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Home My WebLink About2021-02-09 Meeting Minutes Administrative Services Committee Meeting Virtual/Teleconference - 2/9/2021 ATTENDANCE: Present: Hons. Hasan, Chairman; Scott, Vice Chairman; B. Williams, member. Absent: Hons. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor; Frantom, member. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Motion to approve the purchase of three pickup trucks, at a total cost of $79,476; $54,820 to Wade Ford for Environmental Services and $27,410 to Allan Vigil Ford for Utilities (Bid 20-265). Item Action: Approved Motions Motion Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion Result Approve Motion to approve. Motion Passes 3-0. Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Ben Hasan Passes 2. Adopt the final ADA Transition Plan Update. Item Action: Approved Motions Motion Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion Result Approve Motion to approve. Motion Passes 3-0. Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Ben Hasan Passes 3. Motion to approve one (1) Emergency Rehabilitation project. Item Action: Approved Motions Motion Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion Result Approve Motion to approve. Motion Passes 3-0. Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Ben Hasan Passes 4. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide funding for architectural drawings for four (4) single-family homes within the Twiggs Street Corridor as part of the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project. · Two (2) 1700 SF three (3) bedroom, two-story, single-family residences · One (1) 1700 SF three (3) bedroom, one-story, single family residence · One (1) 1900 SF four (4) bedroom, two-story, single-family residence Item Action: Approved Motions Motion Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion Result Approve Motion to approve. Motion Passes 3-0. Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Ben Hasan Passes 5. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) subsidy request for down payment assistance to be used for one (1) single-family housing unit located at 918 Boyd Lane. Item Action: Approved Motions Motion Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion Result Approve Motion to approve. Motion Passes 3-0. Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Ben Hasan Passes 6. Motion to approve the minutes of the Administrative Services Committee held on March 10, 2020 and August 18, 2020. Item Action: Approved Motions Motion Type Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motion Result Approve Passes Motion to approve. Motion Passes 3-0. Commissioner Bobby Williams Commissioner Ben Hasan www.augustaga.gov Administrative Services Committee Meeting 2/9/2021 1:10 PM Attendance 2/9/21 Department: Presenter: Caption: Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: , Department: Environmental Services Funds: Department Funds BID 20-265 Year 2021 2021 Non-Compliant Brand Ford Ford Non-Compliant Model F150 F150 Non-Compliant Delivery Date 90-120 DAYS 12-14 Weeks Non-Compliant Base Price 5.01 20,794.00$ 20,919.00$ Non-Compliant 6.06 Super Cab (6.5 ft. bed)2,525.00$ 22,365.00$ 6.14 Cab Steps (black)262.00$ 250.00$ 6.16 Power Windows/locks/mirrors Reg + Super 1,088.00$ 1,170.00$ 6.19 Trailer Tow Package includes 6.26 897.00$ 1,090.00$ 6.23 Cruise Control & SYNC 215.00$ 225.00$ 6.36 Spray Bed Liner 395.00$ 595.00$ 6.43 Delivery Fee 150.00$ 200.00$ 7.04 Trailer Hitch requires 6.18 or 6.19 45.00$ 295.00$ 7.06 Trailer Ball 30.00$ 50.00$ 7.08 Window Tint, ext cab 195.00$ 195.00$ 7.14 County Emergency Package 957.00$ 975.00$ OPTIONS TOTAL 6,759.00$ 5,045.00$ BASE PRICE: 20,794.00$ 22,365.00$ TOTAL FOR OPTIONS AND BASE PRICE 27,553.00$ 27,410.00$ 2021 Ford F-150 (1/2 ton) EXT COLOR: Regular Cab, 6 Cyl, 4X2 SWB INT COLOR: Equipment included in base price: 3.3L V6 flex fuel engine 6 speed Automatic Transmission Factory Installed A/C AM-FM Radio Solar Tinted Glass Power Steering/ABS Brakes Rear View back up camera Vynyl 40/20/40 Bench seat Rubber Floor Covering Full Size Spare/Step bumper Step Bumper Auto Lamp Headlights Short Bed (6.5 ft.) 6300 GVWR P245/70RX17 Tires Rain Sensing wipers 2021 Ford F-150 (1/2 ton) Crew Cab, 6 Cyl, 4X2 SWB Equipment included in base price: 3.3L V6 flex fuel engine 6 speed Automatic Transmission Factory Installed A/C AM-FM Radio Solar Tinted Glass Power Steering/ABS Brakes Rear View back up camera Vynyl 40/20/40 Bench seat Rubber Floor Covering Full Size Spare/Step bumper Step Bumper Auto Lamp Headlights Short Bed (5.5 ft.) 6300 GVWR P245/70RX17 Tires Rain Sensing wipers 5.02 5.01 FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS- Pickup Truck 6300 GVWR-BIDS OPENED 10/21/2020 @ 3:00 Master Buick GMC Allan Vigil Ford Wade Ford Department: Utilities-Customer Service Funds: Department Funds BID 20-265 Year 2021 2021 Non-Compliant Brand Ford Ford Non-Compliant Model F150 F150 Non-Compliant Delivery Date 90-120 DAYS 12-14 Weeks Non-Compliant Base Price 5.01 20,794.00$ 20,919.00$ Non-Compliant 6.14 Cab Steps (black)262.00$ 250.00$ 6.16 Power Windows/locks/mirrors Reg + Super 1,088.00$ 1,170.00$ 6.34 Tailgate Step 355.00$ 430.00$ 6.36 Spray Bed Liner 395.00$ 595.00$ 6.43 Delivery Fee 150.00$ 200.00$ 7.03 Tool Box 475.00$ 575.00$ 7.07 Window Tint, reg cab 180.00$ 185.00$ 7.14 County Emergency Package 957.00$ 975.00$ OPTIONS TOTAL 3,862.00$ 4,380.00$ BASE PRICE: 20,794.00$ 20,919.00$ TOTAL FOR OPTIONS AND BASE PRICE 24,656.00$ 25,299.00$ 2021 Ford F-150 (1/2 ton) EXT COLOR: Regular Cab, 6 Cyl, 4X2 SWB INT COLOR: Equipment included in base price: 3.3L V6 flex fuel engine 6 speed Automatic Transmission Factory Installed A/C AM-FM Radio Solar Tinted Glass Power Steering/ABS Brakes Rear View back up camera Vynyl 40/20/40 Bench seat Rubber Floor Covering Full Size Spare/Step bumper Step Bumper Auto Lamp Headlights Short Bed (6.5 ft.) 6300 GVWR P245/70RX17 Tires Rain Sensing wipers 2021 Ford F-150 (1/2 ton) Crew Cab, 6 Cyl, 4X2 SWB Equipment included in base price: 3.3L V6 flex fuel engine 6 speed Automatic Transmission Factory Installed A/C AM-FM Radio Solar Tinted Glass Power Steering/ABS Brakes Rear View back up camera Vynyl 40/20/40 Bench seat Rubber Floor Covering Full Size Spare/Step bumper Step Bumper Auto Lamp Headlights Short Bed (5.5 ft.) 6300 GVWR P245/70RX17 Tires Rain Sensing wipers 5.02 5.01 FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS- Pickup Truck 6300 GVWR-BIDS OPENED 10/21/2020 @ 3:00 Master Buick GMC Allan Vigil Ford Wade Ford Invitation to Bid Sealed bids will be received at this office until Wednesday, October 21, 2020 @ 3:00 p.m. via ZOOM Meeting ID: 994 6797 8765 Password: 008026 for furnishing for: Bid Item #20-265 6300GVWR Pickup Truck – Augusta, GA - Central Services Department – Fleet Maintenance Bid Item #20-266 2021 Midsize SUV for Augusta, GA – Central Services Department – Fleet Maintenance Bids will be received by Augusta, GA Commission hereinafter referred to as the OWNER at the offices of: Geri A. Sams, Director Augusta Procurement Department 535 Telfair Street - Room 605 Augusta, Georgia 30901 Bid documents may be viewed on the Augusta, Georgia web site under the Procurement Department ARCbid. Bid documents may Documents may be examined during regular business hours at the offices of Augusta, GA Procurement Department (706-821-2422). All questions must be submitted in writing by fax to 706 821-2811 or by email to procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov to the office of the Procurement Department by Friday, October 9, 2020 @ 5:00 P.M. No bid will be accepted by fax, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. The local bidder preference program is applicable to this project. To be approved as a local bidder and receive bid preference an eligible bidder must submit a completed and signed written application to become a local bidder at least thirty (30) days prior to the date bids are received on an eligible local project. An eligible bidder who fails to submit an application for approval as a local bidder at least thirty (30) days prior to the date bids are received on an eligible local project, and who otherwise meets the requirements for approval as a local bidder, will not be qualified for a bid preference on such eligible local project. No bids may be withdrawn for a period of ninety (90) days after bids have been opened, pending the execution of contract with the successful bidder. Invitation for bids and specifications. An invitation for bids shall be issued by the Procurement Office and shall include specifications prepared in accordance with Article 4 (Product Specifications), and all contractual terms and conditions, applicable to the procurement. All specific requirements contained in the invitation to bid including, but not limited to, the number of copies needed, the timing of the submission, the required financial data, and any other requirements designated by the Procurement Department are considered material conditions of the bid which are not waiveable or modifiable by the Procurement Director. All requests to waive or modify any such material condition shall be submitted through the Procurement Director to the appropriate committee of the Augusta, Georgia Commission for approval by the Augusta, Georgia Commission. Please mark BID number on the outside of the envelope. Bidders are cautioned that acquisition of BID documents through any source other than the office of the Procurement Department is not advisable. Acquisition of BID documents from unauthorized sources placed the bidder at the risk of receiving incomplete or inaccurate information upon which to base his qualifications. Correspondence must be submitted via mail, fax or email as follows: Augusta Procurement Department Attn: Geri A. Sams, Director of Procurement 535 Telfair Street, Room 605 Augusta, GA 30901 Fax: 706-821-2811 or Email: procbidandcontract@augustaga.gov No bid will be accepted by fax, all must be received by mail or hand delivered. GERI A. SAMS, Procurement Director Publish: Augusta Chronicle September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 2020 Metro Courier September 17, 2020 Administrative Services Committee Meeting 2/9/2021 1:10 PM 2021 Utilities Customer Service & Environmental Services F150 Department:Central Services - Fleet Management Presenter:Ron Crowden Caption:Motion to approve the purchase of three pickup trucks, at a total cost of $79,476; $54,820 to Wade Ford for Environmental Services and $27,410 to Allan Vigil Ford for Utilities (Bid 20- 265). Background:The Environmental Services Department is requesting the purchase of two new Ford F150s, one asset to be utilized by a new Code Enforcement Officer and the other asset to be utilized by the Solid Waste Collections Manager. The Utilities Department – Customer Service Division is requesting the replacement of a 2006 Ford Ranger, asset number 206059, with 130,323 miles that was disposed of due to excessive repairs needed. Bid Tab Sheets and vehicle evaluations are attached. Analysis:The Procurement Department published a competitive bid using the Demand Star application for 6300GVWR Pickup Truck (Bid #20-265). Invitations to Bid were sent to 21 vendors with two compliant vendors responding. Bid tab sheets are attached for your review. Environmental Services: Wade Ford - $27,410; Allan Vigil Ford – $27,553 Utilities: Allan Vigil Ford - $24,656; Wade Ford – $25,299 Financial Impact:Environmental Services, 2 at $27,410; total of $54,820 to Wade Ford utilizing capital account; 542-04-4110/54-22210 Utilities, 1 at $24,656 to Allan Vigil Ford utilizing capital account; 506-04- 3210/54-22210 Alternatives:(1) Approve the request; (2) Do not approve the request Recommendation:Motion to approve the purchase of three pickup trucks, at a total cost of $79,476; $54,820 to Wade Ford for Environmental Services and $27,410 to Allan Vigil Ford for Utilities (Bid 20- 265). Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: 542-04-4110/54-22210 506-04-3210/54-22210 REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Augusta, Georgia ADA Transition Plan Update 2020-Final AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 i Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 1 PROW FACILITIES SUMMARY................................................................................................................................ 3 2.0 POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................16 REMOVING BARRIERS.........................................................................................................................................16 EMPLOYEE ADA TRAINING................................................................................................................................. 18 ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS ...........................................................................................................................19 3.0 BACKGROUND................................................................................................................................................... 2 POLICY AND COMMUNICATION BENCHMARKS.......................................................................................................... 4 PROGRAM AND SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY..................................................................................................................5 ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.........................................................................................................8 ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS.................................................................................................................................. ..9 ADA REQUIREMENTS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.....................................................................................................11 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................8 TRANSITION PLAN FOR FACILITIES AND SERVICES..................................................................................................... ..6 ASSESSMENT OF POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES ............................................................................................20 4.0 ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN ROUTES..........................................................................................................................24 5.0 ACCESS TO PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.........................................................................................................21 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 21 ACCESSIBLE PARKING......................................................................................................................................... 21 TEMPORARY PARKING ....................................................................................................................................... 23 ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCES ..................................................................................................................................... 25 SIGNAGE.......................................................................................................................................................... 27 EMERGENCY SHELTERS.................................................................................................................................. 28 ACCESSIBLE EMERGENCY SHELTERS ....................................................................................................................... 28 TRANSITION PLAN PRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................. ..7 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA GOVERNMENT.........................................................................................................................9 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 16 ACRONYMS................................................................................................................................................... i FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS...............................................................................................................v GEORGIA CODES AND STANDARDS..............................................................................................................vii DEFINITIONS..................................................................................................................................................x AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 ii 7.0 PROW PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES ..................................................................................................................... 31 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 31 SIDEWALK ACCESSIBILITY.................................................................................................................................... 33 CURB RAMP ACCESSIBILITY............. ....................................................................................................................... 37 ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS ........................................................................................................................ 41 ACCESSIBLE ON-STREET PARKING ......................................................................................................................... 43 BUS STOP ACCESSIBILITY.................................................................................................................................... 45 NEED FOR A SIDEWALK ...................................................................................................................................... 48 APPENDIX A PROW FACILITIES BARRIER REMOVAL PLAN..............................................................................F-1 APPENDIX B PROGRAMS AND SERVICES BARRIER REMOVAL PLAN...............................................................F-2 Table of Figures FIGURE 4-1. MARKED ACCESS AISLE...................................................................................................................................... 21 FIGURE 4-2. TEMPORARY ACCESSIBLE PARKING........ ............................................................................................................... 23 FIGURE 4-3. ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN ROUTES........................................................................................................................ 24 FIGURE 4-4. ENTRANCE RAMP............................................................................................................................................. 25 FIGURE 4-5. ENTRANCE DOOR. ............................................................................................................................................ 26 FIGURE 4-6. DIRECTIONAL SIGN ........................................................................................................................................... 27 FIGURE 7-1. SIDEWALK CLEARANCE................................................................................................................................... ....33 FIGURE 7-2. UTILITY POLE OBSTRUCTION............................................................................................................................... 33 FIGURE 7-3. VERTICAL HEIGHT CHANGES............................................................................................................................... 34 FIGURE 7-4. HEAVING/RAISED SIDEWALK............................................................................................................................... 34 FIGURE 7-5. STEEP GRADE DUE TO TOPOGRAPHY..................................................................................................................... 35 FIGURE 7-6. STEEP CROSS-SLOPE.......................................................................................................................................... 36 FIGURE 7-7. CRACKED AND FAILING...................................................................................................................................... 36 FIGURE 7-8. OVERGROWN VEGETATION.................................................................................................................................36 FIGURE 7-9. MISSING CURB RAMP ........................................................................................................................................ 37 FIGURE 7-10. UNEVEN TRANSITION AT GUTTER.......................................................................................................................37 FIGURE 7-11. RAMP-GUTTER TRANSITIONS ............................................................................................................................ 38 FIGURE 7-12. NON-COMPLIANT CURB RAMP...........................................................................................................................39 8.0 PROW BARRIER REMOVAL PLAN ................................................................................................................. 49 VOTING ACCESS ............................................................................................................................................... 30 CRITERIA FOR PRIORITIZATION ............................................................................................................................ 49 COSTS, FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................................. 50 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................... 49 6.0 POLLING PLACES AND VOTING.................................................................................................................... 29 POLLING PLACES............................................................................................................................................... 29 9.0 PUBLIC MEETINGS AND COMMENTS ........................................................................................................... 55 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 iii FIGURE 7-13. DETECTABLE WARNING.................................................................................................................................... 39 FIGURE 7-14. MISSING CURB RAMP......................................................................................................................................41 FIGURE 7-15. BLOCKED CURB RAMP. ................................................................................................................................... 41 FIGURE 7-16. CALL BUTTON OUT OF REACH............................................................................................................................ 42 FIGURE 7-17. ISA SIGN ....................................................................................................................................................... 43 FIGURE 7-18. NO MARKED ACCESS AISLE ............................................................................................................................... 43 FIGURE 7-19. NO CURB RAMP. ........................................................................................................................................... 43 FIGURE 7-20. ANGLED ON-STREET PARKING............................................................................................................................ 44 FIGURE 7-21. NO BOARDING ACCESS.................................................................................................................................... 45 FIGURE 7-22. ADA BUS STOP STANDARD.................................................................................................................. .............46 FIGURE 7-23. ACCESSIBLE BUS SHELTER................................................................................................................................ 46 FIGURE 7-24. NO ACCESS................................................................................................................................................... 47 FIGURE 7-25. NO ACCESS TO SIDEWALK OR BUS STOP................................................................................................................ 48 FIGURE 7-26. WORN PATH................................................................................................................................................. 48 FIGURE 7-27. NO ACCESS TO BUS STOP................................................................................................................................. 48 FIGURE 8-1. HOT ZONE MAP. .............................................................................................................................................. 54 Table of Tables TABLE 4-1. ACCESSBILE PARKING MINIMUMS....................... 22 TABLE 7-1. SIDEWALK OBSTRUCTIONS................................ 33 TABLE 7-2. RAISED SECTIONS ........................................... 34 TABLE 7-3. GRADES OBSERVED......................................... 35 TABLE 7-4. CROSS-SLOPES OBSERVED................................ 36 TABLE 7-5. CURB RAMP SLOPES....................................... 38 TABLE 7-6. CURB RAMP CROSS SLOPES.............................. 39 TABLE 7-7. CURB RAMP ASSESSMENT RESULTS.................... 40 TABLE 7-8. PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL RESULTS........................... 42 TABLE 7-9. ON-STREET PARKING RESULTS.......................... 43 TABLE 7-10. ON-STREET PARKING MINIMUMS.................... 44 TABLE 7-11. SHELTERED BUS STOP RESULTS....................... 45 TABLE 7-12. NON-SHELTERED BUS STOP RESULTS................ 47 TABLE 8-1. CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES..................... 50 FIGURE 9-1. PUBLIC COMMENTS. ........................................................................................................................................ tbd AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 iv Acronyms ADA - Americans with Disability Act of 1990 and 2008 ADAAG - Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines of 2004 APS - Accessible Pedestrian Signal ASSHTO - American Assoc. of State Highway and Transportation Officials CFR - Code of Federal Regulations DOJ - Department of Justice DOT - Department of Transportation DWS - Detectable Warning Surface EEOC - Equal Employment Opportunity Commission FHWA- Federal Highway Administration FTA - Federal Transit Administration GIS- Geographic Information System GDOT – Georgia Department of Transportation IBC - International Building Code ICC/ANSI A117.1 - Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standards ISA - International Symbol of Accessibility MUTCD – Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices NPRM - Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register PROW - Public Rights-of-Way PROWAG - Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines ROW - Rights-of-Way SETP – ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan TTY - TeleTYpewriter UFAS - Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards 1991 Standards - 1991 Standards for Accessible Design 2006 DOT ADA Standards - DOT ADA Standards for Transportation Facilities 2010 Standards – 2010 Standards for Accessible Design AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 v Federal Laws and Regulations The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and the DOJ implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G apply to all entities that receive financial assistance from the Federal Government and requires that recipients do not discriminate on the basis of disability. The Department of Transportation Accessibility Standards of 2006, 49 C.F.R. Part 37 adopting new Standards for Accessible Transportation Facilities. Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended (“ADA”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12111-12117, and the EEOC implementing regulation, 29 CFR Part 1630 and the DOJ implementing regulation 28 C.F.R. Part 37.1 apply to all state and local government entities. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended (“ADA”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12131-12165, and the DOJ implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 apply to all state and local government entities' services including public transportation. Title III Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended (“ADA”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12181-12189, and the DOJ implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 36 apply to all places of business serving the public (public accommodation). Title IV Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended (“ADA”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 12201-12213, and the DOJ implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35 include provisions for the U.S. Access Board to issue accessibility standards and provide technical assistance. Title II Regulations 28 C.F.R. § 35.105, which requires public entities to conduct self-evaluations of their programs, policies, practices and services, provide an opportunity for interested persons with disabilities to participate in the process by submitting comments, and make modifications necessary to comply with the Department’s Title II regulations; 28 C.F.R. § 35.106, which requires public entities to notify applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons of their rights and the City’s obligations under Title II and the Department’s regulations; 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(a), which requires public entities to designate a responsible employee to coordinate their efforts to comply with Title II and carry out the City’s ADA responsibilities; 28 C.F.R. § 35.107(b), which requires public entities to establish a grievance procedure for resolving complaints of violations of Title II; 28 C.F.R. § 35.108, which defines "disability" to mean: (1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) a record of such impairment, or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment. 28 C.F.R. § 35.133, which requires public entities to maintain those features of facilities and equipment that are required to be readily accessible and usable by persons with disabilities. 28 C.F.R. § 35.134, which requires prohibits retaliation or coercion by pubic and private entities against any individual in the exercise of any right granted or protected by the ADA. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 vi delivering services, programs, or activities in alternate ways, such as by redesigning equipment, reassigning services, assigning aides, and undertaking home visits; and making physical changes to buildings, in accordance with the Department’s Title II regulation, 28 C.F.R. §35.151, and the ADA Standards for Accessible Design (“Standards”) or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (“UFAS”); 28 C.F.R. § 35.151, which requires public entities to ensure that facilities which newly constructed or for which alteration began after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities, in accordance with: 1) the Department’s Title II regulation; and 2) the Standards or UFAS; 28 C.F.R. § 35.160, which requires public entities to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with others, including furnishing auxiliary aids and services when necessary; 28 C.F.R. § 35.161, which requires public entities to communicate through use of a teletypewriter (TTY), or other equally effective telecommunications system, with individuals who have hearing or speech impairments; 28 C.F.R. § 35.162, which requires public entities to provide direct access via TTY or computer to telephone emergency services, including 911 services, for persons who use TTY’s and computer modems; 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(a), which requires public entities to provide information for interested persons with disabilities concerning the existence and location of the City’s accessible services, activities, and facilities; and 28 C.F.R. § 35.163(b), which requires public entities to provide signage at all inaccessible entrances to each of its facilities, directing users to an accessible entrance or to information about accessible facilities. 28 C.F.R. § 35.136, which requires public entities to modify its policies, practices or procedures to permit the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability. 28 C.F.R. § 35.137, which requires public entities to permit individuals with mobility devices to use wheelchairs, other power-driven mobility devices and manually-powered mobility devices in any areas open to pedestrian use. 28 C.F.R. § 35.138, which requires public entities to comply with the regulations in this part governing the sale of wheelchair and companion seat tickets to events. 28 C.F.R. § 35.140, which requires prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of disability under any service, program or activity conducted by a public entity. 28 C.F.R. § 35.150, which requires public entities to operate each program, service, and activity so that, when viewed in their entirety, they are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, by: AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 vii Georgia Codes O.C.G.A. Title 30 Chapter 3 - Access To and Use of Public Facilities by Persons with Disabilities It is the intent of this chapter to eliminate, insofar as possible, the unnecessary physical barriers encountered by persons with disabilities or elderly persons whose ability to participate in the social and economic life of this state is needlessly restricted when such persons cannot readily use government buildings, public buildings, and facilities used by the public. The specific amenities to be required include: - accessible parking spaces in the required number- least one van accessible space - accessible pedestrian route - accessible entrances - accessible restrooms and shower facilities if provided- accessible seating, tables and work surfaces All government buildings, public buildings, and facilities receiving permits for construction or renovation after July 1, 1984, but before July 1, 1995, shall comply with the American National Standards Institute specifications A117.1-1980 or A117.1-1986 (ANSI A117), as applicable, for making buildings accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. All government and public buildings receiving permits for construction or renovation after July 1, 1995, shall comply with the regulations adopted by the Fire Safety Commission which establish the minimum state standards for accessibility. Any component of a building, structure or facility, which is replaced or moved, except for the purpose of repair shall be required to meet the ANSI A117.1 Standard. Renovations subject to these requirements include the resurfacing, restriping, or repainting of any parking facility whether or not such renovations are required to have a permit from the local governing authorities. All covered multi-family dwellings constructed for first occupancy for any purpose, or issued a building permit or renewal thereof by a local government after March 31, 1993, shall be designed to have at least one building entrance on an accessible route unless it is technically infeasible to do so. Additionally, the public and common use areas must be readily accessible and usable by persons with disabilities, all doors within all premises sufficiently wide to allow passage by persons in wheelchairs and the required features of adaptable design with regard to the features in the covered dwelling units. Local governing authorities shall be responsible for the administration and enforcement of this chapter with regard to all government and public buildings and facilities which are not under the jurisdiction of the State Safety Fire Commissioner or the Board of Regents. The local governing authority shall have all necessary powers to promulgate rules, regulations and procedures to implement and enforce their responsibilities. Local building code officials or the local fire department having jurisdiction over the buildings in question shall from time to time inform, in writing, professional organizations, architects and engineers of this chapter and its application. