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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Agenda Packet 10-23-17 AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 WEST 29TH AVENUE, MUNICIPAL BUILDING October 23, 2017 7:00 p.m. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Call Sara Spaulding, Public Information Officer, at 303-235-2877 at least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance. CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS APPROVAL OF Council Minutes of September 25, 2017 and Study Notes of October 2, 2017 PROCLAMATIONS AND CEREMONIES Glory of God Lutheran Church 35th Anniversary- Service to the Wheat Ridge Community CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO SPEAK a. Citizens, who wish, may speak on any matter not on the Agenda for a maximum of 3 minutes and sign the Public Comment Roster. b. Citizens who wish to speak on Agenda Items, please sign the GENERAL AGENDA ROSTER or appropriate PUBLIC HEARING ROSTER before the item is called to be heard. c. Citizens who wish to speak on Study Session Agenda Items, please sign the STUDY SESSION AGENDA ROSTER. APPROVAL OF AGENDA DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS 1. Resolution 39-2017 – approving Anderson Park Master Plan 2. Motion to award a contract to Diaz Construction Group LLC, Lakewood CO., in the amount of $150,750 for Anderson Park Waterline Project CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: October 23, 2017 Page -2- DECISIONS, RESOLUTIONS AND MOTIONS con’t 3. Resolution 40-2017 – adopting the City of Wheat Ridge Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan CITY MANAGER’S MATTERS CITY ATTORNEY’S MATTERS ELECTED OFFICIALS’ MATTERS ADJOURNMENT ITEM NO: DATE: October 23, 2017 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION TITLE: RESOLUTION NO. 39-2017 – A RESOLUTION APPROVING ANDERSON PARK MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCES FOR 1ST READING BIDS/MOTIONS ORDINANCES FOR 2ND READING RESOLUTIONS QUASI-JUDICIAL: YES NO _______________________________ ______________________________ Parks and Recreation Director City Manager ISSUE: The renovation of Anderson Park is one of four “Investing 4 the Future” projects funded through the 2E ballot initiative. A Preferred Renovation Plan and a Preferred Renovation Plan Alternate (with baseball field) was developed through an extensive public input process as well as with input from City Council. Both plans represent improvements to the infrastructure of the park which include parking lot resurfacing, increased circulation and a new domestic water line. Also included in the plan is the replacement and relocation of the large picnic shelter/performance stage and additional walking trails which will result in increased pedestrian safety and access to the park. Amenities that will remain in place include the restroom structure, basketball court, and playground equipment. The Preferred Concept Plan removes the baseball field and replaces it with a multi-purpose field and open grass area. The lights currently on the field will be removed as part of the project. The Preferred Concept Plan Alternate (with baseball field) retains the baseball field in its current location without lights and does not include the multi-purpose field and open grassy area. The improvements associated with this project are intended to provide an updated park that retains its character, functions effectively for park users and meets current and future needs. Anderson Park Master Plan October 23, 2017 Page 2 PRIOR ACTION: City Council awarded a contract to MIG, Inc. on March 27, 2017 to prepare a Concept Plan for the park. This contract also included the preparation of the concept design for improvements to the Anderson Building and Outdoor Pool Bathhouse. The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended approval of the Preferred Renovation Plan at their September 20, 2017 meeting. City Council reached a consensus at the October 16 Study Session to change the Preferred Renovation Plan by removing the multipurpose field and retaining the baseball field without lights. The consensus also included noting that when funding is available new lighting should be installed. The plan with the change described above is referred to as the Preferred Renovation Plan Alternate (with baseball field). FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Preferred Renovation Plan probable cost for construction and design fees is estimated at $2,333,381 for renovation of the park. The Anderson Building and Bathhouse cost is $3,068,320 for a total project cost of $5,401,701. These estimated costs include an estimating and construction contingency. The estimate will change as the details of the design and construction drawings are completed. The volatility of the construction market will also impact the final cost at time of bidding. Due to the change in the Preferred Renovation Plan to maintain the baseball field, the budget estimate will need to be refined to incorporate the change. It is not anticipated that this change will increase the probable cost estimate. Bond funds in the amount of $4,000,000 have been allocated for this project. Additional funds have been appropriated in the Conservation Trust Fund and Open Space Fund to supplement the cost of the project. Depending on the cost of construction in 2018 and 2019 the project may require phasing, increasing the number of add alternates or the opportunity to accept the add alternates as presented in the plan. To date, $125,935 has been spent on consultant design fees and $150,750 has been allocated for replacement of the waterline for a total of $276,685. These expenses are not included in the probable costs as noted above. BACKGROUND: The voter approved 1/2 cent sales tax increase and additional funding from the Conservation Trust and Open Space Funds will fund the Anderson Park Renovation and will provide for the renovation of Anderson Park, Anderson Building and Bathhouse. Improvements presented during promotion of the bond issue included: Outdoor Pool Locker Room • Renovate and update Outdoor Pool Bathhouse, which was constructed in 1980, to include family changing rooms and individual showers. Renovate to allow off-season usage for programs held in the Anderson Building. Anderson Park Master Plan October 23, 2017 Page 3 Renovate Anderson Building • Renovate Anderson Building by upgrading current finishes, reconfiguring the space to allow additional programming for fitness and wellness classes and replace leaking roof. Sports Fields • Remove lighted baseball field, convert to multi- purpose sports field (open, grassy field with no dedicated use or permanent equipment) for use as a:  soccer, lacrosse and football practice field  middle school sports program field  instructional playfield area  rental space for outside organizations such as kickball leagues  special event usage such as the Kite Flite and Carnation Festival • Reconstruct existing soccer game field to improve the condition of the grass to provide a higher quality game field Pavilion area • Update amenities – new park pavilion and small shelter Special Events • Reconfigure available park land to support special event programming including Performances in the Park and Carnation Festival Miscellaneous • Parking lot improvements/resurfacing • Water line replacement The Anderson Park Preferred Renovation Plan Alternate (with baseball field) includes all of the amenities listed above with the exception of the addition of a new small shelter, which is shown as an add alternate in the plan. The Alternate Plan also retains the baseball field (unlighted) and does not construct the multipurpose field. The impacts of retaining the baseball field are minor in terms of adjusting the locations of the small shelter and realigning the north south trail that runs adjacent to the field. The Preferred Renovation Plan presented at the study session included the multipurpose field and removed the baseball field and lights and met all of the above goals as well, except for the new small shelter as noted above. Amenities included in both Plans that are not listed above include 1) a creek access amenity in two locations and 2) added sidewalks for increased pedestrian access to the park and buildings to increase safety as well as create a walking loop inside the park. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends adoption of the Anderson Park Preferred Renovation Plan as presented at the October 16 Study Session. An extensive public input process was completed that included focus Anderson Park Master Plan October 23, 2017 Page 4 groups, an open house, a pop up event at the park and a community meeting. The plan represents the input received at these events as well as meets the demand for an additional grassy area for play and festival events, youth classes and athletic league practices. RECOMMENDED MOTION: “I move to approve Resolution No. 39-2017, a resolution approving Anderson Park Master Plan.” Or, “I move to deny Resolution No. 39-2017, a resolution approving Anderson Park Master Plan for the following reason(s) ______________________________________________________.” REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY: Joyce Manwaring, Parks and Recreation Director Patrick Goff, City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution No. 39-2017 2. Preferred Renovation Plan 3. Preferred Renovation Plan Alternate (with baseball field) CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO RESOLUTION NO. 39 Series of 2017 TITLE: A RESOLUTION APPROVING ANDERSON PARK MASTER PLAN WHEREAS, the voters of Wheat Ridge approved the 2E ballot initiative bonding authority in November 2016; and WHEREAS, this bond issue included the Anderson Park Renovation project; and WHEREAS, the City of Wheat Ridge supports the provision of updated parks and amenities for its citizens; and WHEREAS, a Preferred Renovation Plan for the park has been completed through an extensive public input process. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, as follows: The Anderson Park Master Plan is adopted as presented. DONE AND RESOLVED this 23rd day of October 2017. Joyce Jay, Mayor ATTEST: Janelle Shaver, City Clerk ATTACHMENT 1 ATTACHMENT 2 Preferred Renovation Plan ATTACHMENT 3 Preferred Renovation Plan Alternate (with baseball) ITEM NO: DATE: OCTOBER 23, 2017 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION TITLE: MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO DIAZ CONSTRUCTION GROUP LLC, LAKEWOOD CO., IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,750 FOR ANDERSON PARK WATERLINE PROJECT PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCES FOR 1ST READING BIDS/MOTIONS ORDINANCES FOR 2ND READING RESOLUTIONS QUASI-JUDICIAL: YES NO _______________________________ ______________________________ Parks and Recreation Director City Manager ISSUE: The existing Anderson Park domestic water line was installed in the early 1970s. This waterline serves four separate buildings within Anderson Park. The existing domestic waterline has failed and been repaired at multiple locations and times in the last several years. The recent repairs have led staff to conclude that the waterline has reached it useful life span. Replacement of the domestic waterline will provide a new Valley Water District compliant water delivery system for Anderson Park turf and the park facilities including the Outdoor Pool Bath House, Anderson Building, Anderson Outdoor Restroom, and the Parks Operations Shop. The replacement of the existing water line will replace aging infrastructure in preparation for 2E Bond Project Anderson Park renovation. PRIOR ACTION: Funds for the waterline replacement project were included in the scope of work for the 2016 2E Bond Issue. FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funding for this project is budgeted in Fund 31. The funds would provide for the installation of a new and reliable water delivery system for all major facilities located in Anderson Park and irrigation of both new and existing turf. Council Action Form – Anderson Park Waterline Project October 23, 2017 Page 2 BACKGROUND: The formal solicitation process resulting in receiving two bids for ITB-17-28 on October 10, 2017. Diaz Construction Group, LLC of Lakewood, Colorado was the low bidder at $150,750.00. Diaz Construction Group, LLC is a responsible and responsive bidder as demonstrated by successful completion of several recent City projects. Funding for this project is from the 2016 2E bond initiative. The funds provide for the installation of a new domestic water line for Anderson Park. Alternate pricing was provided for installation of four inch size pipe as opposed to the specified three inch size pipe. This alternate was rejected due to unknown impacts of installing a different size pipe. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends the award of the contract to Diaz Construction Group, LLC for the installation of a new domestic waterline for Anderson Park. RECOMMENDED MOTION: “I move to award a contract to Diaz Construction Group LLC, Lakewood, Colorado, in the amount of $150,750 for the Anderson Park waterline project. Or, “I move to deny award of contract to Diaz Construction Group LLC, Lakewood, Colorado, in the amount of $150,750 for the Anderson Park waterline project. REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY: Mark Ruote, Park Project Coordinator Rick Murray, Parks, Forestry and Open Space Manager Joyce Manwaring, Director of Parks and Recreation Jennifer Nellis, Purchasing Agent Patrick Goff, City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. Bid Tabulation Sheet page 1 of 2 ATTACHMENT 1 Subject to review for completeness and accuracy. PROJECT: ITB-17-26 ALLOWED VENDOR (PRIME) Diaz Construction Group, LLC Ricor Services LOCATION Lakewood, CO Arvada, CO BIDDER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM Yes Yes ACKNOWLEDGE ADDENDUM (1)Yes Yes CONTRACTOR'S QUALIFICATION FORM Yes Yes NON-DISCRIMINATION ASSURANCE FORM Yes Yes ILLEGAL ALIEN COMPLIANCE Yes Yes LIST OF SUB-CONTRACTORS Yes Yes NON-COLLUSION AFFADAVIT Yes Yes BID BOND FORM Yes Yes PRICING SCHEDULE Yes Yes 1 - MOBILIZATION $1,500.00 3,500.00 2 - BARRIDACES/CONES $500.00 2,100.00 3 - INLET PROTECTION $500.00 1,300.00 4 - ROCK SOCK $500.00 1,300.00 5 - CDOT CLASS 1 BACK FILL $3,500.00 4,800.00 6 - DEWATERING $1,500.00 9,800.00 7 - PIPE BEDDING $6,300.00 7,350.00 8 - TRENCH COMPACTION $5,250.00 6,300.00 OPENED BY: JENNIFER NELLIS, PURCHASING AGENT WITNESSED BY: CINDY RAIOLO, PURCHASING TECHNICIAN WATERLINE AT ANDERSON PARK DUE DATE/TIME: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2017 BY 1 P.M. LOCAL TIME REQUESTED BY: MARK RUOTE, PARKS FORESTRY & OPEN SPACE page 2 of 2 ATTACHMENT 1 PROJECT: ITB-17-26 ALLOWED VENDOR (PRIME) Group, LLC Ricor Services LOCATION Lakewood, CO Arvada, CO 9 - TRENCHING $2,100.00 8,400.00 10 - 3" DUCTILE IRON WATER PIPE $84,000.00 48,300.00 11 - 3" DUCTILE IRON WATER PIPE FITTINGS/JOINTS $2,500.00 4,500.00 12 - 3" BACKFLOW DEVICE AT SHOWER HOUSE 3" $5,200.00 13,400.00 13 - 1" BACKFLOW DEVICE AT ANDERSON BUILDING 1" $1,500.00 3,400.00 14 - 3/4" BACKFLOW DEVICE AT PARKS OPERATIONS $900.00 1,900.00 15 - 2" K COPPER AND FITTINGS $1,500.00 4,000.00 16 - BACKFLOW DEVICE TESTING/CERTIFICATION $1,500.00 1,000.00 17 - PIPE FLUSHING AND CHLORINATION $1,500.00 1,000.00 18 - PIPE HYDROSTATIC TESTING $1,500.00 800.00 19 - CONCRETE REPAIR $6,500.00 5,700.00 20 - ASPHALT REPAIR $15,000.00 15,000.00 21 - LANDSCAPE REPAIR $2,500.00 8,100.00 22 - HAUL AWAY EXCAVATED MATERIAL, CONCRETE AND ASPHALT $3,500.00 6,100.00 23 - SITE CLEANUP $1,500.00 5,500.00 TOTAL AMOUNT OF BID: 150,750.00$ 163,550.00$ -$ -$ -$ ALTERNATE BID (see line items 10 & 11)139,200.00 not acknowledged WATERLINE AT ANDERSON PARK ITEM NO: DATE: October 23, 2017 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION TITLE: RESOLUTION NO. 40-2017 - A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT TRANSITION PLAN PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCES FOR 1ST READING BIDS/MOTIONS ORDINANCES FOR 2ND READING RESOLUTIONS QUASI-JUDICIAL: YES NO _______________________________ ______________________________ Director of Public Works City Manager ISSUE: The City of Wheat Ridge is required, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to perform a self-evaluation of its current transportation infrastructure and to develop policies, practices, and programs to address the requirements of the ADA. In cooperation with staff, the City’s consultant, Alfred Benesch and Company, has completed an ADA Transition Plan to meet this mandate. The plan will provide guidance to the City regarding ADA Transition Plan requirements and evaluation of accessibility in the City right-of-way (ROW). More specifically, guidelines and procedures have been developed to plan, construct, enhance and improve pedestrian mobility throughout the City. The plan also guides and works in conjunction with the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to identify opportunities for improvements as part of the City’s long term goals for accessibility