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HomeMy WebLinkAbout025198 RES - 02/11/2003RESOLI TION ADOPTING THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI'S AMERICANS WITH I)ISAI}II,ITIES ACT (ADA) IITLE I1 (OMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION AND TRANSITION PLAN OF BARRIER REMOVAL FOR ACCESSIBILITY OF THE CITY'S PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS. B'HEREAS, thc American v~ilb l)isabilitics Act v. as enacted ou July 26. 1990 ~,,,ith l'ille 11 becoming effective on .la mary 26. 1992: and ~'HEREAS, tit5 and state goxeruments are required to iusurc nondiscrimination on thc basis of disabilit_~ in all public programs, services and actix ities: and WHEREAS, the ('it,. of Corpus Christi has completed the comprehensive evaluation of its facilities, scr;ices, activities aud programs and has incorporated thc results into a transilion plan for implementation. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY TIlE CITY (OUNCIL OF CORPUS (?tIRIST1, TEXAS: SECTION I. l'ha! thc ('il.,, ol ('orpus (-'hristi's ADA Fitlc II ('omprehensive Evaluation and [ransilion Plan of Barrier Removal £or /Xccessibilit,, of thc Citx's public facilities. services, actixilics and programs is hercb} adoptcd for implementation. ATTEST: ,\rmando ('hapa (il,, Sccrctar} THE (il'FY OF CORI'US CHRISTI SanlLiCl 1.. Ncal..Ir. ' ~ Mat or 2003. .Assistant ('it> ,\ttorncx For ('it}/Mtornc) Corpus ('hrisli. I exas ' i ,i 'ltii" 2003 Fhe abo~c resolution xxas passcd b5 thc fblloxving xotc: Sanmel l,. Neal..Ir. Bre~q Chesncx Jaxicr D Colmcnero ltcnry Garrctt Bill Kelly Rex A. Kinnison John I ongoria Jesse No~ola Mark Scott ~grpus ~dnnsti Title II Comprehensive Evaluation and Transition Plan Adopted February 11, 2003 City of Corpus ~_..'- Christi ADA Title II Comprehensive Evaluation And Transition Plan Table of Contents General Background General ADA Requirements and Information Action Plan for Barrier Removal and ADA Compliance Public Facilities Services/Activities/Programs Public Curb Ramps Site Development Intergovernmental Agencies/Public Businesses Outreach and Training Funding Options for Estimated Implementation Itemized List of ADA Improvements and Estimated Costs Detail of Program Policy Evaluation Related Global City Policies Summary of Public Input from Public Meetings Supplemental Information on Curb Ramps General Definitions and Terms Page No. 1 2-5 6 6 7-9 10-11 11-12 12 12-13 13-17 Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Final Draft - 02/07~03 City of Corpus Christi For Accessibility of Physical Facilities, Services, Policies and Programs In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ADA Title II Comprehensive Evaluation And Transition Plan Thc Americans with Disabililics Acl {ADA) is a broad based Civil Rights lcgislation alTccting nearly every aspect of life Ibr over 54 million Americans by ensuring equal opportunity m the areas of employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, and lelecommunications. The ADA was enacted on July 26, 1990 with 'Ii11¢ ii becomiog cflL. ctivc on .lanuary 26, 1992. In accordancc with the Americans with Disabilities Act, statc and local govcrnmcnts arc obligatcd to conduct a self-evaluation of their Pacilities, programs and services. Agencies lhcn must create a Transition Plan to address those barriers identified in lbo self-evaluation by providing remedies, cost aoalyses and time fi'ames in which to eliminate thcsc barriers. A person is covcrcd under the Americans with Disabililics Acl il': He/she is substantially impaired with respect to a major li£c activity; he/she has a record of such impairmcnt; hc/shc is rcgardcd as having such impairment. At Ihis time, city aod state govcrmncnts arc required to iosurc nondiscrimination on tile basis of disability in all public programs, services, and activities. Implementing the ADA is a constant and omgoiog proccss. New issues arise daily and thc City and its staff must address these areas of concern as they arise. A majority of tile resources will be committed to the largcst, highest priorily issues lhal need to be addressed, such as physical access. In addition to addressing physical access issues, the City will also address access to services, activities and programs. Some of thc solutions will include relocating services, activities and programs, as well as modifications to services, activities and programs. Thc main goal is to improvc access lbr all Corpus Christians with disabilitics on cvcry level possiblc. Tile Americans with Disabilities Act requires lhe development of a Transition Plan describing how the municipality will work to ensure compliance with requirements of the Act. Tile Act requires that facilities, serxices, activities, policies and programs be accessible in the most intcgratcd manner possible. Municipalities arc not necessarily rcquircd to make slrucmral changes in existing facilities, as long as services, activities, policies, and program accessibility can be achieved by alternate means. Final Draft 02/07/03 GENERAL ADA REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION Tile Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of. 1990 is a Federal Civil Rights legislation, which contains the following five Titles: A. Title h Employnlcnt - probibits employment discrimination against otbcrwise qualified individuals w.itb disabilities. B. Title 11: Public Services and f.ransportation prohibits discrimination in accessing services (including employment to the extcut not ah-cady covered by Title I) provided by tile state and local government eutitics. C. Title llh Public Accommodations - prohibils discrimination in places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, aud transportation. D. Titlc IV: Telccotnmunications - mandates Ibat telecommunication deviccs be in place lbr pcrsons with bearing impairments. E. Title V - Miscellancous Titles 1, 11 and IV arc applicable lo the City and arc made part of.thc City's transition plan. Title I1 of the ADA prohibits discriminalion by public entities on the basis of' disability by making all programs, services, and activities accessible to persons with disabilities. In order to accomplish this, thc Department of Juslicc developed regulations requiring cities to conduct a sclf-evaluation of' tile accessibility of' its programs and services to dctcnnine wbethcr issues of accessibilily could be addressed through changcs in the way such programs and sctw'ices are provided. Thc City is obligated to rcmove physical barriers to accessibility when program changes cannot ensure access to services, programs, and activities m existing facilities. Realizing that lbo