2023-51 - Adopt ADA self-evaluation and transition plan

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 27CE1015-8397-4CCE-9DD9-31 F514ECBED3 Referred to COW 10/16/23; Recommended for adoption 11/6/23 RESOLUTION NO. 2023-51 BY: Baker, Bullock, Litten, Marx, Rader, Shachner A RESOLUTION to take effect immediately provided it receives the affirmative vote of at least five (5) members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and be in force after the earliest period allowed by law, adopting the City of Lakewood ADA Self -Evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP). WHEREAS, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive federal civil rights statute enacted in 1990. Comprised of five major parts, or "titles", the ADA's stated purpose is to provide a "clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities"; and WHEREAS, it is estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau that over 50 Million U.S. residents have a disability, and over 50% of citizens 65 years of age or older have a disability. Title II requires that all public entities with 50 or more employees perform a self -evaluation, prepare a transition plan, make the transition plan publicly available for three years, publish a notice of non- discrimination, designate an ADA Coordinator, and develop a formal complaint form and grievance procedure; and WHEREAS, in September 2020, the City of Lakewood's City Council approved the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan Task Force to assist in establishing a framework for the creation of an ADA Self -Evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP) for the City of Lakewood; and WHEREAS, the City hired a consultant to complete the evaluation of all City facilities including the Public Right of Way (PROW) and to develop a Transition Plan for the City. This Transition Plan outlines the necessary steps to become compliant with the requirements of Title II of the ADA; and WHEREAS, public areas reviewed included parking facilities, exterior accessible routes (sidewalks), park/site amenities, and areas within buildings that are not restricted to employees, such as restrooms, meeting spaces, reception areas, stairways, elevators, and hallways. Some buildings or areas of certain buildings have infrequent public access and were evaluated under the same guidelines. Spaces dedicated as employee work areas are exempt from the self -evaluation process, but that does not obviate the need to ensure that full accessibility is provided to employees with disabilities, consistent with the requirements of Title I of the ADA; and WHEREAS, the City will strive to ensure that all residents and visitors are able to access all services, programs, and activities and will promptly investigate any formal grievance filed according to the grievance procedures outlined. Additionally, the City will strive to include annual