and mobility. PRIOR ACTION: After staff completed a standard solicitation and procurement process, the City Council on May 23, 2016, awarded a contract to Alfred Benesch and Company, Denver, Colorado to assist the City in developing, adopting, and implementing an ADA Transition Plan. ADA Transition Plan October 23, 2017 Page 2 After an extensive amount of data collection, and the initiation of a public process, staff provided an update to Council on October 3, 2016. At the May 1, 2017, City Council Study Session, staff and the consultant presented a final draft for further review, comment, and discussion. Subsequently, a second public meeting was held on July 19, 2017, seeking input to the program specifically on findings and recommendations. FINANCIAL IMPACT: A contract was awarded to Alfred Benesch and Company in the amount of $43,247.60 for the completion of the ADA Transition Plan. BACKGROUND: In 2010, the United States Department of Justice issued a final rule in order to adopt enforceable accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. These standards ensure that state and local government services do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disabilities and require state and local governments to make their programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities. These requirements focus on providing accessibility by addressing and eliminating structural barriers associated with public facilities. The ADA Transition Plan addresses access in public rights-of-way, including sidewalks, intersections, and street crossings. The plan also provides guidance for public rights-of-way to address various issues, such as access for individuals with disabilities, access to on-street parking, and various constraints posed by space limitations, including roadway design practices, slope, and terrain. The new guidelines will cover pedestrian access to sidewalks and streets, including crosswalks, curb ramps, street furnishings, pedestrian signals, transit stops, and other components of public right-of-way. The City’s purpose in developing these guidelines is to ensure that access for persons with disabilities is provided wherever a pedestrian way is newly built or altered, and that the same degree of convenience, connection, and safety afforded the public generally is available to pedestrians with disabilities. The ADA Transition Plan will provide guidance to improve accessibility to the City of Wheat Ridge’s transportation network in accordance to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA requires a public entity to modify its policies, practices, or procedures, within reason, to avoid discrimination against people with disabilities. This Plan will assist the City’s Engineering Division to identify both physical and non-physical barriers to accessibility and to develop solutions to increase the opportunity of accessibility to all individuals. The main components included: • A self-evaluation of the City’s current practices, guidelines, standards, policies, and/or procedures recommended for future use to minimize or eliminate barriers to accessibility within the City of Wheat Ridge public ROW. • Designating the Department’s ADA Coordinator and their role and responsibilities. • Developing a formal ADA complaint procedure. ADA Transition Plan October 23, 2017 Page 3 • Performing public involvement to seek input on the Transition Plan and accessibility issues. • Serve as guidance to development of a multi-year program to correct deficiencies, based in part by a prioritization method, condition, and available funding through the Capital Improvement Plan or other opportunities for improvements such as private development projects. The Plan is a living document, subject to review and update periodically. Prior to engaging with the consultant last year, staff completed a substantial amount of survey work on curb ramps over the prior year. This data, an essential component of the plan, was evaluated and utilized by the consultant as part of the plan development, including categorizing for use in long-term capital planning. Through the course of the program development, the following activities and tasks have been completed as part of this ADA Transition Plan Document: 1. Staff completed an inventory of existing right-of-way facilities and conditions. 2. The consultant conducted a review and verification of the survey data collected by the City by conducting spot verifications for accuracy, identifying additional needed mapping, and compiling other data and information as required. This effort also included working with Public Works and IT staff to complete all mapping needed for the plan. 3. A public process was initiated that included a significant amount of outreach through a public informational meeting on October 3, 2016, a second public meeting on July 19, 2017, seeking input to findings and recommendations, solicitation of public input through an online survey, and additional promotion of the plan development through other communication outlets such as social media channels and the City website. 4. The Consultant completed a policy and procedure draft in accordance with the requirements as described above in the plan scope. 5. Based on the completed inventory and condition assessment of curb ramps and associated facilities, the consultant developed a tiered grouping, based on specific categories of accessibility (meets standard, does not meet and level of deficiency, etc.). Based on specific priorities and needs, these categorized groupings were then utilized to develop a proposed multi-year improvement program, based on certain amounts and years of funding levels. The ADA Transition Plan will play a significant role in guiding implementation of effective policies and practices to improve and address the mobility needs of users with disabilities. In addition, the plan identifies specific mobility needs such as access to transit and safety ADA Transition Plan October 23, 2017 Page 4 enhancement opportunities. The plan also assists in identifying and prioritizing long-term capital needs and costs, and the development of a long-term capital plan for constructing improvements. RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approving the attached resolution adopting the City of Wheat Ridge Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan. RECOMMENDED MOTION: “I move to approve Resolution No. 40-2017, a resolution adopting the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan.” Or, “I move to postpone indefinitely Resolution No. 40-2017, a resolution adopting the City of Wheat Ridge Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan for the following reason(s) ___________________________________________________________________________.” REPORT PREPARED/REVIEWED BY: Scott Brink, Director of Public Works Steve Nguyen, Engineering Manager Patrick Goff, City Manager ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution No. 40-2017 2. ADA Transition Plan Document CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO RESOLUTION NO. 40 Series of 2017 TITLE: A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES TRANSITION PLAN WHEREAS, The City of Wheat Ridge is required, under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to perform a self-evaluation of its current transportation infrastructure and to develop policies, practices, and programs in addressing this mandate by the development and adoption of an ADA Transition Plan; and WHEREAS, The development of the ADA Transition Plan is to provide guidance to improve accessibility to the City of Wheat Ridge’s transportation network in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and WHEREAS, The City, with the guidance of a professional consultant, has developed the plan through an extensive public process; and WHEREAS, said Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan is ready to be formally adopted by the City Council in accordance with the City’s policies and procedures. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, as follows: The Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan, as presented to the City Council on this date, is hereby approved. DONE AND RESOLVED this 23rd day of October, 2017. Joyce Jay, Mayor ATTEST: Janelle Shaver, City Clerk ATTACHMENT 1 FINAL DRAFT September 2017 Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan ATTACHMENT 2 City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan ORIGINAL PLAN PREPARED IN 2017 This publication has been prepared by Alfred Benesch & Company in partnership with the City of Wheat Ridge. All information contained herein is expressly prepared for the sole use of the City of Wheat Ridge. Should any portion of this publication be duplicated elsewhere, we request appropriate attribution for such usage. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many individuals were involved with the development of the ADA Transition Plan and other accessibility improvements within Wheat Ridge. The active participation of City staff from the Public Works and Engineering Divisions, the City Council and Leadership, and other stakeholders within the community indicates the level of engagement and commitment to improving accessibility in our Community. This assignment could not have been completed without the efforts and cooperation from these the following: City of Wheat Ridge City Council City of Wheat Ridge Public Works Department – Engineering Division Prepared By: Alfred Benesch & Company City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 TRANSITION PLAN 2 1. Overview 2 2. Federal, State, and City Legal Accessibility Requirements 2 3. Policies and Practices 4 3.1 Design Standards 4 3.2 Accessibility Practices 5 3.3 Program Access and Effective Alternative Communication 5 4. ADA Coordinator Role & Responsibilities 6 5. Public Involvement 7 6. Self-Evaluation 8 6.1 Programmatic Accessibility 8 6.2 Physical Accessibility 8 7. Transition Plan Implementation 11 7.1 Goals for the Program 11 7.2 Prioritization of Barriers 11 7.3 Strategies to Improve Accessibility 12 7.4 Implementation Schedule 13 7.5 Implementation Strategy 13 7.6 Funding 15 8. Public Information Sharing & Grievance Procedure 16 8.1 Public Information Sharing 16 8.2 Grievance Procedure 17 9. Monitoring Progress & Updating Plan 17 City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan APPENDICES APPENDIX A – GLOSSARY OF TERMS 19 APPENDIX B – CITY POLICY REDARDING THE ADA 22 APPENDIX C – ADA DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION EXCEPTION FORM 25 APPENDIX D – ADA COORDINATOR CONTACT INFORMATION 27 APPENDIX F – INTERNAL STAFF QUESTIONAIRE AND RESULTS 56 APPENDIX G – AREA OF PUBLIC FACILITIES ASSESSED 76 APPENDIX H – OVERVIEW OF ASSESSMENT OF ATTRIBUTES/PARAMETERS 78 APPENDIX I – ASSESSMENT FINDINGS 80 APPENDIX J – BARRIER REMOVAL SCHEDULES & BUDGETS 83 APPENDIX K – FUTURE TRAINING PROGRAM 85 APPENDIX L – GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE & FORM 88 APPENDIX M – SUMMARY OF REMEDIATION WORK COMPLETED 93 City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY While the City has been improving accessibility within their corporate limits for years, in 2016, the City’s Engineering Division continued the process of developing a published ADA Transition Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to provide formal guidelines and goals to improve accessibility throughout the City’s transportation network, and serve as a means of formal documentation of the procedures and progress already taken place in accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Enacted in 1990, the ADA mandates equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. The current self-evaluation focused on pedestrian facilities within the City’s transportation network maintained by the Engineering Division. These facilities include curb ramps and pedestrian pushbuttons within the public right-of-way (ROW) throughout the City. In 2017, the City anticipates beginning the process to assess sidewalk accessibility within the public ROW. In conjunction with the sidewalk assessment efforts, the City will also update their GIS database to document those pedestrian facilities with improved accessibility based upon work performed since the last assessment. The past and anticipated future evaluations will provide a basis for a more robust assessment of accessibility in and along City facilities; allow for planning and prioritizing removal of barriers; and develop a road map for any remaining assessments needed. This Transition Plan addresses proposed timelines and anticipated costs associated with the removal of barriers and completing the remaining assessments. Along with the assessment of pedestrian facilities in the City’s transportation network, the self-evaluation also reviewed the Engineering Division’s programs, procedures, and policies. This process included meetings with different department staff and disseminating an internal staff questionnaire. Public outreach and involvement was also a conducted consisting of public meetings, user surveys, and an online website. This Transition Plan is a living document intended to be regularly monitored and updated. Updated versions will incorporate future f ndings from the actions identif ed above as well as advancements made towards improving accessibility, implementation of the Plan, and progress towards identif ed goals. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 2 1. Overview The purpose of this Transition Plan is to provide guidance to improve accessibility to the City of Wheat Ridge’s transportation network in accordance to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA requires a public entity to modify its policies, practices, or procedures, within reason, to avoid discrimination against people with disabilities. This Plan will assist the City’s Engineering Division to identify both physical and non- physical barriers to accessibility and to develop solutions to increase the opportunity of accessibility to all individuals. The main components included: • Performing a self-evaluation of the City’s current practices, guidelines, standards, policies, and/or procedures or recommended for future use to minimize or eliminate barriers to accessibility within the City of Wheat Ridge public ROW. • Designating the Department’s ADA Coordinator and their role and responsibilities. • Developing a formal ADA complaint procedure. • Performing Public Involvement to seek input on the Transition Plan and accessibility issues. This Plan describes the process the City used to perform a self-evaluation and provides recommendations and goals identif ed as a result of the self- evaluation. The Plan also addresses training provided regarding guidelines, standards, policies, procedures, and/or practices to minimize or eliminate barriers to access within the City. The City of Wheat Ridge elected off cials and staff believe promoting an accessible environment for all persons is essential to good customer service and in line with the quality of life that its residents desire. The Plan is a living document, subject to review and update periodically. 2. Federal, State, and City Legal Accessibility Requirements The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), enacted on July 26, 1990, is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals on the basis of disability. The ADA consists of f ve titles outlining protections in the following areas: • Title I - Employment • Title II - State and local government services • Title III - Public accommodations • Title IV - Telecommunications • Title V - Miscellaneous Provisions TRANSITION PLAN City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 3 Title II of ADA pertains to the programs, activities, and services public entities provide and extend the application of the ADA to include those provided by all state and local government entities. Title II regulations expand upon the general prohibitions of discrimination established under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As such, policies, practices, and programs, must comply with the appropriate sections of the ADA. The ADA requires the City operate their programs so that, when viewed in their entirety, the programs are accessible to and useable by individuals with disabilities. This includes making reasonable modif cations in policies, practices, and procedures that deny equal access to individuals with disabilities unless it would result in a fundamental alteration in the program. The City can provide services or benef ts to individuals with disabilities through programs that are separate or different such that the separate or different measures are necessary to ensure that benef ts and services are equally effective. A large part of the effectiveness of increasing accessibility and complying with the ADA is taking appropriate steps to ensure that communications with persons with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. This also includes establishing a grievance procedure to provide prompt and equitable resolution of complaints. Title II of ADA, 28 CFR. Part 35 Sec. 35.105 and Sec. 35.150 requires agencies to conduct a self-evaluation of its facilities, policies, practices, and programs and develop a Transition Plan to outline how reasonable accessibility improvements for individuals, when needed, will be addressed. This Plan includes the f ndings of the self-evaluation and addresses areas of potential improvement as they pertain to public ROW within and maintained by the City. This Plan also identif es alternative methods of service delivery permissible under 28 CFR Part 35. l 50(a) and (b ). Once a Transition Plan is developed, it must be submitted for public review before f nal approval and adoption. At a minimum, a Transition Plan shall include the following elements: • Identify ADA Coordinator • Identify Physical and Programmatic Barriers • Schedule and Method to Mitigate Barriers • Complaint & Grievance Procedure • Provide Public Participation Opportunities During Development While the ADA requires agencies to reasonably modify its policies, procedures, and facilities to avoid discrimination towards persons with a disability, it is not required to remove all barriers in all situations. The ADA does not require the City to undertake any action that would fundamental alter the intent of a program or activity, create a hazardous condition, or result in an undue f nancial burden. