HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - October 4, 2005 SSCITY OF LODI
INFORMAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING
"SHIRTSLEEVE" SESSION
CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2005
An Informal Informational Meeting ("Shirtsleeve" Session) of the Lodi City Council was held Tuesday,
October 4, 2005, commencing at 7:00 a.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Council Members — Hansen, Hitchcock, Johnson, Mounce, and Mayor Beckman
Absent: Council Members — None
Also Present: City Manager King, Deputy City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Blackston
B. TOPIC(S)
B-1 "Review and comment on draft Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan"
Jerry Herzick, Building Official, distributed and reviewed a draft copy of the Americans with
Disabilities Act Transition Plan (filed). He reported that Title 2 of the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) required state and local governments to make their programs and
services accessible to persons with disabilities. ADA is a federal law that was adopted in
1990. The goals of Title 2 include mainstreaming and equal opportunity for participation in
an integrated setting. ADA required, as a minimum, that the Transition Plan include a list
of physical barriers and a detailed method of removing them. It was required that the Plan
be completed by July 26, 1992, and that any structural modifications be completed by July
26, 1995. In 1992, the City of Lodi established an ADA Committee. The committee
completed a self-evaluation of structural barriers. A Transition Plan was never approved by
Council. Appendix one of the draft Plan lists accessibility improvements that have been
completed since 1992, which included 45 projects and 400 curb ramps at a cost of $7
million. In 2004, the ADA Committee was reassembled. Another evaluation was done and
it was decided that the priority would be correcting or improving problems associated with
assembly type occupancies and areas open to the general public. Mr. Herzick reviewed a
list of barriers that were scheduled to be completed in 2005, as well as eight projects
expected to require more than one year to complete (as listed on pages 3 and 4 of the
Transition Plan).
In answer to Council Member Johnson, Mr. Herzick estimated the total cost of the projects
to be $200,000, excluding the Grape Bowl, citywide curb ramps, and park restrooms.
Public Works Director Prima added that block grant funds in the amount of $150,000
annually are spent on curb ramps, which cost approximately $10,000 each.
Council Member Hansen felt that part of the Transition Plan should be areas in which utility
poles obstruct pathways.
Parks and Recreation Director Goehring reported that $795,000 is available from
Proposition 12 and 40 grants. He mentioned that two grants applied for ten months ago
totaling $2 million were denied.
Council Member Mounce asked whether the sidewalks are wide enough for businesses that
have outdoor eating areas and if the City's transit system should operate during hours that
would accommodate transportation to public meetings.
In reference to the Grape Bowl, Mr. Herzick reported that ELS Architecture and Urban
Design consultants recommended the following options in 2002 to improve accessibility: 1)
create an entry plaza on the southwest corner (current cost estimated at $3.8 million) or 2)
tunnel into the north and south berms to create new entries (current cost estimated at $4.3
million). Mr. Herzick reviewed other major Grape Bowl deficiencies as outlined on page 5 of
the Transition Plan. He expressed concern regarding safety and liability exposure to the
City. He recommended that improvements be based on the desired use of the facility. The
Continued October 4, 2005
Plan identifies Phase I (to be completed by June 2006) as seeking public input and
considering the formation of an Ad Hoc Grape Bowl Committee. Phase II (to be completed
by December 2007) would be to hire an architect to prepare plans that reflect the needs and
desires of the City and community, and Phase III would be completion of the final
construction drawings, awarding the contract, and beginning construction in 2008 or 2009.
Mr. Herzick reported that staff had considered options such as making the east entrance
handicap assessable and placing modular concession and restroom facilities on ground
level; however, it was deemed too expensive, due to the steep sloping parking lot and need
to relocate sewer, water, and electric utilities.
Council Member Mounce stated that Lodi Unified School District representatives at a recent
2x2 Committee meeting indicated that they were not interested in the situation with the
Grape Bowl and would find another location for their events if necessary.
City Manager King reported that maintenance of the Grape Bowl currently costs $60,000
annually and he hoped that, if it were rehabilitated, it could be become a revenue neutral
facility.
Mayor Pro Tempore Hitchcock asked whether, in light of the deficiencies, the Grape Bowl
should be closed to the public until improvements are made.
