HomeMy WebLinkAboutDisMinutes_2015_04_17
Brookings Committee for People who have Disabilities
April 17, 2015 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Committee for People who have Disabilities was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday,
April 17, 2015 in the Brookings City & County Government Center with the following members present:
Jessie Kuechenmeister, Nadine Gjerde, Matt Simet, Nancy Hartenhoff-Crooks, Lonnie Bayer, Shawn
Minor, Sylvia Buboltz, and Kathy Heylens. Dave Miller and Alan Davis were absent. Shari Thornes was
also present.
Kuechenmeister called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. The agenda was adopted. The March minutes
were approved. Next meeting was scheduled for Friday, May 22nd at 3:00 p.m.
SDSU Stadium Plans. David Murphy and Angie Nygren, architects from Crawford Architects LLC in Kansas
City, MO, provided an overview of the proposed SDSU football stadium. Partnering agencies are
Architecture Inc., Sioux Falls, Steve Jasper, and JE Dunn Construction, Builders.
The Committee made the following recommendations:
Parking:
o Recommend use of Universal parking design (11’ with 5’ access aisles)
o Provide accessible parking on all sides of building
o Install traffic-slowing signage and crossing between parking spaces and the building
access points
Doors/Entrances: Install power doors at club and suite levels.
Seating:
o Suites: Title II entities are required to provide equal access to all programs. The “suite”
in and of itself is a program and all functions within the suite must be accessible. This is
in addition to providing accessible ticketed seating.
o Recommend gurney viewing positions are available in the end zone area.
o There was a concern that the way it looked from the side view, accessible seating is right
up against the railing and access to the rest of the section is behind them. If that is
correct, it doesn't feel inclusive.
BATA Buses: Verify that drop-off width will be wide enough to off-load BATA-sized vehicles,
including being able to deploy a lift.
Electrical power stations/outlets: Install one power outlet in each accessible seating platform for
the use of guests with electric wheelchairs and other medical equipment (respirators, etc.).
Bathrooms Scope Requirements
o Standard stalls wider and deeper
Many are too narrow and not deep enough so larger people won’t use them and
tie up accessible stalls.
o Wheelchair stalls wider and deeper for big chairs & electric scooters
Family Restrooms:
o What is the number and location of all family restrooms? Are they located near all
seating types?
Unisex restrooms are currently designated as “family restrooms.” Thornes will seek clarification
from the City Human Rights Committee regarding recommendations on gender neutral language.
Accessible wayfinding signage for all sections
Companion seating - Provide more than minimum to accommodate
Programming:
o Designate a Disability Services Manager for the Stadium
o Create Disability Access Guide
o Provide wheelchair escort services
o Interpretive services for hearing impaired guests
o Require ushers to carry a key to remove seats in areas to allow for a wheelchair.
o Provide accessible shuttle to transport guests if shuttles are provided
o Large print & Braille season schedules
Elementary School Playground Plan Review. The Committee reviewed additional information from the
playground representative, which are noted below. Pete Colson, Park and Recreation Superintendent, was
also present to answer questions.
• Discrepancy in list of play components compared to the site plans: The play structure the school
chose for that space is a complete unit and was brand new, so there were not any individual
photos of the equipment, so we sent you the brochure that lists all the components and shows most
of them, they were also numbered, but the numbers didn’t correspond with the numbers that were
used on the drawings.
• The Committee recommended the installation of a ramp for any large elevated play components
because many children in wheelchairs can’t utilize transfer platforms and stairs. The Committee
recommends the City consider this in all future designs as a best practice.
To address the ramp for the larger playstructure, know, but in order to get up to a point to where
a child in a wheelchair could access the equipment we would need about 5-6 ramps, since we can
only go up 12” at a time due to ADA restraints, then at the end of each ramp we need an
accessible turn around area, so the cost of this was not included into the original budget and the
space that would be needed in the playground to add these ramps would mean we have to
eliminate other equipment to have the space, this is possible, but the cost for the ramping would
add about $40-$50,000.00 to the cost of the structure and we would have to lose most of the other
equipment within the area.
• There were questions regarding the plan for the path of travel and surface area.
A drawing was provided showing concrete areas adjacent to each playground, this is the
accessible route that the kids would take to each play area. The surfacing we are planning on
using is a poured in place rubber, that would be poured so that the top of the rubber is flush with
the concrete slabs and sidewalks around the play areas, so there would be a smooth transition
from concrete to rubber. Once they enter the play areas they will have compete access to all
equipment. Some of the equipment on my renderings is shown in the grass, that is only because
there wasn’t any way to show the concrete areas on the drawings to get them back as fast as they
wanted them, but all the equipment would either be within the play area with rubber surfacing
under it or surface mounted to the concrete areas adjacent to the play areas.
• The Committee expressed concern about the “rock” play elements because they can’t be considered
an accessible ground level play component.
The representative’s position was these elements were classified as ground level accessible
according to the guidelines. His specialists tell us is that, rocks aren’t always meant to play on,
they can be touched and stimulate other senses besides actually fulfilling a physical need. The
Committee disagreed with this finding, stating the rock elements cannot be considered as
accessible ground level activities. It was clarified that enough elements are provided without
including the “rocks” in the count.