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 viii Georgia Accessibility Code Chapter 120-3-20 Pursuant to the authority established under O.C.G.A. § 30-3, the Georgia Accessibility Code is the state accessible design regulation adopted by the Safety Fire Commissioner. It establishes the minimum state standards for accessibility in covered buildings receiving permits for construction or renovation after July 1997 and was revised effective March 14, 2012. At that time, the State Fire Marshal's office adopted the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which established the minimal accessibility standards for new construction and renovations as set by the DOJ. The entities responsible for the enforcement of the Georgia Accessibility Code are the State Fire Marshal's Office, The Board of Regents and Local Governing Authorities. Variances from the Georgia Accessibility Code may only be granted from the Commissioner of Insurance. State and local fire and building officials have the authority to administer and enforce the Georgia Accessibility Code, but not the ADA which is enforced by Federal agencies and courts. O.C.G.A. Title 40, Chapter 6, Article 10, Part 2 - Parking for Persons with Disabilities The provisions of this part are applicable to both public and private property. All law enforcement officers of this state and its political subdivisions are expressly authorized to enforce the provisions of this part on private property as well as on public property. A property owner who is required to provide parking places for persons with disabilities shall designate each such place with a blue reflective sign meeting the applicable requirements specified by Code 40-6-221. Any business may elect to designate parking places for persons with disabilities for the non- ambulatory. Such parking places shall be in addition to any parking places required under O.C.G.A. § 30-3. Such parking places shall be marked by a sign bearing the words "Parking for Persons with Disabilities--Non-ambulatory Persons Only". The term non- ambulatory means a person who is permanently disabled and who is dependent upon crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair for locomotion. Offenses (a) It shall be unlawful for a person to stop, stand or park any vehicle in a parking place for persons with disabilities unless the vehicle displays a valid parking permit for persons with disabilities or a special license plate for disabled veterans or other disabled persons and unless such a person is the driver or passenger in the vehicle. (b) It shall be unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park in a parking place for persons with disabilities except for the purpose of allowing a disabled person to enter or get out of such a vehicle while in such a parking space. (c) It shall be unlawful for any person to stop, stand, or park any vehicle inany areas directly connecting with a parking place for persons with disabilities that is clearly designated for access to such a parking place. (d) It shall be unlawful for anyone other than for whom a disabled parking permit is issued to make use of a parking permit. (e) No person shall park a vehicle so as to block any entrance or exit ramp used by persons with disabilities on public or private property. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 ix Fines The fine for illegally parking, blocking or stopping in a parking place designated for use by people with disabilities or the use of a parking permit by someone other than the person to whom it was assigned shall be subject to a fine of not less than $100.00 and not more than $500.00. Any property owner who is required to provide parking places for persons with disabilities who fails to designate each parking place with a sign meeting the requirements of Code Section 4-6-221 shall be subject to a fine of $150.00 for each place which is not so designated; however that fine will be waived if the required designation is made within 14 days from the date of the citation. Towing In addition to the fines above, any vehicle which is illegally parked in a parking place for persons with disabilities marked "Tow-Away Zone" on public or private property, may be towed away by law enforcement or official security agency of said property at the expense of the owner of leaser of the vehicle. Enforcement All law enforcement officers of this state and its political subdivisions is expressly authorized to enforce the provisions of this part on private property as well as on public property. Any county or municipal law enforcement agency of the state which is empowered to enforce the provisions of this part may, at its discretion, appoint any person who is a citizen of the United States, is of good moral character, and has not previously been convicted of a felony to enforce the provisions of Code 40-6-226 within the county or municipality in which the appointing law enforcement agency exercises jurisdiction. Any person appointed and sworn pursuant to this subsection shall be authorized to enforce the provisions of this part in the same manner as any law enforcement officer of the state or any county or municipality of the state subject to the limitations provided in subsection (b) and (c) of the Code section. GDOT Adoption of PROWAG The U.S. Access Board's Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) have not yet been passed by Congress as Federal Regulations. The U.S. Department of Justice currently permits the use of either the 2010 ADA Standards or PROWAG to be used on public sidewalks or on-street parking. Nevertheless, FHWA and GDOT have both adopted the use of PROWAG as part of their Complete Streets Policies. The GDOT Design Policy Manual (2017) states, "Where pedestrian accommodations are provided, they must be accessible by all potential users. Therefore, GDOT adopts the PROWAG requirements as minimum standards for the design of pedestrian accommodations. If meeting a PROWAG requirement is either structurally impractical, technically infeasible, or will result in an unsafe condition, then a decision to select a value or retain an existing condition that does not meet the criteria defined in the PROWAG shall require a comprehensive study by an engineer and the prior approval of a Design Variance from the GDOT Chief Engineer." x AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Glossary of Terms Accessible - Refers to a site, facility, work environment, service, or program that is easy to approach, enter, operate, participate in, and/or use safely and with dignity by a person with a disability. Accessibility - The degree of usability and design of a physical environment allowing for unobstructed and barrier-free entrance and movement, and that the facilities, equipment, and communication tools are such that they are easily used without adaptation by a person with a disability. Access Board - The independent Federal agency responsible for developing the ADA Standards for Accessible Design which also provides technical assistance and training on the 2010 Standards. The agency was historically referred to as the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. ADA Notice - The required ADA Notice of Non-Discrimination which provides the public with the contact information for the ADA Coordinator and with information on the availability of disability accommodations for applicants and employee, alternative formats, reasonable accommodations and an ADA Grievance process. Alteration - A change to a facility or the public right-of-way that affects, or could affect, access or use of the facility, including changes to structure, grade, or use of the facility. Examples: renovations beyond routine repairs or maintenance, upgrades, reconstruction, major rehabilitation, widening, functional and structural overlays, signal installation and resurfacing of pavement. Alternative Format - Modification of documents and communication into a format that provides access to persons with disabilities. Alternative formats include large print, Braille, audio, transcripts, captioning, accessible PDFs, hard copy and electronic formatting that is compatible with screen reading software. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - The 1990 Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, state and local government programs and activities, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. The ADA requires barrier removal and ADA Transition Plans. The ADA Amendments Act was passed in 2008 and expanded the definition of who is a person with a disability. Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) - The 2004 scoping and technical requirements for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings and facilities that were incorporated into the 2010 ADA Standards and the 2006 DOT ADA Standards. These three sets of standards are very similar. However, each contains some additional requirements not contained in the others. ANSI ICC A117.1A 2009 - The American National Standard (ANSI) for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities that are part of the International Building Code (IBC). Auxiliary Services - Services provided to individuals with disabilities that enable them to have equal access to programs, services or communications. Auxiliary services must be provided free of charge. Auxiliary services do not include services of a personal nature that are unrelated to providing access. Examples of auxiliary services include sign language interpreting, scribing or reading and assisting transit riders with boarding and exiting vehicles. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 xi Barrier Removal - Removing, replacing or modifying elements that limit or impede access; it may include the installation of curb cuts or ramps, lowering or raising the height of fixtures, repositioning items such as kiosks, furniture or newspaper boxes or other modifications which may provide access. It may include providing services in an alternative manner or location. Covered Agency - Under the ADA, "covered agency" is an agency that must comply with the law. Under Title II, “covered entities” include state and local governments and public transportation systems. Complaint – A complaint is a claimed violation of the ADA. Complimentary Paratransit - Public transit services that provide on-demand curb-to-curb transportation for people with disabilities who cannot use fixed route buses. Paratransit services are meant to compliment the fixed route services and are regulated by the FTA. Curb Ramp – A curb ramp is a short ramp cutting through a curb to allow access from a wheeled vehicle from one level to another. Usually from the street or parking to the sidewalk. DOT ADA Standards of 2006 - The ADA Standards that apply to public transit facilities. They include some requirements that are specific to transit facilities, path of travel requirements, ticketing, transit vehicles and bus stop requirements. Facility - All or any portion of buildings, structures, improvements, elements, pedestrian routes including across streets, bus stops, parking lots, passenger loading zones and on- street parking. Maintenance - Activities intended to preserve the system, retard future deterioration, and maintain functional condition of a facility. (Maintenance is not an alteration, but pavement resurfacing is an alteration.) Marked Crossing – A marked crossing is a crosswalk tor other identified path intended for pedestrian use in crossing a vehicular travel way. These consist of curb-to-curb crossing on street corners or mid-block crossings. Maximum Extent Feasible - Applies to the occasional case where technical infeasibility or the natural terrain of a site makes it virtually impossible to comply fully with applicable accessibility standards. In these circumstances, the alteration shall provide the maximum physical accessibility feasible. Pedestrian Access Route - A continuous and unobstructed path of travel provided for pedestrians with disabilities within or coinciding with a pedestrian circulation path. Pedestrian Circulation Path - A prepared exterior or interior surface provided for pedestrian travel in the public right-of-way. Person with a Disability - An individual who has a substantial impairment in a major life function or a major bodily function, has a history of such an impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment. The ADAAA of 2008, broadened the definition to provide protections to more people and to include significant temporary impairments. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 xii Place of Public Accommodation - Any private business or non-profit that provides goods or services to the public. Title III of the ADA requires that places of public accommodation cannot discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Places of public accommodation with more than 15 employees are also required to comply with Title I of the ADA. Project Civic Access - Compliance reviews of local governments that are independently initiated by the Department of Justice under the authority of Title II or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Reviews result in Settlement Agreements that outline the actions required to remediate deficiencies found and timelines for completing the actions. Program Accessibility - Central requirement/standards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as the ADA, which requires that recipients of Federal funds or contracts and/or state and local government entities operate programs and activities so that “when viewed in its entirety,” such program/activity is readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. Public Agency - Any state or local government, department agency, special- purpose district, or other instrumentality of a state or states or local government, and any public transportation authority. Public Right-of-Way - Public land or property, usually in interconnected corridors, that is acquired for or dedicated to transportation purposes such as streets and sidewalks. Public Transportation - Ground transportation services provided to the public by a local government entity. Public transportation services include buses and rail transportation and are regulated by the FTA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Public transportation services, vehicles and facilities must comply with the FTA accessibility regulations and the DOT ADA Standards of 2006. Qualified Individual with a Disability - An individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodations, meets the essential eligibility requirements for receipt of services or participation in a program or activity or employment with a Title II or Title II entity. Readily Achievable - Something that is able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense. In determining whether an action is readily achievable, factors to be considered include nature and cost of the action in relation to total project budget, legitimate safety requirements that are not predicated on stereotypes, and, if applicable, the overall financial resources of any parent agency. Under Title II, a public agency must remove barriers in existing facilities if it is readily achievable to do so. Reasonable Accommodation - Modifications or adjustments to a service, activity, program, work environment, or job description which provides a person with a disability equal opportunity for participation and benefit. Reasonable accommodation is a key nondiscrimination requirement of the ADA. Examples may include: modifying policies or procedures, providing alternative formats or auxiliary services to ensure communication, providing assistive technology, or removing architectural or transportation barriers. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 xiii Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by Federal agencies, in programs receiving Federal financial assistance, in Federal employment, and in the employment practices of Federal contractors. The standards for determining employment discrimination under the Rehabilitation Act are the same as those used in Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act- States that "no qualified individual with a disability in the United States shall be excluded from, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under" any program or activity of an entity that receives Federal financial assistance. Self-Evaluation - Required by ADA Title II, a self-evaluation identifies, reviews, and analyzes the public facilities, programs, activities, and services provided by state and local governments, and documents the accessibility and/or accessibility deficiencies of each. Service Animal - A dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to complete tasks for a person with a disability. Service Animals are permitted to accompany their handler into all government and private facilities that are open to the public or provide services or goods to the public, transportation vehicles and facilities, places of education or employment, residential and temporary lodging facilities and emergency shelters. SPLOST- Special-Purpose-Local-Option Sales Tax is a local sales tax used for funding local capital improvement projects. Projects funded include renovating public facilities such as road improvements and construction, building construction and construction of recreational facilities. Transition Plan - The required formal plan for remediation developed from the self-evaluation that documents the ongoing effort to improve compliance with the ADA over time. The transition plan includes actions, budgets and timelines for remediation actions and identifies the person or department responsible for overseeing the remediation. Undue Burden - With respect to complying with Title II or Title III of the ADA, the identified administrative or financial costs associated with providing an accommodation or making program, service or activity accessible are determined to be excessively burdensome. The financial resources of the entire entity, rather than a single program or department, must taken into consideration when making the determination of undue financial burden. The executive officer of the entity must sign-off on the written denial of accommodation or access on the basis of undue burden. Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards - The accessibility standards that along with the 1991 Standards applied to Title II facilities constructed or altered prior to the effective date of the 2010 Standards on March 15, 2012. UFAS still applies to FHA multi-family complexes. Visual Impairment - Loss or partial loss of vision not correctable by regular eyeglasses. 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design - The scoping requirements and technical standards for facility accessibility that apply to all Title II and Title III facility renovations or new construction that began on or after March 15, 2012. They replaced the 1991 ADA Standards, ADAAG and UFAS. They have been incorporated into the International Building Code (IBC) and American National Standard (ANSI) accessibility codes that are adopted as Georgia State Building Codes. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 1.0 INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction According to the 2017 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, Richmond County is home to 31,996 people with disabilities. Disabilities impact all ages, but the prevalence of disabilities from mobility impairments, respiratory impairments, chronic medical conditions and visual impairments increases with age. People with disabilities are more likely than their peers to be living in poverty and to utilize public transportation, public facilities, public services and emergency shelters. Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is the comprehensive federal civil rights law that protects individuals from disability- based discrimination. Public entities must comply with Titles I and II of the ADA and ensure that employment practices and public services, activities and programs provide equal access to persons with disabilities and must develop an ADA Transition Plan for removal of the identified barriers to equal access. Enforcement of the ADA is carried out by the DOJ, DOT, FTA, EEOC, FAA and U.S. District Courts in response to complaints. Title II of the ADA is also enforced through DOJ Project Civic Access Compliance Reviews. ADA Transition Plan Updates fulfill the required comprehensive planning for ADA compliance by identifying and planning for the removal of both structural and non-structural barriers to equal access. The ADA Transition Plan Updates also serve to notify the public of the location of both accessible and inaccessible facilities and services and inform persons with disabilities of their right to request reasonable accommodations, auxiliary services and alternative formats. Since January 26, 1992, all altered or newly constructed buildings and recreation, pedestrian, parking and transit facilities have been required to comply with the ADA technical standards in effect at the time construction begins. The ADA Standards have been incorporated into the International Building Code (IBC) adopted by Georgia, the Official Code of Georgia, the DOT ADA Standards and the GDOT Design Policy Manual. New construction must fully meet the current ADA scoping and technical standards. Renovations of facilities must meet the current accessibility standards unless doing so is technically infeasible. When complete accessibility or compliance cannot be achieved, the duty to provide access to services and programs remains. Designs and budgets for facility renovations must include the required accessible pedestrian route improvements to, into and within the facility with costs for providing an accessible route capped at 20% of the total project budget. The required accessible route connects accessible parking and site arrival locations to primary function areas. Evading compliance with the ADA by dividing a renovation project into a series of smaller alterations is prohibited. Exceptions to accessibility requirements based upon cost or technical infeasibility must be appropriately documented, and compliance with the accessibility standards must be achieved to the maximum extent possible. Inaccessible facilities that have not been renovated since 1992, must be made accessible through temporary measures or must post a public notice of who to contact to request accessible services or reasonable accommodations. When facilities or services are not accessible, reasonable accommodations must be provided. However, if a municipality can demonstrate that complying would be administratively or financially overburdensome, then it is not required to provide the requested ADA reasonable accommodation. All such denials must based upon a case-by-case analysis and documented as approved by the chief executive or a designee. 1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Background Augusta, Georgia completed two prior ADA Self-evaluation and Transition Plans (SETPs) in 2007 and 2016 in response to requests from the FHWA. Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides that local governments must ensure that all of their programs, activities and services are conducted in a non-discriminatory manner and provide equal access to persons with disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs or with visual or hearing impairments. An ADA Self-evaluation consists of an accessibility survey of all public facilities including public sidewalks, crosswalks and bus stops and an accessibility review all services, programs and activities. The required ADA Transition Plan charts the required remedial actions and must include proposed timelines, project budgets and identify the individuals responsible for the removal of the identified physical barriers and the modification of discriminatory policies, practices and procedures. The 2007 ADA/504 Plan identified the Administrator as the ADA Coordinator and included a plan for hiring an ADA Consultant and establishing an ADA Task Force. ADA training of Augusta-Richmond County staff and supervisors was initiated. The 2007 ADA/504 Plan highlighted the following areas: - A plan for improving the accessibility of all websites and digital content -The need to establish a process for converting documents into accessible formats -An ADA compliance review of Augusta Public Transit policies and services -A plan for the remediation of bus stops and sidewalks along Wrightsboro Road -A 3-month schedule for routine curb ramp inspections and maintenance In 2012, the Georgia Division of FHWA requested the submission of a copy of the Augusta ADA Self-Assessment and Transition Plan and required the inclusion of an inventory of all non-compliant sidewalks, crosswalks, bus stops, signs and pedestrian signals and a timeline for their remediation. Cranston Engineering was hired to complete the assessment. The 2016 ADA Self-evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP) focused on the accessibility of the pedestrian facilities in the public-rights-of-way (PROW) in downtown Augusta and near schools and bus stops. The public sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian crosswalks and bus stops were evaluated using the federal accessibility standards and an impedance-based scoring system. The results were used to create a prioritized list of remediation projects with projected budgets that was intended to serve as an ADA Transition Plan for the sidewalks and bus stops evaluated. The 2016 SETP report included an overview of Titles I - V of the ADA and the Administrative Requirements of Title II along with recommendations for meeting those requirements. A survey of City websites and a survey of department directors' knowledge of the requirements of the ADA was used to evaluate the ADA compliance of Augusta, Georgia's policies, practices and procedures. The 2016 ADA SETP was adopted by the Augusta, Georgia Commission on February 6, 2018, and submitted to Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) on April 11, 2018 for inclusion in the Georgia State ADA Transition Plan submitted to FHWA. Effective beginning in 2019, GDOT will require that an ADA Transition Plan Update be submitted to the GDOT ADA Coordinator annually. 1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary 2 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 PROW Facilities Summary In the 2016 SETP, a total of 234 miles of sidewalk were evaluated for accessibility with 25% of the sidewalk sections having vertical cracks of one-half inch or greater. Of the 588 bus stops evaluated, 522 were lacking concrete pads or had non-compliant boarding areas that measured less than the required minimum 96" x 60" in size, and 241 did not connect to an accessible sidewalk. A "Hot Zone Map" of the sidewalk and curb ramp assessments completed by Cranston Engineering in 2016 may be found on page 54 of this document. The 2016 SETP identified over $105 million in needed sidewalk and bus stop remediation. Citizen requests for sidewalk or curb ramp repairs or remediation of accessibility are captured in Cityworks through Augusta 311 and the ADA Complaint Process and forwarded to Traffic Engineering. Between 2/2015 and 5/2019 there were 144 citizen requests for sidewalk or curb ramp remediation. Accessibility Remediation Progress There were 14 large street projects scheduled to begin between 2016 and 2018 that included sidewalks, pedestrian signals and curb ramp improvements. An additional 9 large street projects are funded and scheduled to begin between 2019 and 2022 that include sidewalk and curb ramp improvements. The projected budget for the sidewalk and curb ramp improvements in these street projects is expected to be approximately $12 million and will significantly improve the accessibility of pedestrian facilities in the public-rights-of-way in Augusta - Richmond County. In 2015, SPLOST 7 funding included $2 million in funds to be used towards ADA sidewalk remediation and $680,000 towards bus shelters and ADA compliant bus pads. Those funds will be depleted by the end of 2019 and additional funding will be needed to continue the remediation projects that fall outside of large road improvement projects and to respond to citizen complaints of dangerous or inaccessible sidewalks and bus stops. Sidewalks cracked by tree roots and curb ramps with excess slope and cross slope make many sidewalks dangerous or inaccessible for people in wheelchairs. The majority of bus stops remain inaccessible to wheelchairs because they do not connect to accessible sidewalks or the street or boarding access is blocked by parked vehicles. Accessible on-street parking spaces are required to ensure that individuals with a disabilities have access to restaurants, services, businesses, jobs and apartments. Georgia disabled permit parking spaces have been added downtown, but still fall short of number required. Additional spaces are planned for the downtown area in 2019. All Georgia disabled permit parking spaces, passenger loading zones newly constructed or renovated must meet the DOJ, DOT and GDOT technical standards. Providing sufficient ADA compliant parking for large downtown events creates a challenge due to the ADA requirement that all accessible parking spaces must be located in the parking spaces nearest the accessible entrance to the event. Traffic Engineering and Recreation and Parks work with events downtown to ensure compliance by creating temporary ADA permit parking spaces clustered near the event entrance as required by the Department of Justice guidelines. 1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary 3 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Policy and Communication Benchmarks The administrative requirements of designating an ADA Coordinator, establishing a Disability Complaint Procedure and posting an ADA Notice of Non-discrimination have been completed. The self-evaluation of all policies, programs, services and communications is predicated on staff knowledge of the ADA. Therefore, staff training has been initiated to ensure that employees have an understanding of the ADA, Section 504 and Georgia accessibility codes as they apply to local government services. ADA training has been part of New Hire Orientation since May 2017. The ADA Coordinator has also provided ADA training to groups of staff in Recreation and Parks, Traffic Engineering and the 911 Call Center. Risk Management supervisors from several departments received ADA Training in conjunction with their annual EEO Training. The Sheriff's Office has initiated comprehensive training of officers which focuses on interacting with individuals with disabilities. Progress has been made in meeting the effective communication requirements of the ADA. Training on answering Georgia Relay Service calls was provided to front desk staff from across all departments, Sheriffs Office staff, RCCI staff and all Augusta 311 staff. Georgia Relay training is included in New Hire Orientation. Vendors who provide sign language interpretation and Braille production services have been identified. Assistive listening devices for events in the Commission Chambers are available, and a notice has been posted near the chambers entrance. The websites for Augusta Regional Airport, the Sheriffs Office, Augusta Transit, Appleby Library and Environmental Services have been reviewed for the inclusion of the required information on accessibility requests and ADA complaint procedures. The requirements for providing accessible web content and accessible online forms and documents have been reviewed with Information Technology staff and Human Resources staff. As result, a prominent link for Accessibility Requests and the ADA Non-discrimination Notice are linked in the footer of the augustaga.gov website, and the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Policy for job applicants and employees is linked on the Human Resources website. ADA liaisons have been established in several departments including the Sheriffs Office, Augusta Regional Airport, Recreation and Parks, Central Services, Transit, Traffic Engineering, Planning and Development, Libraries and the Board of Elections. The ADA Coordinator has worked with these departmental liaisons to evaluate their departmental policies, services and facilities for accessibility and to identify, prioritize and monitor remediation efforts. The identification and remediation of structural and non-structural barriers to accessibility are ongoing in these and other departments. During 2019, the Planning and Development Department began the process of updating the off-street parking ordinances which will include a section on Accessible Parking that reflects the requirements of Georgia Code and the 201 0 ADA Standards. This will provide specific and enforceable standards for the construction and resurfacing of parking facilities in Augusta - Richmond County. The Planning and Development Department has also begun work on a local Complete Streets Policy that will provide guidance for enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility in future street renovation and construction projects. 