structural changes would take lime and money to provide, the Depamnent of.Justice Regulations, Federal Register 28 CFR Part 35 state that in the event that structural changes to Facilities will bt undertaken to achieve program accessibility, a public entity that employs 50 or more persons shall develop, x~itbin six months of January 26, 1992 a Transition Plan setting Nmb the steps necessary lo complete such cbanges. Additionally, if a public entity has responsibility or authority over streets, roads, or walkways, its Transition Plan shall include a schcdulc f.or providing curb ramps or other sloped areas wberc pedestrian walks cross curbs, giving priority to walkways serving entities covered by the Act. [[ndcrstanding that a dixersc COUlmunity may have xarious prcl'erenccs, at this time the City's Transition Plan [bcuses on applicable requirements. Thc ADA regulations further require thc Transition Plan to conlain tbe lbllox~ ing elements: · A list of. physical barriers in the public eutily's facilities, which limit thc accessibility of.its programs, services, or activities to individuals with disabilities; · A detailed description of thc metbods to bc ulilizcd to remove thcse barriers and make tim facilities accessible; 2 Final Draft - 02/07~03 · A schedule 1bt time necessary steps to achieve compliance with Title 11; and · A schedule Ibc providing curb ramps or other sloped areas where pedestrian walks cross curbs. In 1992, tile City Manager designated tho Human Resources Department to oversee ADA and Disability Issues, and to advise the City on developing policies with regard to ADA implementation. At that time, all initial Self Exaluation was conducted but due to funding constraints, little was done Io implement a Transition Plan document. However, between 1992 and 2002, multiple impro',cments m ADA related projects and modifications, such as street and facilities wcrc completed, primarily through thc use of certain CDBG funding and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) fimds. In .hmc of 2001, thc City Manager recogni×cd tile need to conduct an updated ADA Self- Evaluation oFthe current condilions wilhin tile City oFCorpus Christi. Thc Human Relations Department became thc designated department to oversee the Project. Thc Human Relations Director was designated as thc Citywidc ADA ('oordinator, responsible for coordinating the development and implcn~entation oFlhe City's ADA Transition Plan. I.. David Ramos, Human Relations Department, 1201 Leopard St., 4~h Floor, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, (361) 880-3190 [Voice], (361) 880-3192 [Fax], (361) 844-1759 [TDD] has been designated to coordinalc compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in I)cpartment of' Justice regulations implementing Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (AD.At, including section 35.107. h~lbrmation concerning thc provisions oFthe Americans with Disabilities Act, and the rights provided there under, is available l'rom thc ADA coordinator, and from the Office on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Civil Rights Division, U.S. Dcparlmcnt of Justice, Washington. DC 20035-6118. (202) 514-0301 [Voice], 514- 0381 [TTYl. The City Manager also f'ormalized tile City's Title 11 Public Notice that reads as Follows: The CiO, c~/' Corpus C/lrisli does no! discri,zzm~e on thc h~sis ~f disabili(v i~ the ~ldlllissiOtl Of ~tccc's.s' lO, of tl'e~lllllr:ll[ OF Clllp[o¥lllelll ill, i[S [D'O~I'LIIllS OF activities. Thc City Manager also established a Transilion Plan Core Group of individuals within various City Departments, with experience in addressing diverse needs of persons xvith disabilities. 'File City will annually review its monetary resotu-ccs For ADA improvements. Tile City has conducted a SclfExaluation of its programs, services, and activities in FY 2001-2002, to ensure that these are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. To cffectix'cly l~acililate this process, the City Manager requested each department designate departmcnlal ADA Coordinators, who were then responsible l'or ensuring that each Department completed the self-evaluation. 'File Citywidc Coordinator assisted with this process by providing training and a recommended gnidc to follow while accessing their department's compliance with ADA. 3 Final Draft 02107103 The City's strategy was to produce a sell'-cvalualion Ibc each department. The City began its departmental scll'-evaluation process shol~.ly after the Hunaan Relations Department became responsible for this process. Each department submitted their self-evaluation, identified deficiencies and proposed areas of improvements. There were some follow-up on-site visits conducted by the Citywide ADA Coordinator and designated stafl~ This collective data was compiled into a comprehensive Self-Evaluation document, integrated to provide the City with current ADA deficiency inlbrmation as a whole. Tbe Scll~ Evaluation examines each individual thcility, evaluates the existing conditions and programs and lists those architectural and program barriers, suggests remedies, estimated costs and time Frames based on priority and feasibility considerations. Upon completion of the Sclf-Evalnation, six public hearings were bold to receive feedback From tiao community. Comments l'rom thc community were incotl)orated into developing the Transition Plan document. Please sec Appendix D. The Transilion Plan process is an ongoing process that will inc]nde yearly evahlations and tiao publication ora documented sumnlary ortho progress made by tho City with regard to tile items set tbrtb in Ibc Transition Plan. In FY 2002-03, lbo City conducted l'urtber dcpal*tmcntal reviews of departmental policies and procedures For non-discrimination in persons accessing City programs and services. Methods of allernatc communication tools Ibc customer service were revisited as an opportunity to improxe or enbancc the usc of alternate tbrmats, including attdio, video, Braille and large print. The Transition Plan is presented as a guide to address thc identified deficiencies, provide proposed implemonlation time lines and fLmding options. These accessibility needs will bc incoil)oralcd ill Ibc ncxl inllnediatc budget, commencing FY 2003-04. Appendix A inl'onnalion outlines ibc City's draft Transilion Plan by Facility, time franle of implementation, and proposed flmding. Tile goal oFlbe City's ADA Title 11 Transition Plan is adhering to the letter of the law and "doi~g thc ri~4h! thi~g" in a realistic manner Ibc our diverse citizenry. The issue of serving the public in thc most integrated manner possible is a bigb priority For the City. Thc City ,,,,ill conlmue to involve citizens with disabilities, advocates, boards and commissions itl implementing its Transition Plan process ][bra more accessible Corpus Christi. In addition. Ibc City Council will bc advised annually on tile status of thc Transition Plan hllplcnlcntation. Thc Transilion Plan is a public instrument, which is an on-going working document to consider and incorporate City changes and issues as they occur. For example, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBCB) has recently issued a final ruling on Seplcmber 2, 2002 Ibc accessibility of newly constructed and altered recreation Facilities. This final ATBCB ruling becomes effective on October 3, 2002, yet pending final review and approval by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The City's Legal Department anticipates a second phase of lbeso regulatory guidelines to be issued by the ATBCB. The Legal Department is ah'cady reviewing the October 2002 ATBCB regulatory 4 Final Draft - 02107/03 guidclines For application witbin the City of'Corpus Christi. Upon final Federal approval or directive(s), any applicable changes will be implemented lbr compliance and incorporated into thc Transition Plan. The Transition Plan will have a very positive impact on our Tourism Industry. It can be a lbcal poinl in bringing in conferences pertaining to disability issues and outreach. Thc City has also developed and implemented a Citi×cn's Complaint / Accommodation Request Form and Procedurc For any further addressing ADA conccrns (Appendix C). For definitions and c~¥amp/es q/'barriers, ,4ppencLix F has been enclosed for illustrative purl)oxes only. 5 Final Draft - 02/07/03 ACTION PLAN FOR BARRIER REMOVAL AND ADA COMPLIANCE ~Fhe ADA Coordinator bas thc responsibility of coordinating the development of thc Transition Plan and assisting in tile implementation of thc ('ily's .... I rans~tton Plan. The City of Corpus Christi's Transition Phm has six sub-conlponcnts: II. 111. IV. V. VI. Public Facilities Services/Activities/Programs Pnblic Curb Ramps Site Development lntergovernn~enlal Agencies/Pubic Businesses Oulreach and Training 1. PUBLIC FACILITIES The City's building inventory has approximately 320 facilities. However, fl~rther review indicated tbat tile public only uses a portion of Ihose buildings because some of those building arc not designed lbr public usc. Staff initially categorized tile public facilities, by primary or secondary usage. Thc "Primary" usage facilities are those used more frcquently by citizens, such as Cily Hall, thc Health Depamnent, the Police Department, Municipal Court, Public Libraries, etc. The "Secondary" usage facilities arc tbose used less frequently by tlm public, such as the Fire Stations, tile Water and Waste Water Depamncnt offices. However, upon City Council dircclion itl September 2002, staff reduced the implementation of the recommended public facility ADA improvements to a 1-year timeframe, effective FY 2003-04. Mosl of tile City's facilities meet Ibc requirements of tile ADA; however, those requirements ]lave changed with time. Appendix A identifies recommended ADA modifications to bccomc fillly compliant with tile applicable accessibility slandards as those standards now exist. Tile Transition Plan establishes thc estimated cost and time frame to implement remedies over a one-year period on City public facilities. Our goal is to have tile public thcilitics fully accessible (meaning provision of an accessible path of travel) within an estimated one year from the effective date of implementing this plan. When addressing all new and/or remodeling construction of facilities the individuals making decisions must consider the impact it will have on the Transition Plan and ADA accessibility requirements and comply with those reqniremcnts. 6 Final Draft 02/07/03 I1. SERVICES/ACTIVITIES/PROGRAMS There arc three major categories covered by Title Ih Tbosc involving genera[ public contact as part o£the ongoing opcrations of the entity. Aclivitics in this catcgory include communication with the public (telephone contacts, office walk-ins, or inlervicws) and Ibc public's usc of lbo entities' facilities. Those directly administcrcd by thc entities lbr program beneficiaries and participants. Activities in the second category includc programs thai provide State or local government services or bcnefits. · Those involving accessibility to employment activities, such as accessible location whcrc Interviewing/Testing arc conductcd. Each entity is required to complete a self-cvahtation of its current Services, Activities, and Programs (SAPs), as thc first step toward ADA compliance, detemlining what serviccs are accessible and those that require modifications to meet thc needs of people with disabilities. This self-evaluation form must be kept on file at least throe years and bc made available on request for public inspection. A comprehcnsive self-evaluation was undertaken by thc City of Corpus Christi lbr thc purposc of reviewing and assessing the City's Services, Activities, and Programs (SAPs) fbr compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Each department identified thc scIwices it provides aud was asked to detennine il' lhosc services currently meet or could be modified to meet tile nccds of pcople with disabilities. Where possible, ADA deficiencies have been corrected or are m tho process of being corrected. Remaining deficiencies are identified in Appendix A and Appendix B. undcr Program Accessibility. Thc Transition Plan established the estimated time fi-amc and related costs. Most Program improvements will be iniliatcd in the firsl year of lhc implemcutation phase. Bccause thcse program improvcmcnts arc an ongoing proccss, it is recommended that funding be provided annually thereafter. Programs arc being modified to be inlcgrated and inclusive to thc fullest extent fcasiblc, without fundamentally altering thc Program. The tbllowing are areas that wcrc more commonly identified during the Self-Evaluation and citizen inpul and arc not all encompassing oFCity SAPs: I. Public Contact Public contact is typically defincd as one on-out interaction between staff' membcr(s) and member(s) of tile general public. Public contact may takc one or more of the tbllowing for-ms: 7 Final Draft - 02/07/03 Telephone- Most City offices receive numerous calls on a daily basis requesting information on a wide range of topics. Additionally, the City provides assistance by telephone 1o persons with hearing impairments through thc Police Emergency Assistance (911 ) by usc of Telecommunication Devices for the Dcaf(TDD) equipment. Access to other City services by TDD equipment will be