1 ADA Title II
Self-Evaluation & Transition Plan
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
for the
City of Merced
2024/2025
City Council:
Mathew Serratto - Mayor
Sarah Boyle - Mayor Pro-Tempore
Daren Dupont - Council Member
Mike Harris - Council Member
Ronnie De Anda - Council Member
Shane Smith - Council Member
Fue Xiong - Council Member
Scott McBride - City Manager
Craig Cornwell - City Attorney
Daryl Jordan PE – City Engineer
The current Section 504 and
Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator is:
Suzanne Fierro
Director of Support Services
ADA Report By:
Richard Maddox, PE
Senior Engineer
Engineering Department
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Sheet 1
Table of Contents 2
I. INTRODUCTION 5
Access to City Services and Facilities 6
Streets and Sidewalks 7
Public and Employee Access 7
Plan Organization 7
ADA Compliance Update 7
II. PHYSICAL FACILITIES PROGRAMS & SERVICES 8
Background 9
City Buildings and Departments 9
A. Civic Center, 678 W. 18th Street 9
1. First Floor 9
a. Support Services 9
Employee Benefits 9
Liability Insurance 10
Unemployment Insurance 10
Insurance Administration and Workers’ Compensation 10
Personnel 10
City Clerk/ Records 10
b. Finance 10
c. Parks and Community Services 10
d. Information Technology 10
2. Second Floor 11
Engineering 11
Planning 11
Inspection Services 11
Housing 12
One Stop Processing 12
Council Chambers 12
3. Third Floor 12
City Council/Mayor 13
City Attorney 13
City Manager 13
Economic Development 13
B. Transportation Building – 690 West 16th Street 14 C. Fire Department 14
D. Police Department 14
Code Enforcement 14
E. Public Works, Grogan Avenue Corporation Yard 15
1. Public Works Administration 15
2. Facilities Maintenance 15
3 3. Fleet Management 15
4. Refuse Collection 15
5. Storm Drains 16
6. Street Sweeping 16
7. Street and Subdivision Trees 16
8. Street and Streetlight Maintenance 16
9. Water System 16
F. Purchasing Department, Applegate Park 17
G. Wastewater Treatment Plant, (WWTP) Gove Road 17
H. Merced Regional Airport - 20 Macready Drive 18
I. Parks and Community Service, Shannon Parcade – 632 W. 18th Street 18 J. Merced Multicultural Arts Center – 615 West Main Street 22 K. Bell Station South Building – 415 W. 18th Street 22 L. Rossotti – Ed-Zoo-Cation Building – Applegate Park 23 M. Transportation Center – Welcome Center - 710 West. 16th Street 23 N. Water Departments Satellite Office – 692 West 16th Street 23 O. Transfer Site – North Highway 59 and Yosemite Avenue 23
III. POLICIES TO IMPLEMENT THE ADA 24
III. POLICIES TO IMPLEMENT THE ADA/SECTION 504 25
IV. TRANSITION PLAN & POLICY/PROGRAM 28
I. Transition Plan 29
Background 29
Merced Connect 29
Access to City Services and Facilities 29
Streets, handicapped Ramps and Sidewalks 29
1. Streets 29
2. Handicapped ramps 26
3. Sidewalks 32
4. Bike Paths 32
5. Traffic Signals 33
6. Public and Employee Access 33
7. Public Outreach and Comments to Plan 33
8. Plan Organization 34
2. Policy/Program Compliance Summary 35
A. Streets and Sidewalks 35
B. City Hall, 678 West 18th Street 35
C. Fire Department 35
D. Police Department 36
E. Public Works Department, Grogan Avenue Corporation Yard 37 F. Wastewater Treatment Plant 38
G. Airport 38
H. Recreation and Park Facilities 39
I. Bell Station South Building – 415 W. 18th Street 40 J. Transportation Center – Welcome Center - 710 West. 16th Street 40 4 K. Water Department Satellite Office – 692 West 16th Street 41 L. Senior Citizen Center – 755 West 16th Street 41
M. Transfer Site - North Highway 59 and Yosemite Avenue 41
3. Conclusion 42
4. ADA Grievance Procedures 43
5 Part I
Introduction
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
for the
City of Merced
6 I. INTRODUCTION
Introduction
This report is intended to meet the federal requirement that local governments comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). This law was adopted by Congress in 1990. It requires local governments to ensure that the services, programs, and activities they provide be accessible to persons with disabilities. In order to ensure this accessibility, governments must evaluate themselves and plan to make appropriate modifications. The product of this effort is this report, titled "Self Evaluation and Transition Plan." Herein referred to as “Plan.”
This report describes physical changes, which the City of Merced will undertake, and has completed since the last report, to make the services it provides accessible to the community. It also describes policies and procedures intended to make sure that accessibility is an ongoing effort and highlights the need for education and professional involvement in effective accessibility programs.
Part I of the Plan describes the physical changes and policy changes intended to make City programs and services accessible. Part II consists of evaluation of all policies, programs, and services for all City facilities, identifying deficiencies to accessibility. The Transition Plan uses these evaluations as the basis for its recommendations.
Access to City Services and Facilities
Both the ADA and Section 504 require that services, programs, and activities operated by a public agency be readily accessible to individuals with disabilities. This does not necessarily mean that each facility must be accessible; some facilities may not be used by the public. Where programs and activities used by the public are not accessible, a change of venue to an accessible location may fulfill the accessibility requirement.
The emphasis on accessible programs and activities over physical facilities e xplains why the particular recommendations of this Plan do not include corrections to all of the physical deficiencies identified in the evaluation of facilities.
7 Streets and Sidewalks
Since the City has jurisdiction over public streets and sidewalks, the Plan must include a schedule for providing curb ramps (curb cuts), or other means of access, where pedestrian path of travel is from a street to sidewalk or vise -versa. The ADA provides that priority be given to walkways serving government offices and f acilities, transportation, places of public accommodation, and places of employment.
Public and Employee Access
The Plan must address the access needs of two groups of people: those being served by the City and those serving the public, i.e., City staff.
The focus of this Self Evaluation and Transition Plan is largely on public access, as the ADA provides that access for employees may be provided on the basis of need. In other words, it is not required that employee areas be made accessible in advance of hiring a person with disabilities; but upon hiring (or upon disablement of an employee), work areas need to be provided or modified to appropriately achieve accessibility.
Plan Organization
The remainder of this Plan consists of:
*Physical or program changes required to comply with ADA, for signage generally, and for each City department.
*Discussion of streets and sidewalks.
*Policies to further implement the ADA.
Part IV contains the facilities analysis for implementation.
ADA Compliance Update
The City o f Merced is currently in the process of updating its standard designs . The design standards will incorporate any revisions in ADA since the last update.
The City also continuously evaluates existing conditions throughout the city and creates capital improvement projects that as part of its review process and recommends corrections as needed.
The City of Merced has both a Maintenance & Operations budget and a Capital Improvement Budget each year for improvements to be made to existing areas ide ntified to be corrected. The City also utilizes various funding sources including: Measure “V” funds, Senate Bill 1 (SB1) funds, Community Development Block Grant, and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ).
8 Part II
Physical Facilities Programs & Services
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
for the
City of Merced
9 II. PHYSICAL FACILITIES PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Background
The City of Merced owns and operates different facilities, programs, and services (referred to as properties) throughout the City of Merced and are continuously acquiring properties as the City grows. These locations may include parks, parking structures, facilities, sidewalks, curb ramps, to name a few, or a combination of all. They may be for public use or for private (employee) use.
Regardless of the use of the City owned properties, the City has an obligation to ensure accessibility to everyone and not to discriminate against anyone with any type of disability.
This section will evaluate existing City properties to ensure compliance with current ADA. As the City incorporates different properties, the list will continue to grow and older existing properties (pre-ADA) will be evaluated and become part of this report for upgrade recommendations. If a property is discovered that the City owns and has not been previously assessed, it will be added to the report and part of the next update.