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 4 3. Policies and Practices 3.1 Design Standards The ADA Standards and Specif cations described in this section are intended to apply to all construction of city streets and the transportation network within the City of Wheat Ridge required to adhere to City requirements under the Engineering Division’s jurisdiction. Pedestrian facilities within the City’s parks and trails network adhere to the Parks and Recreation Department’s standards. Currently the City utilizes the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and portions of the 2011 Proposed Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG) as the basis for transportation facilities. The City maintains standard construction details for transportation facilities intended to provide accessibility within the transportation network. Additionally, the City utilizes Colorado Department of Transportation requirements for some projects. For public ROW adjacent to private property, the Streetscape Design Manual was adopted by City Council on March 28, 2011, through Ordinance 1481. This document establishes streetscape design requirements (such as sidewalks and street trees). The City’s Engineering Standard Construction Details are available at: http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/71/Standard-Construction-Details CDOT standards are available at: https://www.codot.gov/business/designsupport/standard-plans/2012-m- standards-plans/2012-m-standards-pdfs/ The Streetscape Design Manual is available at: http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/431/Guiding-Documents In an effort to account for construction tolerances and to avoid exceeding listed thresholds, designers and construction crews shall target specif ed slopes and dimensions below the maximum or above the minimum requirements stated in these standards while maintaining positive drainage to the maximum extent possible. In alterations to existing facilities, where compliance with applicable standards and specif cations is technically infeasible or result in undue burden, the alteration shall conform to standards to the maximum extent possible. Such exceptions shall be documented on the ADA Design and Construction Exception Form contained in Appendix C and submitted to the ADA Coordinator for documentation. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 5 All future enactments and revisions to legally applicable Federal, State, or City accessibility codes, standards or guidelines, shall be incorporated into these ADA Codes and Standards to the extent that such enactments or revisions exceed the requirements contained herein. Nevertheless, such enactments or revisions shall not decrease any requirement as contained herein. 3.2 Accessibility Practices The City strives to improve accessibility by leveraging many of its existing and programs. While most of these programs listed below are not intended to specif cally address accessibility, they often result in accessibility upgrades or improvements to some extent. These programs include the following: • Street Resurfacing Program • Capital Investment Program • Traff c Signal Maintenance • Targeted Accessibility Projects • Private Development Review Section 7 further explains the implementation and scope of these programs as they relate to accessibility improvements. The City’s goal is to provide an accessible route throughout the transportation network whenever possible. This does not require the City to construct sidewalk where it does not currently exist or remove physical barriers to all existing pedestrian facilities as long as they provide and identify an accessible route to individuals with disabilities, however, the City is working towards improving connectivity and accessibility. Under this concept, the City may choose not to install curb ramps or sidewalks at some locations (or to install them as a lower priority later), as long as a reasonable path of travel is available even without those pedestrian facilities. Installing new sidewalk within residential areas which do not have existing sidewalks is the responsibility of the property owners. 3.3 Program Access and Effective Alternative Communication The City makes every effort to provide access to its programs for all citizens. Beyond physical access, this includes program access. In order to effectively communicate with individuals with disabilities, the City provides alternative effective communication methods to its staff members and the public when requested and possible. The following statement is currently included in all City Council Meeting agendas and will be included in public notif cations from the Engineering Division: “Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Off cer at least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance.” City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 6 The ADA does not require the City to undertake any action that would result in a fundamental alteration in the intent of its program or activity, would create a hazardous condition, or would represent an undue ¬f nancial and administrative burden. If such a situation should arise, the City will make sure proper documentation is provided as outlined in the ADA and explore potential accommodations that may be appropriate for providing program accessibility in lieu of making actual physical changes in an effort to make their programs and services as accessible as possible. The majority of the programs the Engineering Division are involved with are Public Meetings. Public Meetings are typically conducted as close to the specif c project’s location as possible in an accessible facility. Accommodations and alternative forms of effective communication are made available to the public upon request. 4. ADA Coordinator Role & Responsibilities The ADA requires public entities with f fty (50) or more employees to designate one or more individuals as responsible employees for monitoring compliance with and investigating potential violations of the ADA. This individual(s) is the primary point of contact for individuals with disabilities to: • Request auxiliary aids and services, policy modif cations, and other accommodations; • File a complaint with the City regarding accessibility to City programs, activities and services; and/or • Address ADA concerns from the general public and from other departments and employees of the public entity. In addition to providing public service, an ADA Coordinator is a valuable resource for City as well. They provide a specif ¬c contact person knowledgeable with the ADA to answer questions and provide support. The ADA Coordinator also provides consistent feedback on reasonable accommodations, undue burden decisions, and potential accessibility measures. The ADA does not require the City to undertake any action that would result in a fundamental alteration in the intent or nature of its program or activity, would create a hazardous condition, or would represent an undue burden. Undue burden means signif cant diff culty or expense when considering the nature and cost of the accommodation in relation to the size, resources, and facility of the specif c operation. Undue burden is determined on a case-by-case basis and shall include concurrence of the ADA Coordinator and must be accompanied by a statement citing the reasons for reaching the conclusion. The determination that undue burdens would result must be based on an evaluation of all resources available for use in the programs. The Engineering Division currently has a Department ADA Coordinator to serve in this role. A Departmental ADA Coordinator system is anticipated City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 7 to be implemented in the future to address the needs of employees and citizens with disabilities for the programs and facilities each department is responsible for within the City. A single ADA Coordinator may be designated in the future for the entire City with each Department ADA Coordinator handling their respective departments. If implemented, this system will identify a Departmental ADA Coordinator within each department who will collaborate with the City’s ADA Coordinator regarding the needs of their department and the programs their department is responsible to manage. The benef t of having a Departmental ADA Coordinator for each department is it provides a subject matter expert and someone with knowledge of department operations and budgets for the ADA Coordinator to work. The City’s ADA Coordinator, or designee, will follow-up with each Departmental ADA Coordinator to coordinate the implementation of plans, programs, policies and procedures and to determine any undue burden specif c to that department. Appendix D identif es the off ce, address, and telephone number of the Engineering Division’s ADA Coordinator. 5. Public Involvement The City provided several opportunities to receive and encourage the public, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to provide input and identify areas of concern during the development of this Plan. The City utilized several different methods of public outreach and involvement including public meeting and open houses, informational handouts, online surveys, and press releases. A Transition Plan webpage was also provided within the City’s website specif cally intended for providing updates and soliciting input. A public open house was held at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, a fully accessible facility, on October 5, 2015. Notif cations for the event were disseminated on multiple platforms including the City’s webpage, social media outlets, a press release, and f yers to various City facilities and community living centers. The public open house was for both the ADA Transition Plan and the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan Update projects in an effort to increase public turn out and because of the synergies between the two projects. The open house provided an opportunity for interested parties to visit with the Plan development team, provide input on areas of concern, and a handout regarding the Plan’s goals and objectives. Another method of soliciting input for the Transition Plan was through a public survey made available in a variety of formats (paper, online, audio, etc.). The purpose of this survey was to help identify specif c accessibility issues as well as potential areas of improvement throughout the City overall. Input received from the survey and meetings was evaluated and included in the Transition Plan. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 8 A second public open house was held at the same Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, on July 19, 2017. Notif cations for the event were disseminated on multiple platforms including the City’s webpage, social media outlets, a press release, and bi-lingual f yers. The open house included a presentation of the Transition Plan draft and f ndings from the self-evaluation. The open house also provided an opportunity for interested parties to visit with the Plan development team and provide input on the draft Transition Plan. A draft version of the Plan was made available to the public through the project webpage for a period of 30 days. Feedback received was evaluated and the Plan modif ed as deemed appropriate by the Plan development team. Appendix E shows the different forms of public involvement used during the development of the Transition Plan described in this section. 6. Self-Evaluation There are two kinds of accessibility, program accessibility and physical accessibility. The City must provide both types of accessibility in order to be free of discrimination. In addition to physical access, programmatic accessibility also includes all of the policies, practices, and procedures allowing people with disabilities an equally effective opportunity to participate in programs and services. Physical accessibility requires a facility provide for an accessible path free of barriers. 6.1 Programmatic Accessibility The ADA requires the City to evaluate current policies and practices to identify and correct any barriers inconsistent with the intent of the law. Representatives from the Engineering Division have examined current practices and policies related to the ADA, and identif ed gaps in information or training to address in the Transition Plan. To further ref ne and understand accessibility issues needing to be addressed, the City administered a questionnaire to department staff in order to provide information on the following: • Overall accessibility of the City’s facilities and programs, • Level of staff training and understanding of the ADA, • Accommodations made for individuals with disabilities to access these services, and • Encounters with physical obstructions and staff disabilities. A sample of the questionnaire and an overview of the responses are in Appendix F. 6.2 Physical Accessibility The Engineering Division is responsible for maintaining the City’s transportation network def ned as all roadways, sidewalks, on-system shared-use trails, curb ramps, bridges, and other pathways designated for public transportation within City limits and owned by the City. This Plan City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 9 intends to address accessibility adjacent to or crossing roadways and bridges and accessibility on facilities designated for shared-use or non-vehicular public transportation. The transportation network does not include facilities maintained by or owned by other agencies or private entities within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City. An example of this are curb ramps along State highways are addressed as part of CDOT’s ADA Transition Plan and will not directly be the City’s responsibility. The ADA requires the City to address accessibility across all public facilities under the jurisdiction of the City. For the purpose of this Transition Plan, the Engineering Division focused on the following categories within the public ROW: • Curb Ramps • Sidewalk • Pedestrian Pushbuttons Accessibility issues related to other City facilities will be addressed under a separate plan(s). 6.2.1 Method for Evaluations, Data Collection, and Processing As part of the self-evaluation, the City outlined a comprehensive evaluation strategy consisting of physical review and measurement of curb ramps and sidewalks and other pedestrian transportation assets adjacent to or crossing roadways and bridges. At the time of this Plan, the City has evaluated curb ramps and pedestrian pushbuttons and are implementing the evaluation strategy for sidewalks. These evaluations are based on the 2011 Proposed Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG) published by the United States Access Board. The PROWAG document has not been adopted or approved. PROWAG is recognized as a best practice and has been recommended for use by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Compliance or non-compliance as noted herein, is in reference to PROWAG, assuming it is the standard by which accessibility should be measured. The City cataloged all existing curb ramps and pedestrian pushbuttons utilizing their Geographic Information System (GIS) database. In 2015 and 2016 the City performed f eld evaluations and documented a variety of attributes for these assets to determine compliancy. The attributes evaluated generally include the following: • Curb ramp conf guration, geometry, grades, vertical discontinuities, and condition • Detectable warnings panel presence, geometry, and contrast • Clear space location and geometry • Turning space geometry and grades • Pedestrian pushbutton presence, location, accessibility, and audible features • Pedestrian signals presence and audible features • Adjacent street grades and stop control presence City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 10 The City is currently populating its sidewalk network in its GIS database and evaluating segments for compliancy. The attributes being evaluated generally include the following: • Sidewalk presence, material, geometry, grades, and condition • Presence of vertical faults, horizontal gaps, obstructions of width, or non-compliant driveway crossings In addition to these attributes, any curb ramps, pedestrian signals or sidewalks within the City belonging to CDOT or other agencies were identif ed. To be compliant under PROWAG, these features must satisfy established criteria specif c to each asset type and purpose. If one criteria of an asset is non-compliant, the asset technically does not meet accessibility requirements even though it may be substantially compliant. Appendix G provides information related to the assets surveyed. This information is maintained in the City’s GIS database for easy reference and query for internal staff. It should be noted, all information related to the f ndings is based upon the self-evaluation performed in 2015 and 2016 for curb ramps and pedestrian pushbuttons. 