With expanded services of the mobility van in Humboldt arriving soon, City Council explored an issue with the current van.
There was an inquiry about the status of the van's ramp with residents concerned about the steepness of the ramp.
City Controller Jace Porten noted the ramp is a tri-fold ramp, that folds itself when it comes into the van.
He said that they contacted the manufacturer to relay the concerns that citizens have voiced about its steepness.
The manufacturer informed the City of Humboldt that a ramp extension is available but claimed that using the curb would provide a better solution.
Porten said upon an inspection, the issue with the ramp is not the two pieces of the ramp that extend out but rather the initial section that’s located inside of the van, over the first three-foot section the ramp drops down eight inches.
Using the ramp himself, Porten said moving on the ramp, you can notice the steepness of the ramp.
Some of the temporary measures that have been used include the driver of the installation of a stick with the ramp that prevents someone from using the ramp without the driver's assistance.
As well, Porten said that a retractable gate has been ordered for the van that would limit anyone from moving on and off the van without the driver's assistance.
It remains to be seen if there is a long-term solution, Porten says that he will be contacting the manufacturer but said that it appears that it would likely require the van to be sent back to the plant for the ramp to be fixed.
The City of Humboldt has received funding from a grant for a second mobility van, that would expand the services. Which will become an item the Humboldt City Council will discuss and decide their vision for the expanded services for the future of the mobility van in the community.