City Buildings and Departments
A. Civic Center, 678 West 18th Street
1. FIRST FLOOR
a. Support Services
1) Employee Benefits
2) Liability Insurance
3) Unemployment Insurance
4) Insurance Administration and Workers Compensation
5) Personnel
b. City Clerk / Records
c. Finance
d. Information Technology
Support Services
Employee Benefits
The mission of the Employee Benefits Division is to provide the accounting mechanism through which the City pays the cost of health, long -term disability, life and: accident death and dismemberment, dental, and vision insurance for all eligible employees.
Monies are budgeted in departmental operating accounts and then transferred during the year into an employee benefit fund from which benefit payments are made. 10 Liability Insurance
The mission of the Liability Insurance Division is to provide an accounting mechanism through which the City pays the cost of general liability, property and fire, boiler and machinery, and employee crime insurance premiums. Money is budgeted in departmental operating accounts and then transferred during the year into a liability insurance fund from which the expenses are paid out.
Unemployment Insurance
The mission of the Unemployment Insurance Division, a self -insured fund, is to provide benefits to employe es who have left the City service and qualify under state la w for unemployment compensation.
Insurance Administration and Workers' Compensation
The mission of the Workers' Compensation Division is to provide technical support for the administration of the self-insured workers' compensation program, including preparation of reports, benefit payments, coordination with our third party workers' compensation administrator and the City of Merced legal office in preparing claims for settlement.
Personnel
The mission of the Personnel Division is to ensure fair and impartial administration of the City's personnel program.
City Clerk / Records
The mission of the Records Division is to provide efficient and professional support services to the citizens and employees of Merced by maintaining a complete, accurate, and historical record of City business.
Finance
The Finance Department fulfills the duties and responsibilities of fiscal administration for the City as set forth in the City Charter. Those duties require all departmental staff to serve the public interest and maintain the public's trust by exercising due diligence and professionalism in conducting the City's financial affairs.
Information Technology
Information Technology's mission is to provide information services, data processing, and telephone services to all City departments and coordinate information services to other agencies and the general public, remain technologically current so as to advise and assist in selecting computer hardware and software, and provide system analysis and programming services for improved production, performance and professionalism within the City.
11 Policy/Program Compliance Summary
All first floor departments are adjacent to an accessible parking lot with properly signed and designated handicapped parking spaces. Access to the lobby is wheel chair ramped and the front doors are wheel chair accessible. Although counter heights may be too high for persons of short stature or in a wheelchair, counter personnel have been directed and trained to assist customers as necessary in the lobby area.
There is a public "drop slot" for paying utility bills outside of the Civic Center, and an interior drop slot, accessible, for paying utility bills. In addition, most utility bills can be paid by mail.
The public restrooms are all wheelchair accessible.
A computer station for the seeing impaired has been added to the first-floor lobby.
2. SECOND FLOOR
a. Engineering
b. Planning
c. Inspection Services
d. Housing
e. One-Stop Processing
f. Council Chambers
Engineering
Recognizing the importance of the City's infrastructure, the Engineering Design/Standards Division will assist the Public Works Department and other City departments in developing major capital improvement projects with an increased focus on pavement management to protect the City's investments; reduce the current deficiencies; repair and maintain utilities; and, assist the development community in updating standards of engineering.
Planning
The Planning Division seeks to assist the community as it grows in defining and achieving its future development goals, meeting its long-range land use, circulation, and public facilities needs, and maintaining its quality of life. Their vision is for Merced to continue to be a special place in terms of livability and opportunity.
Inspection Services
The Inspection Services Division is responsible for plan checking of all public and private structures, issuance of all construction permits, and inspection of all development to ensure compliance with various federal, state, and local laws and codes to safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare. In addition, Inspection Services ensures that City-owned projects are built to the City's satisfaction regarding design, codes, and usability, and that operations of local businesses and special events are conducted in a manner reflecting a balance between regulations and user needs.
12 Housing
The City of Merced Housing Department strives to create and maintain affordable housing for low to moderate income residents by using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
CDBG and HOME are Federal funds provided to the City of Merced on a formula basis, with the amount dependent upon the allocation level established by Congress. HOME funds can only be used for housing activities, while CDBG can be used for broader community development purposes within established guidelines.
One-Stop Processing
The One -Stop Application Processing procedure involving the Engineering, Planning and Inspections Services Division provides a professional level of development services support to the general public, applicants, City departments, Planning Commission, and the City Council.
Program areas include customer assistance, one -stop processing, development review, review of improvement plans, zoning and subdivision, code enforcement, and special projects.
Council Chambers
Council Chambers is where City Council meetings are held. Council is held twice a month, every other Monday. Council agenda items and attendance v ary every meeting in which everyone is invited to attend. See City Council/Mayor section below for more information.
Space is available at the rear of the Council Chambers to accommodate persons in wheelchairs. A portable microphone is available at each meeting and individual units are available for the hearing impaired for all meetings that use this facility.
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
All second floor access is accomplished via an accessible elevator. Door width, lobby area, and counter height are suitable for most any accessibility situation. An adjacent stairway provides reasonable access. Although counter heights may be too high for persons of short stature or in a wheelchair, counter personnel have been directed and trained to assist customers as necessary in the lobby area.
When public meetings are held, staff utilizes suitable locations such as the City Council Chambers, Sam Pipes Room, or Third Floor Conference Room. Public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Accommodations are provided for the hearing and visual impaired.
3. THIRD FLOOR
a. City Council/Mayor
b. City Attorney
c. City Manager
d. Economic Development
13 City Council/Mayor
The City Council serves as the legislative and policy -making body of the City of Merced. It consists of six members elected for four-year terms and the Mayor elected every two years.
The Mayor and Council members will continue working together as a team, representing all Merced constituents, in order to make Merced a city which:
a. Maintains a high quality of life for its citizens.
b. Demonstrates a positive attitude and approach in dealing with all segments of the community.
c. Shows sensitivity and awareness of community needs and issues. d. Respects the diversity of its community.
e. Develops creative and affordable solutions and alternatives to meet community needs. f. Is service-oriented, efficient, and progressive in its approach to problem resolution and use of resources.
g. Offers economic development opportunities beneficial to its citizens. h. Maximizes teamwork and encourages individual involvement and personal growth, so that the community achieves its goals and contributes to society as a whole; and. i. Creates and maintains an enjoyable atmosphere in which to live and work.
City Attorney
The City Attorney acts as legal advisor and counsel for the City Council, City Manager, Economic Development, and others as required in representing the City in litigation and directing the City's legal service.
City Manager
The City Manager must ensure that the organizational values of the City are key elements as budgets are prepared and business conducted. These values include an organizational outlook directed to the future; an entrepreneurial, competitive approach to city services; recognition of the value of public investment and the wisdom of maintaining the investment; decision -making at the most appropriate level; and accountability and reward for excellent performance.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Department focuses on implementing strategic actions that will have the most direct impact on improving the City of Merced's economic growth and which continues to build Merced's role as the region's center for education, medical services, industry, and professional/commercial services.
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
All third floor offices are wheelchair accessible as are the third floor conference room and the public restrooms. The third floor doesn’t have any counters; all areas are staffed with a receptionist at a desk.
14 B. Transportation Building – 690 West 16th Street
The building was previously remodeled to meet handicap requirements. No additional work is required.
C. Fire Department
The Fire Department maintains five stations:
Engine Company 51 – 99 East 16th Street
Engine Company 52 - 1400 Falcon Way
Engine Company 53 - 800 Loughborough Drive
Engine Company 54 - 1425 East 21st Street
Engine Company 55 – 3520 North Parsons Avenue
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
With the exception of its administrative offices, the Fire Department is a special use, non -public access facility.