1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary 4 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Program and Services Accessibility The Augusta, Georgia ADA Transition Plans must go beyond the facilities in the public-rights-of way evaluated in 2016. Sequential transition plans may be used to achieve a comprehensive plan for remediation. Facilities and services that have been documented on a Transition Plan and fully remediated do not need to be included in the next update. All buildings included this report have been surveyed for "Priority 1" accessibility, which includes evaluating that sufficient numbers of appropriately marked accessible parking spaces are present and that curb ramps, pedestrian routes from parking and building entrances are accessible. In addition to Priority 1 accessibility, facilities used as emergency shelters and cooling shelters were also surveyed to identify facilities with accessible restrooms and accessible shower facilities. Forty-two non-recreational facilities were surveyed. The Law Department, Appleby Library, the Agricultural Extension Services Office and the Humane Society were found to lack accessible entrances. The Law Department has a planned renovation to begin in 2019 that will create an accessible entrance that connects to ADA parking in the Municipal Campus parking lot. Appleby Library, the Extension Office and the Humane Society all lack designated ADA compliant parking, an accessible pedestrian route and an accessible entrance. Installing ADA and Georgia Code compliant parking at these facilities should not be delayed until the buildings are accessible. The ADA requires that all inaccessible facilities shall post accessibility notices to the public at the bottom of their stairs and on their websites. The notices must include a phone number that can be called for assistance and information. Staff shall be trained on how to provide the public with information on the availability of disability accommodations at these locations and the availability of services at alternative locations that are fully accessible. The Augusta Recreation and Parks Department is currently improving program accessibility at several facilities. Repainting parking to include access aisles, adding the official Georgia accessible parking signs at the required height and repairing cracked and uneven sidewalks are all "readily achievable" improvements in accessibility that can be accomplished easily and at minimal expense. SPLOST funds have been designated for maintaining, improving and extending the sidewalks at several recreations centers and at Magnolia Cemetery and will positively impact the ADA compliance at these facilities. Only the recreation and community center facilities that are currently used for emergency shelters, cooling shelters or polling locations are included in the current Transition Plan Update. Forty-two polling locations were surveyed for program accessibility and for interior access to the voting area. It has been a long standing policy of the Board of Elections that all polling locations are evaluated for accessibility prior to being selected. In 2018, one polling location at Minnick Park required the installation of a threshold ramp and Wallace Branch Library required remediation of public sidewalk curb ramps. Two locations will be moved to more accessible facilities prior to the first 2020 elections. Temporary measures approved by the U.S. Department of Justice are used to improve accessibility at voting locations that are not owned by Augusta, Georgia. Temporary remediation measures include adding temporary parking and directional signs, marking access aisles, adding door buzzers and placing rubber mats over uneven concrete. 1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary 5 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Augusta-Richmond County emergency shelters are located at public community centers, public schools and a few churches. Augusta, Georgia currently has 30 identified facilities that may be used as emergency or cooling shelters. All shelters surveyed provide accessible parking, accessible pedestrian routes from parking and accessible entrances. All but 3 have wheelchair accessible restrooms and 14 have accessible shower facilities. Shelters with accessible restroom and shower facilities and refrigeration equipment are necessary for individuals who are disabled or take medication which requires refrigeration. None of the current shelters indicated that they had facilities for service dogs or emotional support animals during an emergency. Augusta Regional Airport has made several improvements to the physical accessibility of their facility and flights. New accessible boarding bridges have replaced the steps used to board the planes at both gates. Renovated restrooms meet the most current accessibility standards and accessible unisex restrooms have automatic door openers. Passenger Assistance Liaisons provide wheelchair and baggage assistance to passengers with disabilities. Transition Plans for Facilities and Services The current Augusta Georgia ADA Transition Plans for PROW Pedestrian Facilities and Augusta-Richmond County Services and Programs may be found in Appendices A and B of this document. The projects listed in Appendix A includes sidewalks and bus stops remediated since the 2016 SETP or funded and scheduled for remediation at this time. PROW accessibility remediation projects funded through SPLOST 8 and TIA in 2023 or later will be included in the next Transition Plan Update as information becomes available. The Augusta-Richmond County Commission has proposed a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for bus stops that would include 125 ADA compliant bus stops with ADA compliant shelters and installation of 500 ADA compliant bus stop signs, The current Transition Plan for Public Programs and Services other than recreational services and fire stations may be found in the Appendix B of this document and includes accessible parking, accessible routes from arrival points and entrance accessibility. Subsequent ADA Transition Plan Updates will include Recreational Programs and services and Fire Station accessibility as well as accessibility surveys of the interior features of public buildings such as service desks, restrooms, signage, water fountains and major function areas. Compliant and fully remediated facilities will not be included in future ADA Transition Plan Updates. The current ADA Transition Plan Update is part of the required ongoing commitment by Augusta, Georgia to evaluate and remediate facilities and policies that create barriers to the equal participation of individuals with disabilities. The Augusta, Georgia ADA Transition Plan is a living document that is required by federal law and must be updated annually and submitted to GDOT. Improvements in accessibility that goes beyond the minimum requirements benefits the community as a whole, and its incorporation into any planning process could provide benefits beyond basic compliancy without adding to the ultimate cost of development. 1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary 6 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Transition Plan Priorities The Augusta, Georgia ADA Transition Plan Updates must be comprehensive and go beyond Augusta's public facilities to include administrative policies and procedures, communications, and services, programs and activities. Facilities, services, programs and activities that have been documented on a Transition Plan and fully remediated do not need to be included in the next update as individual items unless they become inaccessible. Overtime, older inaccessible facilities, services, policies and communications will be improved or replaced by accessible ones. The recommended priorities for bringing Augusta, Georgia's policies, practices and procedures into compliance with federal and state accessibility laws and regulations include the following: •Provide annual ADA Title 1 -V compliance training to all City of Augusta employees •Include the ADA Employee Reasonable Accommodation Policies in the PPPM •Ensure that all websites are ADA compliant and include accessibility notices •Establish processes for creating accessible web-content and alternative formats •Budget and establish process for captioning or transcribing online videos •Establish a Citizen's Accessibility Advisory Council •Budget for sidewalk and bus stop accessibility remediation requests from citizens •Budget for curb ramp remediation and installation in all road resurfacing projects •Enforce Georgia State Traffic Code - "Parking for Persons with Disabilities" •Establish local accessibility codes reflective of Georgia State Accessibility Codes •Update the 2004 Street and Road Design Manual to include the ADA PROW requirements •Establish a local code for "no parking" zones at bus stops to ensure accessibility •Establish a local code for "on-street residential disabled permit parking" •Ensure that all bus stop pads connect to accessible sidewalks with curb ramps •Ensure that ADA compliant pedestrian routes around construction are provided •Designate the required number of on-street accessible parking spaces •Ensure that angled on-street parking has access aisles and curb ramps •Budget for accessibility remediation of Polling Places and Emergency Shelters •Ensure emergency management procedures are fully ADA Compliant •Ensure that all emergency shelters have ADA compliant restrooms •Ensure that all city-owned parking complies with the ADA and Georgia Codes •Ensure that all facility renovations comply with accessible route of travel requirements •Ensure that all facility renovations are compliant with Georgia Accessibility Codes •Ensure that facilities have ADA directional signage at non-accessible entrances 1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary 7 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 2.0 ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Introduction As a local government entity, the City of Augusta is required to comply with Title II of the ADA and its implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 35. Because the City receives funds from several agencies of the Federal Government, it is also required to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulation, 28 C.F.R. Part 42, Subpart G. This ADA Transition Plan Update is serves to meet the following requirements of Title II: 1.) to conduct self-evaluations of their programs, policies, practices and services; 2.) to make modifications necessary to comply with the Title II regulations; 3.) to notify applicants, participants, beneficiaries and other interested persons of their rights and the City's obligations under Title II; 4.) to designate a responsible employee to coordinate their efforts to comply with Title II and carry out the City's ADA responsibilities; 5.) to establish a grievance procedure for resolving complaints of violations of Title II; 6.) to operate each program service and activity so that when viewed in their entirety, they are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities by: -making physical changes to facilities in accordance with the ADA Standards, and -delivering services, programs or activities in alternate ways; 7.) to ensure that facilities that are newly constructed or for which alteration began after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible and usable by people with disabilities in accordance with the ADA Standards in effect at the time of construction; 8.) to ensure that communications with applicants, participants and members of the public with disabilities are as effective as communications with other, including furnishing auxiliary aids or services when necessary; 9.) to communicate through the use of a teletypewriter or other effective communications system, with individuals who have hearing or speech impairments; 10.) provide direct access to telephone emergency services, including 911 services, for persons who use teletypewriters or computers to telephone emergency services; 11.) to provide information to interested persons with disabilities concerning the existence and location of the City's accessible services, activities and facilities; 12.) to provide signage at all inaccessible entrances to each of its facilities, directing users to an accessible entrance or to information about accessible facilities and services; and 13.) to maintain all accessible features of the City's facilities to ensure accessible facilities and services. Title II of the ADA also provides protections from disability employment discrimination as implemented through the reasonable accommodation and equal employment opportunity provisions of Title I of the ADA. Title I protects both applicants and employees from disability- based discrimination. Compliance with Title I of the ADA is beyond the scope of this ADA Transition Plan Update. 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities 8 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Augusta, Georgia Government The City of Augusta consolidated with Richmond County in 1996 and currently has a population of just over 200,000 people. The consolidated Augusta-Richmond County government consists of a Mayor and 1 0 County Commissioners. Public transportation services in Augusta include Augusta Transit, Augusta Regional Airport and Daniel Field Airport. Augusta-Richmond County Recreation and Parks Department has community centers, recreational facilities and parks throughout the county. Augusta - Richmond County is located in GDOT District 2 - Area 4. Both Title I and Title II of the ADA protect job applicants and employees from disability-related discrimination. Reasonable accommodations must be provided to qualified applicants and employees, and each employee's situation must be evaluated without bias and unfounded assumptions. The Employee Relations Manager in the Augusta, Georgia Human Resources (HR) Department administers the ADA Title I Reasonable Accommodation policy outlined in the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Procedures posted on the HR website. The EEO Coordinator in the Augusta, Georgia Compliance Department is responsible for investigating ADA Title I complaints, as well as, conducting non-discrimination training and complaint investigations for all federally protected classes of applicants and employees. The Augusta, Georgia Compliance Department was established in 2016 and includes the Equal Employment Opportunity Division (EEO), Accessibility Division (ADA) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)/Local Small Business Opportunity Program (LSBOP) Division. The Compliance Director is Ms. Treza Edwards, who reports directly to the Mayor and the Commission. The Compliance Director provides oversight and supervision to the EEO, ADA and DBE Coordinators. Augusta, Georgia Compliance Department Organizational Chart Current as of 3/9/2020 I- Carole Burrm.vbridge ADA Coordinator 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities Yolanda Jackson DBE Coordinator 9 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Augusta, Georgia Organizational Chart Updated June o, 2019 GEreral Counsel De pct\· Adcrinistrator Finance- lran�lt Proturement 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities ir.forrnation Technolc,gy Hurn an; 2so1..irce-s Fire Central Service; • f,/:av0r & Corr mission Aom1nistr2t.:;r Oi·ectoro: Ccmpltar.ce EEO DEE & ADA. Clerk Cepufy A.dm,nistrator Utilities E m,iror me-r.ta; Servic€'.� tlanning a"<d Developme�t RCCI R"c·eaticn & Pa,f, Housing & CorrHTlL./ni� Devel opmfnt Animal Serv;ces 10 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 ADA Requirements for Loc al Governments ADA Coordinator If a public entity has more than 50 employees, it is required to designate at least one employee to coordinate ADA compliance. A government entity may elect to have more than one ADA Coordinator. The ADA Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the government entity to comply with Title II and investigates any complaints that the entity has violated Title II. The name, office address, and telephone number of the ADA Coordinator must be posted on line and distributed to staff and the public. Having an ADA Coordinator also benefits local government entities. It provides a specific contact person with knowledge and technical information about the ADA so that questions by staff can be answered efficiently and consistently. In addition, she or he coordinates compliance measures and can be instrumental in ensuring that compliance plans move forward. The responsibilities of the ADA Coordinator include: -Providing oversight to ADA compliance efforts -Conducting ADA evaluations of policies, programs, services and facilities -ADA Transition Plan Updates -Investigating complaints of disability discrimination -Providing training to employees regarding the requirements of the ADA -Reviewing facility designs and construction for compliance -Participating in prioritizing projects that improve accessibility ADA Notice of Non-Discrimination The notification requirements of the ADA require local governments to distribute an ADA Notice of Non-Discrimination to all applicants, employees and the public. The notice must provide information on the right to request reasonable accommodations and alternative formats and the right to file a disability discrimination grievance with the ADA Coordinator. It must contain the name and contact information for the ADA Coordinator and be updated to remain current. It must be distributed to all agency heads and posted on the government Internet homepage and prominently at all facilities where services are provided to the public. The required ADA Notice of Non-Discrimination and the Website Accessibility notice links are located in the footer of the augustaga.gov website. The ADA/Accessibility Division website contains information on the duties of the ADA Coordinator, ADA resources, the ADA Transition Plan and the Accessibility Barrier Report Form. The ADA/Accessibility Division website may be found at: https://www.augustaga.gov/243/AccessibilityADA 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities 11 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Grievance Procedure Grievance procedures set out a system for resolving complaints of disability discrimination in a prompt and fair manner. To report a barrier, request a reasonable accommodation or to file a complaint regarding accessibility of facilities, services, programs or activities, the ADA Coordinator should be contacted. The online ADA Accommodation/Accessibility Barrier Report Form provides a convenient way to submit complaints or reports to the ADA Coordinator. If the person needs an alternative format or a reasonable accommodation to complete the required forms due to their disability, they are available upon request. The ADA Coordinator will work with Augusta, Georgia departments and IT to provide alternative formats and reasonable accommodations. All accessibility and discrimination complaints will be reviewed by the ADA Coordinator, who will gather any additional information necessary to refer or investigate the complaint. The ADA Coordinator will either make an appropriate referral to an outside agency or contact the department within the Augusta, Georgia government to make them aware of the complaint. When appropriate, the ADA Coordinator will work with the department to create an action plan to provide access to services or programs and/or a facility transition plan when appropriate. The ADA requires that all accommodation requests, complaints and grievances must be responded to in writing and include a rationale if the request is denied. All Augusta Transit ADA complaints and grievances must be kept as required by the FTA. All requests, complaints, grievances and responses will be kept on file pursuant to the Augusta, Georgia and Georgia State records retention policies. Formal grievances may be initiated using the online Accessibility Barrier Report Form, but complaints that rise to the level of a formal grievance must be submitted in writing, be submitted by established deadlines and must include: -The name, address and telephone number of the complainant -The name and address of the person filing on behalf of the complainant -A description of the alleged violation and the remedy sought -The date and location of the alleged violation -Whether a complaint has been filed with a federal agency or court -If applicable, the date, name and location of the federal complaint filing Augusta, Georgia must inform the public that Title II ADA grievances may also be submitted to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division or to the civil rights enforcement division of the appropriate federal agency. The federal agencies that investigate and enforce the ADA include the FHWA, FTA, HUD, FAA and the EEOC. Retaliation against individuals exercising their right to file a grievance under the ADA is a violation of Title V of the ADA. Title V a also requires federal agencies to provide technical assistance on complying with the ADA to local governments. 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities 12 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Transition Plan The ADA requires local government entities to develop an ADA Transition Plan that provides the steps necessary to achieve compliance with the ADA. A public entity shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with disabilities or organizations representing individuals with disabilities, to participate in the development of the transition plan by submitting comments. A copy of the transition plan shall be made available for public inspection. If a public entity has responsibility or authority over streets, roads, or sidewalks, its transition plan shall include a schedule for providing curb ramps where pedestrian walkways cross curbs giving priority to walkways in the order of those serving (1) government offices, (2) bus stops, (3) public businesses and (4) employers. The Plan shall at minimum include the following elements. It must identify the physical obstacles, policies and practices that limit the accessibility of the public entity's programs and services, describe the methods and actions required to remove each barrier along with an implementation schedule, the identified responsible person and the budget for removal of the barrier to access. Communications A public entity shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communication with applicants, participants, members of the public, and companions with disabilities are as effective as communications with others. A public entity shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary. Sign language interpreting or Video Interpreting must be provided when communicating important emergency and safety information to the public or when providing legal or medical information to individuals who are deaf. Employment Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure that no individual shall, on the basis of disability, be subject to discrimination in employment under any service, program, or activity conducted by a public entity. The requirements of Title I of the ADA, as established by the Equal Opportunity Commission or the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as established by the Department of Justice, apply to employment in any service, program or activity conducted by a public entity. Information and Slgnage A public entity shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of activities, services and facilities. Websites and online forms and documents must be accessible. Documents and forms must be provided in alternative formats such as large print, electronic, paper or Braille. Public videos must be captioned or transcribed. Policies and processes for the creation of alternative formats must be established. Maintenance of Accessible Features Features of facilities and equipment that provide access to persons with disabilities must be maintained in operable working condition allowing for isolated or temporary interruptions due to maintenance or repairs. Reasonable accommodations must be provided during interruptions. 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities 13 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Program Accessibility Title II requires that no qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity or subject to discrimination by any public entity. Compliance with program access requirements may be achieved through the alteration of existing facilities and construction of new facilities, acquisition of equipment, reassignment of activities to accessible buildings, assignment of aides to beneficiaries, delivery of services at alternate accessible sites or any other methods that result in making programs and services accessible and usable by people with disabilities. A public entity must give priority to those methods which offer accessible services and programs in the most integrated setting. A public entity is not required to make structural changes in existing facilities where other methods are effective in achieving compliance. Elements that meet the 1991 Standards or UFAS are not required to be be modified in order to meet the 201 0 ADA Standards. Nevertheless, when renovations are undertaken after March 15, 2012, they must meet the 2010 ADA Standards that apply to renovations and new construction. New Construction and Alterations of Facilities If the construction was commenced after January 26, 1992, each facility or part of a facility constructed by, on behalf of, or for the use of a public entity shall be designed and constructed in such a a manner that the facility or part of the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. New construction must fully meet the Accessibility Standards in effect at the start of construction. In renovations, if full compliance would be structurally infeasible, compliance is required to the extent that it is not structurally infeasible. An "accessible path of travel" is required to provide access to altered primary function areas of all facilities. The "accessible path of travel" includes site arrival points such as parking, sidewalks, ramps, entrances, restrooms, water fountains and telephones. When the cost exceeds 20% of the cost of the alteration to the primary function area, the path of travel shall be made accessible to the extent that it can without incurring disproportionate costs. In the case of disproportionality, priority should be given to those elements that will provide the greatest access, in the order of: (1)accessible parking, accessible route and an accessible entrance; (2)an accessible route to the altered area; (3)at least one accessible restroom for each sex or a single unisex; (4)accessible telephones; (5)accessible drinking fountains; (6)additional accessible elements such as service desks, storage, and alarms. 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities 14 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 2.0 Organizational Responsibilities 15 Comprehensive Planning Augusta’s Department of Planning and Development Mission Statement lists comprehensive planning, transportation planning, zoning, land development review and approval, environment regulation administration, building plan review and permitting, and City Code enforcement among the department’s responsibilities. The Augusta Planning and Development Department plays a significant role in improving compliance with the requirements of the ADA in Augusta-Richmond County because of its responsibilities for developing local ordinances, enforcing Georgia building codes and state accessibility codes and long-range planning of transportation infrastructure improvements. As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization, Augusta Regional Transportation Study Metropolitan Planning Organization (ARTS-MPO) is responsible for the creation of the Long-Range Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) every five years and Transportation Improvement Plans (TIP). Federal regulations require that MPOs must certify annually that the transportation planning process is being carried out in compliance with all applicable federal statutory and regulatory requirements. The Augusta, Georgia ADA Transition Plan is required by federal law. Beginning in 2019, it must be updated annually and submitted to GDOT's ADA Coordinator. The FHWA has required the Augusta, Georgia ADA Transition Plan to include a schedule and budgets for bringing Augusta-Richmond County's sidewalks, crosswalks and bus stops into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 requires that newly constructed or altered streets or roadways must contain curb ramps and that newly constructed or altered pedestrian routes such as crosswalks, sidewalks and walking trails must have curb ramps. The 2013 Joint DOT/DOJ Memorandum clarified that road resurfacing constitutes an alteration triggering the required installation and remediation of curb ramps. The ADA also requires curb ramps to be installed to provide access to government services and transit services. In 2015, the DOT published the ADA FTA Circular C 4710.1 which provides guidance on the DOT ADA Transportation Facilities Standards of 2006. The Augusta-Richmond County Street and Road Design Technical Manual was last updated in 2004 and includes only a passing reference to pedestrian facilities' compliance with the ADA and the ADA Standards. An updated Augusta-Richmond County Design Manual is needed to ensure that pedestrian facilities in Richmond County are being built to the current accessibility standards adopted by GDOT and the FHWA which is PROWAG. PROWAG provides the most current technical standards specifically for the design of accessible sidewalks and crosswalks, ADA curb ramps, bus stops and accessible on-street parking. In Section 302 of Augusta's Planning and Development Department Site Plan Regulations , describes general requirements for sidewalks, but no mention is made of specific accessibility features such as accessible pedestrian routes, curb ramps, crosswalks that would, of course, need to be included in a final permit-ready plan. In order for ADA compliance to become integrated into planning and less of a second-tier design effort, more specific references to ADA and Georgia Building Code accessibility requirements should be included in such checklists and guidelines and on the Planning and Development website. Currently, links to the federal and Georgia ADA Standards and IBC/Georgia Building Codes for Accessibility are provided on the Accessibility Division website. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 3.0 POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES Introduction This section addresses the programs and policies that were in place at the time this selfevaluation was completed. It includes a dialogue about the barriers that exist, various administrative requirements, existing policies and programs, and current guidelines. This section will focus on findings and recommendations relating to two categories of barriers: 1) Communication, and 2) Policies and Programs. Removing Barriers Among the range of limiting or prohibitive barriers to access that may confront persons with disabilities, are those that relate to communications and information and to policies and program participation and include: Communication This group of barriers is experienced by individuals who have disabilities that affect hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and or understanding, and who use different ways to communicate than people who do not have [those] disabilities. Equal access to information requires that accessible formats of communications including online information such as applications, documents and videos be provided free of charge. Sign language interpreting and assistive listening devices must be provided free of charge to persons with hearing impairments when required to ensure effective communication, participation and safety. Written communication may provide effective communication for deaf persons in many circumstances, but public entities must provide consideration to the communication preferences of the person with a sensory disability. Sign language interpreting services may be necessary when communicating vital safety, medical or legal information to deaf individuals or to the larger community that may include deaf individuals. Policies and Programs Policy barriers generally include denial of opportunity to participate in or benefit from city programs, services, or activities, or to receive benefits or opportunities to which they might otherwise be eligible. Policy barriers also include the failure to offer or provide reasonable accommodation such as alterations to items, facilities, procedures or processes without which participation might be limited or denied. Policies and programs may not include qualification standards for participation that categorically screen out or disqualify individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and eligible. Program (programmatic) barriers may be due to discriminatory policies, due to a program being offered only at inaccessible facilities or due inaccessible communications about the program or within the program. Programs must notify the public that reasonable accommodations or alternative formats are available and train program staff on how to respond to requests for reasonable accommodations, alternative formats or auxiliary services such as sign language interpreting. 3.0 Policies, Practices and Procedures 16 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Auxiliary Aids and Services Public entities are required to provide auxiliary aids and services to ensure effective communication for individuals with hearing and vision impairments. Event and activity planners must notify potential participants of the availability of reasonable accommodations and provide contact information for make accommodation requests. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may include services and devices such as assistive listening devices; written materials; exchange of written notes; note takers; transcripts; telephone handset amplifiers; telephones compatible with hearing aids; open and closed captioning, including real-time captioning; voice, text, and video-based telecommunications products and systems, qualified interpreters; video remote interpreting (VRI) services; real-time computer-aided transcription services; or other effective methods of making orally delivered information available to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Appropriate auxiliary aids and services for individuals who are blind or have low vision may include services and devices such as qualified readers; taped texts; audio recordings; Braille materials and displays; screen reader software; magnification software; optical readers; secondary auditory programs (SAP); large print materials; accessible electronic and information technology; or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals who are blind or have low vision. The ADA requires that public entities give significant consideration to the communication preferences of the individual. If the individual's preferred form of communication is denied, the provided format or auxiliary aid service must provide equally effective communication. The effectiveness of the communication is especially important when communicating legal, medical or safety information. Reasonable Accommodations Title II of the ADA states that, "No qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any public entity". A public entity shall make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the public entity can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity. A public entity may not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the costs of measures, such as the provisions of auxiliary aids or program accessibility, that are required to provide that individual or group with the nondiscriminatory treatment required by the ADA. Reasonable accommodations must be determined on a case-by-case basis through an interactive process. Service Animals are dogs that have been individually trained to perform tasks to reduce the impact of their handler's disability. They must be permitted in all public facilities as long as they are kept under control. No requirements for certification or special vests or questions about the nature of the handlers disability are permitted. The handler may only be asked if the dog is a trained service dog and what trained task it performs. 