Mr. King replied that the City's best defense is showing its good faith in trying to comply
with ADA requirements. He suggested that, on an interim basis, as a condition for use of
the Grape Bowl it be required to have people available to provide assistance at the gate to
handicapped individuals.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
00 Ed DeBenedetti, former Parks and Recreation Director, recalled that 35 years ago he
suggested that the City give the Grape Bowl stadium to Lodi Unified School District;
however, the District refused. At one time, he also recommended that the Grape Bowl
be demolished and there was a huge public outcry against it. He doubted that the
Grape Bowl would ever be able to operate without subsidy. Past attempts at concerts,
etc. were unsuccessful. He recommended that no additional money be spent on the
facility until a decision is made on what it is to be used for.
oo Dennis Bennett expressed support for an Ad Hoc Committee to explore the viability of
restoring the Grape Bowl. He noted that there is a great deal of City property adjacent
to the Grape Bowl as well, which could benefit from being in a redevelopment area.
co John Ibarra stated that he inspected the Grape Bowl with City staff to find out how a
wheel chair could maneuver in the facility. He reported that the ramps are very steep
and his electric wheelchair was barely able to handle it. He hoped that improvements
could be made to the Grape Bowl for its continued use.
Council Member Mounce mentioned that she recently attended a function of the Lodi
Historical Society and the topic of the Grape Bowl arose. Initially, everyone seemed to
favor restoration; however, if it meant giving up personal property rights through
redevelopment, they were opposed to it.
Council Member Johnson warned against designating the Grape Bowl as an historical site
because it creates too many burdens and restrictions.
C. COMMENTS BY THE PUBLIC ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS
None.
D. ADJOURNMENT
No action was taken by the City Council. The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 a.m.
ATTEST:
Susan J. Blackston, City Clerk
W
with
TRAN SITIO
05
PLAN
DRAFT COPY
Transition Plan
Background
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law and was adopted in 1990. The
ADA required Public Agencies including Cities to perform a self-evaluation of facilities and
programs to determine what needed to be done to achieve program accessibility. Based on
this evaluation, the public agency had to develop a transition plan for those barrier removal
projects that would require more than a year to remove. ADA required as a minimum that
the transition plan include the following:
1) List the physical barriers
2) Detail methods to remove the barriers
3) Provide a schedule
4) Name the official responsible for the plans' implementation.
This plan had to be completed by July 26, 1992. Any structural modifications had to be
completed by July 26, 1995.
To comply with ADA and meet these deadlines, the City of Lodi, in 1992, established an
ADA committee comprised of representatives from Public Works, Police, Fire, City
Manager's office, Human Resources, Parks & Recreation, and Building Inspection with the
Director of the Community Development Department as the chairperson. The City
completed a very thorough self evaluation of structural barriers of all City facilities. The City
completed a very through self-evaluation of structural barriers, however a Transitional Plan
was not approved by the City Council. Notwithstanding, many of the barriers noted in the
evaluation have been corrected and are listed in Appendix 1 of this plan.
In August of 2004, it was brought to the attention of City staff by a member of the disabled
community that some City facilities were not in compliance. Immediately after this
disclosure, the City reinstated the ADA committee with the same Department representation
as in 1992. The committee has since added a member of the disabled community. The first
task was to complete another self-evaluation to determine what barriers remained. This
was completed by each of the various departments in January of 2005. The departments
used a checklist using the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and the California
Building Code (CBC).
The focus of the committee gave priority to correcting or improving the accessibility to
facilities open to large numbers of the general public. Although ADA has no requirements
for periodic assessment and gives Cities some latitude for program accessibility, the
recommendation of the Committee was to be compliant with current disabled access
regulations. Furthermore, the committee recommends a schedule and method of
compliance by maintaining an updated transition plan that will satisfy current ADA
guidelines and California Building Code requirements.
ADA Transition Plan - 2005 1 10/21/2005
The committee has prepared this plan to reflect the City's desire to continue to provide a
realistic approach to bringing its facilities into compliance. The plan lists the most significant
and visible barriers to the disabled community, details the method of compliance with
ADAAG and CBC, provides a schedule for completion, and the name(s) of the official(s)
responsible for the plans implementation.
The name of the official(s) responsible for the plan's implementation:
Randy Hatch, Community Development Director
Jerry Herzick, Building Official
ADA Transition Plan- 2005 2 10/21/2005
Transition Plan
Barrier Identification and Removal Schedule
The following is a list of significant physical barriers for the disabled community that were
identified during the survey of all City Facilities completed in February, 2005 or that were
brought to the staff's attention by the disabled community.
The following are scheduled to be completed in 2005:
1. Elm Street parking lot accessible parking stalls
Work has begun; estimated completion date is December, 2005.