6.2.2 Overview of Findings The City has approximately 1,707 locations under their jurisdiction with curb ramps present and constructed to old or non-compliant standards. These locations, while not fully compliant, provide some degree of accessibility. Based upon the self-evaluation f eld survey, approximately 3% of the curb ramp locations were fully compliant and provided compliant accessibility. Approximately 1,354 locations did not have an acceptable detectable warning panel present. The most prevalent issues with non-compliant curb ramps included improper landing slopes and/or dimensions (80%); improper cross slope or geometry along the ramp or at the curb drop (52%); and/or running slope of the ramp (63%). Based on the self-assessment, the City has approximately 153 locations with pedestrian pushbuttons under their jurisdiction throughout the transportation network. Based on the self-assessment, only 10% of the pushbuttons meet accessibility requirements (excluding audible features and distance from curb ramp not previously required under PROWAG or ADAAG). The most prevalent issues encountered on non-compliant pushbuttons included improper mounting height, improper location (distance) relative to the curb, and/or no clear space along the travel path. These issues either singularly or in combination were present on approximately 68% of the segments assessed. Approximately 118 pushbutton locations were not equipped with audible features1. Currently, audible features are not mandates at all pedestrian signals and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Based on the self-assessment, the City has approximately 162 locations with pedestrian signals under their jurisdiction throughout the transportation network. Of the 162 locations, 9 did not have pedestrian pushbuttons 1 MUTCD, ADAAG, or PROWAG did not require pedestrian signals/pushbuttons be audible prior to 2012. Upgrading the controller, software, or replacing the pedestrian signal heads may require updating the pedestrian signals to include audible features. Curb Ramp Findings Fully Compliant Landing Space Issues Ramp Cross Slope Ramp Running Slope 80%63% 3% 52% City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 11 present. Based on the self-assessment, approximately 72% of the pedestrian signals were not equipped with audible features. It should be noted for locations with non-compliant curb ramp, pedestrian pushbuttons and/or pedestrian signals, an accessible route may exist within reasonable proximity to some of these locations. At the time of this Plan, it is estimated the City has approximately and 150 miles of sidewalk. Summaries of f ndings will be updated once existing accessibility reviews have been analyzed and additional f eld surveys have been conducted. Appendix I provides a summary of curb ramp and pedestrian signal f ndings. 7. Transition Plan Implementation 7.1 Goals for the Program The overall goal of the Transition Plan is to improve accessibility to the programs, activities, and services provided by the Engineering Division. In order to achieve this goal, the City prioritized the list of identif ed barriers, identif ed potential strategies and methods to remove barriers within f scal constraints, and provided additional guidance to City staff and the public on the requirements of the ADA and the City’s approach to improve accessibility. The City also developed a realistic schedule based on estimated available budget for the removal of barriers and identif ed potential funding sources and opportunities to remove identif ed barriers. 7.2 Prioritization of Barriers Currently, the City primarily addresses identif ed accessibility issues on a case-by-case basis as determined by the department responsible for the facility and based on available resources. The Engineering Division assesses and updates curb ramps as necessary adjacent to street segments included in their annual Street Resurfacing Project. Due to differing levels of severity regarding impacts to accessibility and f scal constraints, the City developed a system to classify, prioritize and schedule implementation of accessibility improvements and barrier removal. This system consists of proximity to public facilities and public transit, level of use by the public, severity of barriers, geographic distribution, and cost. Considering these factors, along with due consideration of the often conf icting nature of these challenges, the City anticipates utilizing the following criteria to assist staff in prioritizing implementation of accessibility improvements. 1. Locations where adjacent roadway or infrastructure improvements are taking place. 2. Locations in close proximity to public facilities and high pedestrian traff c areas such as schools, hospitals, City owned facilities, churches, and group living communities. 3. Locations having a higher degree of non-compliance or more signif cant barriers to accessibility. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 12 4. All other locations not listed above as funding and resources are available. The Intersection Prioritization Tool provided through the link and available from the Traffic Operations Division was recreated from National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 3-62 research. The worksheets are a product of NCHRP 3-62 and are published in the Transportation Research Record, Journal of the Transportation Research Board, No. 1982, pp. 13-20, entitled “Development of an Intersection Prioritization Tool for Accessible Pedestrian Signal Installation”. The Intersection Prioritization Tool consists of two worksheets. To prioritize installing accessible pedestrian signals, the City will analyze traffic volumes, current traffic-signal patterns and the complexity of the intersection’s geometry. The City will utilize the Intersection Prioritization Tool criteria created by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 3-62 research and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices to evaluate and prioritize each intersection under consideration, including new traffic signal installations. The Intersection Prioritization Tool provides a method of scoring individual crossings for relative crossing difficulty to visually impaired individuals. This provides a method to compare crossings for priority for installation of accessible pedestrian signals. The worksheets and detailed instructions on completing the worksheets are located at http://www.apsguide.org/appendix_d.cfm. While the City intends to use these criteria as a guide for prioritization, project level decisions to improve accessibility or modify existing pedestrian facilities will be based on a variety other contributing factors including eff ciency of construction efforts and budget, upcoming infrastructure projects which may impact pedestrian facilities, program and master planning input, etc. Locations identif ed from the grievance process will be addressed and prioritized on a case-by-case basis. 7.3 Strategies to Improve Accessibility Implementing physical changes to the City’s infrastructure will take time and resources to properly plan, design, and upgrade existing facilities and remove identif ed barriers. Beyond targeted barrier removal projects, the City incorporates improving accessibility on capital improvement projects. These projects, both public and private, currently require ADA compliance and review by City staff or designated representatives. Additionally, the City plans to include annual budgetary allotments for projects targeting accessibility on top of what is currently programmed, with emphasis given to the removal of barriers based on the Transition Plan priorities. Where access cannot immediately be provided, interim measures will be explored and potentially implemented in order to provide City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 13 programmatic access to persons with disabilities to the extent feasible pending the remediation of physical barriers. Recently, the City completed its Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan Update. This effort helped identify specif c locations and corridors throughout the City where the public desires increased connectivity. This update will afford the City the benef t of improving accessibility in these highly desired locations during the implementation of the improvements identif ed. Improving accessibility and potentially expanding the pedestrian facilities network may be done in coordination with the guidance of this master plan. 7.4 Implementation Schedule The City plans to address and remove barriers to accessibility based upon the priorities outlined in this Transition Plan systematically based on established program priorities and standard City processes and procedures. The City reserves the right to modify barrier removal priorities in order to allow f exibility in addressing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, community requests, changes in City programs or facility usage, funding availability and constraints, and opportunities with similar capital improvement projects. For the development of this Transition Plan, the City based programming costs of the different project components on a per ramp, per linear foot of curb and gutter, and per each pedestrian pushbutton and signal basis. These programming costs include an allowance for different elements typically associated with the specif c improvements and severity of non-compliance. Examples of these components include additional adjacent sidewalk or curb and gutter required to construct curb ramp, retaining walls, landscaping, pavement patching, and ROW. The estimated programming costs also include contingencies for engineering design, construction and surveying. Because of the unknown nature of future capital improvement program projects and budgets, private development and re-development, federal grants, and general operating budgets; the City cannot accurately predict available future annual spending towards improving accessibility. Estimated costs and potential timelines to address the f ndings of the self-evaluation are provided in Appendix J. 7.5 Implementation Strategy In general, accessibility improvements along the transportation network addressing curb ramps and sidewalks occur as part of contracted construction projects and activities. The City has legal authority to require new sidewalks and accessible ramps being constructed or existing facilities with a demonstrated need within the public ROW meet current accessibility requirements. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 14 It is anticipated the majority of the accessibility improvement will be performed in conjunction with other projects and activities occurring within the City. The following illustrates the most anticipated efforts and how each may improve accessibility: New Construction Projects: Work involving constructing new pedestrian or transportation features in locations within current or future public ROW shall provide accessible features in the project that meet current ADA design standards. New Improvements Projects: Work involving improving existing public ROW transportation features will provide new or necessary upgrades to existing accessible features in the project area to meet current ADA design standards. Such projects may include road widenings as part of the Capital Improvement Program with associated sidewalk improvements or connectivity projects identif ed in the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan Update. Major Maintenance and Rehabilitation Projects: Work involving any alteration or major maintenance activity performed on transportation assets in the existing public ROW shall provide or upgrade accessible features in, or immediately adjacent to, the project to meet current ADA design standards to the extent feasible. Such projects shall include any project requiring pavement reconstruction, major pavement rehabilitation, sidewalk improvements, or the reconstruction of accessibility facilities caused by private permitees. Minor or routine maintenance activities (patching, sealing, etc.) will include accessibility improvements when required by the ADA or when such improvements are consistent with the scope of the activity being performed. Routine Maintenance & Repair Projects: Work that is limited to specif cally repairing spot areas in the public ROW directly affecting accessibility shall provide new or necessary upgrades to impacted existing accessible features to meet current ADA design standards. Training & Education Projects: The City may provide training, formal or informal, to staff, contractors, engineers, developers, partners, and the general public as deemed appropriate for the purpose of educating and training individuals and entities on ADA requirements, construction standards and processes, and City expectations for projects within the transportation network. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 15 7.6 Funding Funding is an important component for improving accessibility within the transportation network. The City endeavors to responsibly fund efforts to improve accessibility whenever practical. It is anticipated funding for improvements and mechanisms for project delivery may come from the following sources: • Annual Capital Improvement Program Projects • Federal Aid or Grants2 – State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Safe Routes To Schools (SRTS), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ), Surface Transportation Program (STP), Colorado Off ce of Transportation Safety (OTS) grants, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Road Diet Projects, Multi-Modal Transportation Programs, Transportation Enhancement Activities (TEA), Transportation Alternatives (TA), Railway-Highway Crossing Program (RHC), and other pedestrian, mobility, development grants • Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with neighboring jurisdictions • Bonding • Reallocation of departmental budgets (e.g. dedicating more from General Fund) • Creation of Taxing Districts - Tax Increment Financing District (TIF), Community Improvement District (CID), Tax Allocation District (TAD) • Adoption of Fees to fund an Enterprise associated with Accessibility The ADA does not require the City to undertake any action that would result in a fundamental alteration in the intent of its program or activity, would create a hazardous condition, or would represent an undue f nancial and administrative burden. This determination shall include concurrence of the ADA Coordinator and must be accompanied by a statement citing the reasons for reaching the conclusion. The determination that undue burdens would result must be based on an evaluation of all resources available for use in the programs. The following outlines the anticipated process for addressing accessibility barriers within the City’s transportation system: Coordinated/Included with another Project(s): 1. Annually review planned projects and compare project locations to locations of known accessibility issues. 2. Review project areas to identify or conf rm and quantify accessibility barriers. 3. Identify available funding to allocate towards accessibility improvements. 2 NOTE: Many of these programs or types of programs are competitive type grants, therefore, agencies aren’t guaranteed to receive these funds. The City will need to monitor these programs and decide whether to pursue the funds. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 16 4. Develop necessary Contract Document changes to incorporate proposed improvements into the overall project. 5. Inspect constructed improvements and document resolution of accessibility barrier(s). Standalone Project(s): 1. Review documented accessibility barriers and identify locations without undue burdens to target, consistent with the Plan priorities, construction economics and other environmental factors, and available funding. 2. Identify available funding to allocate towards accessibility improvements. 