A tribute to Tony Baker
ADA ordinance approved by council
More than four and a half years of work by Warren resident Tony Baker has resulted in an ordinance that will bear his name.
The “Tony Baker ordinance” was approved unanimously by Warren City Council Tuesday night. Officials say it will improve the quality of life for residents who, like Baker, are disabled.
“I was thrilled when they passed the ordinance last night,” Baker, who has had rheumatoid arthritis for several years and uses a scooter or crutches for mobility, said Wednesday.
He worked closely with Chief Assistant City Attorney Mary Michaels in developing the ordinance that is meant to improve accessibility for disabled residents and help businesses to become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“This has been a long process and I thank everyone for being patient,” said Michaels. “We are raising awareness in the City of Warren to make sure our public buildings, commercial buildings and public facilities are brought up to date and in line with the ADA and Michigan’s barrier-free laws.”
Michaels said the fact the ordinance mirrors the ADA and
guidelines and standards set by the International Code Council/American National Standards Institute for accessibility allows the city’s building department to enforce the standards.
“If we have these standards in our ordinance, we can enforce them locally and take some action and more proactive measures locally,” said Michaels.
The new ordinance includes a five-year transition plan to help businesses become compliant.
The building department plans to conduct an assessment to determine where compliance is lacking both on the interior and exterior of individual businesses.
It will then provide notice encouraging businesses to voluntarily come into compliance while making some tools available to them to make the transition easier.
“If there is not a renovation, compliance is not legally required at this point but we are going to try and encourage it and have them take steps to work with the city,” said Michaels. “That serves the businesses as well as the community at large. The more accessible a business is to all persons, the better it is for them.”
Michaels indicated putting this plan into effect will require more staffing for the building department as well as specific certification and training for employees who will be working to conduct inspections for ADA compliance. She said Building Director James Cummins plans to address his department’s needs in relation to this ordinance with the city council and the mayor.
There are also plans for the Downtown Development Authority to offer grants to businesses that agree to make upgrades on a voluntary basis to help defray the cost of becoming ADA compliant.
“We are hoping this will be a good plan for the city,” said Michaels, who thanked Baker for all of his work on the project and for helping the city understand specific things that needed to be addressed.
“With the help of Mr. Baker we have addressed the visibility of assistance signs at gas stations,” said Michaels. “We now require every gas station to have a sign letting individuals with disabilities know that there is help available if needed. We have also addressed aisles in stores to make sure they are free of clutter and that there is a range of turn for people with mobility devices.”
Baker credited former councilwoman Kelly Colegio with taking the initiative to bring ADA issues before council and show the need for a local ADA ordinance.
Current Councilman Jonathan Lafferty picked up where Colegio left off and helped with his cause.
Lafferty credited Baker with being a voice for all disabled people and thanked him for all of his hard work.
Lafferty had told Baker he planned to suspend the rules at Tuesday’s council meeting to allow him to speak about this ordinance. However, Baker was in so much pain that day, he initially told Lafferty he would not be able to speak at the meeting, but his wife, Dorothy, encouraged him to reconsider and he did end up thanking those who have helped him over the past years to make the ordinance a reality.
“I know I have dealt with troubles as far as accessibility and I know there are others out there dealing with the same things,” said Baker. “This is a big deal for the people who need it.”