Currently, the administrative offices occupy a portion of Station No. 51, downtown, which is wheelchair accessible.
D. Police Department
Central Station - 611 West 22nd Street
South Station - 11th and Canal Streets
The Merced Police Department maintains the traditional mission of protection of life and property. Additionally, the department is committed to establishing a sense of order and security in the neig hborhoods of our community. The department seeks to accomplish its missions by treating all persons with respect and dignity, and by establishing on-going working relationships that allow input and direction in the use of resources.
Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement is part of the Police Department. The Code Enforcement office is responsible to investigate the requests of citizens for code violations within the City and recommend actions to correct those situations.
15 Policy/Program Compliance Summary
All operations of the Police Department are housed at Central Station, 611 West 22nd Street with one community sub-station. The sub-station is a storefront operation in the local neighborhood.
The lobby of this facility is accessible by wheelchair. However, due to security concerns, the counter is not only high, but has a glass separation between the lobby area and interior offices.
Counter staff has been directed to assist customers as necessary in the lobby area and there are interview rooms available for private conversation, which are also wheelchair accessible.
The second floor is not accessible to the general public due to security reasons. However, should the need arise; it is accessible by elevator and stairway.
E. Public Works Department, Grogan Avenue Corporation Yard
1. Public Works Administration
2. Facilities Maintenance
3. Fleet Management
4. Refuse Collection
5. Storm Drains
6. Street Sweeping
7. Street and Subdivision Trees
8. Street and Streetlight Maintenance
9. Water
Public Works Administration
The Public Works Operations - Administration Division provides administrative support to Public Works Operations Divisions to ensure the continued maintenance of Public Works infrastructure and service delivery to protect the health and safety of the community.
Facilities Maintenance
The Building/Facilities Maintenance Division is dedicated to providing quality preventative maintenance and daily care to enable all customers’ full use and enjoyment of City facilities.
Fleet Management
The Fleet Management Division is dedicated to providing quality preventative maintenance and repair to vehicles and equipment necessary to maintain delivery of quality City services.
Refuse Collection
The Refuse Division ensures the citizens of Merced are provided with adequate solid waste services, which help protect the public health and preserve community quality of life, while meeting Federal and State mandates.
16 Storm Drains
The Storm Drain Division ensures that sto rm drainage facilities function to protect the community and environment.
Street Sweeping
The Street Sweeping Division helps preserve the quality of life in Merced by providing street sweeping services, which meet Federal, and State mandates.
Street and Subdivision Trees
To strive to maintain the health and vitality of the urban forest while eliminating hazardous conditions.
Street and Streetlight Maintenance
The Street Maintenance Division provides a comprehensive maintenance program to e nsure that all paved streets, parking facilities, alleys, and bikeways, including Class I bike lanes, are maintained in a safe and serviceable condition. In addition, ensure that all traffic control devices, signage, and streetlights function in a safe, continuous manner and meet all State and local standards.
Water System
The Water Department provides City residents with a safe, clean, continuous supply of drinking water.
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
The primary customer service access to this department is at the Finance Department in the Civic Center. Public access to the Corporation Yard is very limited. The parking lot has signed, designated handicap parking. The administrative offices are not wheelchair accessible but there is a training room which is and could be utilized should the need arise.
As the public entity having authority over streets, roads and walkways (other than state highways, and private roads), the City of Merced is responsible for developing a transition plan that "includes a schedule for providing curb ramps or other sloped areas where pedestrian walks cross curbs, giving priority to walkways serving entities covered by the Act, including State and local government offices and facilities, transportation, places of public accommodation, and employers, followed by walkways serving other areas.”
To develop an effective and accurate transition plan, City staff inventoried all existing curb ramps and sidewalks in the public right -of-way including State highways and determined whi ch areas were deficient. While it is clear that past priorities have been given to providing access to those entities covered in the Act, it is also clear that deficiencies exist.
The City has a number of programs to address the deficiencies:
- Annually funded capital improvement projects for curb ramps and sidewalks. 17 - Transportation capital improvement projects such as traffic signal revisions, street widening, etc. which include primarily arterial streets and State highways. As standard practice, these projects provide curb ramps, sidewalks, pedestrian push buttons at signals, etc.
- Annually funded maintenance implemented by City, crews repair existing accessible facilities and at times install new curb ramps and sidewalks.
- Development review procedures for private projects require new ramps and new, or repaired, sidewalks as off-site improvements.
F. Purchasing Department, Applegate Park
The Purchasing Department provides centralized purchasing and warehousing services to various City departments. This includes holding bid openings at this facility, storing a variety of materials in an on -site warehouse, and holding on -site public auctions to dispose of surplus material and equipment, at various times through the year.
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
This facility is remodeled and has handicapped parking, accessibility, and restrooms available to the public.
No additional work is required at this time.
G. Wastewater Treatment Plant, (WWTP) Gove Road
Wastewater/Sewer System
The Wastewater/Sewer Division's mission is to ensure that customers are provided with dependable, continuous, sanitary sewer service.
The Wastewater Treatment Plant provides treatment for all wastewater discharged to the treatment system to protect the environment and the health of the community.
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
This facility is in an isolated location, which would have limited need for public access. Any public meetings would utilize the facilities at the Civic Center. The Administration and office area at the WWTP is wheelchair accessible and handicapped parking is provided in the front of the Administration building.
The WWTP has undergone an upgrade to the facility and all new facilities were designed to meet ADA Requirements.
H. Merced Regional Airport, 20 Macready Drive
As a major factor in the economic and physical development of the City of Merced, the Merced Regional Airport will con tinue to develop as part of the nation's air transportation system. The Airport is the Regions only commercial airport and ensures the safety and adequacy of services 18 (commercial, corporate, and general aviation) to the residents of Merced, in conformance with environmental needs and regulations.
The new 11,000 square foot Merced Yosemite Regional Airport T erminal is currently under construction and will open in 2025. The facility will be a spacious terminal for air travelers that will be the fully ADA compliant. In addition, the terminal will house the Airport Manager and Staff.
In the interim, the existing terminal has restrooms that are handicapped accessible, and a new code compliant access ramp has been installed.
The Airport parking lot has designated handicapped parking, signage, and is accessible to the terminal.
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
While the new terminal is under construction , the City of Merced has completed numerous projects to upgrade the existing facility to meet ADA accessibility. The terminal has been upgraded with ADA handicap bathrooms, drinking fountains, and an access ramp was added to the entrance. Also handicap parking spaces with signs were added to the parking lot.
I. Parks and Community Services – Shannon Parcade – 632 W. 18th Street
Parks and Community Services
The activities of Parks and Community Services are planned and carried out in order to promote, maintain, and develop the quality of life in our community.
The Parks and Community Services Department is responsible for the operation of a variety of recreational programs an d facilities in the community. These programs and facilities are either operated entirely by the City or as a co-sponsored and collaborative effort with other entities and community organizations.
Below are the programs and facilities that are offered through the Parks and Recreational Department.
Programs:
Youth Sports
Recreational Basketball, Flag Football and Baseball & Softball leagues serve boys and girls ages 5 to 14. City Recreation and School District facilities utilized for practices and games.
Recreation Swimming
Recreational swimming available at two sites: McNamara Park and Ada Givens Park Pools, Lifeguards are on duty.
19 Swim Lessons
City sponsored swim lessons at City pools. Last year the City offered swim lesson to children with special needs and their families.
Wilderness Camp
Summer activity camp for youth ages 6 to 13 at the Applegate Park. Participants are involved in nature studies, arts and crafts, specialized tours, and zoo tours.
Dance
Contract program using City and school facilities. Offerings include variety of dance classes such as Tap & Ballet and Folklorico.
Martial Arts
Contract program offered at City and school facilities by certified instructors. Offerings include Karate & Jujitsu.
