9/15/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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County Administrator Jim Chandler advised that Randy Dowling has been designated as the County's coordinator in this matter and has put the plan together with the assistance of staff. Mr. Neal Duval, who is representing the county's disabled community, has been of great assistance to us in identifying areas that need to be addressed. He has indicated that he would continue to volunteer his services as we proceed with the implementation. This is one of the first aspects of the ADC requirements and it addresses just the physical aspects of the County's buildings. Commissioner Bird asked if the ADA gives any latitude with regard to public facilities actually out on the golf course, such as rest rooms, because in all his years playing golf he has seen only one person playing golf from a wheelchair. Administrator Chandler advised that there is not much latitude at all in this particular law. Any new structure built after January 1, 1992 has to be in compliance with all of the ADA requirements, and today we are addressing the existing structures. However, by January 1, 1993, we will be required to address programs and accessibility to programs. Attorney Vitunac advised that in regard to the existing rest rooms on the course, we have to do reasonable accommodation. In this case, you would say it is not reasonable to do this since never in the history of this county has there been a golfer in a wheelchair. Administrator Chandler continued that this is just a transitional plan for the existing structures. The first year cost to bring it into compliance is estimated at $32,000. We had a conservative budget of $25,000 until we got into it and identified the actual things that need to be done. Neal Duval has toured three of our buildings and pointed out some of the things in this building, the Main Library, and the Health Building that need attention that we had not anticipated. Vice Chairman Bowman asked if anyone wished to be heard in this public discussion item. May Arnold, speaking from her seat in the audience, cautioned that federal funds may be jeopardized if we are not in compliance within the time frame specified. ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by Commissioner Bird, the Board unanimously (4-0, Chairman Eggert being absent) approved the transition plan for the County's existing buildings and authorized staff to make additions, deletions, and clarifications to the plan as the need arises. 21 U., 0 0' -f 548