PREPARED STATEMENT FROM MOUNT DORA CITY MANAGER ROBIN HAYes 

(Note:  There are two similar, but different statements.  One from June 2 and is a press release from June 6, 2017.  Both are below in their entirety.

JUNE 2, 2017
Over the last several months we have been working with owner of the restaurant at 425 N Alexander Street.  Our focus has been on the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA compliance around the restaurant and the outdoor seating.   John Peters, our Public Works Director is in charge of this project. ​

Peters has issued a right-of-way utilization permit for this area.  The permit does not require any board approval.   The pavers are city property and will be returned to the city.  ADA compliance requirement for accessibility is 44 inches of sidewalk.  There is to be some turn down footers, some expansion joints, and some adjustments of the curbing that’s on the driveway of each side of the restaurant which helps resolve the ADA compliance issue. 

As far as the level of the area,  there was a concern  with the wood platforms that existed.  We were concerned about safety of these platforms.  There will be a leveling to the area between the sidewalk and the building.  There will be some new concrete that will be poured and this will assist with storm water issues.  
 
As we identify other structures and sidewalk areas that need to be addressed they will be equally assessed.   This should resolve the ADA compliance issues because the level will be less than 2% whereas right now it is greater than 10%.   We will see wheelchair accessibility improve as we complete the project.

June 6, 2017 - (second statement, press release)
Over the last several months, the City of Mount Dora has been working with the property owner and the owner of the restaurant at 425 North Alexander Street to resolve the enhancements to seating.  Our focus has been on the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA compliance at the restaurant and the outdoor seating.  John Peters, our Public Works Director is in charge of this project.
 
A permit was filed in 2016 to build a boardwalk-like structure in front of the building.  During the final inspection of the deck, planning staff discovered the structure was constructed as an elevated platform and not level with the existing sidewalks.  There was also concern with ADA requirements with the final deck as constructed and the potential ADA slope issues at the southern end of the pedestrian walkway.  The final design did not conform to expectations of the city but was left in place until a solution could be developed with the intentions of correcting the southern sidewalk (ADA compliance) issues.
 
As far as the level of the area, there was a concern there were multiple levels of platforms.  The city was concerned about the safety of these platforms and the potential for residents and visitors to trip over or fall from them.  It was determined through several meetings the sidewalk needed to be level for ADA requirements. 
 
Mr. Peters issued a right-of-way utilization permit for this area.  The public works director (John Peters), by code, is authorized to approve sidewalks and driveway improvements. The permit did not require any board approval, as this is a sidewalk project.
 
The pavers that are currently laid are city property and will be returned to the city once the project is complete.  The ADA compliance requirement for accessibility is four feet of sidewalk which the city will be constructing for existing conditions.  There is to be some turn down footers, some expansion joints, and some adjustments of the curbing that's on the driveway of each side of the restaurant which helps resolve the current ADA compliance issue.

The public works director will provide a sketch of the wall, as required, for sidewalk alterations.  The wall was put in place for elevation changes and safety.
 
While the sidewalk is being repaired, pedestrians are being advised to use an alternate, ADA compliant, sidewalk which is located on the eastern side of Alexander Street.
 
The city is paying for the cement for the four foot sidewalk behind the curb.  Because the stretch of walkway is not ADA compliant, the city is paying for improvements.  No parking spaces are being compromised or removed and the expense to the city is less than $1,000. 

As the city identifies other sidewalk areas that need to be addressed, they will be equally assessed.  This should resolve the ADA compliance whereas the level is greater than 10% but will be brought to less than 2%.  We will see wheelchair accessibility improve as we complete the project.  Pending weather, this project at this location is expected to be finished within the next few weeks.
 
This project will be addressed at the Mount Dora City Council meeting which starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall on June 6, 2017.  The meeting will also be broadcast live on the City of Mount Dora Facebook page.