Sports Instruction
Contract programs offered at City and school facilities. Courses include Tennis lessons , Pickleball, Street Hockey.
Adult Basketball
Recreational basketball league for adults. Program costs covered by fees. Practice and league play conducted at school facilities.
Adult Softball
Recreational softball league for adults. Program costs covered by fees. Games and practices conducted on City facilities. Spring, Summer, and Fall leagues for men and women as well as co-ed offerings.
Volunteer Program
Support and recognition of community volunteer efforts.
Movies in the Park
Free movies shown outdoors at various location within the City during Spring through Fall.
Merced Youth Baseball Association
Co-sponsored program with the Merced Youth Baseball Association for youth ages 5 to
16. The recreational league, which serves the majority of the participants, begins in April and continues through July. A competitive league offers activity year round.
20 A year -to-year service agreement is in effect in which the City provides publicity, scheduling, use of facilities and assistance with reimbursable purchases. The Youth Baseball Association also benefits from City use agreements with local school districts as a co-sponsored program.
Merced Youth Softball Association
Co-sponsored program with the Merced Youth Softball Association for ages 6 to 16; practice and league play runs from May to August.
A year -to-year service agreement is in effect in which the City provides publicity, scheduling, use of facilities and assistance with reimbursable purchases. The Youth Softball Association also benefits from City use agreements with local school districts as a co-sponsored program.
Merced Youth Soccer Association
Co-sponsored program with the Mer ced Youth Soccer Association for ages 6 to 18. The recreational league which serves the majority of the participants begins in August and continues through November. A competitive league offers activity year round.
A year -to-year service agreement is in effect in which the City provides publicity, scheduling, use of facilities and assistance with reimbursable purchases. The Youth Soccer Association also benefits from City use agreements with local school districts as a co- sponsored program.
Merced Albion Soccer Academy
Co-sponsored program with the Merced Atlas Soccer Academy for ages 6 to 18. The recreational league which serves the majority of the participants begins in August and continues through November. A competitive league offers activity year round.
A year -to-year service agreement is in effect in which the City provides publicity, scheduling, use of facilities and assistance with reimbursable purchases. Merced Atlas Soccer Academy also benefits from City use agreements with local school districts as a co- sponsored program.
Merced Cougars Youth Football Association
Co-sponsored program with the Merced Cougars Youth Football Association for youth ages 9 to 14. The recreational league begins in August and continues through November.
A year -to-year service agreement is in effect in which the City provides publicity, scheduling, use of facilities and assistance with reimbursable purchases. The Youth Football Association also benefits from City use agreements with local school districts as a co-sponsored program.
21 Facilities:
Pool Rentals
City pools with lifeguard services are available for group rental.
Ball field Rentals
City ball fields are available for rent for team practice on weekends and tournaments when not in use by City -sponsored programs. Fees cover facility supervision, lights, field preparation, and maintenance.
Facility Rentals
Facilities that are available for rent include the Rotary Scout Hut, Applegate Park Soroptimist Picnic Shelter, Joe Herb Park Picnic Shelter, Applegate Park Gazebo, Rahilly Park Picnic Shelter, Merced Open Air Theatre (MOAT), and the Samuel C. Pipes meeting room. Fees are set at private and non-profit rates.
Senior Community Center
The Senior Citizen Center is a public use facility that host numerous different functions.
It is privately managed, with senior citizen volunteers, but City owned. Its main function is a senior citizen center where the public may go to, during regular business hours, to associate with others, and partake in numerous different activities. This facility is also used for other public events such as, exercising classes (Zumba, Yoga), and is available to rent through the City for private events (weddings, birthdays business meetings, etc.).
This facility is also used by the City of Merced for various City employee events.
Applegate Park Zoo
The zoo, which is located in Applegate Park, serves as a recreational and educational facility for the entire community.
Youth Sports Complex – Nannini Sports Complex
The Merced Youth Sports Complex was initiated as a collaborative effort between the City and the Merced Youth Sports Complex Association (MYSCA). The association has since disbanded, and the City is now the sole entity overseeing the remaining development at the site.
City Owned Youth Centers- Central, McCombs, McNamara, Stephen Leonard Youth Centers
The city owns 4 youth centers that are contracted out to service providers to expand recreational opportunities and afterschool support across Merced. The centers operate under three-year service/lease agreement s with various service providers including the Boys and Girls Club of Merced County, Challenged Family Resource Council, Restorative Justice League, and LifeLine Community Development Partners. Facilities are maintained 22 at the expense of the City’s Recreation Dept. budget . Youth Centers may be used on occasion for City Recreation Dept. programming as well.
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
The Parks and Community Services Department has identified the need to increase accessibility of programs and facilities to comply with ADA. Budget considerations make it necessary to do long range planning and those recommendations are included in Part II, Transition Plan.
The City of Merced is currently developing a new Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan which will serve as a comprehensive analysis of ADA needs to improve accessibility in its parks, playgrounds, open spaces, and programming.
J. Merced Multicultural Arts Center – 615 West Main Street
The Multicultural Arts Center is leased on a ten year basis to the Merced County Arts Council Inc. to provide public arts, dance, music, and disadvantaged & handicapped programs.
This facility is accessible from both the street and alley and has an elevator to all three floors. The bathrooms are handicapped accessible.
K. Bell Station South Building – 415 West 18th Street
The GSA (General Services Administration) – the agency of the federal government which oversees all federal buildings – formally transferred ownership of the Bell Station, located at 415 W. 18th St. Merced CA, to the City of Merced on August 31, 2007. The City was awarded the deed to the Bell Station – at no cost – after years of uncertainty as to the building’s future. The City renewed the lease with the United States Postal Service and negotiated a contract to keep the post office in its convenient, downtown location.
Merced businesses, residents, and community leaders all agree that the Bell Station is a centerpiece of the community. The Bell Station has served the City of Merced since 1933, one of only five non-residential buildings in Merced on the National Register of Historic Places. The City strives to maintain the historic character of the building, while at the same time making leasable office space available.
One half of the Bell Station is occupied by the United States Postal Service and the other half is made up of 3,349 sq. ft. of leasable office space. The City markets the leasable office space at a very affordable rate.
As part of the requirements for purchase , the City was to construct a unisex handicapped accessible bathroom. This project was completed in 2008.
23 L. Rossotti – Ed Zoo-Cation Building – Applegate Park
The City constructed this education facility as part of its Capital Improvement Projects. It has handicapped parking, entrance, and bathrooms. This project was completed in 2009.
M. Transportation Center – Welcome Center - 710 West 16th Street
The California Welcome Center, Merced is an official state certified visitor’s information agency specializing in a variety of tourism-based services. The Welcome Center is located at the Merced Transportation Center. The transportation center is also the central location for “The Bus” which is a bus station.
N. Water Departments Satellite Office – 692 West 16th. Street
This City owned facilities was previously occupied by the Merced Police department, then transferred to the Water Department in late 2019. It is used by employees only and does not serve the Public.
O. Transfer Site – North Highway 59 & Yosemite Avenue
This City-owned property has recently opened for operation. The transfer site, also known as the bulky item drop-off, opened in 2019 and is used by both City staff and local residents. The public side is used as a “dump site” where City residents may drop of items such as electronics, furniture, mattresses, and tires, to name a few. The private (employee) area is used to service City owned vehicles such as police and fire vehicles. This is done within the facility (garage).
The private area is also used by staff to drop of the waste collected by the street sweepers. 24 Part III
Policies to Implement the ADA
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
for the
City of Merced
25 III. POLICIES TO IMPLEMENT THE ADA/SECTION 504
Introduction:
The foregoing part of the report focused on a physical assessment of the City services and programs. In order to fully implement the ADA, it is also necessary to adopt a number of policies.
These policies ensure that accessibility is an ongoing consideration into the future.
