Memo For Requested Action by Commissioners:
To: Grafton County BOC
From: Register of Deeds Kelley Monahan
Date: January 11, 2024
Subject Of Requested Action: I respectfully request that the Grafton County Board of Commissioners, County Administrator Libby, Superintendent of Maintenance Jim Oakes, Human Resource Director, and ADA County Coordinator Karen Clough discuss potential improvements to handicapped parking allocations for the Administration Building.
Background Info: Since being asked to leave the Joint Loss Committee by Commissioner Lauer, I have not had the opportunity to formally discuss the negative feedback that we receive from the public on the less-than-ideal placement of the handicapped parking. I believe that my duty in the protection of the records also extends to protecting the public’s access to their records. Many years ago in a Joint Loss Meeting Monica Panait of Primex and I attempted to suggest a ramp at the front entrance and Jim Oakes rejected the concept due to the historical status of the building stating that it would destroy the façade of the building. Regardless of the potential future use for this building, as long as it remains a public building, this issue will persist.
Issue: We constantly hear complaints from handicapped members of the public who need to conduct business with the registry of deeds over the distance and dangers of the excessive approach to the building's handicapped entrance ramp and elevator. Until recently, I was unaware of Karen Clough’s responsibility on this subject or I would have been forwarding the complaints ahead of this request.
Recommended Motion: To pave the grassy area next to the generator to create two to three larger parking spaces. One or two spaces potentially dedicated for handicapped parking and one for regular delivery trucks and the safe backing of public and county vehicles.
Discussion : I understand that the ice and snow falling from the roof can be a potential hazard for the first 10-12 feet directly under the roof line, but with proper signage, I believe that the benefits of this plan exceed the risks. This would allow a clear area free from the employee walking traffic and vehicle traffic approaching from both directions and all of the maintenance equipment and vehicles which are in constant motion in order for a person who is challenged with balance, arthritis, or wheelchair to easily reach the railings and ramp.
Fiscal Impact: To be determined by the Maintenance Superintendent. Paving costs would be far below any potential litigation or medical cost for injuries sustained by the public.
To: Grafton County BOC
From: Register of Deeds Kelley Monahan
Date: January 11, 2024
Subject Of Requested Action: I respectfully request that the Grafton County Board of Commissioners, County Administrator Libby, Superintendent of Maintenance Jim Oakes, Human Resource Director, and ADA County Coordinator Karen Clough discuss potential improvements to handicapped parking allocations for the Administration Building.
Background Info: Since being asked to leave the Joint Loss Committee by Commissioner Lauer, I have not had the opportunity to formally discuss the negative feedback that we receive from the public on the less-than-ideal placement of the handicapped parking. I believe that my duty in the protection of the records also extends to protecting the public’s access to their records. Many years ago in a Joint Loss Meeting Monica Panait of Primex and I attempted to suggest a ramp at the front entrance and Jim Oakes rejected the concept due to the historical status of the building stating that it would destroy the façade of the building. Regardless of the potential future use for this building, as long as it remains a public building, this issue will persist.
Issue: We constantly hear complaints from handicapped members of the public who need to conduct business with the registry of deeds over the distance and dangers of the excessive approach to the building's handicapped entrance ramp and elevator. Until recently, I was unaware of Karen Clough’s responsibility on this subject or I would have been forwarding the complaints ahead of this request.
Recommended Motion: To pave the grassy area next to the generator to create two to three larger parking spaces. One or two spaces potentially dedicated for handicapped parking and one for regular delivery trucks and the safe backing of public and county vehicles.
Discussion : I understand that the ice and snow falling from the roof can be a potential hazard for the first 10-12 feet directly under the roof line, but with proper signage, I believe that the benefits of this plan exceed the risks. This would allow a clear area free from the employee walking traffic and vehicle traffic approaching from both directions and all of the maintenance equipment and vehicles which are in constant motion in order for a person who is challenged with balance, arthritis, or wheelchair to easily reach the railings and ramp.
Fiscal Impact: To be determined by the Maintenance Superintendent. Paving costs would be far below any potential litigation or medical cost for injuries sustained by the public.