3. Develop necessary Contract Document changes to incorporate proposed improvements into the overall project. 4. Inspect constructed improvements and document resolution of accessibility barrier(s). Prior to initiating the formal development of the Transition Plan, the City commenced efforts to improve accessibility. These efforts are ongoing and will be re-focused as needed to maintain consistency with the vision of the Plan. In an effort to provide a better understanding of the ADA and its requirements, the City is developing and will be providing two different ADA training measures. The f rst training measure will address City specif c items such as the Departmental ADA Coordinator, requirements and best practices for public meetings, standardized language for public outreach and correspondence, and ADA support provided by the City. The second training measure will address issues more technical in nature such as current ADA standards and specif cations; requirements for providing an accessible route; reasonable accommodations; and the design, construction, maintenance, and inspection of accessible improvements. The measures provided may focus on a combination of these elements or single elements depending on the intended specif c purpose or audience. Additional details of the anticipated training program are provided in Appendix K. 8. Public Information Sharing & Grievance Procedure 8.1 Public Information Sharing The City makes information available to all applicants, participants, benef ciaries, and interested persons regarding the provisions of the ADA and its applicability to the services, programs or activities of the City. The City is committed to sharing information with the public regarding efforts to improve accessibility throughout the City. Information sharing occurs mostly through contact with the ADA Coordinator, the City’s webpage, press releases and other public notifications, and other typical public outreach methodologies. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 17 The Transition Plan will continuously be available by contacting the ADA Coordinator or on the City’s website http://co-wheatridge3.civicplus.com/1543/ADA-Transition-Plan. 8.2 Grievance Procedure The City of Wheat Ridge has a formal grievance procedure in place to provide citizens with a way to f le complaints regarding accessibility and a documented method for the City to handle complaints. Appendix L identif es the City’s grievance procedure and responsibilities towards f ling, investigating, and initiating a response and the complaint form. In the event available funds are insuff cient for responding to grievances that request barrier removal or structural modif cations, improvements will be prioritized and scheduled, as resources are available. 9. Monitoring Progress & Updating Plan The ADA Transition Plan is a living document. The City will review the ADA Transition Plan on a periodic basis and update it as deemed appropriate to address progress towards improving accessibility and provide for any Plan modif cations. The Department ADA Coordinator and appropriate staff will review the Plan to identify updates and incorporate new information pertaining to accessibility and the ADA into the Plan. Public comments or suggestions received will be incorporated as deemed appropriate. City staff or representatives will monitor barrier removal and remediation periodically in the f eld. Their goal is to ensure alterations and newly constructed facilities meet ADA Codes and City Standards. City ADA guidelines will be made available to contractors prior to performing any work. Field inspections may be performed both during and after work is performed. As new facilities are constructed or re-constructed such as curb ramps, sidewalks, or pedestrian pushbuttons and signals; the Engineering Division will update their GIS database to ref ect these improvements. Updating the GIS database will allow the City to monitor accessibility in specif c areas, as well as the City’s overall transportation network. The GIS database can also be used to re-prioritize and allocate budget appropriately. The database is intended to be a tool to assist the City with accessibility improvements and not the sole method for determining accessibility improvement projects. The Department ADA Coordinator will be available to the general public to provide updated monitoring and status reports upon request. Appendix A Glossary of Terms City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 19 APPENDIX A – GLOSSARY OF TERMS Accessible Pedestrian Signal – An integrated device that communicates information about the pedestrian walk phases in non-visual formats. Accessible Route – a continuous, unobstructed path connecting all accessible elements and spaces including public transportation facilities, parking access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks, ramps and lifts. ABA – means and refers to the Architectural Barriers of 1968 which requires facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with funds supplied by the United States Federal Government be accessible to the public. ADA – means and refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act as contained and explained in Title 42, Chapter 126 of the United States Code. ADAAG – Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, codified at Appendix A to 28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 36 and at Appendix A to 49 Code of Federal Regulations part 37. Auxiliary Aids and Services – services and devices promoting effective communication or allowing access to goods and services as defined by Titles II and III of the ADA. Complaint – a claimed violation of the ADA. Curb Ramp – a short ramp cutting through a curb or built up to it. Detectable Warning – truncated domes, typically pre-fabricated and installed or stamped into a walkway, providing a tactile surface at the transition from a curb and the street or other hazardous vehicular crossings, assisting pedestrians with vision disabilities in determining when they enter the street. Disability – a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more of the major life activities of an individual as defined by the ADA. Facility – All or any portion of buildings, improvements, elements, and pedestrian or vehicular routes located on a site or in a public right-of-way. Impairment – any physiological disorder, or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more body systems or any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. Pedestrian Rights-of-Way (PROW) – sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks serving such sidewalks, and any other designated routes or pathways used by pedestrians along public rights of way. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 20 Program Accessibility – The City’s services, programs, or activities, when viewed in their entirety, must be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. PROWAG – Proposed Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of- Way. At the time of this Initial Plan the most current version of the PROWAG is the 2011 Proposed Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way published by the United States Access Board. This document provides guidelines for public rights-of-way addressing various issues, including access for blind pedestrians at street crossings, wheelchair access to on-street parking, and various constraints posed by space limitations, roadway design practices, slope, and terrain. Reasonable Accommodation – changes or adjustments providing, without undue burden, means for an individual with a disability to perform the duties or tasks required. Where existing physical constraints make it impractical for altered elements, spaces, or facilities to fully comply with new construction requirements, compliance is required to the extent practicable within the scope of the project. Existing physical constraints include, but are not limited to, underlying terrain, right-of-way availability, underground structures, adjacent developed facilities, drainage, or the presence of a notable natural or historic feature. See 2011 PROWAG and 28 C.F.R. § 35.130(b)(7). Undue Burden – excessive or disproportionate financial and administrative burdens associated with modifying an existing facility and incurred by a covered entity, likely due to factors including, but not limited to, the nature and cost of the action; the overall financial resources of the owner(s); the number of persons employed at the site; the effect on expenses and resources; legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation, including crime prevention measures; or any other impact of the action on the operation of the site; the geographic separateness, and the administrative or fiscal relationship of the site or sites in question to any parent corporation or entity; if applicable, the overall financial resources of any parent corporation or entity; the overall size of the parent corporation or entity with respect to the number of its employees; the number, type, and location of its facilities; and if applicable, the type of operation or operations of any parent corporation or entity, including the composition, structure, and functions of the workforce of the parent corporation or entity Appendix B City Policy Regarding the ADA City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 22 APPENDIX B – CITY POLICY REDARDING THE ADA NOTICE UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the City of Wheat Ridge will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. Employment: It is the policy of the City of Wheat Ridge not to unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodations for employment to qualified applicants UPON REQUEST to the Human Resources Office Effective Communication: Anyone desiring or requiring an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of the City should contact the ADA Coordinator identified in Appendix C of the Plan as soon as possible but no later than seven days before the scheduled event. Modifications to Policies and Procedures: The City of Wheat Ridge will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. For example, individuals with service animals are welcomed in City of Wheat Ridge facilities, even where pets are generally prohibited. The ADA does not require the City of Wheat Ridge to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. Complaints that a program, service, or activity of the City of Wheat Ridge is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the ADA Coordinator. Appendix C ADA Design & Construction Exception Form City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan APPENDICES APPENDIX A – GLOSSARY OF TERMS 19 APPENDIX B – CITY POLICY REDARDING THE ADA 22 APPENDIX C – ADA DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION EXCEPTION FORM 25 APPENDIX D – ADA COORDINATOR CONTACT INFORMATION 27 APPENDIX F – INTERNAL STAFF QUESTIONAIRE AND RESULTS 56 APPENDIX G – AREA OF PUBLIC FACILITIES ASSESSED 76 APPENDIX H – OVERVIEW OF ASSESSMENT OF ATTRIBUTES/PARAMETERS 78 APPENDIX I – ASSESSMENT FINDINGS 80 APPENDIX J – BARRIER REMOVAL SCHEDULES & BUDGETS 83 APPENDIX K – FUTURE TRAINING PROGRAM 85 APPENDIX L – GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE & FORM 88 APPENDIX M – SUMMARY OF REMEDIATION WORK COMPLETED 93 ADA Design and Construction Exception Form  Please fill out this form completely if an element of new construction or alteration to an existing facility seemingly  cannot meet the ADA requirements or creates undue financial or administrative burden and return to the ADA  Coordinator at:  City of Wheat Ridge  7500 W. 29th Avenue  2nd Floor – Engineering Division  Wheat Ridge, CO  80033  This form applies to facilities located in public right‐of‐way of the City of Wheat Ridge or property owned by the City.  Project:   City Project No.: Location/Intersection:   New Construction:   Alteration to Existing Facility:     ADA requirement seemingly not being satisfied or creating undue burden:           Reason for perceived non‐compliance:             Reasonable accommodation provided:                              Sketch of area (if needed) or indicate if attached □  City Representative/Title:_____________________________________________ Date: __________________  If you have questions about this form please contact the ADA Coordinator at (303) 235‐2866 or  krosson@ci.wheatridge.co.us.  APPENDIX C – ADA DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION EXCEPTION FORM Appendix D ADA Coordinator Contact Information City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 27 APPENDIX D – ADA COORDINATOR CONTACT INFORMATION City of Wheat RidgeEngineering DepartmentADA Coordinator Kelly Rosson, ADAC City of Wheat Ridge City Hall 7500 W. 29th AvenueWheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 Phone: 303-235-2866 Email: krosson@ci.wheatridge.co.us HoursMonday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Excluding City holidays) Appendix E Public Outreach Materials and Results     ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE ABOUT THE PROJECT Thank you for your interest in the development of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Project. The City strives to provide an accessible environment for all of its citizens and visitors. Earlier this summer, the City contracted with Alfred Benesch & Company through a qualifi cations-based selection process to assist with the development of an ADA Transition Plan for the transportation network within the City’s Public Right-of-Way. To develop the Transition Plan, we are: • Documenting Existing Pedestrian Facilities within the City’s Transportation Public Right of Way • Soliciting Input from Interested Parties • Categorizing Accessibility Challenges • Identifying Potential Standards, Guidelines, and Training Programs to Improve Accessibility • Identifying Potential Strategies to Address Accessibility Challenges GET INVOLVED! OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, October 5th, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO This open house is intended to provide information about the plan development process and goals, answer questions about the Transition Plan, and provide interested parties means of providing input towards plan development or prioritization of addressing existing accessibility challenges or issues. The City has established an initial program for providing information to and accepting input from its citizens and other interested parties. This project includes: • Transition Plan Website (Coming Soon!) • Public Meetings • Targeted Outreach & Surveys • Formal Accessibility Concern / Complaint Reporting and Tracking Process CONTACT US Russell Higgins Wheat Ridge Project Manager rhiggins@ci.wheatridge.co.us 7500 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 (303) 235-2869 Jess HastingsBenesch Project Managerjhastings@benesch.com7979 E. Tufts Avenue, Suite 800Denver, CO 80210(303) 771-6868 @ ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE ABOUT THE PROJECT Thank you for your interest in the development of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Project. The City strives to provide an accessible environment for all of its citizens and visitors. Earlier this summer, the City contracted with Alfred Benesch & Company through a qualifi cations-based selection process to assist with the development of an ADA Transition Plan for the transportation network within the City’s Public Right-of-Way. To develop the Transition Plan, we are: • Documenting Existing Pedestrian Facilities within the City’s Transportation Public Right of Way • Soliciting Input from Interested Parties • Categorizing Accessibility Challenges • Identifying Potential Standards, Guidelines, and Training Programs to Improve Accessibility • Identifying Potential Strategies to Address Accessibility Challenges GET INVOLVED! OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, October 5th, 5:00 to 7:00 pm Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO This open house is intended to provide information about the plan development process and goals, answer questions about the Transition Plan, and provide interested parties means of providing input towards plan development or prioritization of addressing existing accessibility challenges or issues. The City has established an initial program for providing information to and accepting input from its citizens and other interested parties. This project includes: • Transition Plan Website (Coming Soon!) • Public Meetings • Targeted Outreach & Surveys • Formal Accessibility Concern / Complaint Reporting and Tracking Process CONTACT US Russell Higgins Wheat Ridge Project Manager rhiggins@ci.wheatridge.co.us 7500 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 (303) 235-2869 Jess HastingsBenesch Project Managerjhastings@benesch.com7979 E. Tufts Avenue, Suite 800Denver, CO 80210(303) 771-6868 @ WELCOME Please take a moment to sign in. ADA TRANSITION PLAN PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE Th ank you for your interest in the development of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Project. Th e City strives to provide an accessible environment for all of its citizens and visitors. Earlier this summer, the City contracted with Alfred Benesch & Company through a qualifi cations-based selection process to assist with the development of an ADA Transition Plan for the transportation network within the City’s Public Right-of-Way. Th is open house is intended to provide information about the plan development process and goals, answer questions about the Transition Plan, and provide interested parties means of providing input toward plan development or prioritization of addressing existing accessibility challenges or issues. To develop the Transition Plan, we are: • Documenting Existing Pedestrian Facilities within the City’s Transportation Public Right of Way • Soliciting Input from Interested Parties • Categorizing Accessibility Challenges • Identifying Potential Standards, Guidelines, and Training Programs to Improve Accessibility • Identifying Potential Strategies to Address Accessibility Challenges Data has been collected and is being analyzed on the existing sidewalk and curb ramps throughout the City. Primary data being captured or confi rmed includes: Sidewalks • Width • Longitudinal and Transverse (Cross) Slope • Presence of Tripping or Navigation Hazards Pedestrian Push Buttons • Location Relative to Sidewalk/Curb Ramp • Compliant Sidewalk Area Adjacent to Button Curb Ramps • Confi guration and Orientation • Dimensions and Slopes • Landing Dimensions • Presence of Tripping or Navigation Hazards • Presence of Compliant Dome Panels ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE Th e City has established an initial program for providing information to and accepting input from its citizens and other interested parties. Th is program includes: • Transition Plan Website (Coming Soon!) • Public Meetings • Targeted Outreach and Surveys • Formal Accessibility Concern / Complaint Reporting and Tracking Process A key component of the Transition Plan will be analyzing the information gathered on the existing facilities and developing potential strategies to improve accessibility. Th ese strategies may include improvements constructed as part of future projects; additional training and education of design and construction personnel; and/or modifi cation of City ordinances, policies, or requirements. We thank you again for your interest in this important project. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and concerns. CONTACT US Russell Higgins, PE Wheat Ridge Project Manager rhiggins@ci.wheatridge.co.us 7500 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 (303) 235-2869 Jess Hastings, PE Benesch Project Manager jhastings@benesch.com 7979 E. Tuft s Avenue, Suite 800 Denver, CO 80210 (303) 771-6868 @ If you are willing, please provide your complete contact information to allow us to follow- up with you on any questions or concerns: Name: Street: City, Zip: Email: Phone: Thank you for your interest and participation! Do you have any comments or questions about the ADA Transition Plan? If so, we would like to hear from you. Please write your comments in the space below and return them to Alfred Benesch & Company. You can drop this form off on your way out, or you may take it with you and mail it later. Thank you for your participation! ADA Transition Plan Public Open House Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 Comment Form Russ Higgins, PE City of Wheat Ridge 7500 W 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 phone: 303-235-2869 email: rhiggins@ci.wheatridge.co.us Jess Hastings, PE Alfred Benesch & Company 7979 E. Tufts Avenue, Suite 800 Denver, CO 80237 phone: 303-771-6868 email: jhastings@benesch.com Jess Hastings, PE Alfred Benesch & Company7979 E. Tufts Avenue, Suite 800 Denver, CO 80237 Place Stamp Here Fold       Page 1 of 2CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING 7500 W 29TH AVE WHEAT RIDGE, CO 60033-8001 p. 303.234.5900 f.303.234.5924 email: info@ci.wheatridge.co.us www.ci.wheatridge.co.us Wheat Ridge, Colorado - ADA Transition Plan Survey The City of Wheat Ridge is performing a public outreach program toward the development of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan (Plan). The purpose of this Plan is to eliminate pedestrian facilities barriers within public right-of-ways in the City of Wheat Ridge. Barriers are typically eliminated by adding or correcting sidewalks and curb ramps. One component of the public outreach program is this survey. It will be used to help document concerns and locations of needed improvements to accommodate disabled users RISHGHVWULDQIDFLOLWLHVLQWKH&LW\:KLOHH΍RUWVZRQȇWLPPHGLDWHO\UHVXOWLQLPSURYHPHQWV the resulting Plan will provide the City a document that will provide guidance to making DFFHVVLELOLW\UHODWHGLPSURYHPHQWVDVIXQGLQJDOORZV ΖWLVWKH&LW\ȇVSUHIHUHQFHWKDWWKLVVXUYH\EHWDNHQRQOLQHDWKWWSVZZZVXUYH\PRQNH\FRPU wradatransitionplan to help reduce misinterpretation of information and data entry errors and UHGXFLQJSDSHUFRQVXPSWLRQ+RZHYHULI\RXUHTXLUHWKLVVXUYH\LQDQDOWHUQDWHIRUPDW SDSHUODUJHIRQWDXGLR SOHDVHFRQWDFW-HVV+DVWLQJVDWRUMKDVWLQJV#EHQHVFKFRP We would like your contact information to allow the ADA Transition Plan team to keep you up to date via email on Plan progress and follow up. Any information provided will remain FRQȴGHQWLDODQGZLOOQRWEHSRVWHGVKDUHGRURWKHUZLVHPDGHDYDLODEOHWRDQ\RQHRXWVLGHthe ADA Transition Plan team. Only comment summaries will be documented in the ADA Transition Plan. Thank you for your input! )LUVW1DPH /DVW1DPH  DQGRU%XVLQHVV1DPH  6WUHHW$GGUHVV &LW\6WDWH =LS 3KRQH1XPEHU (PDLO$GGUHVV (BCC distribution emails only) 1. Have you experienced physical barriers or constraints on a pedestrian path you currently use or would like to use?  +DYH\RXHQFRXQWHUHGPLVVLQJVHFWLRQVLQDFFHVVLEOHORFDWLRQVRUSRRUFRQGLWLRQVUHODWHG to Sidewalks? If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns: Yes No Yes No Page 1 of 2CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING 7500 W 29TH AVE WHEAT RIDGE, CO 60033-8001 p. 303.234.5900 f.303.234.5924 email: info@ci.wheatridge.co.us www.ci.wheatridge.co.us Page 2 of 2 Have you encountered areas where curb ramps are missing or inaccessible? If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns:  +DYH\RXHQFRXQWHUHGVWUHHWRULQWHUVHFWLRQFURVVLQJVZKHUHODFNRIFXUEUDPSVSHGHVWULDQ FURVVLQJVLJQDOVRUPHGLDQVD΍HFW\RXUDELOLW\WRFURVVWKHVWUHHW" If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns:  +DYH\RXHQFRXQWHUHGDQ\SK\VLFDOREVWUXFWLRQVOLNHWUHHVORZKDQJLQJEUDQFKHVEXVKHV UHWDLQLQJZDOOVVLJQVRUȴUHK\GUDQWV" If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns: Are there any City programs or services you would like to participate in or utilize but cannot due to accessibility challenges? Do you have any general comments or items that you feel the ADA Transition Plan team should be aware of related to pedestrian facilities? 1DPH :KHDW5LGJH&RORUDGR$'$7UDQVLWLRQ3ODQ6XUYH\(continued) Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Thank you for participating in this survey! Response Percent Response Count 77.8%7 22.2%2 9 4 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Survey skipped question Have you experienced physical barriers or constraints on a pedestrian path you currently use or would like to use? Answer Options Yes No answered question Have you experienced physical barriers or constraints on a pedestrian path you currently use or would like to use? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 100.0%9 0.0%0 8 94 Number Response Date If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns: Categories 1 Dec 13, 2016 9:52 PM 2 Dec 5, 2016 7:36 PM 3 Dec 5, 2016 7:26 PM wadsworth from 32ave to 38th ave bad walkway, 44th ave to 45th ave cant pass 4 Dec 3, 2016 3:46 AM 5 Dec 3, 2016 12:18 AM 6 Dec 2, 2016 11:27 PM 7 Dec 2, 2016 11:10 PM 38th west to Youngfield from KiplingMany other various areas of Wheat Ridge 8 Dec 2, 2016 10:23 PM All over the city. Many areas have no sidewalks. 29th Avenue between Fenton and Gray. I understand this will be remedied following the completion of the Ashland Reservoir project, but the current work has made it worse and even more dangerous. In some areas I have experienced incomplete sidewalks that end at a property line rather than a street. I have experienced tripping hazards where sections of sidewalks have heaved over time. I have encountered debris in downhill ramps that make it very difficult to navigate with a stroller. In general, people putting garbage cans on pick-up day on the sidewalks; snow and ice on 44th making it nearly impossible to get to a bus stop in the winter. On 38th Avenue between Rout and Kipling. The worst sections are on the south side of 38th when part of the street has been taken up with a turn lane. Near Miller and 38th there is just a few feet to get by on the south side of the street, right next to the main lane of traffic. East Wheat Ridge has alot of areas without sidewalks. Makes pushing a stroller difficult and we have seen parents walking in the street to be able to push their stroller. One neighbor in a wheelchair has to wheel down the middle of Depew going north because there are no sidewalks from 33-38th. Very dangerous hill to stop on. Gravel at side of road is also an issue. We have watched a father with at toddler pushing her stroller in street with cars whizzing by. skipped question No Have you encountered missing sections, inaccessible locations or poor conditions related to Sidewalks? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Survey If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe Answer Options Have you encountered missing sections, inaccessible locations or poor conditions related to Sidewalks? Yes Response Percent Response Count 85.7%6 14.3%1 6 7 6 Number Response Date If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns: Categories 1 Dec 13, 2016 9:52 PM 29th Ave west of Fenton doesn't have much in the way of sidewalks, so there is no place for curb ramps. 2 Dec 5, 2016 7:26 PM wadsworth and sheridan 3 Dec 3, 2016 12:18 AM 38th avenure, between Rout and Kipling - both sides of the street. 4 Dec 2, 2016 11:27 PM See answer above. 5 Dec 2, 2016 11:10 PM Sorry, can't think of exact spots right now. More just missing sidewalks. 6 Dec 2, 2016 10:23 PM Many areas of city have none skipped question No Have you encountered areas where curb ramps are missing or inaccessible? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Survey If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe Answer Options Have you encountered areas where curb ramps are missing or inaccessible? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 37.5%3 62.5%5 3 8 5 Number Response Date If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns: Categories 1 Dec 13, 2016 9:52 PM 2 Dec 5, 2016 7:36 PM Near 38th and Miller there is a pedestrian crossing signal that has no real area to land a wheelchair or wait when activating the 3 Dec 2, 2016 11:27 PM Not me personally but see #2 26th Ave. between Sheridan and Pierce constitutes almost exactly one mile without any designated pedestrian crossings. As more traffic uses 26th Avenue, it can sometimes be difficult to cross. skipped question No Have you encountered street or intersection crossings where lack of curb ramps, pedestrian crossing signals or medians affect your ability to cross the street? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Survey If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe Answer Options Have you encountered street or intersection crossings where lack of curb ramps, pedestrian crossing signals or medians affect your ability to cross the street? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 77.8%722.2%26 94 Number Response Date If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe your concerns: Categories 1 Dec 13, 2016 9:52 PM 2 Dec 5, 2016 7:36 PM Yes, branches and bushes are frequently covering portions of sidewalks. 3 Dec 5, 2016 7:26 PM 4 Dec 3, 2016 3:46 AM 5 Dec 2, 2016 11:27 PM 6 Dec 2, 2016 10:23 PM Tree overhang approx 35th Newland. Huge wheeping willow tree I don't know the city requirements for landowner snow removal, but what sidewalks do exist in southeast Wheat Ridge can get dicey in the winter, particularly when we get a thaw/freeze cycle like we have recently. bradleys gas station doe not have a ramp for wheel chairs they wont cooperate hung phone up on me would not give me phone number for main office. i ride all over wheatridge and there are many areas that dont comply with ada. i am sory but i cant write or spell very good. There's a stretch on 44th from about Allison going east. That sidewalk has some obstructions and getting to the corner of 38th and Wadsworth is really ridiculous. Also, check the shrubs on the Northwest corner of WW and 38th by the muffler shop.37th Pl is very dangerous to walk along going east between Fenton and Eaton. No sidewalk, lots of grape vines bend over to make street even narrower. skipped question No Have you encountered any physical obstructions like trees / low hanging branches, bushes, retaining walls, signs or fire hydrants? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Survey If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe Answer Options Have you encountered any physical obstructions like trees / low hanging branches, bushes, retaining walls, signs or fire hydrants? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 12.5%1 87.5%7 2 8 5 Number Response Date If yes, please list programs or services below: Categories 1 Dec 5, 2016 7:26 PM 2 Dec 2, 2016 11:27 PM NA just trying to go to the grocery store in my power chair would be great. just going from 38th ave down wadsworth to 44th ave is a nitemair. thr riding a wheel chair around this city and you will se all the pitfalls. skipped question No Are there any City programs or services you would like to participate in or utilize but cannot due to accessibility challenges? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Survey If yes, please list programs or services below: Answer Options Are there any City programs or services you would like to participate in or utilize but cannot due to accessibility challenges? Yes No Response Count 5 5 8 Number Response Date Response Text Categorie s 1 Dec 5, 2016 7:36 PM 2 Dec 5, 2016 7:26 PM fell on wheal chair on wadsworth down in bankmont had to call 911 3 Dec 3, 2016 12:18 AM 4 Dec 2, 2016 11:27 PM 5 Dec 2, 2016 10:23 PM When we see our neighbors in motorized wheelchairs going down the middle of the street because of the many narrow and hard to navigate sections of sidewalk, it makes me sad. Also, there are many people who consistently park their vehicles across sidewalks and either are unaware or uncaring in the impacts this has on neighbors needing to walk or wheelchair roll past the property. 38th avenue between Rout and Kipling is very hazardous for a pedestrian. It is made worse by the addition of car turn lanes, which push the fast moving traffic closer to the sides of the street - often leaving just a few feet for a pedestrian to get through. It is really a disgrace. After construction or events, barriers often get left along 38th for no reason, especially around Harlan St. south side both corners. Based on numerous areas in Wheat Ridge, I believe it would be cost prohibitive to add sidewalks to all these areas or take many years. Many citizens don't want to see sidewalks in areas where they dont exist, as they feel it would ruin the rural feel of their area Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Survey Do you have any general comments or items that you feel the ADA Transition Plan team should be aware of related to pedestrian facilities? Answer Options answered question skipped question ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE ABOUT THE PROJECT Thank you for your interest in the development of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Project. The City strives to provide an accessible environment for all of its citizens and visitors. In 2016, the City contracted with Alfred Benesch & Company through a qualifi cations-based selection process to assist with the development of an ADA Transition Plan for the transportation network within the City’s Public Right-of-Way. To develop the Transition Plan, we have: • Documented Existing Pedestrian Facilities within the City’s Transportation Public Right of Way • Solicited Input from Interested Parties and Conducted Surveys • Categorized and Prioritized Accessibility Challenges • Identifi ed Potential Standards, Guidelines, and Training Programs to Improve Accessibility • Identifi ed Potential Strategies to Address Accessibility Challenges GET INVOLVED! OPEN HOUSE July 19 from 6-8 p.m. Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO This open house is intended to present the fi nal draft version of the Transition Plan, answer questions about the Plan, and provide interested parties means of providing input and comments toward the fi nal Transition Plan. ABOUT THE PROJECT Thank you for your interest in the development of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Project. The City strives to provide an accessible environment for all of its citizens and visitors. In 2016, the City contracted with Alfred Benesch & Company through a qualifi cations-based selection process to assist with the development of an ADA Transition Plan for the transportation network within the City’s Public Right-of-Way. To develop the Transition Plan, we have: • Documented Existing Pedestrian Facilities within the City’s Transportation Public Right of Way • Solicited Input from Interested Parties and Conducted Surveys • Categorized and Prioritized Accessibility Challenges • Identifi ed Potential Standards, Guidelines, and Training Programs to Improve Accessibility • Identifi ed Potential Strategies to Address Accessibility Challenges GET INVOLVED! OPEN HOUSE July 19 from 6-8 p.m. Wheat Ridge Recreation Center 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO This open house is intended to present the fi nal draft version of the Transition Plan, answer questions about the Plan, and provide interested parties means of providing input and comments toward the fi nal Transition Plan. The City has established a program for providing information to and accepting input from its citizens and other interested parties. This project includes: • Transition Plan Website • Public Meetings • Public and Internal Surveys • Formal Accessibility Concern / Complaint Reporting and Tracking Process The City has established a program for providing information to and accepting input from its citizens and other interested parties. This project includes: • Transition Plan Website • Public Meetings • Public and Internal Surveys • Formal Accessibility Concern / Complaint Reporting and Tracking Process CONTACT US Russell Higgins Wheat Ridge Project Manager rhiggins@ci.wheatridge.co.us 7500 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 (303) 235-2869 Jess HastingsBenesch Project Managerjhastings@benesch.com7979 E. Tufts Avenue, Suite 800Denver, CO 80210(303) 771-6868 CONTACT US Russell Higgins Wheat Ridge Project Manager rhiggins@ci.wheatridge.co.us 7500 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 (303) 235-2869 Jess HastingsBenesch Project Managerjhastings@benesch.com7979 E. Tufts Avenue, Suite 800Denver, CO 80210(303) 771-6868 @ @ Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Offi cer at (303) 235-2877 at least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Offi cer at (303) 235-2877 at least one week in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance. ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE Thank you for your interest in the development of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Project. The City strives to provide an accessible environment for all of its citizens and visitors. In 2016, the City contracted with Alfred Benesch & Company through a qualifications-based selection process to assist with the development of an ADA Transition Plan for the transportation network within the City’s Public Right- of-Way. After evaluating and analyzing the City’s network and with input from both the public and City staff, the final draft version of the Transition Plan is now completed. This Open House is inteded to present the final draft version of the Transition Plan, answer questions about the Plan, and provide interested parties means of providing input and comments toward the final Transition Plan. To develop the Transition Plan, we are: • Documented Existing Pedestrian Facilities within the City’s Transportation Public Right of Way • Solicited Input from Interested Parties • Categorized Accessibility Challenges • Identified Potential Standards, Guidelines, and Training Programs to Improve Accessibility • Identified Potential Strategies to Address Accessibility Challenges Data was collected and analyzed on the existing sidewalk and curb ramps and pedestrian signals throughout the City. The method of evaluating sidwalks was finalized and is on-going. Primary data being captured or confirmed included: Curb Ramps • Configuration and Orientation • Dimensions and Slopes • Landing Dimensions • Presence of Tripping or Navigation Hazards • Presence of Compliant Dome Panels Pedestrian Push Buttons • Location Relative to Sidewalk/Curb Ramp • Compliant Sidewalk Area Adjacent to Button Sidewalks • Width • Longitudinal and Transverse (Cross) Slope • Presence of Tripping or Navigation Hazards ADA TRANSITION PLANPROJECT UPDATE The City has established an initial program for providing information to and accepting input from its citizens and other interested parties. This program includes: • Transition Plan Website • Public Meetings • Surveys • Formal Accessibility Concern / Complaint Reporting and Tracking Process A key component of the Transition Plan includes the information gathered on the existing facilities and developing potential strategies to improve accessibility. These strategies include improvements constructed as part of future projects; additional training and education of design and construction personnel; and/or modification of City ordinances, policies, or requirements. We thank you again for your interest in this important project. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and concerns and any comments on the final draft of the Transition Plan. CONTACT US Russell Higgins, PE Wheat Ridge Project Manager rhiggins@ci.wheatridge.co.us 7500 W. 29th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-8001 (303) 235-2869 Jess Hastings, PE Benesch Project Manager jhastings@benesch.com 7979 E. Tufts Avenue, Suite 800 Denver, CO 80210 (303) 771-6868 @ Appendix F Internal Staff Questionaire and Results APPENDIX F – INTERNAL STAFF QUESTIONAIRE AND RESULTS ADA Transition Plan – City Staff Survey As part of the development of the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan, this internal survey was developed to help identify speci�c areas of improvement for overall understanding and knowledge of the City’s approach to accessibility and available resources. The City strives to provide access to its programs, services, and facilities. Part of providing an accessible environment includes providing the necessary resources and training for its sta� to handle accessibility issues that may arise and understanding the proper protocol to address any issues which may arise. In addition to providing sta� with the proper resources, encouraging a welcoming environment, free from discrimination of persons with disabilities and an accessible workplace, is very important. The purpose of this survey is not to identify shortcomings or single out speci�c issues, but rather to identify opportunities to improve accessibility through new or revised programs, policies, and training as resources allow and to provide employees with opportunities to o�er suggestions for ways to make the City a more welcoming and inclusive place for persons with disabilities. Any personal information provided through this survey will remain con�dential. This survey can be made available in paper copy, in a larger font size and in audio format. To receive this survey in an alternate format, please contact Jess Hastings with Alfred Benesch & Co. (ADA Consultant) at 720-473-7576; or jhastings@benesch.com. 1. How would you rate the overall accessibility of the City’s facilities and programs? Poor Fair Good Very Good 2. How would you describe your understanding and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to your day to day job duties? Poor Fair Good Very Good 3. Have you been provided any ADA training by the City or others for working with people with disabilities or the technical aspects related to complying with the ADA (if applicable)? Yes No 4. �s there a speci�c type(s) of ADA related training you would be interested in not currently being o�ered? Yes No If yes, please provide the type of training and any general comments to describe: 5. Do you know what a reasonable accommodation is and how to handle a request for a reasonable accommodation? Yes No 6. Do you know where to �nd the rights of persons with disabilities and the responsibilities for accessibility at the City? Yes No 7. Do you believe the City is generally accepting/accommodating of persons with disabilities? Yes No 8. Have you encountered or observed any discrimination towards persons with a disability? Yes No 9. Do you feel your supervisor(s) is knowledgeable regarding the ADA and supports a welcoming environment? Yes No 10. Have you encountered any physical obstructions which prevent you from performing your job or accessing the workplace? Yes No If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe the obstruction(s) (i.e. bathrooms, doors, sidewalks, etc.): 11. Are there any City programs or services you believe persons with disabilities would like to participate in or utilize but cannot due to accessibility challenges? Yes No If yes, please provide the program or service and any general comments to describe the accessibility challenge(s): 12. Do you have a disability? Yes No If yes, do you feel generally accepted at the workplace? ADA Transition Plan – City Staff Survey ADA Transition Plan – City Staff Survey (continued) 13. �ave you self�identi�ed your disability to your supervisor? Yes No If you have not self-identi�ed your disability� please provide the reason: I do not want anyone to know I do not know the procedure to do so I do not need special treatment or accommodations I am concerned of negative e�ects I do not want to be treated di�erently I do not believe my supervisor would be receptive to accommodating my disability Other: 14. Do you have any general comments or items that you feel the ADA Transition Plan team should be aware of related to pedestrian facilities? Information about the ADA Transition Plan will be provided on the project webpage at http:// co-wheatridge2.civicplus.com/1543/ADA-Transition-Plan or may be obtained by contacting Jess Hastings with Alfred Benesch & Co. (ADA Consultant) at 720-473-7576; or jhastings@benesch. com. If you wish to receive information directly or would allow us to contact you regarding any follow-up questions related to your concerns please include your contact information below. Any information shared will remain con�dential and will not be posted� shared� or otherwise made available to anyone outside the ADA Transition Plan team. Only comment and question summaries will be documented in the ADA Transition Plan. Thank you for your input! Name: Department: Position: Email Address: Phone Number: Response Percent Response Count 0.0%0 16.7%1 33.3%2 50.0%3 6 0 How would you describe your understanding and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to your day to day job duties? Very Good Poor skipped question Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey Good Answer Options answered question Fair How would you describe your understanding and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it pertains to your day to day job duties? Poor Fair Good Very Good Response Percent Response Count 0.0%0 0.0%0 66.7%4 33.3%2 6 0 How would you rate the overall accessibility of the City’s facilities and programs? Very Good Poor skipped question Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey Good Answer Options answered question Fair How would you rate the overall accessibility of the City’s facilities and programs? Poor Fair Good Very Good Response Percent Response Count 40.0%2 60.0%3 5 1 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey skipped question Have you been provided any ADA training by the City or others for working with people with disabilities or the technical aspects related to complying with the ADA (if applicable)? Answer Options Yes No answered question Have you been provided any ADA training by the City or others for working with people with disabilities or the technical aspects related to complying with the ADA (if applicable)? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 16.7%1 83.3%5 1 6 0 Number Response Date If yes, please provide the type of training and any general comments to describe: Categories 1 Dec 9, 2016 10:06 PM Traing at FHWA site with state and federal input skipped question No Is there a specific type(s) of ADA related training you would be interested in not currently being offered? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey If yes, please provide the type of training and any general comments to Answer Options Is there a specific type(s) of ADA related training you would be interested in not currently being offered? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 100.0%5 0.0%0 5 1 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey skipped question Do you know what a reasonable accommodation is and how to handle a request for a reasonable accommodation? Answer Options Yes No answered question Do you know what a reasonable accommodation is and how to handle a request for a reasonable accommodation? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 83.3%5 16.7%1 6 0 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey skipped question Do you know where to find the rights of persons with disabilities and the responsibilities for accessibility at the City? Answer Options Yes No answered question Do you know where to find the rights of persons with disabilities and the responsibilities for accessibility at the City? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 100.0%6 0.0%0 6 0 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey skipped question Do you believe the City is generally accepting/accommodating of persons with disabilities? Answer Options Yes No answered question Do you believe the City is generally accepting/accommodating of persons with disabilities? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 0.0%0 100.0%6 6 0 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey skipped question Have you encountered or observed any discrimination towards persons with a disability? Answer Options Yes No answered question Have you encountered or observed any discrimination towards persons with a disability? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 83.3%5 16.7%1 6 0 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey skipped question Do you feel your supervisor(s) is knowledgeable regarding the ADA and supports a welcoming environment? Answer Options Yes No answered question Do you feel your supervisor(s) is knowledgeable regarding the ADA and supports a welcoming environment? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 0.0%0 100.0%6 0 6 0skipped question No Have you encountered any physical obstructions which prevent you from performing your job or accessing the workplace? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey If yes, please provide the location and any general comments to describe Answer Options Have you encountered any physical obstructions which prevent you from performing your job or accessing the workplace? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 0.0%0 100.0%6 0 6 0skipped question No Are there any City programs or services you believe persons with disabilities would like to participate in or utilize but cannot due to accessibility challenges? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey If yes, please provide the program or service and any general comments to Answer Options Are there any City programs or services you believe persons with disabilities would like to participate in or utilize but cannot due to accessibility challenges? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 16.7%1 83.3%5 1 6 0 Number Response Date If yes, do you feel generally accepted at the workplace? Categories 1 Dec 9, 2016 10:06 PM a temporary disability, which should end soon skipped question No Do you have a disability? answered question Yes Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey If yes, do you feel generally accepted at the workplace? Answer Options Do you have a disability? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 20.0%1 80.0%4 5 1 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey skipped question Have you self-identified your disability to your supervisor? Answer Options Yes No answered question Have you self-identified your disability to your supervisor? Yes No Response Percent Response Count 0.0%0 0.0%0 0.0%0 0.0%0 0.0%0 0.0%0 0 0 6 Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey I do not need special treatment or accommodations answered question Answer Options I do not want to be treated differently I do not know the procedure to do so Other: If you have not self-identified your disability, please provide the reason(s): I am concerned of negative effects skipped question I do not want anyone to know I do not believe my supervisor would be receptive to If you have not self-identified your disability, please provide the reason(s):I do not want anyone to know I do not know the procedure to do so I do not need special treatment or accommodations I am concerned of negative effects I do not want to be treated differently I do not believe my supervisor would be receptive toaccommodating my disability Response Count 1 1 5 Number Response Date Response Text Categorie s 1 Dec 12, 2016 4:40 PM Increase their availability Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey Do you have any general comments or items that you feel the ADA Transition Plan team should be aware of related to pedestrian facilities? Answer Options answered question skipped question Response Percent Response Count 0.0%0 0.0%0 0.0%0 0.0%0 0.0%0 0 6skipped question Contact Information Email Address Name answered question Wheat Ridge ADA Transition Plan Staff Survey Position Answer Options Phone Number Department Contact Information Name Department Position Email Address Phone Number Appendix G Area of Public Facilities Assessed APPENDIX G – AREA OF PUBLIC FACILITIES ASSESSED Appendix H Overview of Assessment of Attributes/Parameters City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 78 APPENDIX H – OVERVIEW OF ASSESSMENT OF ATTRIBUTES/PARAMETERS I. Curb Ramp Assessment Elements 1. Is Curb Ramp present? 