2. Carnegie Forum accessible parking stalls
Work has begun; estimated completion date is December, 2005.
3. City Website
Redesigning of website is in process allowing utilization of adaptable reading
devices; estimated completion date is December, 2005.
The following will require one year or more to complete:
Accessible parking stalls located in the right of way in front of Lodi Stadium 12
Cinemas (north side of Elm St.).
Plans will be prepared by Public Works to correct the curb ramps, install a van
accessible stall and detail the proper signage. Request to be made in 06/07 budget
with an estimated completion 07/08.
2. North entrance of Hutchins Street Square
Plans are being prepared to change the grade elevation to correct the ramp slope
and parking areas. Request to be made i n 06/07 budget with an estimated
completion 07/08.
3. Library front entrance
Provide a level compliant landing, parking and path of travel. These corrections will
be completed by September, 2006.
4. City owned parking lots
The attached appendix #2 lists each lot and the recommended corrections.
ADA Transition Plan- 2005 3 10/21/2005
5. City sidewalks and curb ramps
The City has an ongoing sidewalk repair program. The Public Works Dept. has
annually obtained CDBG funds for ramps and installations.
6. Assistive listening devices for Carnegie Forum and Hutchins Street Square
Theater
Provide assistive listening devices for individuals with hearing impairments. Request
to be made in 06/07 budget with estimated completion of 07/08. Interim measures
include individual assistance upon request.
7. City parks
Provide accessible parking stalls, path of travel and repairs. The attached appendix
#3 lists each of the parks and the recommended corrections.
8. Fire Stations
Fire Station #1: Not open to the public. No accessibility improvements planned at
this time.
Fire Station #2: Defer improvements regarding parking and path of travel until a
decision on rehabilitation is made.
Fire Station #3: Provide one van accessible stall at the front entrance on north side
of driveway on Ham Ln. This will be requested in the 06/07 budget and estimated
completion is 07/08.
Interim measures to provide accessibility will include providing assistance for the
persons with disabilities when any of the stations are used as a voter polling place.
The front door of fire station #3 will be repaired and provided with lever action
hardware, provided with a level landing and signage over the door alarm. These
items will be corrected in 2005.
ADA Transition Plan- 2005 4 10/21/2005
Grape Bowl
The Grape Bowl and all of its facilities including the stadium, concession booths,
restrooms, field house, press box, and parking lot is out of compliance.
A report was prepared for The City by the consulting firm ELS Architecture and Urban
Design in 2002. This report analyzed the areas of the Grape Bowl that were not ADA
compliant and suggested two options. The cost estimate for Option 1 (entry plaza on
southwest corner) was 3.255 million and Option 2 (tunneling new entries at the north and
south berms) was 3.75 million. Based on the increase in The Engineering News Record
Construction Cost Index from the date of the ELS estimate of January 2002 to August 2005
of 15.75%, Option 1 has increased to 3.8 million and Option 2 to 4.3 million. The report
does not address many other areas that have deficiencies such as the field house, some
bleacher sections, and playing field. No estimate has been obtained for these
improvements.
As an interim measure, the use of portable buildings for restrooms and a concession on the
east end of stadium was reviewed. The cost of these improvements was determined to be
too great and did not correct the more serious accessibility and exiting issues. Interim
measures should be discussed as part of an overall plan as described in Phase I.
Maior Deficiencies
A. The lack of an accessible path of travel and safe exit way. This
includes the path of travel from the public right of way and parking lot to
all areas of the stadium. There should be an inter -connected path to
the bleachers, concession, restrooms, field house and field.
B. Ramps are too steep and exceed the 1 unit vertical to 12 units
horizontal or 8.33% and are not provided with landings and handrails or
guardrails.
C. Cross slopes exceed 2%.
D. Grade elevations and unpaved or deteriorated asphalt creates tripping
hazards and inaccessibility.
E. Bleachers — stairs damaged.
F. Restrooms — dilapidated and not accessible.
G. Concessions — dilapidated and not accessible.
H. Field House - dilapidated and not accessible.
It is the recommendation of the ADA Committee, due to the complexity and magnitude, to
divide the project into three phases. During the interim, the events should be limited and a
requirement imposed on the parties using the facilities to provide assistance for persons
with physical disabilities.