coordinated lhrougb tile ltuman Relations Department. City departments will be equipped with TDD devices where such a need arises. For lhose departmems with TDD telephones, additional training will be provided by local agencies Ibc applicable City customer service representatives and their back-up team members. The City's fi-ont-line customer service stall' spans various departments and fiacilities. To more readily assist customers with hearing impairments in departments xvilbout TDD equipment, customer service training will include tile use ol'"Rclay Texas". I~ltcrnet - The City provides access to varied information via its web page. Citizens arc able Io view inlkmnation regarding municipal regulations, council agendas, department services, employment opportunities, news and updates, information on doing business, alerts, and reports. Accessibility to the City's Interact is currently being addressed lhrough a System Upgrade. Service Counters Walk-ins - Many offices within thc City receive "customer service traffic" on a regular basis, as part of tile day-to-day operation. Individuals "walk in" to request intbrmation and a variety of services. Thc Transition Plan includes recolnmendations for Counter modifications and lbrms available in alternate methods. The City will continue to provide accommodations upon request. 2. Printed Materials In interviewing depamnents, some statT members bare found that (1) some customers prefer that staff read material aloud lo them and (2) in other instances that certain customers have requested employees lo communicate with them by writing notes. In 2003, the Human Relalions Depmtment will work with City departments to provide and maintain a uniform library of` general information of' City services on attdio and videocassettes, with caption and/or sign language interpretation. Itl addition to direct public contact, inlbrmation regarding City services, programs and activities is distributed through thc use of printed materials. The Transition Plan includes recommendations for forms to be available in alternate methods. Thc City will continue to provide accommodations upon request. 8 Final Draft - 02~07~03 Comnlunity Education/Awareness Workshops and seminars arc held l'or thc public to increase awareness and offer resources in the communily. The City will continue to provide accommodations upon request. Park and Recreation Services Tbc City is ill the process of exploring feasible integrated and inclusive recreational activities. Whenever a request for all accommodation is made, tile Park and Recreation staff will address such an accommodation. Such decisions are made on a case-by-ease basis. If that decision cannot be made al thc staff level, tbe Director of Park and Recreation will request for an established Ad Hoc committee to meet and review the accommodation request. Tbis committee consists ora Park and Recreation staff member, the Citywide ADA Coordinator and a representative from thc City's Legal Department. A decision x,,ill then be presented to tile person requesting thc accommodation. Tile City will continue its cl'lbrts to provide services in the most integrated and inclusive setting possible v, ithout f'undamcntally altering tile activity. Solid Waste Services Services of automaled trash can pick up utilizes newer heavy cans that citizens place at thc curb for pick up by the atttomaled trucks. Persons with disabilities needing assistance lbr this service ~ill continue to be acconm~odated through non-curb, manual pick Lip by tile department. The City will continue to provide accommodations upon request. Policies One required component of' tile sell:evaluation is a review of policies that afi'cct accessibility to City services. Thc ADA requires that where policies arc lbund to be cliscriminatory, appropriate modifications will be made. Please also refer to Appendix C el'related global City policies. Requests for Accommodatioo In providing accommodalions based oil a person's disability, tile City will review thc request at tile program or departn~cntal level. Iff tbe department is to meet thc request For accomnlodation, then a copy el'thc accommodation will be provided to the City's ADA Coordinator. When the program manager or departmental ADA Coordinator needs assistance in rendering a determination for a requested accommodation, then Ibc request will be forwarded lo an Ad [loc Review Committee for consideration and guidance. This review committee coosists of a departmental representative, the Citywidc ADA Coordinator and a representative fi-om thc City's Legal Department. If lhe request lbr accommodation is denied, then thc requesting party may utili×c the City's '~Grievance on Accessibility Policy" and appeals process. Copy of policy enclosed as Appendix C. 9 Final Draft - 02~07/03 III. PUBLIC CURB RAMPS The Citywide ADA Coordinator, Engineering Services, Development Services, and Street Depamncnt are responsible for thc City's Transilion Plan in respect to curb ramps. Most of thc problems with curb ramps concern plnysical balTiers, whicln caunot be addressed through other options such as policy changes, alternative methodologies, or adaptive aids. The Cily's approach toward curb ramp accessibilily is to concurrently fund and implcment: (1) citywide arterials and collector strcels with lniglner concentration of public and commercial businesses, wldlc providing (2) an annual budget tbr individual curb ramp requests. The City lnas maintained a process Rat individual curb ramp requests by citizens. With thc assistaucc of the Engineering Services Dcpartnncnt, installation o£ these curb ramps are bid and constructed, utilizing CDBG funds. The City's Engineering Department recently analyzed tile number of estimated curb ramps willnin 1,131 miles of City streets, excluding TXDOT properties. Thc data has been recorded on a Gcograpldc Information System (GIS) mapping program, which also identifies types of streets such as arterial, collector and residential. This analysis was used to determine the nunnber of curt) ramps along the street intersections and plot their relationship to adjacent public lhcilitics. The information indicates that approximately 377 miles of curb ramps bavc bccn installed and constructed by the slandards at that time. There arc 280 estimated miles of both dedicated unconstructed streets and those without curb and gutter construction. Tile remaining 474 miles estimate needed curb improvements and will bc addressed by (I) substautia] alterations of City strccl tlnat incoq)orate accessibility standards and (2) additional ['unding through Bond Projects. In addition, as streets are reconstructed, some existing curb ralnps