• The Committee reaffirmed comments that the playground design should include several play
experiences and cautioned against a design with too many pieces of equipment that were for
climbing only.
• Pre K- Special Education Playground
o Questions regarding surface material and concern regarding safety and fall attenuation for
some play elements. This issue was answered. The surface will be poured in place rubber
matting.
• 1 Grade
o Questions regarding surface material and concern regarding safety and fall attenuation for
some play elements (e.g. log stepper) This issue was answered. The surface will be
poured in place rubber matting.
• 2-3 Grade
o Include accessible zipline
It was verified that an accessible zip line will be installed with an accessible seat.
The Committee indicated the school could proceed with purchase of the equipment as stated in the current
plan.
ABLE Awards. Trendz was suggested as a possible nominee for providing access in a historic building. A
subcommittee will review the nominee and make recommendations to the full group.
The Pheasant Restaurant was recommended for its customer service and exemplary disability etiquette.
Kuechenmeister and Gjerde will prepare the press releases and take the photos.
There was consensus with the other groups’ recommendation to hold the combined event at the SDSU
Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Thursday, October 29th.
Updates/Reports:
Public Education Subcommittee Report.
• Service Animals: They continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce on the service animal
information campaign for chamber members.
• Snow Removal Brochure - The Street Department has agreed to combine its snow removal brochure
with the committee’s snow removal information.
• Accessible Recreation – They are working with Pete and Chase from the city Park and Recreation
Department on the campaign.
• 25th ADA Anniversary - Myths & Facts – An updated myths and facts will be promoted for 25 days
leading up to the 25th anniversary of the signing of the ADA (July 26th). Bayer will contact radio
station regarding free advertising.
• School District – They are working with Brian Lueders on information items for the school district’s
quarterly staff newsletter.
Governor’s Awards. Simet is preparing a nomination for Aramark. Thornes will find a copy of the 2010
nomination . The deadline is April 24th.
Durable Medical Equipment Promotion. Miller has asked that the Committee brainstorm on ways to ramp
up promotion of the service. More wheelchairs are needed. However, this is an oversupply of walkers and
canes. Ideas discussed:
• Partnership with the hospital
• Create a sticker asking that the item be returned to the committee when it is no longer needed.
• Ask for specific items on updated advertisements (posters, flyers, business cards, channel, web,
radio)
• Include pictures in new advertising
City ADA Coordinator
• Avera Medical Clinic Parking Lot - Thornes was contacted to review their current lot and make parking
space recommendations.
• Emotional Support and Service Animal Information – Thornes received two requests for assistance and
information pertaining to the legalities of both types of animals in housing units.
• Swiftel Center Vestibule Remodel – Thornes has reviewed the plans and indicated it is very
straightforward. The concrete at the front entrance will be replaced, a truncated dome will be installed
at curb ramp accessing the street, the vestibule will be enlarged and enclosed, the accessible doors will
be on the left side (west) with a pedestal pushbutton, and all ticket windows will be lowered. The
Committee had not further comments or concerns with the proposal.
• Street Shop New Construction – Thornes will meet with the lead architect on April 21st to discuss the
project.
• Curb Ramp Replacement – The City Engineer will be providing a list of scheduled projects this year and
will seek input for locations of any other ramps that should be a higher priority.
• Brookings Hospital Outpatient Clinic Parking Lot – The accessibility concerns at the Brookings Hospital
Outpatient Clinic parking lot have been corrected.
• Brookings Hospital Expansion - No further information is available on the Brookings Hospital Expansion.
• Letter of Thanks – The Committee approved a letter of thanks to be sent to outgoing Council Member
Bezdichek for his support of accessibility during his tenure.
• Elevated Play Equipment –Ramp recommendation
• HRC Ordinance - The Human Rights Committee ordinance changing the committee to a commission with
enforcement power is tentatively scheduled for the April 28th City Council meeting. Committee
attendance and support is requested. Thornes will send out talking points.
• Phone Directory Update – Members were asked to send Thornes corrections.
• Mayor’s Volunteer Coffees – Mayor Reed will host two meetings with committee chairs and vice chairs
early summer. All groups will be asked to provide a brief report of current activities and will also be
given an opportunity to ask the Mayor questions.
• Sioux Falls Events & Programs:
o Seminars & Keynote Speakers - July 13th , Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
o Community Gardens Raised Beds (Falls Park) – Thornes noted a project idea that was previously
proposed by Hartenhoff-Crooks to install a few accessible raised beds at the community gardens
north of town. This might be a project the new Sustainability Council would be willing to pursue
and partner on. She also noted that it might make for a great Eagle Scout project.
Correspondence/Announcements/ Calendar
April 28th, Human Rights Commission Ordinance, City Council Meeting, 6 p.m.
June 11, City Volunteer Reception, McCrory Gardens Visitor Center, 5-7 p.m.
July 13, Sioux Falls 25th ADA Anniversary Celebration, Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
July 26, ADA 25th Anniversary Ice Cream Social, Band Concert, Pioneer Park
Sept. 28-29, Great Plains Regional ADA Conference, Omaha, NE
December 11, Mayor’s Holiday Party, McCrory Gardens Visitor Center, 5-7 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
Submitted by Shari Thornes