1. City of Merced Administrative Policies and Procedures.
Nondiscrimination in employment - The City is currently establishing policies and procedures to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which will include nondiscrimination and reasonable accommodation. ADA language has been negotiated with each of the employee bargaining units and has been made a part of each Memorandum of Understanding.
Discrimination on the basis of disability against an applicant or an employee , who is a qualified individual with a disability, by a supervisor, management employee, or co-worker is not condoned and will not be tolerated. This policy applies to the job application process and to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, disciplinary action, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
Any retaliation against a person for filing a discrimination charge or making a discrimination complaint is prohibited.
All complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability will be promptly and objectively investigated by the ADA Coordinator or his/her designee. Disciplinary action up to and including termination will be instituted for discrimination on the basis of disability.
2. Personnel Rules. An ongoing commitment to accessibility requires an education component.
It must address two areas:
For Staff: Information training about disabilities and discrimination based on disability, the requirements of the ADA and the City's p olicies and programs as they relate to disabled people, the complaint process for employees and the public, expectations of staff members in carrying out the City's policies. Education must be ongoing, explain that access barriers are often subtle, and involve training in conflict resolution, a mandated aspect of the ADA complaint process.
For the Public: Information about how to gain access to the City's programs and facilities, where to go for information, and the complaint process.
Designated City staff is currently required to participate in cultural diversity training, and management level staff is required to participate in affirmative action training. It is appropriate to expand these programs to include accessibility matters. Individual departments with special responsibilities for accessibility consideration should have additional training.
26 3. Professional Assistance. As City departments implement the ADA, continued input and consultation by the disability community is utilized to fully achieve accessibility. An ongoing and effective compliance program will require that the City utilize assistance by disabled persons in training and orientation to both City employees and the public as to the provisions of the ADA and resulting modifications by the City to its programs, policies, and facilities.
4. Wheelchair Seating. During assembly situations, such as performances and meetings, provisions shall be made to provide for wheelchair seating that is dispersed throughout the viewing area. Such dispersal shall provide lines of sight and choice of admission pricing comparable to those offered to the general public. All such seating shall adjoin accessible routes for emergency egress and permit people who use wheelchairs to sit with companions.
5. Requirement to Stand or Wait in Line. Persons with disabilities, including those using assistive devices for standing or in wheelchairs, shall be provided an area adjacent to service windows or entrances to events in which to wait for their companions or for their place in line to reach the point of service or entrance. Staff operating the facility shall provide a means of identifying the person's place in line, especially if the line is to serve on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Electronic Barriers to Access.
a. Presence of Repetitive Sounds (i.e. Beeping) or Flashing Lights. Repetitive sounds and flashing light will be eliminated where possible. Warning signs will be posted at entrances to spaces where repetitive sounds or flashing lights are present and alternative forms of accessing services will be provided.
b. Fluorescent Lighting. (1) When new lighting systems are designed, every effort possible should be made to provide systems that do not have the flutter/cycling "flaw" that has been problematic to persons with seizure disorders; (2) A supply of portable lamps should be made available for use in City facilities when fluorescent lighting limits employee and/or citizen participation.
c. Microwave Ovens or other Radio Wave Generation. Microwave ovens are to be placed in rooms adjoining areas such as employee lounges when possible. Alternately, microwave ovens (or other radio wave emitting equipment) should be placed in a corner or along a wall as far as possible from entrances and paths of travel.
7. Working Animals. Working dogs, such as guide dogs and service dogs, shall not be precluded from entering any City facility while performing their respective tasks of assisting their owners.
8. Toxic, Hazardous and Harmful Mat erials. Some materials in general use are toxic to some individuals. This includes, but is not limited to: carpet cleaners, pesticides/herbicides/fertilizers, cleaning agents, maintenance materials, solvents, glues, adhesives, caulks, formaldehyde, certai n paints, inks and papers, photocopy/laser print machines, gas heating and cooking appliances, and chemicals in portable toilets. These materials will be addressed according to the following steps:
a. Eliminate hazardous and toxic materials when possible.
b. Choose the least toxic products and methods of application available for each situation. 27 c. Adequately ventilate areas where hazardous materials are used.
d. Ensure that information on materials used is available to employees and the public.
Provide information on alternative materials, which are nontoxic, or least toxic.
e. Provide signage indicating that use of hazardous or toxic materials is a) planned in the near future, b) is under way, c) has recently been completed. Such signage shall be a significant distance from the site of usage to warn of the use of hazardous materials and to allow persons to not walk into contaminated areas, especially persons with environmental disabilities.
f. Provide alternative access to services for those persons for whom the materials remain a barrier.
9. Smoke -and Fragrance -Free Environments. The City has adopted policies of smoke - free environments on its properties.
10. Accessibility and City Employees. As required by the ADA, accommodations will be made for newly hired disabled persons, or in case a City employee becomes disabled.
11. Public and Employee Access
The Transition Plan must address the access needs of two groups of people: those being served by the City and those serving the public, i.e., City staff.
The focus of this Self Evaluation and Transition Plan is largely on public access, as the ADA provides that access for employees may be provided on the basis of need. In other words, it is not required that employee areas be made accessible in advance of hiring a person with disabilities, but upon hiring (or upon disablement of an employee), work areas need to be provided or modified to appropriately achieve accessibility.
Plan Organization
The remainder of this Plan consists of:
*Physical or program changes required to comply with ADA, for signage generally, and for each City department.
*Discussion of streets and sidewalks
*Policies to further implement the ADA
Part IV contains the facilities analysis for implementation. 28 PART IV
Transition Plan & Policy/Program
Compliance Summary
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
for the
City of Merced
29 IV. TRANSITION PLAN
Background
This section will evaluate existing City properties to ensure compliance with current ADA. As the City incorporates different properties, the list will continue to grow, and older existing properties (pre-ADA) will be evaluated and become part of this report for upgrade recommendations. If a property is discovered that the City owns and has not been previously assessed, it will be added to the report and part of the next update. All existing City owned properties that have any ADA deficiencies will be evaluated by the ADA committee for recommended corrective measures.
Merced Connect
The Merced Connect app is for citizens to access their government in a single location. With this new tool, citizens can submit, track, and view nearby service requests through their smartphones as well as online. Citizens can also use the app to find information about News & Announcements, Water Conservation, and more. This app can be utilized by citizens to also submit issues relating to ADA deficiencies. This new service was introduced into the City of Merced in 2019.
Access to City Services and Facilities
The City of Merced has requested staff to review all City facilities for compliance with ADA requirements and notify staff of all items that have been completed.
Deficiencies that do not require demo. /construction, such as, door thresholds and signage can be easily fixed transitioning to compliant. Others that require demo. / construction, such as, modifying curb ramps or paths of travel will be costly and possibly not feasible at this time due to budgeting. These items will be placed on a list that will be sent to the respective departments so that they can establish a plan for transitioning.
Streets, Handicapped Ramps, and Sidewalks
Streets:
The Public Works Department has an ongoing GIS project surveying the individual intersections for ramps or non-ramps. The majority of the City has been surveyed and a map has been created showing the locations and the results.
This map is used in the selection of ramp locations to be added each year with the ADA yearly ramp projects.
In addition to the ADA yearly projects, any commercial or residential construction is required to upgrade ramps or sidewalks that are in non-compliance, as part of the approval for construction.
All road reconstruction and overlay projects that extend into the intersection will also provide new ramps where ramps are not now provided.
30 The City of Merced also utilizes various sources of funding to help fund corrections. Some of these funding sources include: Measure V, SB1, Congesti on Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) . These funds are used for road reconstruction, sidewalks, and curb ramps. The funds help the City budget for future projects that will correct any ADA deficiencies throughout the City.
Handicapped Ramps:
The Public Works Department, along with the Engineering Department, has identified and prioritized the areas to be corrected based on usage, traffic, safety, and relationship to commercial and school facilities.