2. Is a sidewalk present? 3. Is there a marked crosswalk? 4. Is there intersection stop or yield controlled? 5. What is the adjacent street grade? 6. What type of curb ramp configuration is present? 7. Is the ramp free of any vertical discontinuities >0.5” from the curb lip to the top of the ramp? 8. Is the area at the base of the ramp clear of parallel vehicle traffic? 9. What is the ramp width? 10. What is the ramp length? 11. What is the cross slope of the ramp? 12. What is the running slope of the ramp? 13. Are compliant wings present? 14. Are there prefabricated domes panels present? 15. Does the dome panel have the correct placement and orientation? 16. Does the dome panel color contrast with the surrounding material? 17. Is the dome panel 2’ long and the full width of the ramp? 18. Is there a defined turning space with the proper minimum dimensions? 19. Does the defined turning space have a max slope less than 2%? 20. What is the general condition of the curb ramp? II. Pedestrian Pushbutton & Signal Assessment Elements 1. Are pedestrian pushbuttons or signals present? 2. Are pedestrian pushbuttons in an accessible location on the pole or mounted surface and along an accessible path? 3. What type of pedestrian pushbutton is present? 4. What is the distance between the pedestrian pushbuttons? 5. Are the pedestrian pushbuttons and signals equipped with audible features? Appendix I Assessment Findings City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 80 APPENDIX I – ASSESSMENT FINDINGS CURB RAMPS Presently, there are 1,707 corner, midblock or median crossing locations within the City of Wheat Ridge where curb ramps exist. The following identifies the existing ramp configuration present. Parallel 19%Combination <1% Perpendicular 12%Island/Median <1% Diagonal 66% The following provides other data on the existing curb ramps present. RUNNING SLOPE OF RAMPS <5.0%20%8.3–12.0%33% 5.0–8.3%37%>12.0%10% WIDTH OF RAMPS <4’17%5’–6%11% 4’ – 5’39%>6’33% OTHER CURB RAMP PROPERTIES YES NO Ramp is Fully Compliant <1% >99% Profile is Free of Obstructions 82% 18% Base of Ramp Clear of Parallel Traffic 95% 5% Maximum Cross Slope is <2% 48% 52% Compliant Flared Sides 84% 16% Compliant Dome Panel(s) 21% 79% Compliant Landing Area 20% 80% PEDESTRIAN PUSHBUTTONS Pedestrian pushbuttons are currently installed at 9% of the curb ramp locations. For the locations having pedestrian pushbuttons, 10% are in accessible locations. PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS Pedestrian signals are currently installed at nearly 10% of the curb ramp locations. For the locations installed, 94% have pedestrian pushbuttons and 72% are not audibled. City of Wheat Ridge | ADA Transition Plan | 81 ESTIMATED COSTS TO CORRECT ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGES3 The following provides present day cost estimates and annual budgets to construct or reconstruct pedestrian transportation assets to improve accessibility. Market forces and packaging may result in these costs varying. Asset Elements Estimated Cost Years 1 – 20 Years 21 – 30 Years 31 – 50 Curb Ramps #3.8 million TBD TBD TBD Sidewalk TBD TBD TBD TBD Pedestrian Pushbuttons $228,000 TBD TBD TBD Total TBD TBD TBD TBD 3 Estimated costs include planning, engineering, and construction costs. Due to the large volume of sidewalk infrastructure and the need to prioritize funds, it is not reasonable or feasible to remove and replace all sidewalk segments with global, linear issues as a targeted standalone project or projects. Because of this, when considering a long term strategy to improve accessibility, targeting single point or small area issues initially and address linear issues under a future initiative or as part of other infrastructure improvement projects as opportunities become available is recommended. Appendix J Barrier Removal Schedules & Budgets Appendix K Future Training Program City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Public Works – Engineering Division Training Program While the ADA does not mandate a specific program of training for Title II ADA practices and  principles, Title II entities are expected to comply with ADA requirements.  Formalized training  improves knowledge, promotes a culture of commitment to improving accessibility, and more  effectively improves accessibility within the City.  Formal ADA compliance training educates City  staff, and the contractors and consultants they work with, on the following:    ADA guidelines and legal requirements,   Understanding physical barriers and strategies to mitigate them,   Common issues and pitfalls to be aware of, and  City‐specific policies and procedures, grievance procedures, and the overall Transition  Plan for meeting ADA requirements.      Continued education and staff development will assist the City in meeting ADA requirements and  improving accessibility going forward.  It is advisable for the ADA Coordinator to conduct a yearly  training of at least one or more employees to review ADA responsibilities, review common  practices affecting ADA compliance, and identify areas for improvement or if additional training  or more focused training may be beneficial towards satisfying the City’s goals for accessibility and  overall ADA compliance.  The City should also provide all employees with periodic notifications  and reminders regarding ADA requirements and updates along with internal and external  resources for additional information or questions.    During the self‐evaluation phase of the ADA Transition Plan development, the City identified an  intent to provide formal training for the Engineering staff involved with the implementation of  the City's Transition Plan.  The following identifies some steps to enact a formal ADA training  program and to identify specific focus topics to improve the immediate impact of a program.     An ADA training program should be tailored to address the needs or high priority target areas  identified by the ADA Coordinator or the Engineering Division.  The following are potential  training topics for the various individuals or organizations involved with the implementation of  the Transition Plan.     All Employees  Common ADA Issues and Requirements  Overview of the City’s ADA Transition Plan(s)  Procedures for handling requests for reasonable accommodations   Procedures for filing or receiving grievances including those from the public or  from City staff  Methods to provide effective alternative communication or readily available  resources or assistance to provide effective alternative communication  Overview of emergency evacuation routes or plans for individuals with disabilities  within City facilities      APPENDIX K – FUTURE TRAINING PROGRAM Supervisors/Managers   Standard ADA notices for public notices and advertisements  Facility and meeting location requirements to provide for accommodation to  public or internal meetings  Requirements for providing interpreters, multi‐lingual communications, alternative  communication or other reasonable accommodation for routine City business  Expectations and resources available to evaluate accommodations associated with  special City meetings or atypical business operations  Expectations for ADA requirements to be addressed or required when contracting  for services, equipment, or supporting functions  Transition Plan monitoring and progress updating expectations    Technical Staff  Overview of PROWAG and ADAAG with specific focus on sections pertaining to the  Transition Plan for pedestrian facilities along the transportation network  City Design Standards, Exception Form, and guidelines for initiating the exception  process  Identifying proper scope and limits of construction during project development  Pedestrian accessible route definition and critical elements to evaluate  Requirements for alteration of existing pedestrian facilities versus new or full  reconstruction projects  Protocol for reviewing plans or overseeing construction activities for ADA  compliance  Using and updating the GIS Database when considering or performing activities or  projects affecting mobility or accessibility along the transportation network    Contractor / Consultant / Field Personnel Training  Common ADA requirements to consider when constructing pedestrian facilities  City expectations regarding contractor or consultant supervisor and staff  knowledge of ADA requirements  Proper techniques and tolerances for constructing a curb ramp including means to  verify or document compliance  Process for identifying a potential ADA exception and  the formal approval process  for allowing an exception  Performing accessibility reviews and quality control procedures to verify  constructed elements satisfy ADA requirements  Appendix L Grievance Procedure & Form City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Grievance Procedure This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"). Complaints that a program, service, activity, or facility of the City of Wheat Ridge is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to the ADA Coordinator located in Appendix D. Employment-related complaints of disability discrimination are governed by the City's Personnel Policies Manual through the Human Resources department and can be found at http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/135/Human-Resources. Persons Eligible to File: Any individual or group of individuals, or entity who believes that he or she or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination or retaliation prohibited by any of the Civil Rights authorities based upon race, color, sex, age, national origin or disability may file a written complaint. Step 1 - Filing of Complaint Complaints may be filed by the affected individual or a representative of that individual. Complaints must be in writing and contain as much information as possible about the alleged discrimination. The City has prepared a Complaint Form to be used for the convenience of the complainant. The Complaint form may be obtained by visiting or contacting the ADA Coordinator located at 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 or by telephone at 303‐235‐2866. The written complaint should include: a. Complainant’s name, address and telephone number b. A detailed description of the name of the organization that has allegedly discriminated, its address and telephone number and any other identifying information (dates, times, etc.) c. A detailed description of the allegedly discriminatory action that are the basis for the complaint (dates of the actions, names of those who allegedly discriminated, and any witnesses) d. Name and job titles of individuals perceived as parties in the complaint Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided in completing this form. Complaints received by telephone will be reduced to writing and provided to complainant for confirmation or revision, and signature before processing. Completed forms should be returned to the ADA Coordinator. A complaint should be filed as soon as possible but must be no later than sixty (60) calendar days after an incident or the receipt of information of such alleged non-compliance, unless the time for filing is extended by the designated agency for good cause shown. Step 2 – Conduct Investigation The ADA Coordinator, or other authorized representative, will contact the complainant within fifteen (15) working days to: a. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint by the investigator, APPENDIX L – GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE & FORM b. Confirm the complainant wishes to go forward with the complaint, and c. Confirm there are allegations that need to be investigated and resolved. Within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator or authorized representative will commence the investigation into the merits of the complaint. If necessary, the ADA Coordinator or other authorized city associate will contact the complainant directly to obtain additional facts or documentation relevant to the grievance. Step 3 – Written Response to Complaint The ADA Coordinator or other authorized city representative shall prepare a written decision, after full consideration of the merits of the grievance, no later than sixty (60) calendar days following the receipt of the grievance. A copy of the written decision shall be mailed to the complainant no later than five (5) working days after preparation of the written decision. The response will explain the position of the City and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint when appropriate. The resolution by the City of any one grievance does not constitute a precedent upon which the City is bound or upon which other complaining parties may rely. Step 4 – Appeal to the ADA Coordinator (if required) If the complainant is dissatisfied with the written decision or the City’s handling of the complaint at any stage of the process, he or she may file a written appeal to the City ADA Coordinator no later than thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the mailing of the decision. The appeal must contain a statement of the reasons why the complainant is dissatisfied with the written decision, and must be signed by the complainant or by someone authorized to do so on the complainant's behalf. The City ADA Coordinator will act upon the appeal no later than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt, and a copy of the City ADA Coordinator’s written decision shall be forwarded to the complainant no later than five (5) working days after preparation of the decision. Dismissal of Complaint A complaint may be dismissed for the following reasons: a. The complaint is untimely filed. b. The complaint does not allege a basis covered by the statutes for which the City of Wheat Ridge is responsible. c. The complaint does not allege any harm with regard to covered a program, service, activity or facility. d. The complainant requests the withdrawal of the complaint. e. The complainant fails to respond to repeated requests for additional information needed to process the complaint. f. The complainant cannot be located after reasonable attempts. The ADA Coordinator shall maintain the confidentiality of all files and records relating to grievances filed, unless disclosure is authorized or required by law. Any retaliation, coercion, intimidation, threat, interference, or harassment for the filing of a grievance, or used to restrain a complainant from filing, is prohibited and should be reported immediately to the City ADA Coordinator. Filing a complaint with the City ADA Coordinator does not preclude a complainant from filing a grievance directly with the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) or other appropriate state or federal agency. All written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator and responses will be retained by the City for at least three (3) years. Please fill out this form completely and return to the Public Works ADA Coordinator’s Office at:  City of Wheat Ridge  7500 W. 29th Avenue  2nd Floor – Engineering Division  Wheat Ridge, CO  80033  This form applies to services, programs, and facilities located in public right‐of‐way of the City of Wheat Ridge or property  owned by the City.  Individual, Group of Individuals, or Entity Name (Complainant):      Street Address:   Neighborhood (if applicable):   City: State:  Zip:   Email Address:   Phone Number:      Person(s) thought to be discriminated against (if other than the Complainant):     _____________________________________________  Location and/or individual believed to be responsible for the discrimination (Name, Address, Telephone Number):     Reason for Grievance/Complaint:             When and where (if not stated above) did this discrimination occur:          Do you require an alternative form for any written follow‐up communication:       Signature: Date:   If you have questions about this form, need an accommodation, or a different format, please contact the ADA  Coordinator at 303‐235‐2866 or krosson@ci.wheatridge.co.us.  Please allow up to fifteen (15) business days to respond  to your complaint.  ADA Complaint Form   Appendix M Summary of Remediation Work Completed APPENDIX M – SUMMARY OF REMEDIATION WORK COMPLETED