REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt the Americans with Disabilities Act Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, Unfreeze 1.0 Associate Engineer position in the Department of Public Works to Support ADA Plan Implementation, and Approve Related Budget Amendments
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High-Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In order to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City has been working on updating the ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan (Plan). The Plan evaluates existing public services, policies, practices, and facilities to identify ADA barriers and includes recommendations to improve them over time. A significant number of accessibility-related improvements to public facilities are also recommended in the Plan, and criteria is included to help guide staff on which efforts should be prioritized. It is important to note that the Plan does not guarantee funding for implementation or that all identified improvements will be constructed, as the City may choose to modify this Plan, including priorities, in the future. Community participation and feedback, including engagement with the City's ADA Committee, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), Senior Advisory Commission, and City Council was utilized to help provide guidance as the Plan was being developed. Council is being requested to consider adoption of this Plan as well as the approval to unfreeze and fund one Associate Engineer position in the Department of Public Works to implement, monitor, and track progress citywide.
BACKGROUND
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA of 1990 prohibit discrimination by public entities on the basis of disability. Under Title II (Public Transportation, State and Local Government Services) of the ADA, the City is required to evaluate its services, policies, and practices to identify any barriers and to make necessary modifications to eliminate such barriers....
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