The residential areas and high use pedestrian areas are determined to be the best locations to concentrate our efforts. The following shows two list s, one showing ramps that have been completed since the last report updat e, and the other listing ramps to be completed within the next few years. The future list are from projects that have been funded and are either in design or about ready for construction. If funding becomes available for additional projects, the list may increase as ramps are added to the new projects.
Ramps completed:
# Location Number
of Ramps Constructed
1 13th Street and Q Street 2 2020
2 M Street and Main Street 4 2020
3 M Street and 16th Street 2 2020
4 M Street and 18th Street 4 2020
5 R Street and Loughborough Drive 3 2020
6 R Street and Buena Vista 4 2020
7 G Street and Alpine 2 2020
8 Alpine Street and Wainwright Avenue 2 2020
9 M Street and 9th Street 4 2021
10 M Street and 10th Street 4 2021
11 M Street and 11th Street 4 2021
12 M Street and 12th Street 2 2021
13 M Street and 13th Street 4 2021
14 V Street and Main Street 4 2021
15 V Street and 18th Street 4 2021
16 N Street and 16th Street 2 2022
17 N Street and 18th Street 2 2022
18 Linda Lane and 8th Street 2 2022
19 Linda Lane and Lopes Avenue 2 2022
31 20 Linda Lane and 7th Street 2 2022
21 7th Street and West Avenue 2 2023
22 I Street and 28th Street 1 2023
23 I Street and 27th Street 4 2023
24 I Street and 26th Street 4 2023
25 I Street and 25th Street 3 2023
26 MLK Jr Way and 26th Street 3 2023
27 M Street and M Street Circle 8 2023
28 M Street and Mandeville Lane 2 2023
29 M Street and Bancroft Drive 2 2023
30 Motel Drive and Merced Avenue 2 2023
31 T Street and Childs Avenue 1 2024
32 T Street and Home Avenue 4 2024
33 T Street and Fig Avenue 2 2024
34 T Street and Stuart Drive 2 2024
35 S Street and Fig Avenue 2 2024
36 S Street and Home Avenue 4 2024
37 S Street and Stuart Drive 2 2024
38 R Street and Woodward Avenue 2 2024
39 R Street and Home Avenue 4 2024
40 R Street and Windsor Avenue 2 2024
41 R Street and Stuart Drive 2 2024
42 Olive Avenue and Queens Circle 4 2024
43 Olive Avenue and Nottingham Avenue 2 2024
44 Olive Avenue and Parsons Avenue 1 2024
45 Parsons Avenue and Alexander Avenue 2 2024
46 Parsons Avenue and Hanson Avenue 2 2024
47 Alexander Avenue and Nottingham Ave 2 2024
48 Hansen Avenue and Tuxford Court 2 2024
49 Nottingham Avenue and Hansen Avenue 1 2024
50 Nottingham Avenue and Buckingham Ct 2 2024
51 Nottingham Avenue and Tamworth Ct 2 2024
52 Childs Avenue and Coffee Street 1 2024
Ramps to be completed:
32 # Location Number
of Ramps
1 Home Avenue and Parkwest Street 4
2 Windsor and Parkwest Avenue 2
3 Yosemite Avenue and Cordova Avenue 2
4 Yosemite Avenue and Paulson Road 4
5 Yosemite Avenue and Qual Avenue 4
6 Yosemite Avenue and Jorge Avenue 4
7 Yosemite Avenue and Dove Avenue 4
8 University Service Center Drive 2
9 Garder Avenue and Yosemite Avenue 1
10 Parsons Avenue and Yosemite Avenue 1
11 13th Street and K Street 2
12 12th Street and K Street 4
13 18th Street and U Street 4
14 18th Street to T Street 4
15 18th Street to S Street 4
16 R Street and Olive Avenue 2
17 R Street and Olivewood Drive 4
18 R Street and Julie Drive 2
19 R Street and Northwood Drive 2
20 Collin Drive and Loughborough Drive 2
21 Collin Drive and Fairfield Drive 2
22 Collin Drive and Olive Avenue 2
23 R Street and 16th Street 2
24 R Street and Main Street 4
25 Melody Lane 2
The Engineering Department has surveyed all park sites for compliance for public access to the site and prioritized the areas to be corrected based on usage, traffic, safety, and relationship to the park. The following is a list of ramps and access that have been completed and ones needing to be fixed as a result of the field survey:
# Location Site # of Ramps
1 R Street and Buena Vista Dr. Fahrens Park 4
2 R Street and Loughborough Dr Fahrens Park 3
City Park Ramps to be completed:
33 # Location Site # of
Ramps
1 8th & “N Charles Richard Drew Park 4
2 Circle Drive Circle Drive Park 4
3 11th & “W” Dennis Chavez Park 2
4 8th & “V” Douglass Park 4
5 4th & “N Harriet Tubman Park 1
6 G” & 12th Neighborhood Park 3
7 1301 2nd Tannager Memorial Park 2
8 Canal & 6th Love Veasley Family Park 2
9 1357 Hansen Ave Hansen Park 2
10 Columbia & Cherokee Ave Columbia Park 6
11 West 25th Street Applegate Park 2
The City of Merced has recently upgraded McNamara Park , Rahilly Park, Fahrens Park, Love Veasley Park, G Street Park, Little Angles Park, Benjamin Tanager Park, Fredrick Douglas Park, Community Park 42, and Stephan Leonard Park to included ADA upgrades. See below.
McNamara Park
The improvements inclu de new ADA restrooms with an accessibility path of travel from 11 th Street.
Rahilly Park
The improvements include renovating the existing restrooms for ADA compliance, an accessible path of travel from the parking lot, and new ADA parking stall.
Fahrens Park
New ADA accessible play structure, with accessible turf with path leading from the existing bike path.
Love Veasley Park, G Street Park, Little Angles Park, and Benjamin Tanager Park
Improvements included adding in an accessible path with ramp to access the existing parks from existing bike path or sidewalks.
Stephan Leonard Park
New community building that includes public areas and restrooms all designed for accessibility.
34 Community Park 42
New park under construction that will include a concession stand, restrooms, drinking fountain, play structure and walking paths. All have been designed for ADA compliance.
Sidewalks:
The City of Merced has yearly project s to repair sidewalks that are cracked, raised , and non- compliant, or projects installing sidewalks and ramps where they did not exist . The City of Merced utilizes multiple sources for funding these projects including: Measure V, CMAQ, CDBG, SB1 or local funding. Below is a list of projects that replaced sidewalks and the approximate amount that was replaced.
# Location Sidewalk Replaced
Linear Feet
Year
Constructed
1 119054 Sidewalks Replace Ph 2 2737 2020
2 119002 M and Main Street Resurfacing 947 2020
3 119003 R ST Loughborough to Buena Vista 1424 2020
4 119006 Alpine Grind and Overlay 75 2020
5 120010 M Street 8th to 13th Street 363 2021
6 117038 V and 16th Street Improvements 1218 2021
7 120060 N Street Improvements 2776 2022
8 119070 CMAQ Linda Ln. 7th St and 8th St.
Sidewalks
5668 2022
9 CP1190042 CMAQ John Muir Sidewalks 4218 2023
10 CP210045 Transit Hub 1139 2023
11 119043 - CMAQ Motel Dr 1680 2023
12 CP190069 CMAQ R S T and Stuart 5257 2024
13 CP200043 - CMAQ Olive and Parsons 4293 2024
14 CP210044 - CMAQ Nottingham 4326 2024
15 CP220063 - CMAQ Childs Multi Use Path 4900 2024
16 CP220024 R Street Sidewalks 851 2024
The Public Works Department , along with the Engineering Department , evaluated existing sidewalk condition and prioritized locations for repair. Since the last report update, Public Works replaced 2008 linear feet of sidewalks that were out of compliance and repaired by grinding 3528 trip hazards in various locations throughout the City. The repairs are an ongoing project.
