THOUSAND OAKS : Consultant to Plan Access for Disabled
To help business owners redesign buildings for better handicapped access, the Thousand Oaks City Council has hired a consultant who will advise on the least costliest means of complying with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
The consultant, Michael P. Gibbens, will receive $45,000 to draft renovation plans for businesses in the Rancho Conejo Industrial Park and the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall.
His salary will come from $300,000 in federal block grant funds the City Council has set aside to improve disabled access in those centers, said Barry J. Branagan, Thousand Oaks’ director of building and safety.
“Given the complexity of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a consultant will really help the businesses accomplish their objectives in the most cost-effective way, and will allow the city to get the most bang for its bucks,” City Manager Grant Brimhall said.
After drawing up plans, the consultant will recruit local contractors to bid on the renovation work, Branagan said. The council voted 4 to 0 Tuesday to hire Gibbens. Councilman Frank Schillo was absent.
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