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Concerning the ramp, the ADA requires walks to be a maximum slope ratio of 1:20; a ramp can <br />be a maximum of 1:12 with a railing. The existing ramp area may not be large enough to meet <br />the guidelines. Another option would be a platform lift. John Picard, the architect who reviewed <br />all city buildings for ADA deficiencies, recommended a new ramp or a lift as the best options. <br />The costs are similar. The challenge with a lift is how best to design it and screen the mechanics <br />from view in order to preserve the historical character of the building. Ramps must be a certain <br />length with specified landing dimensions; a serpentine or switchback design may be needed to <br />meet those standards in the available space. The door thresholds and hardware will also require <br />modification. Practically, Mr. Picard felt the best area for the ramp is from the main entrance, <br />but that would drastically change the historic character of the building and is therefore not a <br />desirable option. For the occasional times the ramp is needed, Ms. Wenger feels it is not <br />necessary to mar the entire front of the building. Mr. Rerko added that leniency is given <br />concerning ADA requirements on historic structures. These and other issues must be decided <br />and the grant application completed by the February Landmarks meeting. The committee date, <br />once set, will be forwarded to the Landmarks members. <br />Speaker Series - hosted bv First Universalist Church <br />Ms. Wenger reported the ideas for speakers thus far have not been successful. If Mr. Thomas is <br />still willing, a date will be set with the church. A weekday evening may be better suited for this <br />event than as part of their Sunday service. Mr. Schtunann will advertise the event to the Olmsted <br />Historical Society members and the Northeastern Ohio Inter Museum Council, with which OHS <br />is associated. <br />A presentation on the Underground Railroad will be part of the First Universalist service on <br />January 17. Joan Southgate is scheduled to speak, an 80 year old African American woman who <br />walked the path of the Underground Railroad in Ohio in 2002. On Thursday, May 6, Carey <br />Steele will speak at the North Olmsted Library on researching the Underground Railroad in <br />North Olmsted. Ms. Steele is searching for evidence documenting North Olmsted's role in the <br />Underground Railroad, including the Peake Farm and the church's connection. <br />Historic Inventorv Review for Ohio Historical Societv I-Form <br />Mr. Thomas submitted updates for the first section of recognized homes he was asked to review. <br />The sections forwarded to Mr. Schumann and Mr. Schock are not yet complete. This process <br />will continue until all homes documented in 1985 are reviewed and the information is entered <br />electronically into the Ohio Historical Society's database. It is also intended to take new photos <br />and upload them into the record. <br />Cemeterv Survevs Funding <br />Ms. Wenger reported the Service Department found funds in the 2009 year end budget for <br />cemetery surveys, which has been approved by the Board of Control. The City is in the process <br />of contracting with the low bidder and the cemeteries will be surveyed when the weather breaks. <br />The cost of the surveys is $8,600 and will include a boundary survey, a survey of internal <br />existing conditions, and the re-staking of graves. Accuracy concerning cemeteries is vitally