will need to be brought up to preseut acoessibilily standards. Tine Transilion Plan prioritizes tlnc construction of curb ramps include arterial/collector and finally residential streets where greater usage is expected, such locations as: transportation roules, public buildings, places of public accommodation, schools, shopping centers, residential neiglnborlnoods, etc. This priority ranking was dctcnnincd in part, by a citizen survey conducted itl 1994 by tile City of Corpus Chrisli with tile assistance of the Regional Transportation Authority, tile lbrmcr Mayor's Committee fbr Persons with Disabilities and local disability rights advocates. This Ad Hoc committee approved thc citi×en's survey ranking response. In addition to the above priority sequencing, curb ramp conslruction may occur under the following circumstances: (1) Completion oF corners of an intersection where only some ramps have been constnlclcd; and (2) Request by a citizen for any area where there is a demonstrated need. Thc Conunittce for Persons with Disabilities meets monthly witln City staff regarding all disability issues. Tile Conlmitlee will continue to assist tiao City in recommending priorities lbr curb ramp locations, itl annual preparation of the City's Draft Capital Improvement Project (CIP) budget for consideration by the Planning Commission and ultimately the City Final Draft - 02~07~03 Council. For the FY 2003-04 CIP budget process, the Committee prioritized curb ramps in City arterial and collcclor streets, including thc downtown area, to commence in FY 2004-05 pcnding voter-approvcd bond fimding. Furlhemmre regarding the remaining City miles of streels pcnding accessible curb ranrps, the Committee recommended in October 2002 that those City miles on Padre Island be given lower priority, due to tile lack of sidewalks on the Island. Furthcmuore, thc Committee will continue to work with City Staff in making recommendations itu prioritizing annual curb ramp projects throughout thc Corpus Christi area. Initial prioritization of curb ramps through this Transition Plan has bccn given to highly utilized areas in conaplin~enting public bus routes tbrough tl~c Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). A forecast of short range and long-rangc CIP curb ramp projccts is included as Appendix E. Sh-atcgics have been implemented to assist thc City in meeting the curb ramp requirements. Since 1986, the City has and will continue to address ADA curb ramps that are incorporated into regularly schcduled street reconstruction projccts. These projects are generally identified and approved through tile City's CIP bndget as well. Thc City's l)cvclopmen! Services Department will continnc to review plats/plans ['or new subdivision development. Whenever newly constructed or alteration of a street occurs thc City will conslruct curb ramps along the route. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) bas jurisdiction over thc City's bus system and the location of bus stops. The City works closely with RTA to ensure that public transit stops arc accessible. Consideration as to slope gradation and sidcwalk conditions arc looked at prior to thc choosing of a transit stop location. IV. SITt-i DEVEI.OPMENT Dcvelopmcnt Services will conlinuc to ensure access in new subdivision/commercial developmcnt. The review and appro,.al of plats/plans will ensurc curb ramps are accessible; and new construclion and allerations meet all physical accessibility requirements. Internal standards are being modi fled, i.e.: City's Code o1: Ordinances to cnsure that this requircment is a standard process, prior lo issuance of permits. New construction and renovations will meet all accessibility rcqnircments. Thc Texas Department of IJccnsing and Rcgulalion (TDLR) rcvicws all commercial projects of' more than $50,000 2ir TAS compliance. Thc Cily is in the proccss of modifying their Code of' Ordinances to cover the gap of all commercial projects less than $50,000 for TAg compliance. In promotion and cducalion of accessibility guidelines, tile City will provide pcr~inenl staff with Tcxas Accessibility Standards (TAS) training through the TDLR's academy. 1 ] Final Draft - 02/07/03 Additionally, when thc City enters into leases and contraclual obligations, the City will adhere to ADA accessibility standards and requirements. Thc end product of' the City's "Master Plan" will bc utilized lay Engineering Services to carry out implementation in tile areas of construction, rcnlodeling and retrofitting physical barriers. V. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES/PUBLIC BUSINESSES In helping thc City reach and maintain full ADA accessibility, the City will undergo joint endeavors with other Intergovernmental Agencies/Public Businesses. Those lntergovcrnmenlal Agencies/Public Businesses identified as key agencies, but not limited to, are: Regional Transit Authority, Council of Government, Texas Department Transportation (TxDOT), lndepcndcn! School Districts, Federal~State~Local such as Courthouse, Post Ofliccs, Regulatory Of'rices such as 'FX Commission on Environmental Quality (formerly TNRCC), Public Businesses such as Hospitals, Medical Complexes, Malls/Commercial complexes. VI. OUTREAC}f AND TRAINING Thc Human Relations Dcparlmcnt is working on Public Services Announcements (PSAs), infommtional videos and other community oulrcach materials Io bring about public awareness of ADA related issues. The Citywidc ADA Coordinator is the point of contact. InGrmation has been distributed on thc ~Grievancc on Accessibility" policy, complaints and rcquesls ibc accommodation through meetings with Departmental ADA Coordinators and Department Itcads. Employees will be provided with the "Grievance on Accessibility" policy for general inlbrmalion purposes. Tile Human Relations Department is also networking with local Agencies to help facilitate outreach Ibc training employees on how to address scnsitivity/acccssibilily issocs. These parlicular agencies are, but not limited to, thc Texas Commission Ibc lhe Blind and Ibc Corpus Chrisli Area Council for the Deaf. Internally, outreach materials and h-aining have been developed, along with a commitment by designating certain stat't' as trainers. Ongoing awareness training will be provided to City employees, including City management. Additionally, thc City's new elnployce orientation class covers City policies, including ADA. For reference, please sec Appendix C. During tile Transilion Plan process, thc I tuman Relations Department developed a citizen complaint procedure and form for individuals who have an ADA issue regarding accessibility. This new cilizcn complaint lbrm and policy was