ADA Transition Plan - 2005 5 10/21/2005
Phase 1
Explore the opportunities, constraints, and costs associated with upgrading the Grape
Bowl. Encourage public input and community involvement in the decision process. The
scope of the project should not be limited to only accessibility but improvement based on
the desired use. Interim remediation measures should be discussed in this phase. The
forum for these discussions would be the Parks and Recreation Commission and/or the
City Council and/or a Special Ad Hoc Committee. A preliminary meeting may also be
beneficial with interested community leaders discussing options prior to bringing it to the
Commission, Council, or Committee. This phase should be completed by June of 2006.
Phase II
Based on the decision from the Council in Phase I, appropriate action shall be taken
which may include hiring an architect to prepare plans that reflect the needs and desires
of the City and the community pending acceptance of Council. This phase should be
completed by the end of 2007.
Phase III
Final construction drawings should be completed, construction contract awarded, and
construction beginning in 2008/09.
Advancing to the second and third phase will, of course, be subject to budget constraints,
the availability of various funding sources and the involvement of the community.
ADA Transition Plan- 2005 6 10/21/2005
APPENDIX -1
Accessibility Improvements
Completed Since 1992
Name of Project
Description
Completion
Date
Beckman Park:
Contractor
- Installation of new walkway from Ham Ln to
2000
playground area & restroom facility.
Contractor
- Removed sand playground material & install Fibar
2000
en ineered wood fiber).
Blakely Park:
Contractor
- Remodeled existing restroom facility to meet ADA
1992
requirements.
Contractor
- Relocated & Retro -Fit work of playground to meet
1996
ADA requirements.
City Staff
- Constructed accessible group picnic area adjacent
1996
to the playground area.
Candy Cane:
Contractor
- Installed a new walkway from Holly drive to
1997
playground area, installed new Fibar ground cover
& retro -fitted existing equipment with a handicap
transfer point to meet ADA.
Chapman
Field/Armory Park:
Contractor
- Installed new accessible bleachers with ramps &
2002
guard railing.
City Hall:
- All accessible features including ramps, doors,
1996
elevator, and parking lot.
Emerson Park:
Contractor
- Installed a new accessible restroom facility.
1995
Contractor
- Remodeled "north" playground area — new handicap
2003
accessible playground Equipment and installation of
poured -i n -place rubber surfacing to meet ADA
requirements.
English Oaks
Parks:
- Installed new accessible playground & Fibar ground
1997
Contractor
cover material to meet ADA.
Finance Bldg:
- Installed complying van accessible stall, curb ramp,
2005
& signage.
Grape Bowl:
Consultant
- ADA study of park site.
2002
ADA Transition Plan- 2005 7 10/21/2005
APPENDIX -1
Accessibility Improvements
Completed Since 1992
Name of Project
Description
Completion
Date
Hale Park:
Contractor
- Installed new accessible restroom & recreation
1993
structure.
Contractor
- Installed new accessible playground equipment &
2005
poured -i n -place rubber surfacing to meet ADA
requirements.
Henry Glaves Park:
Contractor
- Installed new accessible playground equipment &
1994
Contractor
Fibar ground cover.
- Installed a new walkway from Oxford Dr. to
2000
playground area & restroom facility also installed
new Fibar ground cover to meet ADA.
Katzakian Park:
Contractor
- Constructed new park site with interior walkways,
2000
accessible playground equipment with Fibar ground
cover and an accessible restroom facility.
Kofu Park:
Contractor
- Rehab of main walkway from Ham Lane to
1993
Contracto r
recreation building.
- Installation of accessible ramp & handrails at
1997
concession stand location.
Lawrence Park:
Contractor
- Installation of new accessible restroom facility.
1995
Contractor
- Installed new handicap accessible playground
2003
equipment & poured -in-place surfacing.
Legion Park:
Contractor
- Remodeled playground areas & picnic areas to
1996
Contractor
meet ADA requirements.
- Installed new poured -i n -place rubber safety material
2003
& Fibar ground cover.
Lodi Lake Park:
Kiwanis
- Installed new accessible playground with Fibar in
1992
the Youth Area.
Contractor
- Installed new accessible Decomposed Granite trail
1995
in the Wilderness Area.
Contractor
- Installed new accessible playground areas on the
1998
south side of Lodi Lake.
Kiwanis
- Installed new accessible picnic area on south side of
1998
Lodi Lake.
Contractor
- Installed new accessible fishing dock with walkways
1999
& hand rails.
Contractor
- Installed a new walkway from south play area to
2000
Kiwanis picnic area.
ADA Transition Plan - 2005 9 10/21/2005
APPENDIX -1
Accessibility Improvements
Completed Since 1992
Name of Project
Description
Completion
Date
Contractor
- Phase I Bicycle/Accessible Pedestrian Corridor
2000
Project (Beach to Mills Ave.)
