Title
A Resolution of the City Commission expressing the City’s continued commitment to the implementation of the ADA improvements as outlined in the Transition Plan ensuring that work is performed in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and that the Transition Plan is updated regularly to reflect new data and the progress towards ADA compliance.
(Sponsored by Vice Mayor Anderson)
Body
The City of Coral Gables is committed to complying with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability rights laws, so that its activities, programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires public entities to conduct self-evaluations of their facilities and services and to create a transition plan for making necessary modifications to improve accessibility;
In 2016 and 2017, the City evaluated the following facilities with applicable standards to provide a proposal for the remedial work necessary to address any compliance deficiencies with the ADA:
• 14 City buildings;
• 33 City-owned and operated parking garages and parking lots;
• 42 City parks and recreation facilities; and
• 55 stops for the City’s trolley services.
The survey of the above named facilities (collectively referred to herein as “the Facilities”) included an accessibility evaluation of the adjacent public right-of-way, including parking (for buildings and parks), public transportation and pedestrian pathways.
The City developed an ADA Transition Plan that outlines specific strategies, timelines, and funding mechanisms to address the Facilities’ identified barriers and to work towards compliance with ADA requirements by 2029. The original cost of removing the identified barriers was $1.5 million. The City is currently in the process of updating the projected cost for removing the remaining barriers of the Facilities.
The City in 2023 also inspected the public rights-of-ways, sidewalks and parking spaces (collectively referred to as “ROW”) in its Central Business District (“CBD”) to identify barriers to access. In particular, the City inspected the curb ramps, sidewalks, cross slopes, changes in level, bus stops, pedestrian pushbuttons, accessible parking spaces, operable parts and benches within the CBD.
The City created a 9-year (2024-2033) time frame for the barrier removal of the ROW that is intended as a road map to achieve compliance while allowing flexibility depending on the City’s planning, administrative and funding processes. The projected cost to complete this project is approximately $5.7 million.
The City is in the process of updating its 2019 Transition Plan to incorporate the ROW inspection and time frame for the barrier removal of the ROW and is also in the process of updating the 2019 Transition Plan to incorporate the progress it had made in removing the identified barriers to the Facilities. The updated Transition Plan will continue to serve as the path of compliance for the City and will be used for the planning and implementation of ADA modifications over the years to come.
Recommended Action
Approval
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
|
No. |
Amount |
Account No. |
Source of Funds |
|
1. |
$7,200,000 |
|
General Fund |
|
Total: |
$7,200,000 |
|
Fiscal Impact: The amount reflected here is the original cost of removing all the barriers, including barriers for both the Facilities and ROW. Some of the barriers to the Facilities have already been removed, and the cost of some of those removals was included in the project's price. The City is currently updating the projected cost of removing the remaining barriers to the Facilities. Approximately $506,000 is set aside for the project thus far. If the City continues to prioritize implementation of the ADA improvements as outlined in the Transition Plan and updates the Transition Plan regularly to reflect new data and the progress made
it will not only ensure that its facilities and services are accessible to all residents and visitors but also avoid any potential legal ramifications and monetary penalties for ADA violations. This proactive approach will foster inclusivity and enhance the overall community experience.