reviewed and endorsed by thc Committee for Persons with Disabilities, Ihcn executed by the City Manager. This new policy, entitled "Griewmcc on Accessibility", is enclosed as Appendix C. Cily Staff will also meet with City Boards and Commissions to discuss tile goals and objectives off thc Transition Plan and its tmplemcntation. Public service announcements are in process to inform tile public about tile City Transition Plan. The public may give input and comment on matters related to ADA lo thc Core Group, the Human Relations Depadmcnt, 1 2 Final Draft-02/07/03 tile Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission and/or lhe Comnlittee for Persons with Disabilities. Any citizen can colnment oll items relating to ADA during the public connnent item on tile agenda of exery scheduled public City Council meeting. In addition to attending meetings, individuals will soon be able to view and comment on the City's Transition Plan via tile Internet at http://www.cctexas.com. The lntemet can bc accessed through any City Library. Hard copies of thc Cily's Transition Plan are located in lhc Human Relation's Office at City Hall, 1201 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401. The "Griewmce oil Accessibility" policy has been announced through a press release by the Cily's Public lnlbrmation Office. Copies of lbo new citizen policy will be distributed to local agencies. In addition, the policy and Ibm] are scheduled to be uvailablc by lntcmet. ADA concerns or complaints will be received by phone, mail or ill person. FUNDING OPTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TRANSITION PLAN The City has implemented a barrier removal program ill City-owned public facilities, services, activities, pt-ograms and ctlrb ramp construelion. The Transition Plan is based on: tile comprehensive Sclf-Evalualion, inco~T~orating tile City departmental self-evaluations; construction cost estimates from Engineering Department and Maintenance Services Department; and also input fi'om people with disabilities, public meetings and consideration o£ thc 1994 Cilizen Survey. From tile Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, tile City set targeted dates 1bt completion, estimated costs and funding options (Please see Appendix A). Additionally, before renewing lease agreements of lhcilities and during negotiations, tile City will review the responsibilities and requirements tbr ADA compliance with the lesscc. Funding Options The City will continue exploring fimding options. At this time thc following resources have been identified to contribute in the funding of the City's ADA improvements: I. Public Facilities and Services/Activities/Programs: · Operating Budget As presented in Appendix A, most of thc CmTcnt accessibility needs are within General Fund depamnents. Therefore, the City's Transition Plan list of improvements for f~acilitics and programs will be phased into the Operating Budget over a five-year period. · Funding Related to Renovations and Building Aherations Where possible, relocation of department/division activities that include alterations, accessibility of items of thc Transition Plan will be incorporated. · CDBG Funding In the removal of accessibility barriers, lhe City will continue to scck CDBG funding to assist in accessibility endeavors. }:unding is subject to Federal approval and guidelines. After endorsemeut by thc City's Planning Commission and City 1 3 Final Draft - 02/07~03 Council approval in December 2002, thc public facility ADA improvements have been adopted in the City's FY 2003-04 Capital lmprovenacnt Project Budget, pending Council approval ofCDBG fimds. lntergovernl~cntal In collaboration xvith intcrgovcrnmental agencies, coordination of accessibility projects will be done as nruch as possiblc. I1. Public Curb Ramps: ,4lo~g ~viI]l COtl[lllllill~ [rt D~r'OlT~Or~tle acces.¥Jt~h, cu,'Ir F~t~ll[~s dtt~'iHg stFeel I~(~COHS[I'UCliOI1 [¢t'pjeclS, (Ill rlllllllrl] bttr~cl ittrv'C~lSC~ Q)'~]M.{o/' ('ill'~Wdc f'u~% Raml)S JOr accessihi[iO' is recommet~ded, begDtttit~g 2004 05. Recomme~ded a~utal t~ut~cl ittct'e~tse ~'$ ] 30.000.[b~' l~tdi~,idual Ct~rh Ramp Reqt~eslx. CDBG Funding Community Dcvelopmcm Block Grant R~nding will be sought fbr the removal of accessibility barriers and assist in accessibility endeavors. Funding is subject to Federal approval and guidelines. * MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization 80/20 matching lk~nds will be sought. These are long-term matching Funds that thc City will seek for implementation ofcit~vide arterial and collector curb ramps. * Bond Projects, as curb ramp projects are incorporated and votcr-approvcd. 111. Site Development: · Operating Budget In promotion and educalion of accessibility guidelincs, the City will provide pcrtineot stalTwith Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) training through thc TDLR's academy. Thc City will also provide outreach and axYareness of this activity to local industries, such as commercial developers and builders. IV. Outreach: · Operating Budget Thc City will promote and providc accessibility awareness. 14 Final Draft - 02~07~03 Short-F?ange Outlook Estimated ~ Estimated Improvement Sites Project Completion Begin Date Date FY 2003-04 CIP Budgct ADA Improvement Category Public Facilities Programs Development Outreach City Hall, Librarics, Health, Strect/SWS Building, Recreation Centers, Senior Centers, Closed Captioning: Council Chambers & PSAs. Heahh, Libraries, Museum aRd various Customer Service areas. Training of Development Services staff on TAS Standards. Ongom~ Citywidc FY 2003-04 Operating Budget FY 2003-04 Operating Budgct FY 2003-04 Operating Budgct Citywide Curb &~e LLwi/L~ FY 2004-05 Ramps: Belou' CIP Budget Priority I - 6 * Varies, upon citizen request on an urgent basis. Individual Curb Requests FY 2003-04 Operating Budget FY 2004-05 Annually Continue with changes in TAS standards. Annually FY 2011-12 Estimated Cost $599,805 $136,730 Year 1 then $117,480 Annually $10,000 Annually S5,000 Annually $8M $130,000 Annually *Locations for ADA curb ramps prioritized by the Committee for Persons with I Disabilities. These locations for curb ramps include: Priority 1 - Downtown: Shoreline - Hirsch to Buford, Water - Hirsch to Buford, Chapparrah Hirsch to Buford, Mesquite - Lower Broadway to Brewster, Lower Broadway: John Sartain to Brewster; Arterial: Staples - Louisiana Parkway to Gollihar; and Collector: Carroll Lane- Staples to Tiger Lane. Priority 2 - Arterial: Staples - Williams to Saratoga and Collector: Tiger/Flynn/Corona - Carroll to Everhart. Priority 3 - Arterial: Ayers - Sante Fe to Horne, and Collector: Highland - Baldwin to 