3.0 Policies, Practices and Procedures 17 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 EMPLOYEE ADA TRAINING Department Questlonnai'e Findings In 2015, an ADA self-assessment questionnaire was distributed to the directors of 41 city departments with 36% response rate. It evaluated understanding of the ADA and compliance with the non- discrimination requirements of the ADA at the department director level. The broad range of the responses were interpreted to support the need for a unified and coordinated approach to compliance across all departments. This was initiated in 2016 with the creation of an ADA website to serve as an ongoing source of information. Additionally, a follow-up assessment of all department directors and department staff will be conducted after a period of intentional training is completed. ADA Training Beginning in June 2017, ADA compliance training was provided to all newly hired employees across all departments in conjunction with the existing EEO non-discrimination training provided at Orientation. The training is ongoing and provided by the ADA Coordinator. It includes the following areas: 1.General Information on the scope and requirements of the ADA; 2.Title I Employment Reasonable Accommodations and EEO Protections; 3.Title II Government Services and Program Access; 4.The ADA Notice of Non-Discrimination 5.Facility Accessibility Standards and Building Accessibility Codes; 6.Title Ill Georgia State Accessibility Codes and Local Enforcement; 7.Service Animals; 8.Communication Access and Georgia Relay 7-1-1 Although periodic training for all staff across all departments has not been initiated, current employees in several departments have received ADA training. The 9-1-1 Call Center, the Recreation and Parks Department, the Human Resources Department and the Engineering Department have received ADA training. Risk Management Supervisors from several departments received ADA training in conjunction with their annual EEO training. The Augusta 3-1-1 staff, Sheriffs Office staff, Procurement staff, Administrator's Office staff, Mayor's staff, Engineering staff, Library staff and Board of Elections staff and other front desk staff have received Georgia Relay Service training. Recreation and Parks, Central Services, the Sheriffs Office and the Board of Elections staff have all received more in-depth ADA training including training on the ADA Standards for Accessible Design that applies to buildings and parking facilities. These departments have taken the initiative to expand their knowledge of the ADA in order to improve remediation of older facilities that they are responsible for and to ensure programs at these facilities are accessible. 3.0 Policies, Practices and Procedures 18 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATIONS General Effective Communication Public entities are required to provide effective communication. Department of Justice Project Civic Access settlement agreements have included requirements for local governments to identify vendors of qualified sign language and oral interpreters, qualified real-time transcription services, and Braille transcription services. Procedures and timeframes must be established for fulfilling requests for these services and alternative formats including Braille, large print, cassette tapes and accessible electronic formats. Law enforcement and effective communication with deaf individuals has also been an area of DOJ enforcement activities. Requirements imposed have included contracting with qualified oral and sign language interpreters to be available twenty-four hours a day to law enforcement departments, equipping each sheriffs substation and detention facility with at least one (1) working TTY and one (1) video phone, and providing extended time for calls when TTY or video- phones are used due to the slower nature of these communications. Additionally, DOJ Settlement agreements have required law enforcement to establish a policy statement on communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing and distribute it to all officers. 911 Services In 2018, Augusta 911 upgraded their equipment to the most technologically advanced 911 call equipment that is able to receive texts to 911. Being able to receive text calls means that Augusta 911 can receive emergency calls from citizens who cannot talk and from deaf citizens . The technology allows citizens to use their mobile phones to contact emergency services rather than relying upon special technology or the assistance of others to make those calls. Web-Based Services The websites, web-based content and web-based services of public entities are required to be equally accessible to persons with sensory disabilities. At this time, enforceable web- accessibility standards apply only to federal agency websites, but the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0 is the current standard for ensuring that websites provide the required equal access. The standards ensure that the navigability, contrast and labeling of graphic content on websites are compatible with the screen reader technology used by blind individuals. Recent Project Civic Access settlement agreements have included requiring the captioning of online videos whether live or archived. The ADA requires that online content that is not fully accessible, must be provided in alternative formats. Establishing processes for creating accessible online content and converting non- accessible content into alternative accessible formats quickly and accurately upon request are necessary to meet the requirements of Title II of the ADA. Because of the volume of online content, it is advisable to make a commitment to establish a start date after which all new online content will be accessible and to make older online content available in accessible formats upon request or over time beginning with those videos, documents and forms that are most important or used by the largest number of people. 3.0 Policies, Practices and Procedures 19 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 The adoption of web accessibility policies and training for all employees and contractors who design, develop or maintain Augusta, Georgia websites is recommended. Only web-based products that meet the WCAG 2.0 AA standard should be purchased or leased. Including accessibility requirements in requests for bids and contracts is recommended. Recent DOJ Project Civic Access Settlement Agreements such as the one with the City of Milwaukee include requirements to designate an employee with knowledge of WCAG as the web accessibility coordinator tasked with training and ensuring that all websites and online services are compliant and meet minimal requirements. Relay Service Calls Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) have largely replaced Text Telephone (TTY) and Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf {TDD). Relay services are free text-to-voice phone services provided by each state to meet the requirements of Title IV of the ADA. The number to reach Georgia Relay Services is 711. Relay calls allow deaf persons to make and receive phone calls with hearing persons by connecting to a Relay Operator who communicates with the deaf person in text and with the hearing person on a regular audio phone. Relay calls have a certain protocol of taking turns to allow for the operator to communicate with both parties sequentially. Video Relay Service (VRS) calls are free video-to-voice calls that allow the use of American Sign Language and video to communicate with a Relay Operator who then communicates using a audio phone to convey the message to and from the hearing person. Augusta, Georgia has been designated as a Georgia Relay Partner. Georgia Relay Training is part of Augusta's new employee ADA training, and a commitment has been made to train front desk staff to know what to expect and how to respond to a Georgia Relay phone call. Georgia Relay is a teletypewriter based service of the state of Georgia that provides free equipment to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. ASSESSMENT OF POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES A cycle of training and assessment of staff knowledge will ensure that policies, programs and services are compliant with the non-discrimination and reasonable accommodation requirements of the ADA. The self-assessment of staff knowledge of the ADA will be expanded to include all City employees after they have received staff ADA training. The Augusta, Georgia ADA Notice of Non- Discrimination, Project Civic Access settlement agreements and the requirements of Title II of the ADA will form the basis of employee ADA training. The assessment of Directors', Supervisors' and Managers' knowledge of the scope and requirements of the ADA as it applies to Augusta-Richmond County policies, programs and services is planned for 2020. The assessment will be done in conjunction with ADA training and the results will be included in the next Transition Plan Update. 3.0 Policies, Practices and Procedures 20 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 4.0 Access to Programs and Services Introduction Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504} requires that all recipients of federal funds must ensure that all of their programs and services, whether or not federally funded, do not discriminate on the basis of disability. The ADA was a comprehensive civil rights law originally signed into law July 26, 1990 and prohibits state and local government entities from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The scope of the ADA extends to the employment practices, transportation services and all programs, services and activities of local governments. The ADA also created a new agency, the U.S. Access Board, to develop enforceable technical standards for accessibility that applied to all public buildings constructed or renovated after January 26, 1992. The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 resulted in broader disability protections for employees as well as the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and new accessibility standards for recreational facilities. Accessible Parking State and local government facilities have an ongoing ADA obligation to make their services and programs accessible, which requires providing accessible parking and accessible routes from site arrival points such as parking or bus stops to accessible entrances. The ADA, Georgia Code and Georgia building codes require accessible parking, routes and entrances in new or renovated buildings. In addition, businesses or privately owned facilities that provide goods or services to the public have a continuing ADA obligation to remove barriers to access in existing parking facilities when it is readily achievable to do so. Because restriping is relatively inexpensive, it is readily achievable in most cases. When a State or local government or business restripes parking spaces in a parking lot or parking structure (parking facilities}, it must provide accessible parking spaces as required by the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards} and Georgia Code. Georgia Code states that local government entities, either code enforcement or fire marshals, are responsible for the enforcement of this requirement, except at state owned properties, whether or not a permit is required for parking lot resurfacing. Figure 4-1. Marked Access Aisle Connected to Accessible Pedestrian Route 4.0 Access to Programs and Services 21 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 The required ratio of accessible parking spaces to total spaces is 1 :25 for lots with 100 or fewer spaces. Accessible parking spaces shall be 96 inches wide minimum and the maximum slope in all directions is 1 :48. Access aisle width is at least 60 inches and the same length as the adjacent parking space(s) it serves, maximum slope in all directions is 1 :48, and access aisle must connect to an accessible route to the building. Ramps must not extend into the access aisle. Location of Parking Spaces Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible facility entrance. Where buildings have multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, the accessible parking spaces must be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances. When accessible parking spaces are added in an existing parking lot or structure, locate the spaces on the most level ground close to the accessible entrance. An accessible route must always be provided from the accessible parking to the accessible entrance. An accessible route never has curbs or stairs, must be at least 3 feet wide, and has a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface. The slope along the accessible route should not be greater than 1: 12 in the direction of travel. Accessible parking spaces may be clustered in one or more facilities if equivalent or greater accessibility is provided in terms of distance from the accessible entrance, parking fees, and convenience. Vanaccessible parking spaces located in parking garages may be clustered on one floor (to accommodate the 98-inch minimum vertical height requirement). 4.0 Access to Programs and Services Van Accessible Spaces The first accessible space and one out of every 6 accessible spaces must be van accessible. Van parking spaces must be 132 inches wide minimum with an adjacent 60-inch wide minimum access aisle. A van parking space of 96 inches wide minimum with an adjacent 96-inch wide minimum access aisle is also permitted. Van accessible spaces must also be designated by a "Van Accessible" sign in addition to the standard blue official Georgia accessible parking sign. Table 4-1. Minimum Number of Accessible Parking Spaces. Minimum Number of Accessible Parking Spaces 2010 Standards (208.2) Total Number of (Column A) Mininum Number Parking Spaces Minimum Num-of Van-Accessible Provided in her of Accessible Parking Spaces Parking Facility Parking Spaces (1 of six (per facility) (car and van) accessible spaces) 1 to 25 1 1 26to 50 2 1 51 to 75 3 1 76 to 100 4 1 101 to 150 5 1 151 to 200 6 1 201 to 300 7 2 301 to 400 8 2 401 to 500 9 2 2% of total parking 500to 1000 provided in each lot 1/6 of Column A* or structure 1001 and over 20 plus 1 for each 1/6 of Column A* 100 over 1000 *one out of every 6 accessible spaces 22 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Temporary Parking Accessible parking spaces should be located where the surface is firm and stable. Dirt should be hard and compact and grassy areas closely cut to ground level. Loose sand, gravel, and tall grass are too difficult to travel across for many people using wheelchairs or those who walk with difficulty. Sites that become slippery or muddy when wet will not be usable by everyone. If it is possible to find a paved lot with an accessible route, locate accessible parking there. You may need to place plastic or rubber matting over unstable natural surfaces to make them navigable for short distances. As with all accessible parking, those designated in temporary lots should be level and near accessible entrances. The space should be laid out in accordance with the Standards and identified with the accessibility symbol. Use crowd control fences, traffic cones, and/or similar barricades to set aside accessible parking areas, and designate each space with a sign displaying the accessibility symbol. Create an accessible route from the parking access aisles to the event entrance. People using wheelchairs should not have to travel behind parked cars or cross vehicular traffic lanes. If this is unavoidable, the pedestrian route (especially where the route crosses traffic lanes), access aisles, and parking spaces should be clearly defined. Methods and materials to use include chalk or aerosol paint, ropes and stanchions, crowd control fences, and barricades at key points. If an existing passenger loading zone lacks curb ramps, block a portion of the area off and use a portable curb ramp. Temporary passenger loading zones can be created by blocking off areas along streets and driveways or in parking lots. If the temporary passenger loading zone is located away from the event entrance, provide directional signage and an accessible route to the location. When there is no accessible parking, an existing space can be temporarily used as an access aisle to make the spaces on either side of the aisle accessible. �-----Accessible parking sign Portable curb ramp r--n-----Traffic cones are used to block /7 off temporaryff access aisle. Figure 4-2. Temporary Accessible Parking with Accessible Route 4.0 Access to Programs and Services 23 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Accessible Pedestrian Routes Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure that their public programs and services are accessible to people with disabilities. Program access in public facilities requires that an accessible pedestrian route connect facility site arrival points such as parking, passenger loading areas and on-site bus stops to an accessible entrance to the facility and to the primary function areas of the facility. The accessible pedestrian route may also be referred to as the accessible path of travel. In new construction, its location shall coincide with the path of travel used by the general public and connect to the main facility entrance. It includes the access aisle adjacent to accessible parking spaces or passenger loading areas, ADA compliant curb ramps and an accessible sidewalk that connects to an accessible entrance. The remediation, renovation and new construction of pedestrian routes must be compliant with the 2010 ADA Standards unless technically infeasible. Within an accessible pedestrian route, changes in level greater than 1/2 inch beveled or 1/4 inch perpendicular in height are not accessible. Changes in level such as curbs or lifts in the sidewalk must be ramped or ground down to provide an accessible route. Curb ramps at parking must be comply with the 2010 ADA Standards and not encroach on the access aisle. Curb ramps at Transit Facilities must comply with the FTA ADA Standards. If the terrain is excessively sloped, the site arrival points and the sidewalk must be located and designed to reduce the slope and ensure accessibility. Longer ramps, level landings and switchbacks may be used to reduce the slope of a pedestrian route. When primary function areas are renovated in existing facilities, up to 20% of the total project budget must be allocated to the cost of providing an accessible pedestrian route. If the cost of complete compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards exceeds 20%, or technical infeasibility does not permit full compliance, compliance must be achieved to the greatest extent possible. Figure 4-3. Accessible Pedestrian Routes from Site Arrival Points 4.0 Access to Programs and Services 24 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Accessible Entrances New construction and renovations are required to have entrances that meet the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. In renovations to existing facilities, accessible entrances and an accessible path of travel to primary function areas that are altered is required but is limited to 20% of the cost of the renovation. Entrances must meet the 2010 Standards when entrances are newly added to a facility or as part of a facility addition or if an existing entrance is altered and no fully compliant entrance already exists. Existing entrances that were constructed or renovated prior to March 15, 2012 and are compliant with the 1991 Standards and UFAS are not required to comply with the 2010 Standards. Remediated or new entrance ramps must meet the 2010 ADA Standards and be a minimum of 36 inches wide and have a running slope that does not exceed 1 :12. Entrance landings must accommodate door maneuvering clearances as well as landings for provided ramps. Ramp runs may not exceed 30 feet. Ramps with a height greater than 6 inches must have ADA compliant handrails. In new construction, at least 60% of public entrances must be accessible in addition to at least one of the entrances directly serving each of the tenancies, parking facilities, pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways. "Public entrances" include all entrances including employee entrances. Those that are restricted or that are used exclusively as service entrances are exempt. If entrances are restricted to certain occupants on a controlled basis, at least one must comply in addition to public entrances required to be accessible. This applies to those entrances where entry access is verified by security personnel and is strictly limited to certain occupants, but no one else, including guests or companions of authorized individuals. Clear IMdth (§405.5) 36" min. (between �ading edge of handraits) Alterations (§405.2) Permitted running slopes where space is limited. 1·1omax (6" max rise) or 1:8 max(3" max rise) Figure 4-4 ADA Compliant Entrance Ramp 4.0 Access to Programs and Services Wet Condilions (§405.10) /JJndings must be designed to prevent the accumulation of water. 25 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Accessible entrances must be a minimum of 32 inches wide and have a threshold that is no higher the 1/2 inch if beveled or 1/4 inch if unbeveled. Older buildings with higher thresholds will require the addition of a ramp or the remediation of the threshold in order to permit persons in wheelchairs to enter the facility. If there are no space limitations, the ramp slope must not exceed 1: 12 with a ramp length equal to 12 inches for each inch of rise. Where space is limited, rises no greater than 3 inches must have a slope no greater than 1 :8, and rises no greater than 6 inches must have a slope no greater than 1 :1 O. If there is a front approach to the pull side of the door, there must be a minimum of 18 inches of maneuvering clearance beyond the latch side of the door and at clear floor space with a depth of at least 60 inches in front of the door. If there are a series of doors, there must be a minimum of 48 inches between the swing of each door. Door hardware must be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist. Traditional door knobs are not ADA compliant and must be replaced with lever, loop or push hardware. Door hardware must be no less than 34 inches and no greater than 48 inches above the floor or ground surface. If mats or carpets are provided at an entrance door, they must not be higher than 1/2 thick and must be securely attached to minimize tripping hazards. Mats or carpeting should be secured at the edges or removed if they are likely to shift or are too thick. ClearWfdth 32" min. Manual Controls must comply as operable parts if provided 'Thntshold 1Umax. high (beveled if above 114") DoOIS in Series 48" min. separation required between lbe_�«ooorua� Figure 4-5. ADA Compliant Entrance Door 4.0 Access to Programs and Services 26 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 4.0 Access to Programs and Services Signage All required signage is required to have high contrast text and meet the ADA Standards for text height. When not accompanied by Braille, the required minimum height of visual characters is determined by the horizontal viewing distance. Required signage includes accessible parking signage, directional signage, entrance doors, exit doors, areas of refuge, elevators, restrooms, bathing rooms, check-out aisles, TTYs, telephones and assistive listening devices. Each accessible parking space must be designated by the standard blue reflective Georgia accessible parking sign. The sign is required to include the words "Permit Parking Only", "Tow Away Zone" and the ISA. Georgia code requires that each sign be located 80 inches from the ground, which is a more restrictive standard than the ADA Standard of 60 inches. All van accessible spaces must be designated with a standard "Van Accessible" sign. Additional signage that reserves spaces for non-ambulatory persons or reserves spaces for employees who have been granted job accommodations are permitted. If the main facility entrance is not accessible, directional signage indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrance are required, and the accessible entrance door must be marked with the ISA. Directional signage should be located near site arrival points such as parking. Additionally, all inaccessible entrances must be marked by a directional sign indicating the location of the nearest accessible entrance. All permanent rooms including restrooms must have ADA compliant signage. High contrast raised lettering and numbers improve visibility for persons with low vision. Braille shall be located below the entire text. Room signs must be located on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. If there is insufficient space, it must be located as close as possible on the adjacent wall. Tactile signs shall be located a minimum of 48 inches from the floor and a maximum of 60 inches from the floor. . 6- ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE Figure 4-6. Directional Sign with ISA 27 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 5.0 Emergency Shelters Accessible Emergency Shelters The Emergency Management page on the City of Augusta website outlines what will happen in the unlikely event a County evacuation order is issued. An evacuation order would specify the perimeters of the area to be evacuated as well as directing residents to available shelters. Residents of areas not in the defined area might be directed to stay where they are (shelterin- place). Augusta partners with the Red Cross and other agencies in the event of an emergency. The ADA requires that emergency sheltering programs must not exclude or deny benefits to people with disabilities. Before designating a facility as an emergency shelter, emergency managers and shelter operators need to determine if it is accessible. Elements such as a shelter's parking, walkway to the entrance, entrance, toilets, bathing facilities, drinking fountains, sleeping area, food distribution and dining quarters, first aid/medical unit, emergency notification system, and other activity and recreation areas need to be examined for barriers. Non-accessible facilities can be made accessible by using temporary measures stored on site and readily available for use in the event an emergency occurs. For guidance on emergency shelter accessibility, please see the Department of Justice's "ADA Checklist for Emergency Shelters" at www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/ chap7shelterchk.htm. Equal access requires advance planning, and to be effective requires at least two steps: (1) identify the disability-related needs of the residents and visitors likely to be housed in a shelter, and (2) make the advance arrangements necessary to meet those needs in the event an emergency or disaster strikes. Augusta has numerous facilities that have been identified and equipped to serve as shelters. These locations are not published in advance as many factors will determine which shelter(s) would be opened. Some of these factors include the size and severity of the disaster, the location of the disaster area, and the numbers of people requiring shelter. When the determination is made as to which shelter(s) to open, the community will be informed via traditional media, the County's website, if necessary the Emergency Notification System. All 30 designated shelters have auxiliary power provided by generators and have ADA accessible parking, accessible pedestrian routes and accessible entrances. All but 3 have wheelchair accessible restrooms and 14 have accessible shower facilities. Shelters with accessible restroom and shower facilities and refrigeration equipment are necessary for individuals who are disabled or take medication which must be refrigerated. Planning and training of shelter staff must be undertaken to ensure that individuals with mobility impairments are sheltered in facilities with accessible restrooms and shower facilities. Persons with task trained service animals, must be permitted to bring their service animal with them to the emergency shelter. A service animal is a dog or miniature horse that has been individual trained to perform tasks on behalf of their handler with a disability. Service animals provide assistance for blindness, physical impairments, seizure disorders, diabetes, deafness and post-traumatic stress disorder. Individual's with service animals may only be asked whether the animal is a trained service animal and what trained task it performs for its handler. 5.0 Emergency Shelters 28 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 6.0 POLLING PLACES AND VOTING Polling Places Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure that polling places are accessible to people with disabilities. Some Augusta-Richmond County polling places are not owned or operated by the City of Augusta but are owned or operated by other public entities subject to Title II or by public accommodations subject to Title Ill or by religious organizations that are exempt from the ADA, but may be subject to state or local accessibility codes. Before designating any new polling place, the City will survey the polling place to determine whether it has any barriers to access by people with disabilities in the parking, exterior route to the entrance, entrance, interior route to the voting area or the voting area. All current polling places must also be evaluated to ensure that they are accessible. If the City owns the polling place, all barriers must be removed before the location is used as a polling place. If a previously accessible location becomes inaccessible and there is not time before Election Day to remove the barrier or the City does not own the polling location, temporary measures may be used to make the polling place accessible on Election Day. The Department of Justice's ADA Checklist for Polling Places is intended as a guideline for evaluation the accessibility of polling places. The ADA Checklist for Polling Places is based upon the 201 O ADA Standards for Accessible Design which is the current standard for accessible facilities. Voting facilities that were built or renovated prior to the effective date of the 2010 ADA Standards or the 1990 ADA Standards or are owned an operated by other entities, such as churches, may not meet either of these standards. With this in mind, the ADA Checklist for Polling Places also provides a list of temporary measures that may to be used to make polling places accessible on Election Day. It has been a long standing policy of the Richmond County Board of Elections that all facilities are evaluated for accessibility prior to being selected for use as a polling place. A comprehensive self- evaluation of all current Augusta - Richmond County polling places was completed in 2018 using the ADA Checklist for Polling Places as a guide. The majority of the 42 current polling places are located in churches or recreation centers. All polling locations were surveyed for Priority 1 accessibility which includes parking, the route from parking to the entrance and the building entrance and for interior access to the voting area as required. In 2018, one polling location at a recreation center required the immediate installation of a threshold ramp and one located at a library required remediation of public sidewalk curb ramps before the November election. Temporary measures approved by the U.S. Department of Justice were used to improve accessibility at polling places in facilities that are not owned by Augusta, Georgia. Temporary remediation measures include adding parking and directional signs, marking access aisles, adding door buzzers and placing rubber mats over uneven concrete. Two locations will be moved to more accessible facilities prior to the first 2020 elections. 