In August 2014, the City Council instructed the City Administrative Officer, with assistance from various other City departments, to report back with recommendations for a comprehensive sidewalk repair strategy that addresses pending litigation through consideration of such items as, but not limited to: a cost sharing program for residential sidewalk repairs, point-of-sale, point-of-permit, assessment districts and alternative sidewalk materials (CF 14-0420-S1, 14-0163-S4 and 10-0163-S3).
Since then, a settlement agreement has been negotiated and a term sheet approved by the City Council , relative to the Class action lawsuit Wiiiits v. City of Los Angeles, which alleged the City violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, by failing to maintain sidewalks in a condition that is usable by class members who rely on wheelchairs, scooters, and other assistive devices to get around. The settlement obligates the City to expend approximately $31 million a year for a 30 years to repair sidewalks that are not ADA accessible.
The CAO has transmitted a report to the Council that recommends a sidewalk policy that is: permanent and ongoing, consistent with the Willits Settlement Agreement, shares the responsibility for sidewalk maintenance and repair with the adjacent property owners, and, ensures accessibility in the highest utilized areas.
Given the high level of public interest in the issue, the large number of locations that need to be repaired, and the potential impact on residents, businesses and the disabled, it is important that the City Council establish a fair, transparent and deliberative process for reviewing the proposed policy framework.
WE THEREFORE MOVE that the City Administrative Officer be DIRECTED to present the report to a special joint meeting of the Budget & Finance and Public Works and Gang Reduction Committees on Monday, June 1 at 3:30 PM in the John Ferraro Council Chamber at City Hall.
WE FURTHER MOVE that, pursuant to Council Rule 93(b) the Information Technology Agency be DIRECTED to televise the meeting live on Channel 35.
WE FURTHER MOVE that the General Manger of the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment be DIRECTED to transmit a copy of the CAO report to every Neighborhood Council, and inform them of the June 1 meeting.
WE FURTHER MOVE that the Chief Legislative Analyst, with the assistance of the City Clerk and in consultation with the Chairs of the Budget & Finance and Public Works & Gang Reduction Committees, be DIRECTED to arrange a series of field hearings throughout the city to provide greater opportunity for all stakeholders to hear the proposed policy and provide feedback.