1 9th Street. Priority 4 - Arterial: Gollihar - Kostoryz to Everhart. Priority 5 - Arterial: Morgan - Ocean to Baldwin. Priority 6 - Arterial: Port -Agnes to Crosstown Expressway. Residential areas further determined by the Committee for Persons with Disabilities. Final Draft - 02~07/03 Final Draft- 02~07~03 Long-Range Outlook Ongoing Funding of ADA curb ramps projects to be l'undcd through the City's annual CIP budgct process and applicable volcr-approvcd bonds. Please sec Appcndix E. Annually, Ibc Committee lbr Persons with Disabilities will continue to provide recommendations in thc prioritizalion of curb ramp projects for each Proposed CIP Budget for consideration by lite Planning Commission and ultinlatcly the City Council. At this time, recommended funding is through voter-approved bonds every four years as part of the C|P process tbr curb ramp compliance and to accommodate any future cbangcs in TAS standards. Future Possible Funding If approved by the Texas Legislature, a $1 utility surcharge fcc could be used for certain ADA improvements as currently proposed. It' passed by the Tcxas Legislature and subsequently by thc City Council, this stu-charge could earmark approximately $800,000 for certain accessibility issues. Monitoring Thc City will monitor the implementation of this Transition Phm's improvement projects and updatc thc Plan accordingly. Thc Committee for Persons with Disabilities will be updated quarterly on thc progress of the Transition Plan implcmcntation. Public meetings regarding the City's Transition Plan will also continue, and done so on an annual basis. Ammal reports will be provided to thc City Council through City Management and subsequently available Ibr the public. 1 7 Final Draft- 02/07/03 City of Corpus ~" ~ Christi Appendix A ADA Improvement List of Barrier Removal Items, Estimated Costs And Time Frame ~'~ o o 5 % M > % > > > > > > > > > > > O~~IIIIIIIIII ._m '~ m, , 0000~ 00000000000000000000 00000000000000000000 = c ~ E ~ E E hE ~ o o ~ ggo~5 .... ~ 000 ~o o o o ~ ~ E= ~= E 0 ~ ~ H n _o 0 0 0 n c (D ~.1 ~ ~ > r~ ~ ,,, ,,, C_ity of Corpus. Christi Appendix B ADA Improvement List Detail of Program Policy Evaluation E)_ X c::, 0 ~ E z z o z z z z z z z z z z z z zz ~ o z zz ~O o ~ ~ ~ o ~ o ~ E ~ ~ o ~ =-- '- e ~ E o ~ '~ .E o E E ~ ~ ~ '- ~ ~E~OO ~o .... ~ ~ o~ mo oo==~m~ ~oE EE~ ~8~ 0 0 ~~ z ~ ~ ~ ~ E ~o ~ o~ ~ ~m ~ .~ > ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ E ~ ~ ~ .~ E ~ ~ 'E City of Corpus. Chrlst~ Appendix C Related Global City Policies POLICY STATEMENT Subject: Purpose: Equal Opportunity_ Environment Date: July 18~,, 2002_ Promotion of understanding, respect, fairness, dignity and positive outlook for all individuals, regardless of position, ethnicity, disability, race, color, religion,~.qender, a_g~, o~r cultural background. In recognition of our diverse workforce and community at-large, the City of Corpus Christi issues this policy statement to insure the awareness and importance of mutual respect, People First language, and inclusion for all persons as we provide City services, programs, and activities. We, all City of Corpus Christi personnel and City officers, pledge to do our individual and collective utmost to refrain from any negative conduct, language, or expression of opinions based on one's ethnicity, disability, race, color, religion, gender, age, or cultural background that would be perceived by a reasonable person as disrespectful, derogatory, offensive, or demeaning. We, the employees of the City of Corpus Christi, pledge to display respect and understanding toward one another, our customers, and visitors while conducting City business, providing City services, and during City- sponsored activities and do so without regard to ethnicity, disability, race, color, religion, gender, age, or cultural background. We, the employees of the City of Corpus Christi, shall continuously strive to respectfully embrace and promote a more considerate, fair, and inclusive environment. Our environment portrays various ethnic, cultural, disability, race, color, religion, gender, and age differences, and yet it distinctly represents each of us. We will pursue and maintain life, liberty, and happiness in our diverse community and diverse workplace. This policy statement is both a pledge and a challenge for us to continue to build and maintain an understanding environment of diverse people and backgrounds through the promotion of People First language, inclusion, and mutual respect. It is also to serve as a reminder that the City of Corpus Christi maintains policies against discrimination, retaliation, and harassment, and that violations of these policies will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. /~0avid R/~'arcia, City Manager Date ~ ~- Christ1 Cit Policies SUBJECT: Grievanpe~n Acc. es~ibBity APPROVED: ./~~~ ~avi~ R. ~arcia ~ City Manager NO: G -- 7.0 DATE: / 1. PURPOSE The City of Corpus Christi strives to continue providing quality customer service to all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender or disability. In the event any persons with disabilities have a complaint regarding accessing City services, programs or activities, the City of Corpus Christi formulates this Policy as a Title Il Entity under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Prior to the adoption of this Policy, citizen grievances on accessibility were previously addressed in Section 11 of City Policy Number HR9.0. This Policy is adopted in lieu of Section II of City Policy Number HR9.0, by simultaneous revision. Through this Policy, the City endeavors for more direct and timely handling of accessibility issues tbr the general public. II. SCOPE This policy applies to persons with disabilities of the general public who seek or desire the use of or participation in City programs, services and activities. IlL POLICY This Grievance Policy is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilitiet, Act (ADA). It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in employment ?r~c~i, es a~ ~olicies or the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits ?~y the ,? ii3 m' ~ ,,~rpus Christi. Page I of 3 July 2002 The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as complainant's name, complainant's address, complainant's phone number, location of problem, date and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews, audio tape or video tape recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request. The grievant and/or his/her designee should submit the complaint as soon as possible but no later than 180 calendar days after the alleged violation to: City of Corpus Christi's Director of Human Relations (361) 880-3190 1201 Leopard - City Hall Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 A Citizen Accessibility Grievance Formforpublic use is attached to thispolicy. Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the City of Corpus Christi's Director of Human Relations or his/her designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the City of Corpus Christi's Director of Human Relations or designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audio tape. The response will explain the position of the City of Corpus Christi and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint. If the response by the City of Corpus Christi's Human Relations Director or designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or his/her designee may appeal the decision of the City of Corpus Christi's Human Relations Director or designee within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response, to the City Manager or his/her designee. Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the City Manager or his/her designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the City Manager or his/her designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint. Ali written complaints received by the City of Corpus Christi's Director of Human Relatiom~, a[~p~ als to the City Manager or his/her designee, and responses from the ~ ~i ~}rm~- ~ ~hristi's Director of Human Relations and the City Manager or 2i~,"}tc; dcslglic(' will be kept by the City of Corpus Christi for at least three years. Prepared by the Human Relations Department Page 2 of 3 July 2002 City of Cgrpus. ~ Chnst~ CITIZEN ACCESSIBILITY GRIEVANCE FORM Person Filing Grievance Name: Street Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone Number: ( __ ) __ __ - Description of Grievance Please describe the accessibility complaint: (Attach more sheets' if needed) Requested Resolution of Grievance Please state what or how you feel the grievance may be resolved: Citizen's Signature Today's Date * **Office Use Only *** Type of Acce&¥ibility Problem:Service __Program (Attach Response ~arded to Citizen: Activity Other Date: / / Date: / / Date: / / Page 3 of 3 July 2002 _.---'- ._.m-- Christi Appendix D SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS n Z C < z ILl 13. · ~- o 0 z ~ ~ u.I ~ uJ z ILl n C ~n-'~ o ~r~ C Z ~ · ILl ~:: r'r' 0,. >, >, n gL C ~ o c c ~ ~ c .~ ~ e c c Z UJ 13_ 13. C ~< .-- 2 C3 C Z LLI D,. ,~ 0 (D (D © ._~ _m 0 0 .~ Z ~JJ Q <{ z uJ O Z 0) ~ ~ ~ C) 0 CD c'~ o City of Corpus. Chnsn Appendix E SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON ADA CURB RAMPS (Excerpts from City CIP Budget FY 2003-04) I- z ILl ,,1 ~Z --Z ZU.I zO On, Z.-I Zn, ~n n, LM o o 0,~ O-- ~E OLL E° 0 ~ E~ .__ 0 o._ ,2oo E~ 0 ~ oo > oo I~ I Wo 0¢,~ co >_~ ~- 0 0 Q 0 0 0 ~w ~ 0 0~_ rwo ~ o o~ tO o ~ o 0~- ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~o ~ 0 E 0 0 0 E 0 ~ 0 Z Z z nl S > 0 0 0 o METHODOLOGY For ASSESSMENT OF PENDING ADA CURB RAMPS City of Corpus Christi Appendix F DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPLES OF BARRIERS DEFINITIONS AND EXAMPI~ES OF BARRIERS Below is an outline with a breakdown of data, b3 types of barriers Ibat may prevent access to and usability of facilities by individuals x~itb disabilities. This list is not exhaustive or necessarily completes, but represents typical bamcrs identified in the Self-Evaluation and addressed in the Transition Plan. Tbc lbllowing are types oFbarl-iel-s: Path oFtravd: o Stairs, curbs, or other changes in level, obstructions, or protruding objects intcn-upting exterior routes. Roules of travel from Iransporlation stops that are not accessible. Curb ramps that arc absenl, or do not !11o(21 CHI-I'CHt rcquirenlenls. Accessible roulcs that are not clearly indicaled tbrougb signage. 0 0 o Accessible Parldng: o The numbers of accessible spaces m-e not proporlionatc, with the total number of spaces, by current standards. Van accessible spaces are not provided. o Accessible spaces do not completely conform to the cmTent requirements lbr size, location, marking, and signagc. o Curb ramps do no! tlleel current requJrcmcnls. o Drop off areas arc sometimes blocked; therefore clearer markings must be applicd. Building Entrances: © Entrances are not ramped; or ramps do nol meet thc requircments for width, slope, cross slope, bindings, and/or handrail sbapc and height. o Level landings arc not provided or arc not of sufficient width or depth. o Doors require cxccssivc ofl~rt to open, and closcloo quicklylo allow safe passage. o Doors arc not ol'sttfl~cion[ widtb or baxc knob-type bandies. Interior Signagc: o Accessibility information is nol providcd it/building directories. o Accessible Facilities are not marked as accessible, and no information is posted at itmccessiblc facilities indicating thc location of the closest accessible Facility. o Required Tactile and Braille signagc arc not provided. Interior Routes oFTravcl: o I.obbies, con-idors and other passages have obstructions or protruding objects, such as drinking fountains, lelcphones, and projecling signs, which wben improperly located, may be hazardous to individuals with vision disabilities. Interior routes oflravcl arc inlcrrupted by "level changes", wbich are not ramped, or ramps do not meet Cul-renl requirements for widlb, slope, cross slope, landings, and/or bandrail sbapc and height. Public Reslrooms: o Reslrooms do no mcct ibc rcquircmcnts Jbr accessibility. Slairs: o Handrails do not meel the requirement tbr shape and hcight. Interior Doors: o Doors are nol sufficiently xxidc. o Maneuxering clearance lbr individuals using wheelchairs is not provided. o Doors require cxccssivc cfi'orr to open, and close too quickly to allow safe passage. o Doors bavc knob type hardy, are. Public Telephones: o Mounting heights arc too high. o Telephones project into accessible roule and arc ba>'ardous to persons with vision disabilities. o Text telephones arc no! provided where they are required. o $ignage indicating tile location oi'tbe nearcsl text telephone is not provided. (Contact to bo made wilb appropriate cntilv to moot compliance) Alarms: o Visual audio alarms are not provided it/ public facilities and meeting rooms w'itb fixed seating. Printed Materials: o Print too small; no large print format a,,ailablc. o Braille l'onnat is unavailablc. o No alternatc IXmmtt of audio/video tapes. o Unavailable slaw [br assistance with Ibnns. applications, otc. ConlnlLlllica[[OllS: No TDD or Relay Texas lbr assistance by lelepbonc On-line compulcr services not accessible Closed-captioning unavailable. lnlcrprcling services unavailable. No alternate Ibm]at oCaudio/vidco tapes.