6.0 Polling Places and Voting 29 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Voting Access Title II of the ADA requires that all polling places, voter registration and voting must be accessible and enable citizens with disabilities to vote alongside their neighbors at their assigned polling place on election day if they so choose. Voting equipment and voting areas of facilities must allow voters with disabilities to vote independently with the same privacy that is afforded other voters whenever possible. Voters with disabilities must be provided assistance with casting their vote when they are unable to vote without assistance. Absentee or advanced voting is not acceptable as an alternative to making polling places accessible. All Richmond County poll workers receive annual training on disability etiquette and the use of the accessibility kits that are provided to each polling place. Accessibility kits include signature guides, headsets and input devices for visually impaired voters to independently cast their votes. Chairs and priority voting is provided to individual voters who may not be able to stand in a line to wait to vote. Each polling location has wheelchair accessible voting booths that allow the voting equipment to be lowered to chair height. In the rare and unforeseen circumstance that a polling location is not ble to be made accessible on Election Day, the City is required to apply the Title II Program Accessibility provisions and must provide alternative methods to in-person voting that are effective in making voting accessible while giving priority to those methods that offer voting in the most integrated setting appropriate. The DOJ has identified possible alternative methods including being reassigned to an alternative polling location or curbside voting. Currently, Georgia does not permit curbside voting for citizens with disabilities. Although not required by Title II of the ADA. as part of the self-evaluation of voter access, each polling place was evaluated in relationship to the availability of demand responsive transit services to that facility. Demand responsive transit services provide curb-to-curb service for individuals who cannot use fixed route transit or when accessible sidewalk or bus stop infrastructure is lacking. All current polling places were determined to be within the areas served by Augusta Transit's FTA compliant Complimentary Paratransit services, the Section 5310 Enhanced Transit Services for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities or the Section 5311 Rural Transit/Richmond County Transit services that go to Blythe and Hephzibah. Additionally, the Richmond County Board of Elections and Augusta Transit worked together to inform voters with disabilities of the availability of public transit services to the polling locations. Expedited procedures for Complimentary Paratransit eligibility for election day transportation services to the polling places were put in place. Transit riders with disabilities were made aware of the availability of feeder paratransit services from bus stops to the polling places in locations where the distance from the bus stop to the polling location or the lack of accessible sidewalks between the bus stop and the polling location creates a barrier for users of fixed route transit services. The paratransit feeder service also provides accessibility in locations where there is not a sidewalk present at the bus stop or connecting the bus stops to the site of the polling facility forcing pedestrians with disabilities to use the shoulder of the road. 6.0 Polling Places and Voting 30 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 7.0 PROW PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES Introduction Accessible sidewalks allow people with disabilities to participate in the community and to access city services and facilities. Where sidewalks are provided, public agencies are required to ensure that continuous, unobstructed and accessible sidewalks are maintained in operable working condition. A formal written process for receiving input from people with disabilities regarding the accessibility of sidewalks, including requests to add curb ramps at particular locations, is required. The ADA does not require installing sidewalks where none exist, but it does require a process for responding to requests for sidewalk maintenance and the addition of curb ramps on existing sidewalks used by people with disabilities. The DOT and GDOT require that pedestrian facilities and pedestrian access to bus stops shall be part of road construction and bus stop pad construction projects. The ADA requires public entities to ensure that facilities which are newly constructed or for which alteration began after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible and usable by people with disabilities. Title II, Subtitle B (implemented by the Department of Transportation) is intended to clarify requirements for public transportation activities, whether or not federal financial assistance is involved. Accessibility requirements for entities that receive federal financial assistance is addressed under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and is not limited to the entities' federally funded projects." In 2013, a DOT and DOJ Joint Technical Assistance Memorandum and associated trainings were issued to provide clarification that road resurfacing projects trigger the addition and remediation of curb ramps at all intersections resurfaced when a sidewalk is present. This requirement is applicable whether or not the resurfacing project is federally funded. Further requirements and exclusions may be found in the 2015 Questions and Answers Supplement to the DOT/DOJ Joint Technical Assistance Memorandum that may be found at: www.ada.gov/doj-fhwa-ta-supplement-2015.html The United States Access Board (Access Board) is the federal agency responsible for developing and maintaining accessibility guidelines and standards. The Access Board has developed new guidelines for public rights-of-way. The proposed Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) have gone through the public comment period and were expected to become enforceable federal regulations in 2017, but have been delayed indefinitely. Both the FHWA and GDOT have adopted PROWAG as best practices. Until PROWAG is signed into law and enforceable, the Department of Justice has left it up to local governments to choose between using either PROWAG or the 2010 ADA Standards as the standards used to meet the requirement that renovated, remediated or new sidewalks, on-street parking and passenger loading area in the PROW are accessible. In addition to these two standards, the DOT ADA Standards and Regulations provide the required standards for the renovation and construction of transit facilities including bus stops. The 2010 ADA Standards, the 2006 DOT ADA Standards and the most current version of PROWAG may be found online at www.access-board.gov. In response to an FHWA request for an ADA Transition Plan of Augusta's sidewalks and bus stops, an ADA Self-evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP) of the Augusta, Georgia PROW pedestrian facilities was competed in 2015-2016 by Cranston Engineering. The 2016 ADA SETP document may be found online at www.augustaga.gov/243/accessibilityADA. The applicable state and federal Accessibility Standards and the 2016 ADA SETP findings are provided in this section of the update. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 31 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Public Rights of Way (PROW) Requirements The ADA, 28 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 35.151 requires that public entities must ensure that facilities that are newly constructed or renovated after January 26, 1992, are readily accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. Features of the PROW such as public sidewalks, crosswalks, on-street parking and bus stops are considered public facilities and must meet the ADA Standards that are or were in effect at the time they are or were constructed or renovated. Maintenance of PROW Infrastructure Accessibility The ADA includes a requirement that the accessible features of public facilities must be maintained. ADA regulations have been established to ensure that sidewalk accessibility is maintained and improved in conjunction with adjacent road and bus stop projects. The maintenance and construction of bus stop pads triggers the requirement that the bus stop must connect to an accessible pedestrian route including curb ramps. The DOJ and DOT have provided a joint statement that when roads are resurfaced, whether or not federal funds are used for the project, the sidewalks adjacent to the road must have curb ramps that meet the ADA Standards. Budgeting for sidewalk maintenance and the required improvements in accessibility that are triggered by road resurfacing and the installation of bus stop pads is necessary for complying with federal and state PROW requirements. An inspection and maintenance schedule should be established for all public sidewalks. Funding for the maintenance of sidewalks and curb ramps and to respond promptly to complaints/requests for accessibility maintenance should be established. Maintaining Sidewalk Accessibility During Construction Where accessible pathways are blocked or detoured during building or sidewalk construction, safe alternative accessible routes must be provided. These alternative routes should comply with MUTCD for pedestrian access routes by providing barricades and channelizing devices. Construction contracts should include assurances that pedestrians are provided with a safe, continuous, compliant accessible path (or paths) around work sites and separated from traffic. Safe separation of pathways around the work would of course also need to be provided for bicyclists and motorized vehicles; both ADA-mandated and other paths would all need to be maintained throughout the project. Local PROW Ordinances State and local ordinances provide a way to make the public aware of the requirement to manage and enforce the accessibility of sidewalks, bus stops and on-street parking. Local ordinances are becoming increasingly necessary to keep sidewalk pedestrian paths clear of furniture, trash receptacles, bikes and scooters. Access to buses using a ramp or lift at the curb is blocked if cars and vehicles are permitted to be parked in the passenger loading zone at bus stops. Local ordinances can strengthen the enforcement of Georgia State disabled permit parking codes which have a minimum fine of $100 per violation for cars parked illegally in the space or the adjacent access aisle. Disabled residents who must rely upon on-street parking that is in short supply may benefit from a local ordinance that allows them to request a disabled permit space be located in front of their residence to ensure that they can park near their home. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 32 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Sidewalk Accessibility The total amount of sidewalk evaluated in the 2016 SETP was approximately 234 miles. During the inventory process, the sidewalks were evaluated in sections. These sections were typically, from intersection to intersection or "block face". When there was a change in the type of sidewalk, missing sections, or extreme condition change a new section would be created in the database to represent this changed condition. Obstructions Figure 7-1. Sidewalk Clearance Width. Obstructions such as furniture and signs that protrude into the pedestrian space reduce the width of the sidewalk or the clearance height of the pedestrian route. A clear width of at least 36 inches must be maintained to provide an accessible path. Street signs and low hanging branches must be kept above a minimum height of 80 inches from the ground. There are many different types of obstructions ranging from movable obstructions to utility posts and fire hydrants. Obstructions such as overgrown shrubbery, seating, bikes, electric scooters and trash receptacles narrow the travel way and create hazards for people with visual impairments and barriers to access for wheelchair users. Construction work that obstructs or closes a sidewalk shall require that an accessible detour or diversion sidewalk and a cane-detectable barrier to restrict pedestrian access be installed. An obstruction that protrudes into a path such as low hanging branches, pole signs or awnings can be hazardous for people with visual impairments due to the difficulty of detecting them. Table 7-1 shows a summary of the fixed obstructions observed on the sidewalks. Table 7-1. Sidewalk Obstructions Observed. Number Percentage of Total Obstruction Type Fire Hydrant 17 6.51% Mail Box 2 0.77% Pedestrian Signals 4 1.53% Sign 11 4.21% Other 4 1.53% Utility Pole 204 78.16% Tree 19 7.28% Total Fixed Obstructions 261 100.00% Figure 7-2. Utility Pole Obstruction 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 33 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Changes in Level (Heaves) The smoothness and levelness of sidewalk surfaces has a significant impact on sidewalk accessibility. People who use wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or walkers are particularly sensitive to tripping hazards. Abrupt changes in level can be painful or inaccessible for those individuals who utilize wheel chairs or other mobility devices. People with mobility impairments need a stable and regular surface that is unimpeded by large cracks or changes in the level of sidewalks. Figure 7-3. Maximum Vertical Height Changes. Changes in level are defined as vertical height transitions between adjacent surfaces or along the surface of a path. Changes in level caused by raised sections of sidewalk are referred to as heaves. These heaves can be up to .25 inch before remediation is necessary. Heaves larger than 0.25 but less than 0.5 inch can be ground to a 1: 1 slope. Any heaving greater than 0.5 inch should be ground or patch repaired to a level that does not exceed 8.33%. Heaving can affect different kinds of sidewalk surfaces. Concrete sidewalks are more rigid and whole panels usually move as separate units creating problems at joints. Asphalt is less rigid than concrete allowing the surface to deform more in response to heaving. This can lead to an uneven surface caused by deformities and cracking of the asphalt. For the purpose of the SETP, a section of sidewalk is defined as the length of sidewalk between two intersections. The inventory analysis shows that there are 897 sections of sidewalk that have a vertical cracks more than 0.25 inch. Table 4-2 illustrates the amount of sidewalk sections that have areas of large vertical cracking. Table 7-2. Raised Sections Observed. Vertical Crack Total# of Height Sections 0.25" -0.5'' 148 0.5"-1" 115 .75" -1" 63 >1"571 Total 897 Figure 7-4. Heaving/Raised Sidewalk. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 34 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Grade (Running Slope) Steep grades pose a barrier for many pedestrians with mobility impairments, but can be dangerous for wheelchair users. Grade or running slope is defined as the slope parallel to the direction of the travel way. It is calculated as a percentage of vertical change divided by the horizontal distance. The grade of the sidewalk affects the speed and braking control of powered or manual chairs and excessive slope makes a pedestrian route inaccessible for manual wheelchairs. Table 7-3 provides the percentage of sidewalks at various grades across 233.8 miles of sidewalks. Unless the result of topography, sidewalk slopes may not exceed 5%. Under certain conditions, the city is limited by site constraints for construction and remediation of sidewalk and curb ramps that can meet ADA Guidelines. Figure 7-5. Steep Grade due to Topography. In these instances, the slope of the accessible pedestrian route may exceed the maximum allowable slope of 5% because of topography, but the slope of the sidewalk must not exceed the grade of the roadway. Installing level landings at incremental distances is one way to improve the accessibility of steep sidewalks due to topography. Wider sidewalks allow wheelchair users to travel in wide arcs to reduce their speed or reduce the effort required and are considered best practice. Table 7-3. Grades Observed. Grade Category Length in Miles Percentage of total Passing < 5.0% 193.9 82.94% 5.1%-8.33% 30.6 13.08% 8.34%-10% 5.0 2.14% 10.1 % -12.5% 2.4 1.03% 12.6% + 1.9 0.82% Total 233.8 100.00% 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 35 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Cross Slope Cross slope is defined as the slope that is measured perpendicular to the travel way. This percentage is defined by calculating the percentage of vertical change divide by the horizontal distance. The ADA requires that sidewalk cross slope may not not exceed 2%. Excessive cross slope is a concern for pedestrians who use scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. The excessive cross slope requires a pedestrian with a mobility device to use extra strength to fight the slope and increases the risk of tipping the device over. The results of the survey are shown in Table 7-4. This table shows that only 46.5% of the sidewalk sections evaluated meet the accessibility standards for cross slope. Table 7-4. Cross Slopes Observed. Cross Slope Percentage of Category Length in Miles Total Passing< 2% 108.7 46.50% 2.1%-4% 80.8 34.54% 4.1%-6% 27.9 11.94% 6.1%-8% 7.8 3.32% 8.1%-10% 4.2 1.79% 10.1% + 4.5 1.92% Total 233.8 100.00% Figure 7-6. Steep Cross Slope. Figure 7-7. Cracked and Failing. Figure 7-8. Overgrown Vegetation. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 36 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Curb Ramp Accessibility This section presents the findings of approximately 4,746 missing and existing curb ramps. Well-built and placed curb ramps improve the connectivity and make sidewalks accessible to more people. They also improve the safety of citizens by allowing easy access to the sidewalk for pedestrians. When curb ramps are not present, people who use wheel chairs are not able to access the PROW facilities. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to make access at road crossings accessible to people with disabilities by installing curb ramps. These curb ramps should comply with PROWAG and GDOT design standards for width, slopes, placement and other attributes. Per GDOT Design Policy Manual, grades steeper than 12.5% on a curb ramp cannot be used by most pedestrians with disabilities. Likewise, steep gutter slopes can make it difficult or impossible for a person in a wheelchair to make the transition between the ramp and the street. Missing/Existing There are two categories of curb ramps missing and existing. At each of the 3,214 existing curb ramps, a field technician evaluated it for 12 different attributes. The categories included grade, cross slope, flares, transitions, landing panels, and detectable warnings as described in the ADAAG guidelines. Figure 7-9. Missing Curb Ramp. An additional 1,533 curb ramps were captured during the PROW evaluation. The locations of the missing ramps were geographically located along routes already included in the survey. The ability to quantify the amount and immediate need for each of these missing ramps locations will be a step used in the transition planning for upgrading the areas that need PROW facilities. Gutter Lip and Obstructions The gutter lip is the transition between the curb ramp gutter and the road. This transition from road to ramp should be flush and free of level changes and cannot have a vertical crack of more than 0.25 inches. Large vertical changes can cause the front caster of a wheel to impede the momentum needed to propel a wheelchair up a ramp. The survey found 365 ramps with gutter lip transitions that had more than 0.25-inch gap. Other obstructions found during the survey included vertical and horizontal obstructions. These type of obstructions included utility poles, 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities Figure 7-10. Uneven Gutter Transition. 37 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 cracks in the curb ramp from heaving and items protruding into ramp or other obstructions that make the ramp hard to traverse. There were 178 ramps with these type of failings. Grade (Running Slope) adjoining surface maximum slope 20 ,.,_. ___ 1 -,----J ( z � curb ramp slope Grade or running slope is measured parallel to direction of travel. ADAAG requires ramp grade to measure 8.33% or less for all ramps and a running slope of no more than Figure 7-11. Ramp-Gutter Transition. 5% for any adjoining gutter. When one or the other is more than the recommended amount the transitional point becomes impossible to maneuver and can cause wheel chair wheels to become stuck. Therefore, both DOT and DOJ require that curb ramps that have excessively steep slopes, must be remediated to meet the standards for accessibility when they are are within the intersections of a road resurfacing or improvement project. Table 7-5 provides a summary of the results from the survey for both ramp and gutter grade. This summary shows 963 ramps are steeper than the recommended 8.33% and 1,215 gutter transition greater than the required 5% slope. Table 7-5. Curb Ramp Slopes Observed. Running Slope Value Ramp Gutter 5% or Less 1297 1999 5.1% -8.33% 954 666 8.34%-10% 400 227 10.1 % -12.5% 302 166 12.6% + 261 156 Total 3214 3214 Cross Slope Cross slope is measured for the ramp gutter and ramp panel. It is measured perpendicular to the path of travel. Excessive cross slope can decrease the stability for disabled pedestrians and increase the risk of tipping over. The required cross slope for a curb ramp is no more than 2%. Excessive cross slopes must be remediated to meet the standards for accessibility when they are within the intersections of a road resurfacing project. Table 7-5 summarizes the number of failing ramps for both gutter and ramp cross slope. There were 1717 ramp cross slopes found non-compliant with an additional 1181 gutter cross slopes found to be non-compliant. 6.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 38 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Table 7-6. Curb Ramp Cross Slope. Cross Slope Ramp Gutter 2% or less 1496 2032 2.1% -4% 834 702 4.1 % -6% 467 283 6.1 o/o -8% 228 106 8. 1 o/o - 1 0%95 56 10.1 o/o + 93 34 Figure 7-12. Non - Compliant Curb Ramp. Detectable Warning Surfaces Detectable warning surfaces (DWS) are raised tactile warning system placed on curb ramps to give sight impaired pedestrian a visual and tactile cue that they are about to enter a street. Detectable warning devices are required on all curb ramps at street intersections and on curb ramps that are part of transit facilities. DWS may be used on curb ramps at other locations. DWS must line up with each of the crosswalks unless existing physical constraints require a single diagonal DWS. The current standard for detectable warning devices consist of a highcontrast color panel with truncated domes. DWS are located on the sidewalk curb ramps adjacent to the street gutter or shoulder. DWS must measure a minimum of 24" deep from the back of the curb. and should be the full width of the curb ramp. DWS are only required at public streets and not required where the sidewalk crosses a driveway. DWS are required on all curb ramps at bus stops and in parking lots of transit facilities. The survey team found 1,289 curb ramps that were non-standard because they did not have a detectable warning system in place and found 44 of the 1,924 curb ramp DWS' to be in poor condition or not up to current standards for contrast or detectability. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities Figure 7-13. Detectable Warning Surface. 39 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Ramp Flare Slopes Ramp flare slopes are located on either side of a ramp to help mitigate the transition between the ramp and the sidewalk. Ramp flares are not required on curb ramps when the transition from the sidewalk to the ramp is not excessively steep and the ramp is sufficiently wide. Ramp flare slopes greater than 10% are considered non-compliant. Of the 1,478 curb ramps that had flare slopes, 855 were found to be non-compliant. Curb Ramp Assessment Results Table 7-7 shows the attribute surveyed for all 3214 existing curb ramps. It provides a summary for the number of ramps that were found to have attributes non-compliant and the percentage of ramps non-compliant. Table 7-7. Curb Ramp Assessment Results. Curb Ramp Feature Number Percentage Non-Compliant Non-compliant Gutter Lip 365 11.36% Other Obstructions 178 5.54% Ramp Running Slope 963 29.97% Gutter Running 1215 37.82% Slope Ramp Cross Slope 1717 53.44% Gutter Cross slope 1181 36.76% Detectable Warning 1289 40.12% Surfaces Ramp Flare Slope 855 57.85% (1478*) Ramp Landing Slope 227 7.07% Ramp Width 28 0.87% * number of ramps with flare slopes Ramp Landing Panel The ramp landing panel is the level area located at the top of a ramp that aligns with the sidewalk. They are level transitions from the sidewalk to the ramp. They should have a minimum size of 48 inches and are required at all ramp transitions. They are used to allow the pedestrians to orient themselves either to continue on the sidewalk or to cross the street and should be flat as possible. The survey team found of the 3,213 curb ramps reviewed that 715 had landing panels that were non-compliant. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 40 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Figure 7-14. Missing Curb Ramp. Figure 7-15. Blocked Curb Ramp. Accessible Pedestrian Signals Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to make pedestrian crossings accessible to people with disabilities. Pedestrian signals must be accessible to persons who are in wheelchairs or visually impaired. Pedestrian signals are used to provide indicators to allow for safe crossing of pedestrians with visual or non-visual impairments. Audible pedestrian signals are required near services and facilities that are used by persons with visual disabilities. Pedestrian signal timing may need to be extended to permit extra time for individuals with disabilities and seniors to safely cross the intersection. Signals near medical services, disability services and senior housing should be evaluated to determine if sufficient time to clear the intersection is provided to these pedestrians. To evaluate compliance with accessibility requirements, the following attributes were reviewed: the presence of call buttons and at the correct height, the location of the call button in relation to the pedestrian way, and if the signal had an audible tone. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facllltles 41 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Pedestrian Signal Assessment During the PROW self-evaluation survey, 619 pedestrian signals were reviewed for certain attributes about the pedestrian signal. The 619 pedestrian signalizations represent approximately 131 signalized intersections throughout the City. Other types of signalized pedestrian crossings were included in the assessment that do not occur at traditional intersections, i.e. mid-block crossings. Table 7- 8. Pedestrian Signal Results. Number Non-Percentage Number Standard Non-Standard 619 251 40.55% Signal Feature Button Height Audible 619 547 88.37% Distance to Back of Curb 619 159 25.69% Distance to Back of Walk 619 266 42.97% The signalized intersections can be broken down into two major types, those with call buttons or those without. The different type was noted in the assessment with those with push buttons identifying and assessing the components for each signal location. The survey assessed 519 signalizations with call buttons and 81 without out buttons. Pedestrian Signall Assessment Results The features assessed and scored from section 4 included the height of the push button, if it had an audible assist, and location of the call button. The summary in Table 4-9 provides information on the number of noncompliant signals for each type of attribute. The locator tone or audible is a recommended requirement that should be used on all new or refitted signalization. There are a limited number in use on pedestrian signals in the city; most are located downtown on Broad Street. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities Figure 6-16. Call Button Too Far Away. 42 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Accessible On-street Parking On-street accessible parking allows people with disabilities who are impaired in their ability to walk to work, shop, dine and enjoy entertainment in their community. Both GDOT and the FHWA have adopted PROWAG. It should also be adopted at the local level. PROWAG ensures that sufficient onstreet parking is provided and that it is safe and accessible. Federal and State accessibility standards require that each permanent on-street accessible parking space must be designated by a blue reflective sign with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) posted a minimum of 60 inches from the ground and be adjacent to a curb ramp. The 2016 survey identified 57 accessible parking spaces throughout the city. These were identified by either paint or sign as a space that was intended to be accessible designated parking. Items that were reviewed in the survey included the type of parking, the presence of a parking sign with the ISA and curb ramp at the space, access aisle, slope of the space, any obstructions and the condition of the road, gutter and ramp surface. Table 7-9 shows the results of the accessible parking survey. Table 7-9. Accessible On-Street Parking Survey Results Number Accessible Parking Attribute Non-Standard Percentage Access Isle 2 3.51% Poor or No Markings 19 33.33% Obstructions 2 3.51% Slope 18 31.58% Sign 16 28.07% Ramp so 87.72% Total number of Accessible Parking Spaces = 57 Figure 7-17. ISA Sign. Figure 7-18. No Marked Access Aisle. Figure 7-19. No Curb Access. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 43 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 The required number of marked or metered accessible spaces is shown in Table 4-11. PROWAG scoping requirements are based upon the total number of parking spaces on the perimeter of a block face. Parallel parking must be placed nearest intersection curb ramps. Angled parking must have an access aisle and curb ramp as shown in Figure 4-20. The access aisle must be locate on the passenger side of angled van accessible spaces. It is recommended that all single angled accessible spaces be designated as van accessible and half of all double spaces. Table 7-10. Minimum Number of Accessible On- Street Parking Spaces. Total Number of Marked or Metered Parking Spaces on Minimum Required Number of Accessible the Block Perimeter Parking Spaces 1 to 25 1 26 to 50 2 51 to 75 3 76 to 100 4 101 to 150 5 151 to 200 6 201 and over 4% of total Twenty-four on-street accessible parking spaces were added on Broad Street in 2018- 2019, bringing the total number on Broad Street to 37. Spaces were located at the beginning of each block and 2 were added at the Augusta Common. Thirteen accessible spaces were added to Greene Street in 2018 - 2019. An audit of the number of spaces on all streets from 5th to 15th and on Ellis Street is planned for 2020 to determine the number of accessible spaces needed . Figure 7-20. Accessible Angled On - Street Parking Spaces with Aisle and Ramp. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 44 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Bus Stop Accessibility As public facilities, bus stops must be accessible and connect to accessible sidewalks, pedestrian ways or streets. Sidewalks are not required to be installed at bus stops or pads, but the lack of a sidewalk forces wheelchair users to travel in the road and board from the road. If the connecting pedestrian route is not accessible due to a lack of maintenance or sidewalk curb ramps are non-compliant or missing, it must be remediated. Two compliant curb ramps should be provided to provide access to bus stops near key facilities such as government services, parks, retail establishments, health services and downtown. Federal Accessibility Standards require all bus stops to have a firm and stable surface. The boarding and alighting area connects the bus stop to the curb and shall be a minimum of 96 inches in length perpendicular to the roadway and a minimum of 60 inches wide parallel to the roadway. The boarding and alighting area shall have a smooth and stable surface and a slope perpendicular to the roadway of not more than 1 :48. Concrete bus stop pads are only required where a sidewalk exists. If installed where there is no sidewalk, the bus stop pad must include a center level boarding area and two (2) curb ramps that provide access to and from the shoulder of the road. The 2010 ADA Standards, GDOT and the FTA/DOT ADA Standards provide the accessibility requirements for the design of bus stops and bus stop signs. Table 7-11 summarizes the amount of non-standard features for the 76 bus stops with shelters surveyed. The GDOT Design Policy Manual states requires that Transit accommodations shall be considered in all planning studies and be included in all reconstruction, new construction, and capacity-adding projects that are located in areas with any of the following conditions: 1.transit vehicles: on corridors served by fixed-route transit; and 2.pedestrian transit users: within a %- mile pedestrian catchment area of an existing fixedroute transit facility (i.e., stop, station, or park-and-ride lot). A catchment area is defined by a radial distance from a transit facility per Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines - this includes crossing and intersecting streets. Table 7-11. Sheltered Bus Stop Results. Number Percentage Feature Non-Compliant Non-Compliant Boarding Area 46 60.53% Boarding Condition 16 21.05% Boarding Access 33 43.42% Shelter Access 36 47.37% Slope 15 19.74% Bench 72 94.74% Total Number of Bus Stop with Shelters = 76 Figure 7-21. No Boarding Access. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 45 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 ,r-60 min v I 1525 1 r-----, I I I I I I I I I I I I I -==:&-I curb or vehicle roadway edge ·-' t:. �--------=-------� Figure 7-22. Dimensions of Bus Boarding and Alighting Areas Bus shelters must provide a minimum 32" wide entrance and a clear floor area of 30" by 48" for a wheelchair under the shelter. Benches must not block the clear floor space. Trash receptacles, utility poles, and signs must not block the accessible route from the sidewalk to the bus shelter or to the boarding and alighting area. The FTA ADA Standards require bus stop boarding and alighting areas to be connected to streets, sidewalks, or other pedestrian paths by an accessible route. Curb ramps to and from the shoulder of the road must be provided if a sidewalk is not present. Bus stop signs must meet the visual standards of the 2010 ADA Standards and FTA ADA Standards for contrast and letter height and must be installed at a minimum height of 80". =BENCH = � I I � 32" --1 �32" --1 Figure 7-23. Accessible Bus Shelter 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 46 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Bus Stops Without Shelter The other type of bus stop reviewed during the survey was bus stops with no shelter. Bus stops without shelters are required to meet the same requirements for access to and from a boarding and alighting area that is firm stable and meets the 2010 ADA Standard. Table 7-12 summarizes the findings from the review of 512 bus stops with no shelter. Table 7-12. Non-Sheltered Bus Stop Results. Number Non-Percentage Non· Feature Compliant Compliant Boarding Area 476 92.97% Boarding Condition 276 53.91% Boarding Access 205 40.04% Slope 78 15.23% Bench 6 1.17% Total 512 Figure 7-24. No Access. In 2006, FHWA found the sidewalks in the City of Augusta to be non,;.compliant with the DOT regulations for sidewalk and bus stop accessibility. FHWA subsequently requested the submission of an ADA Self-evaluation and Transition Plan to include a survey of the accessibility of sidewalks and bus stops and a timeline for remediating deficiencies. Recent DOJ Project Civic Access settlement agreements have required municipalities to allocate 50% of all funding for PROW improvements to improving access to public transit. In 2015, the Augusta Commission approved $650,000 in SPLOST funding for improving bus stops with shelters, ADA compliant bus stop pads, benches and lighting and additional $2 million to fund sidewalk accessibility remediation. In 2019, twenty-five bus stops near public services and medical services received new concrete pads. All new bus pads connect to the existing sidewalk or additional accessible sidewalk was added to provide an accessible route to and from the bus stop. All newly constructed bus stop pads have an ADA compliant loading area that connects the bus stop pad to the street curb. ADA compliant bus shelters with benches are to be replaced at 17 of these bus stops that had nonaccessible shelters or lacked shelters. All new bus shelters ordered will provide a minimum of 30" x 48" of clear wheelchair space under the shelter. Funding for additional bus stop shelters and ADA compliant bus stop and boarding pads is a priority. New high visibility ADA compliant bus stop signs have been designed and will be installed in 2019. The signs include high contrast lettering, and the words "Bus Stop" and the route numbers will be a minimum of 2 inches tall to provide improved visibility at a distance. In addition to the accessibility requirements for bus stops, the FTA requires all fixed-route buses to have ramps or lifts and be wheelchair accessible. When sidewalks or bus stops are not accessible, wheelchair users and visually impaired citizens who would otherwise be able to independently use the regular schedule-based fixed route bus service are forced to use the more expensive Paratransit Service. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities 47 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Figure 7-25. No Access to Sidewalk or Bus Stop. Figure 7-26. Worn Path. Figure 7-27. No Access to Bus Stop. 7.0 PROW Pedestrian Facilities In addition to accessible fixed-route bus services, Augusta Transit provides on-demand transit service to persons with disabilities through FTA mandated Complimentary Paratransit Services within 3/4 miles of all bus routes. FTA grant funded Rural Transit Services in South Richmond County areas outside of the regular fixed-transit and paratransit service areas must also be accessible to persons with disabilities. Need for Sidewalk When sidewalks are missing or incomplete, disabled pedestrians are forced to travel on the shoulder or turn around or find an alternative route. When sidewalks are absent transit riders who use wheelchairs must reach the bus stop using the road shoulder. On busy corridors, a lack of continuous accessible sidewalks creates a dangerous and potentially deadly situation. According to AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways, "Providing safe places for people to walk is an essential responsibility of all government entities involved in constructing or regulating the construction of public rights-of-way." The ADA does not require a sidewalk to be installed where there is no sidewalk, but it does require that if a sidewalk is present, it must be made accessible. The FTA ADA Standards do not require that a sidewalk be installed at bus stops, but it does require that sidewalks present at bus stops must connect to the bus stop and be accessible in both directions to provide equal access to the public transportation service. 48 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 8.0 PROW Barrier Removal Plan Introduction The transition plan provides a guide to eliminate barriers present in the public right of way. This consists of a barrier removal plan that provides criteria for prioritization, cost estimate, project grouping, and a schedule of completion. This transition plan is not intended to be a static document. There will be necessary changes, upgrades, and priority adjustments as demand and budgets allow. The transition plan should be monitored and updated annually to reflect changes in funding, project scope and timelines. The Barrier Removal Plan outlines how to prioritize areas, group and schedule projects, and maintain a living database. This plan is the culmination of the work done in the field, public involvement, and city staff input. The intent of the plan is to provide a guide for the city to prioritize remediation of non-compliant facilities. Criteria for Prioritization The federal requirement to bring pedestrian facilities into compliance with the current federal accessibility standards whenever a road is resurfaced or whenever pedestrian and transit facilities are renovated or constructed applies to all PROW projects regardless of whether project funding is federal, state or local. Priority 1 - Public Requests Priority 1 will be to accommodate requests by individuals with disabilities for the remediation of sidewalks and bus stops. Title II of the ADA requires the remediation of public sidewalks and bus stops as a request for a reasonable accommodation by individuals. These requests should be accepted and evaluated by the ADA Coordinator on a case-by-case basis. If determined to be a reasonable accommodation to enable a person with a disability to access public transportation, public services or public accommodations (private businesses), they should be remedied as soon as possible. Funding to support promptly responding to citizen complaints of inaccessible public services due to inaccessible public sidewalks or bus stops should be established. Priority 2 - Public Access to Government Services Priority 2 includes identified inaccessible sidewalks, pedestrian signals and bus stops that create barriers to public transit and public services, public programs, medical services, veterans services and employment. Title II of the ADA and Department of Justice and Department of Transportation settlement agreements have consistently required Title II entities to make the accessibility of sidewalks, curb ramps and bus stops that provide access to public transportation and government services a priority for remediation. Priority 3 - High Volume/High Barrier Areas Based on the scores received from the barrier ranking analysis, these sections have high activity scores and/or high barrier ranking scores and make up about 30 percent of the total 8.0 PROW Barrier Removal Plan 49 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 surveyed area depending on category. These areas have the highest potential to provide accessibility for the largest number of citizens of the City of Augusta. They include the downtown area and areas near schools. The Priority 3 study areas as ranked by barrier score based upon the 2016 SETP along with the projected budgets and project start dates is provided in Appendix A. Additional projects will be added as they are funded. Costs, Funding and Implementation Costs The costs shown in Table 8-1 are direct costs and include labor, material, and equipment. These numbers are used to provide a guide for estimation only. Every repair, replacement, or new feature contains its own unique site specific needs. The estimated unit cost numbers were compiled from 2016 - 2019 Augusta Engineering Department Invoices and the 2016 SETP. The 2019 cost for the renovation of bus stop pads ranged from $9,161 - $14,358 per pad including removal of shelter, demolition of old pad, installation of a minimum 6' x 11' pad connected to both the sidewalk and curb. At some locations, remediation of sidewalk accessibility including curb ramps was included. Table 8-1. Construction Cost Estimates Facility Type Cost Unit Curb Ramp Description ADA Curb Ramp Each Estimated Cost $1950.00 Curb Ramp Repair Existing Curb Ramp Each $800.00 Curb Ramp Add Domes to Existing Ramp Each $475.00 Cross Walk Striped Crosswalk LF $12.00 Sidewalk 4" Concrete Sidewalk (new) SY $66.00 Sidewalk Concrete Demolition CY $387.00 Bus Stop ADA Compliant Bus Stop Shelter Each $6,000.00 Bus Stop Pad ADA Compliant Concrete Pad Each $10,000.0C Features not included in these estimates because of variability and the minimal amount of features present are utility pole movement from sidewalks, additional accessible parking or repair to accessible parking, and pedestrian railroad crossing facilities. There are specific sites that include these items and will need to be coordinated/accounted for when these projects are selected for repair. A 30% contingency cost was added to the projected budgets of all upcoming PROW projects listed in Appendix A. The contingency consists of the cost of mobilization, general conditions, overhead and profit. the contingency does not include the cost of engineering design, right-of-way acquisition or other costs that may arise in conjunction with projects. Funding Funding sources for completing the remediation projects needed to bring Augusta-Richmond County public facilities into compliance with the ADA may include departmental budgets, county-wide budgets, state and local taxes and federal grants. 8.0 PROW Barrier Removal Plan 50 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 8.0 PROW Barrier Removal Plan 51 Planning and Development Linked Some jurisdictions have passed local ordinances that require sidewalk improvements or curb ramp construction when the dollar value of a remodel project on a building exceeds a certain amount. New development can be required to include sidewalks and curb ramps. Fines collected for ADA parking violations can be used towards sidewalks and parking accessibility. Developer Impact Fees New developments place a strain on existing public facilities. Developer impact fees are paid by developers to help cover the costs resulting from new construction and can be used to fund pedestrian right-of-way improvement projects. Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) In November 2015, voters approved a local sales tax to provide $122,650,000 in funding for infrastructure and facility improvements in Augusta-Richmond County. These SPLOST 7 projects included funding for road resurfacing, ADA remediation projects including sidewalk remediation, ADA compliant bus stop pads and the remediation of accessibility at recreational facilities. SPLOST funded pedestrian improvements are identified in Appendix A.SPLOST 8 projects are currently being identified and will be voted on in November 2020. Georgia Transportation Investment Act (TIA) In 2012, voters approved a 10-year one percent sales tax to fund regional and local transportation improvements. Prior to the vote, projects were selected for each region’s Approved Investment List. Seventy-five percent of collected revenue in each region is used for construction of these projects. The remaining 25% is disbursed monthly to the regions’ governments for discretionary use on other local transportation-related efforts. Approved Investment List projects are divided into three delivery bands. Projects must be in construction by December 31 of the last year in each band: Band 1— 2013 to 2015, Band 2 — 2016 to 2019 and Band 3— 2020 to 2022. Current TIA Projects that include pedestrian improvements are identified in Appendix A. New TIA projects for 2023 - 2032 are currently being identified and approved. The 10-year sales tax to fund these project will be voted on in November 2021. Transportation Alternatives Grant (TA) The TAP grant is annual Federal grant funding to be used to improve pedestrian safety, pedestrian facilities, and pedestrian and transit accessibility. The state DOT allocates these federal funds to the local MPO. The ARTS-MPO TAP grant has been awarded to fund local projects such as the remediation of the sidewalks on Walton Way, James Brown Blvd and Kissingbower Road. The grants require a 20% local match. Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) Federal challenge grants which promote innovation and interagency coordination across the DHS and FTA programs that may fund transportation services for people with disabilities, older adults and individuals of low income. Selection criteria will include innovation and encourage exploring new service models to provide more efficient and frequent transportation services in both urban and rural areas. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 8.0 PROW Barrier Removal Plan 52 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) Federal funds with specific set asides for pedestrian related projects. Most of the major categories of funding in TEA-21 can be used to build or retrofit sidewalks, crosswalks, and other accessible pedestrian facilities such as trails. There are also specific targeted subcategories of projects. These funds are available through the federal Department of Transportation. Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act Grants (FAST) The FAST Act funds surface transportation programs—including, but not limited to, Federal-aid highways—at over $305 billion for fiscal years (FY) 2016 through 2020. It is the first long-term surface transportation authorization enacted in a decade that provides long-term funding certainty for surface transportation. This summary reviews the policies and programs of the FAST Act administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Surface Transportation Block Grants (STBG) The FAST Act eliminates the MAP-21 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and replaces it with a set-aside of Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program funding for transportation alternatives (TA). These set-aside funds include all projects and activities that were previously eligible under TAP, encompassing a variety of smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, recreational trails, safe routes to school projects, community improvements such as historic preservation and vegetation management, and environmental mitigation related to stormwater and habitat connectivity. State STBG funds may also be available for other projects. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) CDBG funds may be used for the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public improvements or public facilities. “Public improvements” includes, but is not limited to, streets, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, and parks. CDBG funds are grants from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and are usually allocated at the county or city level. CDBG funds have been used for curb ramp construction by local jurisdictions for many years. Funds can be set aside for specific improvements or be associated with larger projects. Private Philanthropic Funding Private philanthropies may provide funding for improving accessibility through specific high- impact projects. Over the past 4 years, private funding has enabled the Housing and Community Development Department to fund residential accessibility improvements to individuals who needed wheelchair ramps, accessible bathroom modifications or other improvements in order to live independently at their residences. Private funding has also enabled Augusta Transit to fund public service media campaigns to inform the public of improvements in bus accessibility and to provide transit training to individuals to enable them to understand how to use Augusta Transit. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Implementation Schedule The ADA Title II regulations state that if a transition plan will take more than 1 year to fully implement, it must contain interim steps towards compliance and must provide program accessibility. Priority 1 requests for the removal of barriers by persons with disabilities should be evaluated and addressed in a timely manner as any citizen complaint would be. The remediation of curb ramps on public sidewalks must be included in road resurfacing budgets. The remediation of facility parking, entrances and interior paths of travel to primary function areas must be included in the project whenever a parking lot or facility is renovated. The remediation of bus stops and the connectivity of the bus stops to the curb and an accessible sidewalk must be included in all bus stop renovation and construction projects. A detailed barrier removal plan for completing Priority 2 projects identified in the ADA Transition Plans should be developed as soon as possible. The ADA Coordinator, the Augusta Engineering Department, the Central Services Department and the Augusta Transit Department will need to work together to establish a plan with project scopes, budgets and timelines for each of the remediation projects. The City should provide the public with accessibility maps that show the locations of accessible pedestrian routes for its citizens to allow them to navigate the public-rights-of-way and access the transit system. These may be online or paper-based, but must be made available in alternative and accessible formats and updated regularly. Government services, polling places, bus stops and high priority business areas should be considered first when making accessibility maps. Figure 7-2 shows a Hot Zone Map of the curb ramps and sidewalks within the County and an inset of the downtown business district. It can be seen that the majority of the hot zones are grouped in the downtown area. Updating and Monitoring An initial ADA Self-Evaluation of the PROW features was completed in 2016 and submitted to the GDOT ADA Coordinator in 2018. Beginning in 2019, the GDOT ADA Coordinator will require the submission of an annual ADA Transition Plan Update that shows the schedule and budgets for making the PROW pedestrian features compliant with the accessibility requirements of the ADA. A primary function of the ADA Coordinator is to ensure that a barrier removal plan schedule is developed, implemented and update as required by Title II of the ADA and the FHWA. It is critical that a liaison between the ADA Coordinator and the Augusta Engineering Department be maintained to ensure that the PROW remediation projects are tracked, the annual Transition Plan Update is accurate and to provide accountability for allocated funds. It will be critical that the Engineering Department staff should not only ensure that the currently adopted federal and state design standards for accessible features are being followed for all PROW improvements, but that they are being constructed properly on all projects. The additional monitoring of the construction activities and the updating of the features in the GIS database as they are completed will ensure the effectiveness and full compliance of the transition program. 8.0 Funding and Implementation 53 I '· /;,el_....,.. ' ! .. ... ., .. r ....... \ \ 8,500 4,250 0 .,_ .... 8.500 -.' 17,000 ... '� '\ .. 25.500 Feet Sources. ·Esri, HERE. Oelorme, USGS. lntermap, mcrement P Corp .• NRCAN, Esri. Japan, METI Esri China o,-iong Kong), Esn {Tha.ltand), TomTom, Mapmylndia, 0 OpenStreetMap contrlbutors':and the GIS User Community 54 ADA Self-Evaluation Hot Zone Map (2016) """'1111'"'1..-.::�-... Downtown Business District Curb Ramp Existing Sidewalk • • • Cold Spot -99% Confidence --Cold Spot -99% Confidence Cold Spot -95% Confidence Cold Spot -95% Confidence Cold Spot -90% Confidence --Cold Spot -90% Confidence Not Significant Not Significant Hot Spot -90% Confidence Hot Spot -90% Confidence Hot Spot -95% Confidence --Hot Spot -95% Confidence Hot Spot -99% Confidence -Hot Spot -99% Confidence Figure 8-1 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 9.0 Public Meetings and Comments 55 9.0 Public Meetings and Comments Review Summary with Augusta Commission The ADA Transition Plan Update 2020 Draft was provided to the Augusta Commission on September 15, 2020 prior to being uploaded to the website and made available for public comment. Public Comment Period The required Public Review period was October 19, 2020 through October 30, 2020. Additional public meetings were not held due to the COVID19 pandemic. The draft report was available for viewing at the following locations from October 9, 2020: 1.Augusta, Georgia ADA Website: http://www.augustaga.gov/243/ADA 2.Augusta Library Headquarters, 823 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia 3.Diamond Lakes Library Branch, 101 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah, GA 30815 4.Friedman Library Branch, 1447 Jackson Road, Augusta, Georgia, 30909 5.Clerk of Commission’s Office, Suite 220, Municipal Building, 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, Georgia. A Public Comment Period Notice was posted on the Augustaga.gov Calendar from October 16-30, 2020. Walton Options CIL and local advocates were emailed the Public Notice and encouraged to share it with their communities and to submit their comments on the ADA Plan Draft and to identify their priorities for remediation. Adoption by Augusta Commission The final ADA Transition Plan Update 2020 will be presented to the Augusta Commission for adoption after the comment period ends. After adoption, the final version will be uploaded to the Augusta, Georgia Compliance Department Accessibility/ADA Division website at: http://www.augustaga.gov/243/ADA and submitted to GDOT EEO/ADA Division in Atlanta. Public Meetings The ADA Coordinator attended two local community fairs late 2019 to inform seniors and persons with disabilities that an ADA Transition Plan Update was being undertaken. Attendees were asked to identify their priority for pedestrian facility accessibility improvements and any specific bus stop locations for remediation. A total of 33 individuals provided responses. Their #1 priority for improvement was the maintenance of sidewalks. In November 2019, a public ADA Transition Plan meeting was held at the Municipal Building at 535 Telfair Street, Augusta. A presentation included an overview of the ADA, Augusta-Richmond County's progress in meeting the requirements of the ADA and a list of recent and future ADA remediation projects. The public was provided an opportunity to submit comments and to submit their priorities for remediation through an online form or by email. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 9.0 Public Meetings and Comments 56 Additional public meetings during the initial Public Review period of October 19, 2020 through October 30, 2020 were not held due to the COVID pandemic. The comment period was extended through December 28, 2020 to enable adequate time for the community to respond to email requests for comments. Public Comments Received The public review period did provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities, disability advocates and other community members to identify their priorities for improving the accessibility of Augusta-Richmond County facilities, programs and services. The following comments and priorities were received: Audible Pedestrian Signals at Crosswalks The lack of Audible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at crosswalks were identified as a major barrier to persons with visual disabilities trying to navigate pedestrian routes near public services, medical services and retail services. Without APS installed, the safe and independent use of crosswalks by persons with visual impairments restricted. Locations identified as priorities for installation of APS included the crosswalk on Peach Orchard Road at Windsor Spring Road, crosswalks in the Medical District, the crosswalk on Wrightsboro Road in front of the VA Rehabilitation Center and crosswalks near high volume transit bus stops. Augusta Canal Authority Facilities Augusta Canal Authority lacks wheelchair accessibility at the parking lot, pedestrian routes, restrooms and boat rides. The parking lots lack a smooth surface and marked van and car accessible parking spaces with an access aisle. The bathroom facilities are not fully accessible to persons in wheelchairs. Entrances, hardware, fixtures and signage are not accessible. The canal boat ride is not accessible to persons in wheelchairs. A wheelchair lift is needed to permit persons in wheelchairs to board the boat and participate in the canal tour from the boat. Accessible Pedestrian Routes and Crosswalks Near Medical Services Fully accessible sidewalks with crosswalks, curb ramps, tactile mats and audible pedestrian signals are lacking near medical care on Peach Orchard Road, 15th Street and Walton Way. Sidewalks and curb ramps should be maintained to provide a safe and level surface. Curb ramps that are missing should be installed and curb ramps that are excessively sloped or missing tactile warning mats should brought into compliance to permit persons with disabilities to access medical care. Crosswalks should be located to provide a path of travel and should be signalized to provide safety for pedestrians who are seeking to reach medical services. Establish and Enforce Clear Sidewalk Paths During Events The establishment, communication and enforcement of clear sidewalk paths at street fair events. Booths, vendors, tables and signs on the sidewalks block the path for persons using personal mobility devices and do not permit them to enjoy and participate in these events. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 9.0 Public Meetings and Comments 57 Establish an Advisory and Planning Committee on Accessibility Members of the local disability community have requested that a standing Advisory Committee be established to meet regularly with the ADA Coordinator . The purpose of the Committee would be to identify and prioritize specific accessibility projects that will positively impact individuals with disabilities in Augusta. The individual and group experiences of the barriers encountered are currently communicated as either a Accessibility Barrier Complaint or grievance. Priorities are communicated during the public comment period of the ADA Transition Plans. Both of these mechanisms for public input are required by the ADA regulations, but they are reactive and not easily incorporated into the evaluation of multiple projects with the goal of prioritizing projects. Public participation in the prioritizing of accessibility projects is also a requirement of the ADA. A standing Advisory Committee would provide a place for deliberation and the identification of accessibility priorities in a way that can translate into the ADA Transition Plans and planning across the many services, programs and departments within Augusta- Richmond County Government. AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Appendix A : PROW Barrier Removal Plan Appendix A PROW Barrier Removal Plan F-1 Appendix A - PROW Facilities Study Area 12 Hickman from Meiggs -Summer Ridge 113.27 No $246,766.00 I Study Area 86 James Brown Reconstruction 112.64 Yes $810,418.00 2018 Study Area 11 Baker from Walton Way -McDowell 112.57 No $218,680.00 Study Area 76 Central from Wilson-15th Street 111.75 No $254,284.00 Study Area 7 Summer from Laney Walker -Hopkins 110.77 No $91,450.10 Study Area 59 Clark from Division -Westview 109.71 No $257,342.00 Study Area 84 Druid Park Avenue 108.92 Yes $181,450.00 2018 j Study Area 34 Wheeler from Highland -Royal 108.20 No $312,578.00 Study Area 56 Heard from Bransford -Russell 107.89 No $425,102.00 ! Study Area 19 Broad Street Improvements 107.59 Yes $1,635,240.00 2022 Study Areal Arsenal near McDowell 107.33 No $251,659.00 I Study Area 1 Wrightsboro from Mill -McCauley 107.28 No $320,184.00 Study Area 77 Central from Craig -Hiclanan 107.13 No $411,972.00 !study Area 39 Lumpkin from Peach Orchard -Harold 106.97 No $931,667.00 Study Area 18 Reynolds from 7th Street-12th Street 104.93 No $206,636.00 Study Area 16 Jones from 13th Street -10th Street 104.08 No $102,287.00 Study Area 90 Telfair Street Improvments 104.07 Yes $881,588.00 2020 I Study Area 40 Murphey from Milledgeville -Deans Bridge 103.13 No $160,244.00 Study Area 30 Anderson from 12th Street -Monroe 102.66 No $197,503.00 j Study Area 20 Chafee near Laney Walker 102.04 No $40,697.90 !Study Area 60 Laney Walker from James Brown -Blount 101.12 No $271,374.00 !study Area 53 Tuttle from Hicks -Jenkins 100.50 No $127,182.00 Study Area 4 7 MLK from Mill - Chestnut 99.61 No $333.,211.00 !study Area 64 Grand from 13th Street-Turpin 97.33 No $221,878.00 Study Area 72 Wrightboro from Damascus -North Leg 96.76 No $614,645.00 I Study Area 79 Osler from New Baille -15th Street 95.91 No $55,188.50 1 Study Area 93 SR 4115th Street Ped. Improvements 94.20 Yes $332,745.00 2019 Study Area 46 MLK from 14th Street-Fuller 93.62 No $427,045.00 Study Area 58 Milledge near McDowell 92.47 No $104,109.00 !study Area 25 Jones from 15th Street -13th Street 91.95 No $203,170.00 1 Study Area 63 Walton Way from 15th Street -13th Street 91.78 No $156,061.00 AUGUSTA, GEORGIA ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE 2020 Appendix B: Public Services and Programs Barrier Removal Plan Appendix B Public Services and Programs Barrier Removal Plan F-2 Appendix B -Programs and Services Facilities and Services Accessibility ill-'- LEngineering/U)ilities Administration Buildmg__________ 452 Walker_St __________________ Yes ____ Yes ______ Yes _ Yes Yes --------·--------------------------------------!Information Technology__ 535 Telfair St, Building 2000 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes County Judicial Center/ John H_ Ruffin, Jr. Courthouse 735 James Brown Blvd ---------Yes ________ Yes ____________ Yes_____ Yes Yes -----------------!Charles B Webster Detention Center 1941 Phinizy Rd Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes [!_lonald H_Strength Sheriffs Office Administration_Facili400 Walton Way --------------Yes _____ Yes _______ Yes ______ Yes__ Yes -------------------Division of Family and Children Services 510 Fenwick St closed for renovations survey after completion of renovations T: ' Augusta Municipal _Building----·---------------------------__ 535 Telfair _St --------------------Yes _______ Yes _____ Yes_ Yes _____ Yes _________ connect access aisle to sidewalk -----------------Feb-20Augusta Employee Wellness Center 535 Telfair St. Yes No No Yes Yes Ramp non-compliant, entrance signs Feb-20 Jeff Maxwell Branch_Library __ ---------_1927_Lumpkin Rd_________ __ Yes _____ Yes __ Yes __Yes ___ Yes ___ connect access aisle to sidewalk __ i_§xtension Service 602 Greene St No No No No No Post alternative service notice Feb-20 . toroner_-Office ---------------------------------912 Eighth St _ ___ Yes No ___ Yes__ Yes _No Parking sign, ADA door hardware______ Feb-.&j !Housing And Community Development 925 Laney Walker Blvd Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes restroom signage location and Braille Feb-20 !Wallace Branch Library ______________ --------------___ 1237 _Laney-Walker Blvd_____ Yes ___ No _______ Yes Yes Yes _____ Parking sign; _wider_access aisle_________ Feb-20 Sheriff Substation 2803 Wrightsboro Rd Yes Yes Yes ------'Y-'e-'-s ___ Y'-e'-'s ------------------------------' Friedman Branch_Library____ ---------______ -··---_________ 1447 Jackson Rd_____________ _ __ Yes ___ Yes __________ Yes _____ Yes _____ door oeener handles/dispensers __Public Transit Office 1535 Fenwick St Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes repaint parking spaces _ _________ Feb-20 ___, Feb-20 tAP�E.Y Branch J:,ibr�_ry ________________________ _1?60 ��lton Way _______ �-----!"./�_ No No No Post alternative service notice ��lete I West A'-:1_gusta Tag Office 2816 Wash in gton Rd Y _es _____ Y_e_s ____ Y_es _____ Y_e_s ____ Y_e_s ____________________________ ----<I/Humane Society 425 Woods St No No No No Yes Post alternative service notice Feb-20 • ------------------------------·-------------------------------------------------------------------· ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------,Sheriff Substation 807 Eisenhower Dr No No Yes Yes Yes Mark ADA parking and install sign Feb-20 I Sheriff Substation_____ _ -------------------------224 I __ Brown _Rd_ ___ __ __ _ No ------------No _______ Yes __ Yes Yes _______ Mark AD�3u:kfilgynd install � -----------Feb-20 , IDiamond Lakes Branch Library IOI Diamond Lakes Way Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes :Animal Services 4164 Mack Ln Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes [RCCI 2314 Tobacco Rd Yes No Yes Yes Yes Install parking signs [!'lanning & Development -License & Permitting 1803 Marvin Griffin Rd ____ Yes _______ Yes________ Yes _ __ Yes __ Yes ___ wider van space and access aisle Traffic Engineering (former Natural Resources) 1815 Marvin Griffin Rd Yes construction Yes Yes Yes Entrance ramp lacks wheel railing !Sheriff Substation __________________________________________ 2416 Wind�nngRd _ _Yes __ Yes Yes ____ Y_e _s ___ Y_e_s _________ _ Feb-20 Feb-20 TBD-----; ; 1v1s1on ofDnver Services 3423 Mike Pad�-�---Yes No Yes Yes Yes Install parkin�gns Feb-20 '-:1.��a_Regmna!_�--1_rp�i:!_ ____________________ _.!1Q_��(_l�_Way Yes _ ___y_��----��-�-s Yes ____ ___ ---1 e��mm1strat1on Office ------------�� : n ;;� 1 :� e Rd ___ _ __ �:: ___ �:: _____ �:: ___ �:: __ �::________ --� Libra'}'. Main 902 Greene St Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Utilitites Customer Service 3463 Peach Orchard Rd Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes !Sheriff Substation --725 Ellis St ----------N�-No No No Yes ____M_a_r _k _A_D_A_p_a-rk-1-_n_g _;-th-r-es_h_o_ld_ra_m_p _________ F_ e _ b-_2_0--1 rsh eriffSubstation ---------------721 Crawford-A;,,--;-----Yes Yes Yes Yes --Yes ---------- I_Old Government House 432 Telfair St Yes Yes Yes Yes No ADA door hardware; clear leaves Feb-20 ��t1sta Judicial Circuit Office of the Public Defender 902 Greene St Yes Yes _____ Yes ___ Yes Yes Augusta Law Department __________ 535 Telfair St Bldg 3000 ________ Yes ___Yes ______ No No No Ramped entrance/threshold, hardware Dec-� f Transit Transfer Facility 1546 Broad Street Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Maintain automatic door openers TBD '·--··-···-···-····---.. ·-·-···--------·-·-····· . ---------·-···-·-··----------····-···-·····--·-------·-·····--·········-······-------··· ----··---·----··-·--·····--····-·····-··--···-···-----····-···--·--------··----·-------··---··--·-···-··-·-·--·--··-----··--··----·---·-·-------·····------l ·-------------------·------- ---------·- ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE FINAL 2020Presenter: Carole Burrowbridge, ADA Coordinator Augusta, Georgia Compliance Department ADA REQUIREMENTS The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Federal Civil Rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by employers, state and local governments, businesses, transportation and communications services. Title I of the ADA prohibits disability discrimination in all aspects of hiring and employment. It requires that reasonable accommodations be provided to “otherwise qualified” job applicants and employees with disabilities. Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to ensure that, when viewed in their entirety, their programs, services and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities and conducted in a non-discriminatory manner. ADA TITLE II REQUIREMENTS 1.Designate an ADA Coordinator; 2.Publish an ADA Notice of Non-Discrimination; 3.Create an ADA Complaint/Grievance Policy 4.Complete an ADA Self-Evaluation of all programs, services and activities; 5.Complete an ADA Transition Plan to improve accessibility and achieve compliance with the ADA; 6.Ensure that all government buildings and facilities undergoing alteration or construction after January 26, 1992 meet the Accessibility Standards for buildings and facilities in effect at the time construction begins; 7.Modify older facilities not built or renovated since 1992 when the accessibility of programs, services and activities cannot be achieved through other means. SECTION 504 REQUIREMENTS 1.Largely the same as ADA Title II requirements; 2.Applies to all facilities, programs and services of any entity that receives federal money regardless of whether the facility, program or service receives federal funds; 3.Federal funds may be withheld for non-compliance; 4.Like the ADA it requires changes to older unrenovated facilities to meet “program access requirements” if no other way to provide access is available or effective. WHAT IS AN ADA TRANSITION PLAN UPDATE? An ADA Transition Plan is the required accessibility remediation plan for a state or local government. It is the next step after an ADA Self-Evaluation. It is the local government’s action plan to improve accessibility and meet all the requirements of the ADA over time. In 2016, Augusta-Richmond County completed a Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP) that focused on: 1) the Administrative Requirements of the ADA; and 2) an inventory of pedestrian facilities in the public-rights-of-way (sidewalks, crosswalks and bus stops) that are inaccessible for people with mobility or vision impairments and in need of remediation. An ADA Transition Plan is a living document and must be updated regularly. Beginning in 2019, an annual update must be submitted to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT/FHWA). The 2016-2018 ADA SETP completed by Cranston Engineering was submitted to GDOT in 2019. SCOPE OF THE UPDATE Administrative Requirements Employee Training on the ADA Programs, Services and Activities Effective Communication and Accessible Websites Reasonable Accommodation Procedures Public Sidewalks and Crosswalks On-street Parking Buildings and Parking Lots Voter Services and Polling Locations Emergency Shelters and Services Employment Practices Recreational and Sports Facilities Assembly Areas and Auditoriums Public Transit Services and Facilities ADA PLAN REQUIRED ELEMENTS Identify the ADA Coordinator Confirm Administrative Requirements are Met Identify Organizational Structure Provide a Summary of Laws, Regulations, Standards Identify Progress Towards Compliance Identify Programs, Service and Activities out of Compliance Identify Accessibility Deficiencies in Facilities Provide a Plan for the Remediation of Deficiencies Include Actions, Timelines, Budgets and Responsible Staff Provide Opportunities for Public Input from Citizens AUGUSTA’S ADA NOTICE …Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service, or activity of Augusta, Georgia, should contact the office of the ADA Coordinator, Carole Burrowbridge, at (706)821-2577 or at cburrowbridge@augustaga.gov as soon as possible but no later than 72 hours before the scheduled event. The ADA does not require the Augusta, Georgia to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. Complaints that a program, service, or activity of Augusta, Georgia is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to Carole Burrowbridge, ADA Coordinator at (706)821-2577 or at cburrowbridge@augustaga.gov. Augusta, Georgia will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy, such as retrieving items from locations that are open to the public but are not accessible to persons who use wheelchairs. ADA REPORT/REQUEST FORM https://forms.augustaga.gov/forms/ADA_Accessibility Augusta has 42 polling places many of which are in neighborhood churches, libraries or recreation centers. It has been a long-standing policy of the Board of Elections to evaluate the accessibility of a facility before making it a polling place. All polling places are wheelchair accessible or made accessible through temporary measures on Election Day. Voting equipment that is accessible for voters with mobility impairments or vision impairments is available at each voting location. All voting locations may be reached by paratransit or the Rural Transit that serves areas south of Bobby Jones including Hephzibah, McBean and Blythe. To improve accessibility, Friedman Library has replaced Christenberry Fieldhouse and The Kroc Center has replaced Crawford Ave Baptist. Early Voting or Absentee Ballots are also available. VOTING ACCESSIBILITY Augusta partners with the Red Cross and GEMA to establish emergency shelters and emergency management procedures. Augusta currently has 30 facilities that may be used as emergency or cooling shelters. All shelters have accessible parking, accessible sidewalks from the parking to the entrance and accessible entrances. All but 3 have fully accessible restroom facilities. May Park, Warren Road and Bernie Ward restrooms are not fully accessible. Fourteen have accessible shower facilities. EMERGENCY SHELTERS •All Augusta Transit Buses are wheelchair accessible and provide the required auditory stop announcements •Bus stop pads and shelters must be brought up to the FTA ADA bus stop standards when newly installed or renovated •The new 2019-2020 bus pads and shelters were located near government services and medical facilities and in response to citizen requests •ADA Paratransit service provides on-demand curb-to-curb service within ¾ of a mile of all regular bus routes AUGUSTA TRANSIT ACCESSIBLE ON-STREET PARKING SPACES Additional on-street Georgia disabled permit parking spaces have been designated on Broad and Greene Street between 6th and 12th Street. The new spaces are located at the beginning of each block adjacent to the curb ramp on the sidewalk at the intersection. If parking on Broad Street becomes metered, the payment kiosks will be located near the disabled permit parking spaces. Additional on-street disabled permit parking spaces will be installed downtown over the next 1-5 years to ensure that the required number of spaces are provided on each street. Additional temporary disabled permit parking spaces are being provided for large events at the Miller, the Imperial and the Common. AIRPORT ACCESSIBILITY The Augusta Regional Airport has improved accessibility for seniors and persons with disabilities including: Installed boarding bridges at both gates; Remodeled restrooms provide improved accessibility; Provides single user unisex/family accessible restrooms with automatic door openers; PAL assistants provide wheelchairs and assistance to passengers with mobility or vision impairments. BUILDING ACCESSIBILITY Most of the buildings used by Augusta-Richmond County for programs and services provide “Priority 1” accessibility. Priority 1 accessibility means that the parking, pedestrian route (sidewalk from parking to the entrance) and the entrance are accessible. Some of the older facilities have not been renovated since 1992 and do not meet the current accessibility standards, but they are functionally accessible. The focus over the past two years has been to improve Priority 1 accessibility by repainting disabled permit parking spaces and access aisles, adding or updating parking signs to the current standards and remediating curb ramps, sidewalks and thresholds that are not accessible. INACCESSIBLE BUILDINGS Augusta-Richmond County Government has 4 buildings that do not have wheelchair accessible entrances. The staff at these facilities will make their services available at other facilities that are accessible or by other methods such as over the phone or online until these buildings are renovated. Appleby Library Richmond County Agricultural Extension The Humane Society (owned by Augusta) The Augusta-Richmond County Law Department Recreational buildings, Judicial buildings, Fire Department buildings and Sheriff’s stations will be evaluated in the next Transition Plan Update. TRANSITION PLAN PRIORITIES The improvement of accessibility is an ongoing process as many of our pedestrian and recreational facilities were built before 1992 and have not been significantly renovated since 1992. Augusta-Richmond County Government is planning and funding significant improvements in the accessibility of downtown sidewalks, bus stops, on-street parking and recreational facilities. ADA compliance priorities include captioning Commission Meeting videos, updating local parking ordinances and ensuring that all facility renovations and road resurfacing projects meet federal accessible design standards. Publication and posting of the ADA Non-Discrimination Notice online and at all customer service locations and providing ADA compliance training to all Augusta-Richmond County Government supervisors and employees is required by the ADA regulations. Publication of the ADA Transition Plans and providing opportunities for public review and comments from the members of the disability community is also a regulatory requirement. Members of the local disability community have requested the formation of Citizens Accessibility Advisory Committee be established to provide citizens an opportunity for ongoing participation in identifying priorities for remediation. ADOPTION OF TRANSITION PLAN An ADA Transition Plan is the accessibility remediation plan for a state or local government. It is required for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The ADA Transition Plan is a living document that identifies and prioritizes the improvements needed to ensure equal access for persons with disabilities to all Augusta, Georgia programs, services, activities and facilities. The adoption of this ADA Transition Plan Update 2020 by the Augusta, Georgia Commission is requested. Upon adoption, the Plan will be submitted to GDOT as required and used as a guiding document for improving compliance with federal and state accessibility laws and regulations. THANK YOU! Carole Burrowbridge, M.S., A.D.A.C. ADA Coordinator Compliance Department Augusta-Richmond County Consolidated Government 535 Telfair Street, Suite 530 Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 821-2577 cburrowbridge@augustaga.gov https://www.augustaga.gov/2567/ADA-Notice Augusta, Georgia is a Georgia Relay Partner! Dial 7-1-1 Alternative formats of this document are available upon request. Administrative Services Committee Meeting 2/9/2021 1:10 PM Final ADA Transition Plan Update Department:Compliance Presenter:Carole Burrowbridge Caption:Adopt the final ADA Transition Plan Update. Background:Title II of the ADA requires local and state governments to complete a Self-Evaluation of all government programs, activities, services and facilities and develop an ADA Transition Plan. The ADA Transition Plan is a living document that is required to document, budget for and prioritize the remediation of the identified barriers to the equal access of local government services and programs to persons with disabilities. Beginning in 2019, an annual ADA Transition Plan update was to be submitted to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The 2016-2018 ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan was submitted to GDOT in 2019. This current Final Transition Plan Update is being presented to the Commission for adoption before submission to GDOT/FHWA in Atlanta and published on the website. Analysis:None Financial Impact:None Alternatives:None Recommendation:Approve Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission AHCDD Form 508 (Rev. 05/04) AUGUSTA HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Date: CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - REPAIR PROJECT Page 1 of 2 Pages This agreement is between (Contractor): And: Augusta Housing & Community Development 510 Fenwick Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 Address: Project #: The Contractor agrees to furnish all labor and materials to complete in a good, work man like manner repairs to the property shown above, for the total sum of ______________________. All work will be accomplished in accordance with the attached Work Write Up, and the material and labor quality standards specified in the Augusta Housing and Community Development Department Contractor’s Handbook and Performance Manual. The Contractor agrees to accept payment from the Augusta Housing and Community Development Department in accordance with Department payment procedures. The Contractor agrees to complete all repair work required by this contract within 31 working days of the date of this contract. The undersigned, having reviewed and understanding this contract, agree to the terms as specified above and in the attached contract documents. ______ Hawthorne Welcher, Jr., Director Housing & Community Development Witness: SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME, THIS DAY OF , 20 . Notary Public, State of Georgia (SEAL) AHCDD Form 508 (Rev. 05/04) AUGUSTA HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Date: CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT - REPAIR PROJECT Page 2 of 2 Pages Approved as to form: _________________________ Date:______________ Augusta, GA Law Department By: ___________________________________ Date: ______________ Hardie Davis As its Mayor By: ___________________________________ Date: _______________ Odie Donald II As its Administrator By: ___________________________________ Date: ________________ Hawthorne Welcher, Jr. As its Director, HCD SEAL ____________________________ Lena Bonner As its Clerk Administrative Services Committee Meeting 2/9/2021 1:10 PM HCD_ Emergency Rehabilitation Request Department:HCD Presenter:Hawthorne Welcher, Jr. and/or HCD Staff Caption:Motion to approve one (1) Emergency Rehabilitation project. Background:The Homeowner-Occupied Emergency Rehabilitation Programs provide a mechanism for eligible homeowners to bring their home into compliance with local codes and provide safe, decent housing for lower-income individuals. The program functions through two major components: · Home Owner Occupied Rehabilitation – Full rehab to include rehabbing of floors, bathrooms, counter tops, cabinets, etc… • Emergency Rehabilitation – Code items program to include only one of the following: roofing, HVAC, electrical or plumbing. The Homeowner Emergency / Rehabilitation Program is designed to bring the eligible homeowner’s dwelling into compliance with applicable, locally adopted housing rehabilitation standards to reduce ongoing and future maintenance costs, promote energy efficiency, and to preserve decent affordable owner-occupied housing. Federal funding for these activities is provided to Augusta, GA through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME). This request will provide one (1) homeowner with funding for the following address: 1. Contractor: Legacy 4 Construction, Inc. Project Address: 6018 Sanibel Drive, Augusta, Ga 30909 Amount: $ 6,100.00 Analysis:The approval of this request will allow one (1) homeowner to obtain compliant, decent, and safe housing Financial Impact:The City receives funding from the US Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) on an annual basis. Total amount requested - $6,100.00. Alternatives:Do not approve HCD's Request. Recommendation:Motion to approve one (1) Emergency Rehabilitation project. Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Funds: a)221073211 REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 1 CONTRACT between AUGUSTA, GEORGIA And JOHNSON, LASCHOBER, AND ASSOCIATES in the amount of $69,860.00 USD Sixty-Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Dollars and 0/100 for Fiscal Year 2021 Providing funding for LANEY WALKER/BETHLEHEM REVITALIZATION PROJECT Twiggs Street Corridor THIS AGREEMENT (“Contract”), is made and entered into as of the day of ________ 2021 (“the effective date”) by and between Augusta, Georgia, a political subdivision of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as “Augusta”), acting through the Augusta Housing and Community Development Department (hereinafter referred to as “HCD”) - with principal offices at 510 Fenwick Street, Augusta, Georgia 30901, as party of the first part, and Johnson Laschober, and Associates, an architecture/engineering firm, organized pursuant to the Laws of the State of Georgia, hereinafter called "JLA” as party in the second part. In order to establish the background, context and frame of reference for this Agreement and to manifest the objectives and the intentions of the respective parties herein, the following statements, representations and explanations are set forth. Such statements, representations and explanations shall be accepted as predicates for the undertakings and commitments included within the provisions, which follow, and may be relied upon by the parties as essential elements of the mutual considerations upon which this Agreement is based. WITNESSETH WHEREAS, Augusta is qualified by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (hereinafter called HUD) as a Participating Jurisdiction, and WHEREAS, JLA, a procured architectural/engineering firm with HCD, wishes to increase homeownership opportunities and preserve and increase the supply of affordable/market rate housing for eligible families; and WHEREAS, through citizen participation workshops and in the Annual Plan, the Mayor and the Augusta, Georgia Commission, determined the needs and priorities of community as set forth below. WHEREAS, WHEREAS, this activity has been determined to be an eligible activity in accordance with 24 CFR 570.200 (a), and will meet one or more of the national objectives and criteria outlined in of the Housing and Urban Development regulations; and Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 2 WHEREAS, JLA is the approved architecture/engineering firm through a solicitation process for to assist in the redevelopment of Laney Walker and Bethlehem’s new construction on the Twiggs Street Corridor. WHEREAS, JLA has agreed to provide services funded through this contract free from political activities, religious influences or requirements; and WHEREAS, JLA has requested, and Augusta has approved a total of $69,860.00 in funding to perform eligible activities as described in Article I; below: NOW, THEREFORE, the parties of this Agreement for the consideration set forth below, do here and now agree to the following terms and conditions: ARTICLE I. GENERAL CONDITIONS A. General Compliance JLA agree(s) to comply with all Federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies governing the funds provided under this contract. JLA further agrees to utilize funds available under this Agreement to supplement rather than supplant funds otherwise available. B. Independent Architect and/or Engineer Nothing contained in this Agreement is intended to, or shall be construed in any manner, as creating or establishing the relationship of employer/employee between the parties. JLA shall at all times remain an "independent Architect and/or Engineer" with respect to the services to be performed under this Agreement. Augusta shall be exempt from payment of any and all possible unemployment benefits as JLA is an independent Architect and/or Engineer. C. Hold Harmless To the fullest extent permitted by laws, statutes, rules and regulations, JLA shall indemnify and hold harmless the Augusta, GA, Officers, Directors, and Employees of each and any of them from and against costs, damages, losses, and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys as awarded by a Court with Jurisdiction due to liability arising out of the services of the Architect- Engineer arising out of or resulting from performance of the work, but only to the extent caused by negligent, willful and wanton acts or omissions of the Architect and/or Engineer, its Officers, Directors, Employees, and anyone directly, or indirectly employed by them or anyone for whose acts they are liable, regardless of whether or not such claim, cost, damage, loss, or expense is caused in part by a party indemnified hereunder. Such obligation shall not be construed to negate, abridge or reduce other rights or obligations of indemnity which would otherwise exist as to a party or person described in this Paragraph. JLA agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to indemnify and hold harmless the Client, its Officers, Directors, and Employees (collectively, Client) against damages, liabilities, and costs arising from the negligent acts of JLA in the performance of professional services under this Agreement to the extent that JLA is responsible for such damages or liabilities on a comparative fault basis between JLA and the Client. JLA shall not be obligated to indemnify the Client for the Client’s own negligence or for the negligence of others. D. Insurance & Bonding Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 3 JLA shall provide, at all times, that this Agreement is in effect, Insurance with limits of not less than: a. Workmen’s Compensation Insurance – in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia. b. Public Liability Insurance – in an amount of not less than One Million ($1,000,000) Dollars for injuries, including those resulting in death to any one person, and in an amount of not less than One Million ($1,000,000) Dollars on account of any one occurrence. c. Property Damage Insurance – in an amount of not less than One Million ($1,000,000) Dollars from damages on account of an occurrence, with an aggregate limit of One Million ($1,000,000) Dollars. d. Valuable Papers Insurance – in an amount sufficient to assure the restoration of any plans, drawings, field notes, or other similar data relating to the work covered by the Project. e. Professional Liability Insurance – in an amount of not less than One Million ($1,000,000) JLA shall comply with the bonding and insurance requirements of 24 CFR 84.31 and 84.48, Bonding and Insurance. E. Augusta Recognition, Ownership and Publication JLA shall ensure recognition of the role of Augusta in providing services through this Agreement. All activities, facilities and items utilized pursuant to this Agreement shall be prominently labeled as to funding source. In addition, JLA will include a reference to the support provided herein in all publications made possible with funds made available under this Agreement and preapproved by HCD prior to publication. All drawings, reports, information, data, and other materials prepared by JLA pursuant to this agreement, or future agreements as amended through the issuance of an agreed upon and signed estimate, are to be the joint property of HCD and JLA, which have nonexclusive and unrestricted authority to release, publish or otherwise use, in whole or in part, information relating thereto, in relation to the Laney-Walker/Bethlehem Neighborhood Redevelopment Area project. Any reuse without written verification or adaptation by either party for the specific purpose intended will be at the owner’s sole risk and without liability or legal exposure to HCD or JLA. No material produced in whole or in part under this agreement may be subject to copyright or patent in the United Sates or in any other country without the prior written permission of HCD and JLA. F. Amendments Augusta or JLA may amend this Agreement at any time provided that such amendments make specific reference to this Agreement, and are executed in writing, signed by a duly authorized representative of each organization, and approved by the Augusta’s governing body. Such amendments shall not invalidate this Agreement, nor relieve or release the Augusta or JLA from its obligations under this Agreement. Augusta may, in its discretion, amend this Agreement to conform with Federal, state or local governmental guidelines, policies and available funding amounts, or for other reasons. If such amendments result in a change in the funding, the scope of services, or schedule of the activities to be undertaken as part of this Agreement, such modifications will be incorporated only by written amendment signed by both the Augusta and JLA. Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 4 Such changes, require compliance with Article 12 of Augusta’s Procurement Policy and Procedures (Contract Administration and Management) G. Completion of Architectural and Engineering Drawing It is further agreed that JLA will complete all construction repairs to the addresses listed below with corresponding finalization dates and will submit to Augusta within one-week notice of the completion of each project as described below: ARTICLE II. SCOPE OF SERVICES 1. Scope of Services Project Description: JLA agrees to utilize approved Bond funds to support project related costs associated with the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Redevelopment Project. This project is a Bond fund activity aimed at providing resources for livable neighborhoods, economic empowerment, quality housing, and neighborhood reinvestment. This activity involves providing architectural drawings for two (2) new homes on Nicholas Street identified as Twiggs Street Corridor as part of the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project. Under this Agreement, JLA will: Planning and Design Services: a. Provide four (4) architecture/engineering designs for the construction of new homes on Nicholas Street to include two (2) 1700 SF three (3) bedroom, two-story, single-family residence, one (1) 1700 SF three (3) bedroom, one-story ranch, single family residence, and one (1) 1900 SF four (4) bedroom, two-story, single-family residence b. The three (3) bedroom homes are based on plans and elevations provided by HCD and modified by JLA, and the four (4) bedroom home will be based on new plans and elevations with the design provided by JLA c. Four (4) homes will be designed to a permit level set of drawings d. JLA will prepare a single design package for each home to assist the Owner in obtaining building permit approvals e. JLA’s services will include one round of responses to building department comments Special Conditions · Owner will provide to JLA site plat/topo drawings to include in their permit package submittal to the permitting authority · Bid Phase and Construction Phase services, if required, will be provided at JLA’s standard hourly rates (See attached fee schedule). · If construction administration services are selected, JLA will include one (1) site visit per month of construction to accommodate processing of applications for payment. If Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 5 is anticipated that construction duration will be seven (7) months. If additional site visits are required or requested, they will be provided by at JLA’s standard hourly rates. · JLA will submit to the Augusta Planning Department the plans required for permitting/construction. · A sprinkler system is not anticipated at this time. However, if during the initial design and code compliance review it is deemed necessary for this facility, JLA will provide these services for an additional fee. · Civil Engineering is not included in this proposal, but if required, can be provided for a negotiated fee. · Structural Engineering is included in this proposal, as a requirement for building permitting as required by Augusta Planning Department. · Printing of documents, mailing, and permit plan review fees necessary on this project will be billed as a reimbursable expense. Deliverables will be Architectural, Mechanical/Plumbing and Electrical drawings. Civil and Structural are not provided but can be for a negotiated fee. Anticipated list of drawings include: Architectural: Cover Sheet Architectural Site Plan (showing setbacks, driveway, and building location) Code Review Architectural Floor Plans Building Elevations Wall Sections Finish Schedule and notes Structural: Foundation Plan Floor Framing Plan Roof Framing Plan Notes and Details Mechanical: HVAC Layout Plan HVAC Schedules and Notes Electrical: Power and Layout Plan Lighting Layout Plan Electrical Notes, Details Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 6 Upon completion of the Work, JLA shall compile for and deliver to the Client a reproducible set of Record Documents based upon the marked-up record drawings addenda, change orders, and other data furnished by the Contractor or other third parties. These Record Documents will show significant changes made during construction. Because these Record Documents are based on unverified information provided by other parties, which JLA is entitled to assume will be reliable, JLA cannot and does not warrant their accuracy. Use of Funds: Bond funds shall be used by JLA for the purposes and objectives as stated in Article I, Scope of Services, of this Agreement. The use of funding for any other purpose(s) is not permitted. The following summarizes the proposed uses of funds under this Agreement based on total material and labor cost of $69,860.00. I. Profit An amount not to exceed amount as outlined and approved in Article I. Scope of Services, Section B. Use of Funds shall be paid to JLA for costs identified as necessary operating time and expenses for the design of four (4) single-family homes identified as Twiggs Street Corridor. A. Program Location and Specific Goals to be Achieved JLA shall conduct project development activities and related services in its project area Laney Walker Bethlehem that incorporates the following boundaries: Nicholas Street located within the Twiggs Street Corridor. B. Project Eligibility Determination JLA shall comply with legislation supporting community development in Laney Walker/Bethlehem as authorized under the Urban Redevelopment Authority which acts on behalf of the Augusta Commission to provide oversight of the operation of the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, JLA shall provide activities and services as described in the description of the project, including use of funds, its goals and objectives, tasks to be performed and a detailed schedule for completing the tasks for this project as provided in Exhibit A of this contract. ARTICLE III. BUDGET AND METHOD OF PAYMENT JLA will carry out and oversee the implementation of the project as set forth in this Agreement and agrees to perform the required services under the general coordination of the Augusta Housing and Community Development Department. In addition, and upon approval by Augusta, JLA, may engage the services of outside professional services Consultants and Architect and/or Engineers to help carry out the program and projects. A. Augusta shall designate and make Bond funds available in the following manner: Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 7 1. For invoicing, through the Neighborly Software System, JLA will include documentation showing proof of completion of work in accordance with the amount requested, inspected, and accepted by HCD. 2. HCD will monitor the progress of the project and JLA’s performance on a weekly bi- weekly basis with regards to the production design plans. 3. Upon the completion of this Agreement, any unused or residual funds remaining shall revert to Augusta and shall be due and payable on such date of the termination and shall be paid no later than thirty (30) days thereafter. 4. This Agreement is based upon the availability of funding under the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project. Should funds no longer be available, it is agreed to by both parties that this contract shall be terminate. B. Project Financing HCD will provide an amount not to exceed the actual architecture/engineering design costs related to the design of four (4) single family homes identified as Twiggs Street Corridor. All funding is being provided as payment for services rendered as per this Agreement. C. Timetable for Completion of Project Activities JLA shall be permitted to commence with the expenditure of Bond funds as outlined in said Agreement upon procurement of an architectural/engineering JLA in accordance with its policies and procedures; and approval of a detailed outline of project expenditures anticipated for the completion of the project within 60 days of said property identified as Twiggs Street Corridor. ARTICLE IV. TERM OF CONTRACT The term of this Agreement shall commence on the date when this Agreement is executed by Augusta and JLA (whichever date is later) and shall end at the completion of all program activities, within the time specified in Article II.C, or in accordance with ARTICLE V. DOCUMENTATION AND PAYMENT A. This is a pay-for-performance contract and in no event shall Augusta provide advance funding to JLA, or any associates hereunder. B. JLA shall not use these funds for any purpose other than the purpose set forth in this Agreement. C. Subject to JLA’s compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, Augusta agrees to reimburse all budgeted costs allowable under federal, state, and local guidelines. D. All purchases of capital equipment, goods and services shall comply with the procurement procedures of Super Circular A-110 "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grant Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals and Other Non-Profit Organizations" as well as the procurement policy of Augusta. Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 8 E. Requests by JLA for payment shall be accompanied by proper documentation and shall be submitted to HCD, transmitted by a cover memo, for approval no later than thirty (30) calendar days after the last date covered by the request. For purposes of this section, proper documentation includes: Updated Exhibit A. F. JLA shall maintain an adequate financial system and internal fiscal controls. G. Unexpended Funds: Unexpended funds shall be retained by Augusta. Upon written request, Augusta may consider the reallocation of unexpended funds to eligible projects proposed by JLA. H. The terms of this Agreement supersede any and all provisions of the Georgia Prompt Pay Act. ARTICLE VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS Conflict of Interest JLA will comply with the provisions of the applicable HUD regulations of 24 C.F.R. Parts 84, 85, and 570.611, sections 2-2-121, 2-2-201, 7-3-4256, 7-3-4367, 7-5-2106, 7-5- 4109, Super Circular A-110 and Super Circular A-102 and Article 3 of Augusta’s Policy and Procedure (Ethics in Public Procurement), (as applicable) regarding the avoidance of conflict of interest. No officer or employee of the local jurisdiction or its designees or agents, no member of the governing body, and no other public official of the locality who his/her tenure or for one year thereafter, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract or subcontract, or the proceeds thereof, for work to be performed. Further, the Contractor shall cause to be incorporated in all subcontracts the language set forth in this paragraph prohibiting conflict of interest. No member of or delegate to Congress, or Resident Commissioner, shall be admitted to any share or part of this contract or to any benefit that may arise therefrom, but this provision shall not be construed to extend to this contract if made with a corporation for its general benefit. JLA covenants that it presently has no interest and will not acquire any interest, direct or indirect, in the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization project that would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of its services hereunder. JLA further covenants that, in the performing this Contract, it will employ no person who has any such interest. ARTICLE VII. OTHER REQUIREMENTS A. JLA agrees that it will conduct and administer activities in conformity with Pub. L. 88-352, "Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964", and with Pub. L. 90-284 "Fair Housing Act" and that it will affirmatively further fair housing. One suggested activity is to use the fair housing symbol and language in JLA’s publications and/or advertisements. (24 CFR 570.601). B. JLA agrees to comply with 24CFR Part I, which provides that no person shall be excluded from participation in this project on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex; or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with federal funds made available pursuant to the Act. C. No person employed in the work covered by this contract shall be discharged or in any way discriminated against because he or she has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 9 instituted any proceeding or has testified or is about to testify in any proceeding under or relating to the labor standards applicable hereunder to his or her employer. (24 CFR 570.603) D. JLA agrees that in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and 24 CFR Part 58, it will cooperate with Augusta/HCD in complying with the Act and regulations, and that no activities will be undertaken until notified by Augusta/HCD that the activity is in compliance with the Act and regulations. Prior to beginning any project development activity, an environmental review must be conducted by HCD pursuant to (24 CFR 570.604). E. Consistent with the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 USC 4001-4128), JLA agrees that funds shall not be expended for acquisition or construction in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as having special flood hazards (representing the 100-year floodplain). Exceptions will be made if the community is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program or less than a year has passed since FEMA notification and flood insurance has been obtained in accordance with section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. F. JLA agrees to take all reasonable steps to minimize displacement of persons as a result of assisted activities. Any such activities will be conducted in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (URA) and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (24 CFR 570.606). G. JLA agrees to comply with Executive Order 11246 and 12086 and the regulations issued pursuant thereto (41 CFR 60) which provides that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. JLA will in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed state that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or familial status. H. JLA will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or familial status. JLA will take appropriate action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated fairly during employment, without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin or familial status. Such action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer; recruitment or advertising; lay-off or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. JLA agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by Augusta setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 10 I. In accordance with Section 570.608 of the CDBG Regulations, JLA agrees to comply with the Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act pursuant to prohibition against the use of lead- based paint in residential structures and to comply with 24 CFR 570.608 and 24 CFR 35 with regard to notification of the hazards of lead-based paint poisoning and the elimination of lead- based paint hazards. J. JLA agrees to comply with 24 CFR 570.609 with regards to the direct or indirect use of any JLA during any period of debarment, suspension or placement in ineligibility status. No contract will be executed until such time that the debarred, suspended or ineligible JLA has been approved and reinstated by HCD. K. In accordance with 24 CFR part 24, subpart F, JLA agrees to administer a policy to provide a drug-free workplace that is free from illegal use, possession or distribution of drugs or alcohol by its beneficiaries as required by the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988. L. Any publicity generated by JLA for the project funded pursuant to this Agreement, during the term of this Agreement or for one year thereafter, will make reference to the contribution of Augusta, Georgia in making the project possible. The words "Augusta Georgia Housing and Community Development Department" will be explicitly stated in any and all pieces of publicity; including but not limited to flyers, press releases, posters, brochures, public service announcements, interviews, and newspaper articles. M. JLA shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and codes of the federal, state, and local governments and shall commit no trespass on any public or private property in performing any of the work embraced by this contract. JLA agrees to obtain all necessary permits for intended improvements or activities. N. JLA shall not assign any interest in this contract or transfer any interest in the same without the prior written approval of Augusta. O. JLA shall comply with the Davis Bacon Act 1931. P. JLA agrees to post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices to be provided by Augusta setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause. Except as prohibited by law or the March 14, 2007 Court Order in the case Thompson Wrecking, Inc. v. Augusta, Georgia, Civil Action No. 1:07-CV-019 (S.D. GA 2007). ANY LANGUAGE THAT VIOLATES THIS COURT ORDER IS VOIDABLE BY THE AUGUSTA GOVERNMENT. JLA agrees to comply with any federally mandated requirements as to minority and women owned- business enterprises. Q. All Architect and/or Engineers and sub-Architect and/or Engineers entering into contracts with Augusta, Georgia for the physical performance of services shall be required to execute an Affidavit verifying its compliance with O.C.G.A § 13-10-91, stating affirmatively that the individual, firm, or corporation which is contracting with Augusta, Georgia has registered with and is participating in a federal work authorization program. All Architect and/or Engineers and sub-Architect and/or Engineers must provide their E-Verify number and must be in compliance with the electronic verification of work authorized programs operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security or any equivalent federal work authorization program operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security to verify information of newly hired employees, pursuant to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), P.L. 99-603, in accordance with the applicability provisions and deadlines Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 11 established in O.C.G.A. § 13-10-91 and shall continue to use the federal authorization program throughout the contract term. All Architect and/or Engineers shall further agree that, should it employ or contract with any associates in connection with the physical performance of services pursuant to its contract with Augusta, Georgia JLA will secure from such sub- Architect and/or Engineers each sub-Architect and/or Engineer’s E-Verify number as evidence of verification of compliance with O.C.G.A §13-10-91 on the associates affidavit provided in Rule 300-10-01-.08 or a substantially similar form. All Architect and/or Engineers shall further agree to maintain records of such compliance and provide a copy of each such verification to Augusta, Georgia at the time the sub-Architect and/or Engineers are retained to perform such physical services. R. JLA agrees that low-and-moderate income persons reside within Augusta-Richmond County and that contract for work in connection with the project be awarded to eligible businesses which are located in or owned in substantial part by persons residing in Augusta-Richmond County. (24 CFR 570.697) Utilization of Architect and/or Engineers and/or sub-Architect and/or Engineers outside of the Augusta-Richmond County area is not desirable. S. JLA agrees to comply with the prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of age under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101-07) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 146 and the prohibitions against otherwise qualified individuals with handicaps under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part 8. For purposes of the emergency shelter grants program, the term dwelling units in 24 CFR Part 8 shall include sleeping accommodations. T. JLA will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of religion and will not give preference of persons on the basis of religion. JLA will not discriminate against any person applying for shelter on the basis of religion. JLA will provide no religious instruction or counseling, conduct no religious worship or services, engage in no religious proselytizing and exert no religious influence in the provision of shelter and other eligible activities funded by this grant. U. Indirect costs will only be paid if JLA has indirect cost allocation plan approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development prior to the execution of this Contract. V. HCD shall not approve any travel or travel related expenses to JLA with funds provided under this contract. W. JLA represents and warrants that it and its design team are not debarred, suspended, or placed in ineligibility status under the provisions of Article 8 of Augusta’s Procurement Policy and Procedures (Suspension or Debarment of Bidder or Proposer Policy) and the 24 CFR 570.609 (government debarment and suspension regulations). X. Salaries of personnel performing work under this Contract shall be paid unconditionally and not less often than once a month without payroll deduction or rebate on any account except only such payroll deductions as are mandatory by law or permitted by the applicable regulations issued by the Secretary of Labor pursuant to the "Anti-Kickback Act" of June 13, 1934 (48 Stat. 948; 62 Stat. 740; 63 Stat. 108; Title 18 U.S.C. 874; and Title 40 U.S.C. 276c). JLA shall comply with all applicable "Anti-Kickback" regulations and shall insert appropriate provisions in all subcontracts covering work under this contract to insure compliance by the subcontractors with such regulations, and shall be responsible for the submission of affidavits required of subcontractors thereunder except as the Secretary of Labor may specifically Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 12 provide for variations of or exemptions from the requirements thereof. As well as the requirements of Article 3, Section 1-10-28 of Augusta’s Policy and Procedures (Authority and responsibility of procurement director). Y. JLA certifies, to the best of their knowledge and belief that: No federally appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the contractor, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any federal contract, the making of any federal grant, the making of any federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. Z. If any funds other than federally appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a member of Congress in connection with this federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the contractor shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions JLA shall put forth reasonable, professional efforts to comply with applicable laws, codes, and regulations in effect as use of the date of (execution of this Agreement, submission to building authorities, or other appropriate date). Design changes made necessary by newly enacted laws, codes, and regulations after this date shall entitle JLA to a reasonable adjustment in the schedule and additional compensation in accordance with the Additional Services provisions of this Agreement. ARTICLE X. SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION A. In the event JLA materially fails to comply with any terms of this Agreement, including the timely completion of activities as described in the timetable and/or contained in ARTICLE II.C, Augusta may withhold cash payments until JLA cures any breach of the Agreement. If JLA fails to cure the breach, Augusta may suspend or terminate the current award of funds. JLA will not be eligible to receive any other funding. B. Notwithstanding the above, JLA shall not be relieved of its liability to Augusta for damages sustained as a result of any breach of this Agreement. In addition, to any other remedies it may have at law or equity, Augusta may withhold any payments to JLA for the purposes of offsetting the exact amount of damages once determined. C. In the best interest of the project and to better serve the people in the target areas and fulfill the purposes of the Laney Walker/ Bethlehem Revitalization project, either party may terminate this Agreement upon giving thirty (30) day notice in writing of its intent to terminate, stating its reasons for doing so. In the event Augusta terminates this Agreement, Augusta shall pay JLA for documented committed eligible costs incurred prior to the date of notice of termination. D. Notwithstanding any termination or suspension of this Agreement, JLA shall not be relieved of any duties or obligations imposed on it under this Agreement with respect to Laney Walker Bond Financing funds previously disbursed or income derived therefrom. Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 13 E. To the extent that it does not alter the scope of this Agreement, Augusta, GA may unilaterally order a temporary stopping of the work or delaying of the work to be performed by JLA under this contract. ARTICLE XI. NOTICES Whenever either party desires to give notice unto the other, such notice must be in writing, sent by certified United States mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the party for whom it is intended, at the place last specified, and the place for giving of notice shall remain such until it shall have been changed by written notice. Augusta will receive all notices at the address indicated below: Office of the Administrator ATTN: Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor Municipal Building 535 Telfair Street, Suite 200 Augusta, Georgia 30901 With copies to: Augusta Housing and Community Development Department ATTN: Hawthorne Welcher, Jr., Director 510 Fenwick Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 and Johnson, Laschober, and Associates, PC 1296 Broad Street Augusta, Georgia. 30903 ARTICLE XII. INDEMNIFICATION JLA will at all times hereafter indemnify and hold harmless Augusta, its officers, and employees, against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees if awarded by a Court with proper jurisdiction due to legal liabilities of JLA, resulting from injuries or damages sustained by any person or persons, corporation or property, to the extent caused by the negligent performance of JLA under this Agreement. By execution of this Agreement, JLA specifically consents to jurisdiction and venue in the Superior Court of Richmond County, Georgia and waives any right to contest jurisdiction or venue in said Court. Should it become necessary to determine the meaning or otherwise interpret any work, phrase or provision of this Agreement, or should the terms of this Agreement in any way be the subject of litigation in any court of laws or equity. It is agreed that the laws of the State of Georgia shall exclusively control the same. The parties hereto do agree to bind themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, trustees, successors and assigns, all jointly and severally under the terms of this Agreement. ARTICLE XIII. PRIOR AND FUTURE AGREEMENTS This Document incorporates and includes all prior negotiations, correspondence, conversations, agreements or understandings applicable to the matters contained herein and the parties agree that Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 14 there are no commitments, agreements, or understandings concerning the subject matter of this Agreement that are not contained in this document. Accordingly, it is agreed that no deviation from the terms hereof shall be predicated upon any prior representations or agreements whether oral or written. Augusta is not obligated to provide funding of any kind to JLA beyond the term of this Agreement. JLA warrants that no person or selling agency has been employed or retained to solicit or secure this Agreement upon an agreement or understanding for a commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee, excepting bona fide employees or bona fide established commercial or selling agencies maintained by JLA for the purpose of securing business and that JLA has not received any non- Augusta fee related to this Agreement without the prior written consent of Augusta. For breach or violation of this warranty, Augusta shall have the right to annul this Agreement without liability or at its discretion to deduct from the Agreement prices of consideration the full amount of such commission, percentage, brokerage, or contingent fee. ARTICLE XIV. LEGAL PROVISIONS DEEMED INCLUDED Each and every provision of any law or regulations and clause required by law or regulation to be inserted in this Agreement shall be deemed to be inserted herein and this Agreement shall be read and enforced as though it were included herein and if, through mistake or otherwise, any such provision is not inserted or is not correctly inserted, then upon application of either party this Agreement shall forthwith be amended to make such insertion. ARTICLE XV. DISCLAIMER Any and all language in this Agreement pertaining to HUD regulations and/or the utilizations of CDBG funding is deemed voidable when utilizing Laney Walker Bond funds in its entirety. However, if there are any federal funds utilized by this project, including Homebuyer Subsidy funds, this Agreement will be enforceable in its entirety. ARTICLE XVI. COUNTERPARTS This Agreement is executed in two (2) counterparts – each of which shall be deemed an original and together shall constitute one and the same Agreement with one counterpart being delivered to each party hereto. Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 15 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have set their hands and seals as of the date first written above: Approved as to Form By (please initial here): ______________ Augusta, Georgia Law Department Date: ____________________ By:__________________________________ Mayor Hardie Davis, Jr., as its Mayor Date: ____________________ By: _______________________________ Odie Donald, II as its City Administrator Date: ____________________ By: _________________________ Hawthorne Welcher, Jr., as its Director Date: _____________________ By: ________________________ Lena Bonner, as its Clerk of Commission Affix Seal Here: By: _________________________ Darren R. Prickett, President Johnson, Laschober, & Assoc., PC Date:_______________________ Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 16 EXHIBIT A PROJECT SCHEDULE OF COMPLETION JLA shall prepare and submit for Client approval “A” Schedule for the Performance of JLA’s services. This schedule shall include reasonable allowances for review and approval times required by the Client, performance of services by the Client’s JLAs, and review and approval times required by public authorities having jurisdiction over the Project. This schedule shall be equitably adjusted as the Project progresses, allowing for changes in scope, character or size of the Project requested by the Client, or for delays or other causes beyond JLA’s reasonable control. Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 17 APPENDIX 1 Statutes: (Available on Request) Super Circular A-110 - Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreement with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations Super Circular A- 122 - Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations Super Circular A-133 - Audits of Institutions of Higher Education & other Non-Profit Institutions 40 USC 276 Davis-Bacon Act 40 USC 327 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standard Act Lead Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act Augusta-Richmond County Procurement Policy Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 18 APPENDIX 2 ARCHITECTUAL AND/OR ENGINEER REQUIREMENTS 1. All construction projects shall comply with Federal, State, and local codes and ordinances, including, but not limited to, the following: A. All work shall be in compliance with the International Building Code current edition of National Electric Code, International Plumbing and Mechanical Code, and ADA 2010 Guidelines. B. Georgia Energy Code International Energy Conservation Code (IECC-2015). C. Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Public Law 91-596. D. Part 1910 – Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Chapter XVII of Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Register, Volume 37, Number 202, October 18, 1972). I. Part 1926 - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, Chapter XVII of Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (Federal Register, Volume 37, Number 243, December 16, 1972. J. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f'). 2. Rehabilitation Standards. All rehabilitation work will comply with the "Uniform Physical Condition Standards for HUD Housing." Workmanship and material standards will comply with the Augusta-Richmond County Housing & Community Development Department Architect and/or Engineers Manual and Performance Standards. A copy of this manual is provided to every JLA when included on the HCD Approved Architect and/or Engineers List. A copy is enclosed for inclusion. 3. Inspections. All projects will be inspected and approved by an HCD Construction and Rehabilitation Inspector or HCD’s agent prior to release of the funds for that project. 4. It is recognized that the Client has certain obligations under local, state, and federal accessibility laws and regulations that could affect the design of the Project. It is further recognized that federal accessibility laws and regulations are not part of, or necessarily compatible with, state or local laws, codes, and regulations governing construction. Consequently, JLA will be unable to make recommendations or professional determinations that will ensure compliance with the federal accessibility laws and regulations, and JLA shall, accordingly, not have any liability to the Client in connection with same. JLA strongly advises the Client to obtain appropriate legal and financial counsel with respect to compliance with the appropriate disability access laws. 5. The Client acknowledges that it has been advised by JLA to retain a JLA (Accessibility JLA) to review the project plans, specifications, and construction for compliance with the Americans with Disability Act, the Fair Housing Act, and other federal, state, and local accessibility laws, rules, codes, ordinances, and regulations (hereinafter referred to as “Accessibility Issues”). 6. If Client fails to retain an Accessibility JLA, the Client agrees to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless JLA, its officers, directors, employees, and associates (collectively, JLA) from any claim, damages, liabilities, or costs arising out of or in any way connected with Accessibility Issues. Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 19 7. JLA shall exercise usual and customer professional care in its effort to comply with applicable laws, codes, and regulations in effect as of the date________. Design changes made necessary by newly enacted laws, codes, and regulations after this date shall entitle JLA to a reasonable adjustment in the schedule and additional compensation in accordance with the Additional Services provisions of this Agreement. 8. In the event of a conflict between laws, codes, and regulations of various environmental entities having jurisdiction over this Project, JLA shall notify the Client of the nature and impact of such conflict. Augusta Housing & Community Development Department Contract Page 20 APPENDIX 3 JLA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT JLA acknowledges that this contract and any changes to it by amendment, modification, change order or other similar document may have required or may require the legislative authorization of the Board of Commissioner and approval of the Mayor. Under Georgia law, JLA is deemed to possess knowledge concerning Augusta, Georgia’s ability to assume contractual obligations and the consequences of Architect and/or Engineer’s provision of goods or services to Augusta, Georgia under an unauthorized contract, amendment, modification, change order or other similar document, including the possibility that JLA may be precluded from recovering payment for such unauthorized goods or services. Accordingly, JLA agrees that if it provides goods or services to Augusta, Georgia under a contract that has not received proper legislative authorization or if JLA provides goods or services to Augusta, Georgia in excess of the any contractually authorized goods or services, as required by Augusta, Georgia’s Charter and Code, Augusta, Georgia may withhold payment for any unauthorized goods or services provided by JLA. JLA assumes all risk of non-payment for the provision of any unauthorized goods or services to Augusta, Georgia, and it waives all claims to payment or to other remedies for the provision of any unauthorized goods or services to Augusta, Georgia, however characterized including, without limitation, all remedies at law or equity. This acknowledgement shall be a mandatory provision in all Augusta, Georgia contracts for goods and services, except revenue producing contracts. ____________________________________ Darren R. Prickett, President Johnson, Laschober, and Assoc., PC Administrative Services Committee Meeting 2/9/2021 1:10 PM HCD_ Laney Walker/Bethlehem: Architectural Drawings Request Department:HCD Presenter:Hawthorne Welcher, Jr. and/or HCD Staff Caption:Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide funding for architectural drawings for four (4) single-family homes within the Twiggs Street Corridor as part of the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project. · Two (2) 1700 SF three (3) bedroom, two-story, single- family residences · One (1) 1700 SF three (3) bedroom, one-story, single family residence · One (1) 1900 SF four (4) bedroom, two-story, single- family residence Background:In 2008, the Augusta Commission passed legislation supporting community development in Laney Walker/Bethlehem. Since that time, HCD has developed a master plan and development guidelines for the area, set up financial incentive programs for developers and home buyers, selected a team of development partners to focus on catalytic change, and created a marketing strategy to promote the overall effort. This objective involves the creation of new architectural drawings for four (4) single- family homes within the Twiggs Street Corridor in the Laney Walker/Bethlehem area. Analysis:The approval of the contract will allow for completion of four architectural drawings for homes within Twiggs Street Corridor. Financial Impact:HCD will use Laney Walker/Bethlehem Project funds for architectural drawings costs: Contract amount: $69,860.00 Architect and Engineering Firm: Johnson, Laschober, & Associates Alternatives:Do not approve HCD's Request. Recommendation:Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) request to provide funding for architectural drawings for four (4) single family homes within the Twiggs Street Corridor, a part of the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Revitalization Project. Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: 298-07-7343-5212112 REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Administrative Services Committee Meeting 2/9/2021 1:10 PM HCD_ Laney Walker/Bethlehem: Homebuyer Subsidy Request Department:HCD Presenter:Hawthorne Welcher, Jr. and/or HCD Staff Caption:Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) subsidy request for down payment assistance to be used for one (1) single-family housing unit located at 918 Boyd Lane. Background:In 2008, the Augusta Commission passed legislation supporting community development in Laney Walker/Bethlehem. Since that time, the Augusta Housing & Community Development Department has developed a master plan and development guidelines for the area, set up financial incentive programs for developers and home buyers, selected a team of development partners to focus on catalytic change, and created a marketing strategy to promote the overall effort. This request involves homebuyer subsidy for one (1) single-family housing unit within the Laney Walker/Bethlehem area identified as 918 Boyd Lane. Analysis:The approval of the contract will allow the homebuyer to receive down payment subsidy. Financial Impact:HCD will use Laney Walker/Bethlehem Project funds for the homebuyer subsidy. Down payment subsidy amount: $25,000.00 Alternatives:Do not approve HCD's Request. Recommendation:Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD's) subsidy request for down payment assistance to be used for one (1) single-family housing unit located at 918 Boyd Lane. Funds are Available in the Laney Walker/Bethlehem Project Funds Key#: 298077340- 5211119 Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: Finance. Law. Administrator. Clerk of Commission Administrative Services Committee Meeting Commission Chamber - 3lL0l202O ATTENDANCE: Present: Hons. Hardie Davis, Jr., Mayor; Sias, Chairman; Clarke, Vice Chairman; Davis and B. Williams, members. ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Approve the purchase of two new pickup trucks (4X4) at a cost of $59,755 Item from Allan Vigil Ford for the Engineering Department - Stormwater Division Action: Bid Item 19-280. Approved Motions H,"J:" Motion rext Made By seconded By fffil Motion to approve. Approve Mr. Ctark";;;; N". Commissioner Commissioner passes Motio;p;;;;-i." John clarke Mary Davis r Approve the purchase of 13 pursuit utility vehicles, for $533,3 64, from Wade Item Ford for the Richmond County SherifPs Office. Bid Item l9-l7l Action: Approved Motions f#:" Motion rext Motion to approve. Approve Mr. clarke votes No. commissioner commissioner Motion passes 3_1. Bobby williams Mary Davis Passes 3. Approve the replacement of one pickup truck from Gerald Jones Ford for $30,553.56 for the Utilities Department - Customer Service Division Bid Item 20-149. Made By seconded By ffill Item Action: Approved Motions Motion ^ r rh Motion:""'"" Motion Text Made By Seconded ByType rvrvrrvrr r vat Result Motion to approve' commissioner commissionerApprove Mr. Clarke votes No. ^';:;;:".;;."-^ ;:il:ffii,,1-" Passes Motion passes 3-1. Mary Davis Bobby williams 4. Motion to approve annual bid for Environmental Services Department and Item SherifPs Office. The items require Commission approval due to the fact that Action: purchases on the individual purchase orders will exceed $25,000.00 per order. Approved The following annual bid item requires Commission approval: Environmental Services 20-056 Wireless Instrument Monitors 20-ll3 Vacant Lot Cleaning Services SherifPs Office 20-136 External Ballistic Vest and External Canier Motions Y:1"' Motion Text Made By Motion Type Result Motion to approve the ^ . :. - . A Approve iffifl',?,t','-,.T: ;:iltT'$'ffi' ;'""ffiiJl"' Passes Motions Y:11"' Motion rext Made By seconded By XJrtil'r ype Motion to approve the Approve ffiJ"1fl.s11iffffi.J 3l6t"ron.' commissioner Nolt'Mr' clarke vot williams Mary Davis Passes Motion Passes 3-1. 5. Approve the award of the contract to provide custodial services for various Item new locations for fiscal year 2020 as follows, Bid ltem 19'290l. Action:. Housing and Community Development to Diamond Shine Services - Approved $16,804.52.' Planning and Development on Marvin Griffin Road to Pro Cleaning Services - $8,556.00.. New Records Retention Annex on Marvin Griffin Road to Diamond Shine Services - 56,213.21. 6. A motion to approve the award of the RFP #19-271for the Employee Benefits ltem Consultant contract to EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. Action: Approved Motions Motion Motion TextI ype Motion to Approve approve. Motion Passes 4-0. Made By Seconded By 7. Discuss the city's Employee of MontMYear criteria. (Requested by Item Commissioner Marion Williams) ^q.ction: Approved Motions Motion Motion TextI ype Motion to Approve approve. Motion Passes 4-0. Commissioner Commissioner Mary Davis Bobby williams Passes Made By Seconded By Seconded By Commissioner Commissioner Bobby williams Mary Davis Passes Made By Commissioner Bobby Williams Seconded By Result Motion Result Motion Result Motion Result Motions r#:"' Motion rext Made By Motion to approve ^ receiving this item as Commissioner CommissionerApprove information. Bobby williams John clarke Passes Motion Passes 4-0. 8. Motion to approve HCD's Memorandum of Understanding with Fort Gordon Itemin support of the Augusta Housing and Community Development Laney Action: Walker/Bethlehem Redevelopment Project and HCD's commitment in Approved assisting service members in locating and maintaining safe, adequate, and non-discriminatory local community housing that live in the city. Motions i#:"" Motion rext Approve Commissioner Passes Mary Davis Motion to approve. Motion Passes 4-0. 9. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department's Item (HCD's) request to provide funding to assist one (1) low to moderate income Action: homebuyer with down-payment assistance to purchase a home. Approved Motions Motion r rn Motion Type rvrurrv. I vaa Result Motion to commissioner commissionerApprove approve. ;:;;;i,,1*" i;;;;,.--^ Passes M;;;;i,"sses 4-0. Bobbv williams Mary Davis 10. Motion to approve Housing and Community Development Department's Item (HCD's) request to provide funding for the Sand Hills Urban Development's Action: 2020 Master Plan. APProved Motions X]j:Il Motion Text Made By Seconded By f"'rlir"rype Motion to commissioner commissionerApprove approve. ;:;,;;,;*" ^-;;^;::;"^-^ Passes Motion passes 4-0. Bobby williams Mary Davis 11. Discuss process for hiring headhunter relating to filling the position of Item administrator. (Requested by Commissioner Marion Williams) Action: Approved Motions X:j*1" Motion Text Made By seconded By f.".tjilr ype Motion to approve establishing the five committee chairs as the Commissioner Approve i;:;::f#:::.*:' mli- ;'""[T';JI"'Passes Administrator. Motion Passes 4-0. 12. Motion to approve the minutes of the Administrative services committee ltemheld on February 25,2020. Action: Approved Motions X:':" Motion Text Made By Seconded By Motionrype rrr-sv sJ Dtuuuutu -fDy Result Motion to Approve approve. Commissioner Commissioner Motion passes o_0. Bobby williams Mary Davis Passes 13' Request to Reclassify Two Existing Positions In the Utilities Department. Item Action: None Motions Y:lim Motion Text Made Seconded Motionr YPe By By Result Unanimous consent is given to delete this item from the agenda. \ A /w.augustaga.sov Administrative Services Committee Meeting VirtuaVTeleconference - 811812020 ATTENDANCE: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 1. Motion to Deny the Protest and Appeal of TranterGrey Media regarding Item RFP 20-172 Airport Marketing Agency. Action: Disapproved Motions Motion;- ----- Motion Textr ype Motion to approve the Approve protest. Ms. Davis and Mr. Sias vote No. Made By Seconded By Fails Motion Result Commissioner Commissioner John Clarke Bobby Williams www.augustaga.gov Administrative Services Committee Meeting 2/9/2021 1:10 PM Minutes Department: Presenter: Caption:Motion to approve the minutes of the Administrative Services Committee held on March 10, 2020 and August 18, 2020. Background: Analysis: Financial Impact: Alternatives: Recommendation: Funds are Available in the Following Accounts: REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY: