The Ceres City Council approved hiring a consultant costing $351,770 so the city can comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA requires that public entities evaluate their services, programs and facilities to ensure that disabled persons have accessibility by identifying barriers and outlining strategies for their removal. Federal guidance recommends updates approximately every three years to ensure compliance with evolving ADA standards, city growth and facility changes but it’s been nine years since the city last completed an ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

Maintaining such a plan is required for the city to remain eligible for many state and federal funding programs, said City Engineer Michael Beltran.

Failure to remain current may result in loss of grant opportunities.

The firm selected was SZS Engineering Access, Inc., a Sacramento-based firm with extensive experience in ADA compliance evaluations for California municipalities. The city determined that SZS offers the most comprehensive and cost-effective proposal.

The work will examine changes to city facilities, parks, and right-of-way infrastructure since 2016 as well as identify and prioritize physical improvements across city properties and public areas. The firm will also survey approximately 268 miles of sidewalks, 2,700 curb ramps and 38 signalized intersections to determine if they are facility and right-of-way accessible.

The effort will entail public outreach and engagement with disability advocates.

The contract expense will be covered by $125,000 from the General Fund and $75,590 each from the water and sewer enterprise accounts and Measure L funding.