Bike Paths:
The City of Merced sees the needs to improve the conditions for bicyclists, promoting as a means of transportation with the associated benefit of improved air quality, and improving safety 35 conditions for bicyclists. The City is in the process of installing new bike paths along various locations as specified in the Bicycle Master Plan.
Current Projects:
• Construct new Multi use bike paths (approx.. 1,680 LF) on Motel Drive from Carol Avenue to Motel Drive.
• New Bike path on Highway 59 (Caltrans right of way but City project) connecting onto existing to West Olive Avenue.
• Childs Avenue Multi-use pathway (approx. 4,900 LF) from Golden Valley High School to Coffee Street
• Santa Fe Strip Park (Approx. 3,074 LF) bike path from Black Rascal Creek to Yosemite Avenue
Traffic Signals
The Signal Department has determined that new pedestrian audible devises were in need of repair.
Our Technicians replace 24 intersections with new Polara devices.
Public and Employee Access
The Transition Plan must address the access needs of two groups of people: those being served by the City and those serving the public, i.e., City staff.
The focus of this Self Evaluation and Transition Plan is largely on public access, as the ADA provides that access for employees may be provided on the basis of need. In other words, it is not required that employee areas be made accessible in advance of hiring a person with disabilities, but upon hiring (or upon disablement of an employee), work areas need to be provided or modified to appropriately achieve accessibility.
Public Outreach and Comments to Plan
To ensure this Plan meets the needs of the residents within the City of Merced, the Plan is sent to various local Organizations. See below for list of Organizations that the Plan was solicited to. The City can then receive comments from local organizations that can be evaluated and possibly become part of this Plan.
The City of Merced also holds Traffic Committee meetings every other month. These are open to the public where they can submit any traffic related issues that they may notice, including any ADA deficiencies and recommendations. Attached to this Plan is a log with meeting s and dates that are related to ADA.
The City makes an effort to take in all requests, validate and prioritize them based on issue(s) and valuation, to create some plan for a future project.
36 Organization Address
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center 855 West 18th Street, Suite A Merced, CA 95340
COVE: Center of Vision Enhancement 1901 G Street,
Merced, CA 95340
Central Valley Regional Center 3172 M Street
Merced, CA 95348
Cerebral Palsy Association of Merced County PO Box 1286 Merced, CA 95340
Challenged Family Resource Center
827 West 20th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Merced Lao Family Community 855 West 15th Street
Merced, CA 95340
Merced College Disabled Students Program
and Services
3600 M Street
Merced, CA 95348
Resources for Independence Central Valley 3008 N. Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93703
Plan Organization
The remainder of this Plan consists of:
*Physical or program changes required to comply with ADA, for signage generally, and for each City department.
*Discussion of streets and sidewalks
*Policies to further implement the ADA
Part IV contains the facilities analysis for implementation. 37 Policy/Program Compliance Summary
With estimated cost and time frame
A. Streets and Sidewalks:
Required Physical/Program Modifications:
1. A DA ramp & sidewalk projects 2023 /24 30 ramps $400,000 25/26
2. Additional City ramps – CIP Projects 200 ramps $ 1,000,000 25/26
3. Private Retrofit 25 ramps $0.00 25/26
4. Retrofit in Commercial Areas 40 ramps $0.00 25/26
5. Ramps in Residential Areas 810 ramps $5,000,000 25/26
B. City Hall - 678 W. 18th
Required Physical/Program Modifications:
1. Accessible Counters or signage with alternate location for accessible writing surface.
Accessible counter area provided on first and second floor service windows. Staff also are able to assist people who cannot reach the counters with help processing any payments or documents.
C. Fire Department
Required Physical/Program Modifications:
The Fire Department maintains five stations:
Engine Company 51 – 99 East 16th Street
Engine Company 52 - 1400 Falcon Way
Engine Company 53 - 800 Loughborough Drive
Engine Company 54 - 1425 East 21st Street
Engine Company 55 – 3520 North Parsons Avenue
Policy/Program Compliance Summary
With the exception of its administrative offices, the Fire Department is a special use, non -public access facility.
Currently, the administrative offices occupy a portion of Station No. 51, downtown, which is accessible.
38 Engine Company 51 - 16th Street
Accessible entrance signs 1 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Curb cuts and walk 1 @ $1,500.00 25/26
Accessible countertop 1 @ $4,500.00 25/26
Replace Doors / Hardware 1 @ $4,500.00 25/26
Engine Company 52 - Falcon Way
Curb cuts and walk 1 @ Completed
Accessible entrance signs 1 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Replace Carpet Completed
Replace Doors / Hardware 1 @ $4,500.00 25/26
Engine Company 53 – Loughborough Drive
Curb cuts and walk 1 @ $1,500.00 25/26
Accessible entrance signs 1 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Replace Carpet 1 @ Completed
Replace Doors / Hardware 1 @ $4,500.00 25/26
Engine Company 54 – East 21st Street
Note: This Station is scheduled for relocation/replacement, however funding does not exist for this project.
Accessible entrance signs 1 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Curb cuts and walk 1 @ $1,500.00 25/26
Replace Doors / Hardware 1 @ $4,500.00 25/26
Replace Carpet Completed
Engine Company 55 –North Parsons Avenue
No Issues
D. Police Department
Required Physical/Program Modifications:
The current location for the central station is outdated and requires major ADA upgrades. City staff are currently looking for a new location for Central Station where a new headquarters can be built to current ADA Standards. The department is committed to upgrade the facilities it uses until a new police facility can be built.
39 Policy/Program Compliance Summary
All operations of the Police Department are housed at Central Station, 611 West 2 2nd Street and a South sub-station located at 11th and Canal Streets.
Central Station
The lobby of this facility is accessible by wheelchair. However, due to security concerns, the counter is not only high, but has a glass separation between the lobby area and interior offices.
Counter staff has been directed to assist customers as necessary in the lobby area and there are interview rooms available for private conversation, which are also wheelchair accessible.
The second floor is not accessible to the general public due to security reasons. However, should the need arise; it is accessible by elevator and stairway.
Central Police Department – West 22nd Street
Police is moving forward to obtain a site for a new Central Police Station. Expected construction for the new station is within the next 10 years.
Braille restroom, elevator signs 5 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Door assist 1 @ $2,000.00 Completed
Accessible entrance signs 4 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Curb cuts and walk 1 @ $1,500.00 25/26
Accessible Parking 1 @ $2,500.00 25/26
Accessible Bathrooms 1 @ $9,500.00 25/26
Accessible Drinking Fountain 1 @ $3,500.00 25/26
South Police Sub-station – 11th and Canal Streets
Door assist 1 @ $2,000.00 25/26
New drinking fountain 1 @ $2,000.00 25/26
Accessible entrance signs 4 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Curb cuts and walk 1 @ $1,500.00 25/26
Accessible Parking 1 @ $2,500.00 25/26
Accessible Bathrooms 1 @ $3,500.00 25/26
E. Public Works Department, Grogan Avenue Corporation Yard
Departments:
1. Public Works Administration
2. Facilities Maintenance
3. Fleet Management
4. Refuse Collection
5. Storm Drains
40 6. Street Sweeping
7. Street and Subdivision Trees
8. Street and Streetlight Maintenance
9. Water
Required Physical/Program Modifications:
Public Works
Van Restriping 1 @ $100.00 25/26
Van accessible parking space 1 @ $500.00 25/26
Railing Modifications 2 @ $1,000.00 25/26
Accessible countertop 1 @ $20,000.00 25/26
Accessible signs 4 @ $ 15.00 25/26
Maintenance Garage
Braille accessibility signs 3 @ $15.00 25/26
Remodel restrooms 2 @ $12,000.00 25/26
Door Modifications 4 @ $500.00 25/26
F. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Required Physical/Program Modifications:
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is continuing to upgrade its facilities. To date projects include a new laboratory building, remodeling the EOC lab building, replacing hand railing, and constructing a new solids storage building. A new ADA bathroom is being constructed and will be completed in 2020.