Contractor
- Phase II Bicycle/Accessible Pedestrian Corridor
2003
Project Mills Ave. to Woodbridge)
MSC Parking Lot
- Installed complying parking stalls & path of travel to
2005
office.
Parks & Recreation
Office:
Contractor
- Retro -fit work front counter & secretary work areas.
1996
Contractor
- Retro -fit work of restrooms.
1999
Peterson Park:
Contractor
- Constructed new park site with interior walkways,
1997
accessible playground areas.
Contractor
- Installed a new handicap accessible restroom
2000
facility.
Police Facility:
- Added two (2) accessible stalls on Elm St.
2005
Salas Park:
Contractor
- Installed new accessible playground equipment.
2001
Contractor
- Installed new poured -in-place safety surfacing &
2003
Fibar ground cover.
Sidewalks City:
- Approximately 400 curb ramps installed.
Ongoing
Program
Softball Complex:
Contractor
- Installed new accessible bleachers with ramps &
1999
guard rails.
VanBuskirk Park:
Contractor
- Remodeled entire park site.
1997
Contractor
- Installedpoured-i n- lace rubber safety surfacing.
2005
Veteran's Plaza:
- Replace sidewalks for plaza accessibility.
1997
Vinewood Park:
City Staff
- Installed an accessible drinking fountain with
2003
walkway off of Virginia Ave.
ADA Transition Plan- 2005 9 10/21/2005
APPENDIX - 2
City Parking Lots
Project Name
Description
1.
City Lot #1:
- Accessible parking stalls.
(north side of Walnut St.)
Install two stalls — one van accessible at the southeast
corner. Estimated completion 2005.
2.
City Lot #2:
- Accessible parking stalls.
(south side of Oak St.)
Install two stalls — one van accessible at Oak St.
entrance or at Woolworth building rear entrance.
Request to be made in 06/07 budget, estimated
completion 07/08.
3.
City Lot #3:
- In substantial compliance.
(north side of Oak St.)
4.
City Lot #4:
- Accessible parking stalls.
(south side of Pine St.)
Install two stalls — one van accessible at northeast
corner with a mid -block curb cut. Request to be made
in 06/07 budget, completion 07/08.
5.
Maple Square:
- Accessible parking stalls and paved path of travel.
Recommendation is to declare this as surplus property
to be sold.
6.
Lodi Station:
- Signage & access aisle too small.
Two accessible stalls provided — provide signage and
enlarge access aisle. Request to be made in 06/07
budget, completion 07/08.
7.
Public Safety
- Signage
south side of Elm
Install si na e & paint s mbol. 2005
ADA Transition Plan - 2005 10 10/21/2005
APPENDIX - 3
City Parks
Project Name
Description
1.
Beckman
- Restrooms fixtures
The restroom replacement is pending approval of
State funding. The tentative schedule is 06/07.
2
Hale Park
- Accessible parking stalls
Install a new stall in the southeast corner of the
parking lot with a curb ramp. Request to be made in
06/07 budget, completion 07/08.
3.
Henry Glaves
- Restroom fixtures
The restroom replacement is pending approval of
State funding. The tentative schedule is 06/07.
4.
Legion Park
- Restroom accessibility on south side of park from
the Vine St. entrance.
The restroom replacement is pending approval of
State funding. The tentative schedule is 06/07.
5.
Lodi Lake
- Boat house and boat dock
Install ramps and provide path of travel. 07/08 or
provide alternative and equivalent access.
- Discovery Center display area
Provide adequate aisles ace for the disabled. 2005
6.
Parks & Recreation Annex
- Existing parking stall and path of travel to the
Parking Lot
office
Provide a 4' path of travel in front of the stall and a
new sidewalk through the landscaped area to the
public sidewalk. Request to be made in 06/07 budget,
completion 07/08.
7.
Salas Park
- In substantial compliance.
Except repairs to signs, stripping & paving. 05/06
budget.
8.
Softball Field — Stockton St.
- Parking stalls and path of travel to the main
entrance.
Install a curb ramp and sidewalk to the main entrance.
Request to be made in 06/07 budget, completion
07/08.
9.
Zupo Field
- Ramps to bleacher area.
Two (2) accessible spaces are currently located at
field level. Provide a ramped entrance to all bleacher
areas. Request to be made in 07/08 budget,
completion 09/10.
ADA Transition Plan - 2005 11 10/21/2005