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Resident says new downtown ramp is 'a little steep'; council votes to buy a second ramp and add van‑accessible parking
Summary
Community members raised accessibility concerns about a recently installed downtown ramp; the council approved buying a second ramp, painting lines for van‑accessible parking, and exploring designated handicap parking near the ramp.
During public comment, Angelica Rieck told the council the new downtown ramp "was a little steep," and said walkers and wheelchairs sometimes get stuck going up. Cynthia Jamison also noted the lack of a designated handicap parking space near the ramp, which lengthens the distance for people with mobility limitations.
Public Works Superintendent Brian Thode explained the installed ramp is four feet wide and that compliant van‑accessible parking requires taking two adjacent spots; he noted there are existing ramps at block ends. Council members discussed tradeoffs—Stacie Smith and Deb Plahn expressed concern that continued piecemeal fixes might not satisfy every need, while others emphasized the effort already invested.
By motion (Kounkel/Houg) the council approved purchasing a second ramp, directed Public Works to paint lines at the ramp location (including van‑accessible markings as appropriate), and asked staff to evaluate adding designated handicap parking nearby. Public Works said it would reuse pea gravel as base for edging work and would order materials promptly.
What’s next: Public Works will order the ramp and schedule painting; staff will verify van‑accessible dimensions and report back with any cost or space implications.
