affected by access issues o City of Glendale's plans will be better if they are influenced by citizens Things to Change—(pictures were displayed) o A route to all accessible park amenities o Sand surfaces must have ramp/transfer system to playground equipment o In facilities, door levers should be used instead of door knobs and wheelchair maneuvering clearance must exist o Drinking fountains must have clear floor space and a hi-lo bowl 3 o Signs must be wall mounted on latch side of door. o New construction after March 15, 2012 must be in compliance with the ADA rules. o Older existing sites: City of Glendale can decide what percentage of sites/amenities to make accessible. The audit team will make a recommendation of 33% of amenities to be brought into compliance on existing sites. Things to Keep - (pictures were displayed) o Ample, compliant accessible parking o Transfer systems on poured-in-place surfaces o Accessible route to park amenities and access to both sides of basketball courts o Accessible picnic tables o Fully compliant restrooms. A picture of a perfect restroom at the Foothills Aquatic Center was displayed and items of ADA compliance were shown. What's Next o Citizen input—a mandated requirement o Analysis of data o Improved accessibility—increased participation Mr. Strunk thanked the consultants for their hard work. Mr. Strunk also thanked Mr. Boyer for coordinating this audit project since June 2012. Chair Yaeggi asked if all picnic tables had to be converted to those which accommodate wheelchair height or if the tables were grandfathered in. Mr. McGovern explained that there was no grandfathering process. In the case of picnic tables, there is a draft guideline recommending that one of every five picnic tables be accessible. Mr. McGovern added that another recommendation is that one in three sports fields and one in three playgrounds be made accessible. The installation of the accessible amenities at existing parks should be carefully considered by reviewing potential park locations to ensure accessible parks are spread throughout the city. Mr. McGovern commented that he and his staff will work with city staff in regards to recommended changes. Commissioner Kumar inquired as to the reason for new ADA standards after March 15, 2012. Mr. McGovern explained that in the original ADA standards, it was noticed that parks and recreations facilities were not included. Therefore, the 2010 standards were changed to remedy the omission. Mr. McGovern stated that the next piece of the ADA standards to be addressed will be the inclusion of the accessibility of trails. Commissioner Fallucca inquired as to who an ADA complaint would be made to. Mr. McGovern explained that there are four ways to file a complaint. Complaints can be filed in one, a combination or all of the following: 1. In federal district court 2. To a City of Glendale ADA Coordinator 3. To the Department of the Interior 4. To the DOJ—Project Civic Accessibility 4 Commissioner Fallucca inquired as to the deadline for compliance. Mr. McGovern explained that upon completion of the audit, the federal government needs to see a specific plan of action and furthermore, a good faith implementation of the plan. The federal government does understand that the plan and its implementation depend on available funds and may take some time. Mr. Gallagher, in regards to aquatics facilities, asked if personal staff assistance to a handicapped person would replace the need for equipment installation, such as chair lifts. Mr. McGovern explained that the DOJ would call for a dedicated means of water access for handicap persons. Mr. McGovern added that in essence, a handicap person must not have to wait for an attendant to be able to enter the water and thus, chair lifts should be installed. Commissioner Aldama noted that accessible equipment and facilities changes would be costly for the city and wondered if there were federal grants available. Mr. McGovern replied that there are a handful of foundations which might be able to help and possibly the Land and Water Conservation Fund if there are funds available. Chair Portillo inquired as to the next steps of the audit process. Mr. Leninger stated that site inspections would be finished this week. Mr. Leninger noted that more than 60 sites have been assessed so far. Mr. Leninger commented that after all site reports are completed,the transition plans will be prepared. Mr. McGovern noted that deficits will be categorized in three different phases: Phase I o Non-compliant, new construction o Quick, simple compliance fixes o Picnic Tables Phase II o Access to recreation amenities such as a swimming pools, sports fields and basketball courts Phase III o Very costly projects/remedies o Trails Chair Portillo expressed concern about having to upgrade an old park to modern accessibility standards due to the city's current financial constraints. Mr. McGovern stated that this would be taken into consideration in the transition plans. Mr. McGovern noted that it may not be technically feasible to create accessibility in some old parks. Also, some measurement tolerance may be given in some older parks in order to achieve some form of accessibility. Chair Portillo asked for a preliminary audit grade. Mr. McGovern estimated that the city's parks and recreation facilities were currently at an A-. Mr. McGovern stated that the city's parks and recreation facilities have a lot of neat features and facilities. Mr. 5 McGovern noted that Glendale is ahead of a lot of other valley communities in the accessibility arena. V. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Strunk opened the floor to public comment. No public comment was made. Commissioners asked questions earlier in the meeting. Mr. Strunk closed the floor to public comment. VI. STAFF UPDATES Tabled. VII. COMMISSION COMMENTS & SUGGESTIONS Tabled. VIII. ADJOURNMENT Chair Yaeggi presented Commissioner Kellas a plaque of appreciation and a service pin for her two years on the Commission and noted that this is Commissioner Kellas's last meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12p.m. by consensus. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak 6