Sustainability Supervisor Steven Thompson stated that the event was scheduled for April 20, 224 at Bushmaster Park and they were seeking volunteers for service projects and various stations throughout the event. He sought input on how to make the event more accessible and inclusive to the entire community.
 
Vice Chairperson Simukonda suggested that they reach out to Adam Shimoni with the Flagstaff Biking Organization and the Police Department to discuss the possibility of providing bike helmets.
 
Commissioner Purrington suggested that High Country Adaptive Sports may want to participate to show off their adaptive bikes.
 
Vice Chairperson Simukonda reminded Mr. Thompson about the importance of keeping the sidewalks clear and accessible so everyone could enjoy the event.

Solid Waste Director Evan Tyrell reviewed the questions that were submitted to him prior to the meeting. He indicated that Solid Waste drivers were trained to place trash bins on the street rather than the sidewalk. There was formal training when a new employee comes on board and ongoing retraining as needed. Drivers meet weekly and container placement will be added to their next agenda for discussion and reminders.
 
Mr. Tyrell indicated that residents could report misplaced trash bins residents to the Solid Waste Collections Program Team at solidwastesolutions@flagstaffaz.gov or by phone at 928-213-2110. Recurring code violations should be reported to Code Enforcement, they have a reporting tool online at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/254/Community-Code-Compliance
 
Vice Chairperson Simukonda stated that a commission liaison for parking and code compliance had been working closely with Code Enforcement to report items of concern. She noted that 150 items had been identified and reported for enforcement.
 
Commissioner Becker requested that when there was a choice to place a bin on the sidewalk or in a bike lane, it be placed in the bike lane to maintain compliance with ADA.
 
Chairperson Randall asked who should be notified if they see that bins were being placed on sidewalks. Mr. Tyrell stated that in order to address the issue he needs to know about it and reporting those concerns to the Solid Waste Collections Program Team would provide that awareness for correction.
 
Commissioner Eisenberg asked about any efforts to keep trash bins in place and upright during the wind. Mr. Tyrell indicated that they continue to look for new equipment that could assist in that regard. He noted that the city does have the more robust and heavy containers and they train drivers to replace the can with the lid down to try and avoid them catching the wind.
 
The commission thanked Mr. Tyrell for his time to come and speak with them about Solid Waste operations.

Vice Chairperson Simukonda stated that the informal working group was seeking additional participants. They meet each Friday at 5:00 p.m.
 
Commissioner Eisenberg read a letter from the Northern Arizona Transition Team regarding the proposed engineering standards. The letter focused on opposition to rolled curbs due to the negative impacts they had on disabled individuals.
 
Commissioner Purrington reported that the Northern Arizona Parks and Recreation Management program was launching a new certificate in recreational therapy. They were hoping to address the lack of Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists in the community. It was a one-year online certificate program for those who already have a Bachelor’s degree. Informational sessions would be held in March and April.
 
Chair Randall stated that the city’s Community Engagement Specialist Samantha Victor was seeing statements and pictures from the commission related to the importance of sidewalk accessibility in order to so some social media outreach. He indicated that he would share the commissions PowerPoint presentation with Samantha.
 
Commissioner Dorman reported that the next Caregiver Support Group meeting for those caring for children with disabilities was schedule for March 20, 2024. It was a great resource for parents. She also indicated that the Northern Arizona Disability Resource Fair was coming up in October and she would share more information as it became available.

Mayor Daggett thanked the commission for the letter regarding rolled curbs within the engineering standards. Council considered changes to the standards and they decided to not move forward with was rolled curbs because the Council wanted to talk about it in more detail at a later time. The Council also voted to lower the speed limit on Butler Ave to 30 mph from Milton to Sawmill and then 35 mph east of that.
 
Vice Chairperson Simukonda recommended that the Mayor view the video she did with Adam Shimoni crossing the seven lanes of traffic on Fourth Street in a wheelchair. She expressed appreciation for the vote to lower the speed limit on Butler.

Mountain Line Planning Manager Estella Hollander reported that they hired a new Associate Transit Planner LeReina Reyes who had a good skill set with planning and implementing programs. Ms. Reyes would be attending the commission meetings going forward.

Ms. Hollander also reported that the Mobility Council receive a presentation from the city on the Snow Heros Program and a report from MetroPlan staff about the slow speed program. An initiative of the Council was wheelchair accessible vehicles within rideshare programs. They had created a flyer that brought awareness to the issue and the need for vehicles. The flyer would be distributed around town.

Mr. Spence reported that planning was underway for an employment fair on April 24, 2024 at Coconino High School.

The Commission would receive training at the meeting of March 20, 2024 and there was a request for a discussion item about therapeutic recreation in Flagstaff.