G. Airport
Required Physical/Program Modifications:
Airport Terminal:
The City of Merced is currently constructing a new 11,000 sf terminal. This will include a new parking lot and be located adjacent to the exiting airport. The terminal is constructed per current ADA requirements and scheduled to be completed by early 2025. The existing terminal will be used by TSA and will not serve the Public. No upgrades are planned for the old terminal.
41 Airport FBO – Gateway Air Center
Gateway has added one new ADA accessible bathroom facilities and entrance was made ADA Compliant to the site.
H. Recreation and Parks Facilities
Required Physical/Program Modifications
McNamara Park
The City installed upgrades the McNamara Park Facilities. Included will be eight handicap ramps at the corner of “K & 11th Street and Canal & 11th Street. The grinding of sidewalks that have lifted around the park, replacement of sidewalks that are cracked and uplifted. New sidewalks are being added to the playground area, new handicap ramp to the new pavilion, and new handicap bathrooms were installed along with a new accessible drinking fountain.
Stephen Leonard Hall
The City of Merced is currently in the process of renovating the existing community building that will be ADA compliant including new restrooms and drinking fountain.
Rotary Scout Hut
• New restrooms for facilities $ 25,000.00 25/26
Merced Open Air Theatre (MOAT)
• New restrooms for facilities (see city park sites)
Applegate Zoo
The City of Merced is currently seeking a design build contractor to update the existing Zoo. This will include accessible access, sidewalks, signage, and ramps. This project is funded by ARPA and is scheduled to start construction by 2025.
Ada Givens Park & Pool
The City of Merced just finished updating both Ada Givens Pool and restroom to comply with ADA. The pool was re -surfaced and added a ramp into the pool and an ADA lift. The restrooms were renovated adding in new showers and drinking fountains all ADA compliant. Paths of travel were also upgraded to comply.
Merced Dog Park
New facility built in 2009 with ADA compliant restroom facilities, walkways, parking, and ramps.
42 Boys and Girls Club
The Club is privately managed, but the facility is City owned. Below is a list of deficiencies that is recommended to be corrected:
• Concrete repairs around facility $10,000.00 TBD
• Truncated domes 6 @ $250.00 $1,500.00 TBD
• ADA California Tow Away sign 1 @ $50.00 $50.00 25/26 • Threshold
City Park Sites – all Parks not listed above:
The City of Merced has a program for upgrading its existing Parks over the next 10 years. The parks have been identified and the majority of the work would be sidewalks, ramps, new drinking fountains and fiber for the playground areas. Additional van accessible handicapped parking spaces would be added. These renovations will be brought to the City Council for future CIP projects.
• Renovations $ 300,000.00 25/26
• New Restrooms 4 @ $ 20,000.00 $ 80,000.00 25/26
• Handicapped Parking 8@ $ 8,000.00 $ 64,000.00 25/26 • Curb cuts and walk 10 @ $1,500.00 $ 15,000.00 25/26
I. Bell Station South Building – 415 West 18th Street.
• Handicapped Parking Spaces 2 @ $500.00 $1,000.00 25/26 • Door Threshold 1 @ $20.00 $20.00 25/26
• Van accessible parking space 1 @ $500.00 $500.00 25/26 • Access Ramp 1 @ $15,000 $15,000.00 TBD
J. Transportation Center – Welcome Center – 710 West 16th Street.
• Handicapped Parking Spaces 2 @ $500.00 $1,000.00 25/26 • Door Threshold 1 @ $20.00 $20.00 25/26
• Van accessible parking space 1 @ $500.00 $500.00 25/26 • Curb cuts and walk 4 @ $2,500.00 $10,000.00 TBD
• Truncated domes 4 @ $250.00 $1,000.00 25/26
• Sidewalks $10,000.00 TBD
• Maintenance – Door assist 1 @ $100.00 $100.00 25/26 • Maintenance – Restroom 1 @ $300.00 $300.00 25/26
43 K. Water Departments Satellite Office – 692 West 16th. Street
This City owned facility was previously occupied by the Merced Police Department, then transferred to the Water Department in late 2019. It is used by employees only and does not serve the Public. Below is a list of deficiencies that is recommended to be corrected.
• Door Threshold 2 @ $20.00 $40.00 25/26
• Van accessible parking space 1 @ $500.00 $500.00 25/26 • Truncated domes 2 @ $250.00 $500.00 25/26
• Front door landing exceeds TBD TBD
L. Senior Citizen Center – 755 West 15th. Street
This facility was evaluated for the 2019-2020 report. Below is a list of deficiencies that is recommended to be corrected:
• Curb cuts and walk 11 @ $2,500.00 $27,500.00 TBD • Fix slopes on ADA Parking 1 @ $500.00 $500.00 TBD • Sidewalks $10,000.00 TBD
• Truncated domes 11 @ $250.00 $2,7500.00 25/26
• Women’s sink exceeds height
requirements. TBD TBD
• Main hall’s sink exceeds height
requirements. TBD TBD
• Contrasting stripes on stairs
Leading onto the stage area 6 @ $10.00 $60 25/26
M. Transfer Site – North Highway 59 & Yosemite Avenue
This property was recently opened for operation in 2019. It has a used by both public and private residents and staff respectfully. The public area is used as the bulky item drop off only which the public is only allowed to access that portion of the property. Residents will drive into the property, check in with staff on what contents they will be disposing of, directed to the proper area(s) to drop off the specific waste, drop off items then exit the property. City staff assist anyone who will need assistance. Staff can check the resident in from their vehicle and will also assist in the deposit of the waste. There are no other amenities (waiting area, bathroom drinking water, etc.) offered besides driving in to deposit the waste then drive out. No ADA modifications required at this time.
The private area is only used by City staff and currently none that work there has a disability that will require any modifications. If a staff member were to require any amenities, modifications will be made to ensure an equal work environment. No modifications required at this time.
Conclusion
44 The City of Merced makes an effort to identify all ADA deficiencies within the public right of way, and all programs and services that are offered. We understand the need for this evaluation and transition plan to ensure all residents within the City can have an equal quality of life. If there is a deficiency that is discovered after this updated report is finalized, and approved by City Council, it will be documented and added to the list for the next update.
45 ADA Grievance Procedures
This Grievance Procedure is established to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"). It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by the City of Merced. The City’s Personnel Policy governs employment-related complaints of disability discrimination.
The complaint should be in writing and contain information about the alleged discrimination such as name, address, phone number of complainant and location, date, and description of the problem. Alternative means of filing complaints, such as personal interviews or a tape recording of the complaint, will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.
The complaint should be submitted by the grievant and/or his/her designee as soon as possible but no later than 60 calendar days after the alleged violation to:
Suzanne Fierro
ADA Coordinator/Director of Support Services
678 West 18
th Street, Merced, CA 95340
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint, the ADA Coordinator or designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and the possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days of the meeting, the ADA Coordinator or designee will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, or audio tape. The response will explain the position of the City of Merced and offer options for
substantive resolution of the complaint.
If the response by the ADA Coordinator or designee does not satisfactorily resolve the issue, the complainant and/or designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar days after receipt of the response to the City Manager or designee.
Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal, the City Manager or designee will meet with the complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions. Within 15 calendar days after the meeting, the City Manager or designee will respond in writing, and, where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, with a final resolution of the complaint.
All written complaints received by the ADA Coordinator or designee, appeals to the City Manager or designee, and responses from these two offices will be retained by the City of Merced for at least three years.
End of Report