Chair Randall called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.

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Chair Randall reordered the agenda and moved Mayor Daggett's update before the action items.

Combined with Item 5B.

Commissioner Dorman explained that the working group had discussed ideas such as hosting a booth at community events to gather public input via surveys and emphasized training as a key starting point—particularly training city staff and Aquaplex staff in inclusive and adaptive recreation practices.

Commissioner Purrington outlined the group’s main intent: to propose practical, achievable steps to make existing Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events (PROSE) programs and events more inclusive. Core ideas included professional development and training for existing staff (possibly through outside experts), improving staff readiness to make accommodations both on the spot and through advance planning, and gathering broader community feedback on current strengths, gaps, and unmet needs in adaptive and therapeutic recreation.

She explained that while the city is not positioned to hire certified therapeutic recreation specialists, there may be opportunities to upskill current staff through training or certification. She highlighted the importance of coordinating surveys rather than duplicating efforts, noting that High Country Adaptive and the PROSE Department are already developing surveys. She also mentioned attending summer concerts as commission members to engage directly with the community and collect informal feedback.

Commissioner Dorman shared details about a statewide survey developed by an Occupational Therapy capstone student that focuses on barriers and benefits to adaptive recreation, noting strong early response and offering to share and collaborate. Susan suggested the city could potentially adapt this survey for local use, in coordination with PROSE leadership.

She reminded the group that recommendations had been organized into short-, medium-, and long-term goals, with short-term goals identified as the most immediately achievable. Discussion followed about next steps: whether the working group was ready to bring recommendations to the full commission and then forward them to City Council.

Commissioner Dorman clarified that the working group had produced a foundation of recommendations but felt the commission should help decide which items should be included in a formal letter to the city. As the short-term goals were reviewed, commissioners generally agreed they were realistic and actionable. There was discussion about moving some longer-term items, such as inclusive design considerations for the planned Indigenous Cultural Center at Thorpe Park, into the short-term category due to current planning timelines. PROSE staff confirmed that while PROSE is leading park design, multiple partners are involved and early feedback would be timely.

Commission Smith raised the question of whether the letter should include specific implementation examples (e.g., who would provide training, what adaptations might look like). It was agreed that concrete examples, such as Special Olympics programs or adaptive rock climbing at the Aquaplex, would strengthen the recommendations, though this might require one more informal working group meeting to flesh out details.

Commissioner Becker suggested additional refinement through the working group or possibly during a retreat. Chair Randall supported reconvening the informal working group to add specificity, draft a letter, circulate it to commissioners for feedback, and then bring it forward for a vote at a future meeting. Susan agreed and volunteered to draft the letter once priorities were finalized.

The group agreed that:

1. The informal working group would try to meet again to refine specific recommendations.
2. A draft recommendation letter would be developed and shared with the commission for review.
3. Commissioners could send additional ideas to Commissioners Dorman or Purrington.

The goal would be to bring a letter forward for consideration and possible approval at a July commission meeting, if timing allows.

Chair Randall reordered the agenda and took Item 6B next.

Commissioner Becker xpressed strong concern that the rolled curb project on Grandview is unsafe and inaccessible for wheelchair users. He noted that with cars parked on both sides, people would have to navigate in the street, making it dangerous. He questioned why a square curb was not used instead of a 3-foot rolled curb and expressed disappointment that the commission was not consulted for input. He emphasized that sidewalks are essential for safety and that the city’s walk-friendly goals are undermined by projects that do not include sidewalks. He suggested that Chair Randall draft a letter to City Council to express the commission’s dismay and insist on being included in future projects.

Chair Randall added that the Mayor initially brought the project to the commission’s attention, and while there had been discussions about rolled curbs, the project as presented was already mostly finalized. He shared an example of testing the street with a blind friend, who found it completely inaccessible, highlighting that the project reduces accessibility. He noted that such situations are discouraging for a commission tasked with promoting accessibility, especially when questions or concerns are raised too late in the process.

Moved by Keith Becker, seconded by Russell Randall for Chair Randall to draft a letter to bring back to the next commission meeting for approval to be sent to the City Council.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

Library Director Linda Tillson provided an update on accessibility issues at city libraries. She noted that her Deputy Director, Richard Tutwiler, who was previously handling these concerns, has since left, so she was attending without full background.

Key points discussed:

East Flagstaff Library Doors: There was a prior concern about restroom doors not being fully accessible. Ms. Tillson confirmed she would contact Facilities to have the doors checked and adjusted as needed to ensure compliance with ADA standards, since the last adjustment was done two years ago.

Downtown Library Flush Noise: Concerns were raised about noise from toilets in the adult bathrooms, which have been used as a workaround because the children’s bathrooms are not accessible. Ms. Tillson noted that addressing the children’s bathroom would require a major renovation due to structural constraints and would likely require City Council funding. In the meantime, children have been using the adult bathrooms with adult supervision as a reasonable accommodation.

Children’s Bathrooms Accessibility: Commissioners discussed the need to better understand current accommodations and potential solutions. Commissioner Dorman suggested that family restrooms could be a partial solution for children who need accompaniment.

The commission would like to invite the children’s librarian to a future meeting to provide insight on how children with mobility needs currently use the downtown library restrooms and to inform potential recommendations for improving accessibility.

Code Compliance Officer Kevin Dunlap provided an update on code compliance efforts, reporting that things are going well. He and Commissioner Simukonda have been working diligently to keep sidewalks clear, focusing on education and awareness. One improvement noted is that trash cans, which were previously being left on sidewalks after collection, are now being placed on the street, which has been seen as a positive change.

Commission members expressed appreciation for these efforts. Commissioner Dorman noted a noticeable improvement in her neighborhood, with trash cans being properly placed on the street. Commissioner Becker added that while improvements are evident, bulk trash continues to be a problem, particularly when residents move out and place items on sidewalks at the wrong times. He suggested that trash and recycling staff could help report these violations to improve compliance. Mr. Dunlap noted that coordination with solid waste staff already helps address such issues, and advised communication be routed through him to avoid delaying collection operations.

Chair Randall emphasized that while education has helped, enforcement may need to increase. He shared experiences of moving trash cans themselves and the challenges of confronting residents, highlighting the importance of both education and compliance. Social media outreach by was praised for raising awareness, despite some negative feedback from residents.

Overall, the discussion emphasized the value of education, continued coordination with trash/recycling staff, and the potential need for more enforcement to ensure sidewalks remain clear and accessible, particularly for residents with mobility challenges.

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Included with earlier discussion on Theraputic Recreation.

The commission discussed the dates for the planning meeting. It was determined that the mornings of August 9 or August 16 were available. Ms. Saltzburg indicated that she would discuss with Commissioners Simukonda and Eisenburg on their availability and set the date accordingly.

Mayor Daggett provided a brief council update, thanking the commission for the Disability Pride Month proclamation that was read at the previous meeting. She shared that she would send resources related to housing and service animals, specifically highlighting the Arizona Pet Project, an organization that helps people remain housed or find housing by removing financial and legal barriers related to service animals.

Chair Randall thanked Mayor Daggett for declaring July as Flagstaff’s Disability Pride Month. He noted evolving societal attitudes toward disability, emphasizing a shift toward recognizing that everyone faces challenges of varying degrees. The proclamation was described as a meaningful symbol of changing community attitudes and greater inclusivity.

Ms. Reyes provided an update on Transportation, reporting that Mountain Line have received their grant funding, which supports transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities. Additionally, the ADA Plus and taxi programs were fully funded. This funding benefits organizations under the Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Organization, including Northern Arizona Senior Care, the Hozhoni Foundation, Hope Lives, and Quality Connections.

She also gave an update on the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Committee, noting that their next meeting is scheduled for the 17th of the month. The committee is currently preparing a pitch packet to present to car dealerships and other potential financial donors to help fund the purchase of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for a local taxi company. The goal is to provide on-demand service for people in wheelchairs, with a target 20-minute turnaround time from request to pickup. She invited anyone interested in participating in the WAV subcommittee to contact her for more information.

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Ms. Saltzburg provided an update regarding staff participation and technical issues with recent meetings. She apologized for the challenges experienced last week but noted that a clear path forward has been established, with new meeting appointments and updated links to prevent future issues. Regarding issues with accessing meetings through agenda links, Stacy explained that some links had not been updated properly, but steps are being taken to ensure full accessibility in future meetings. She confirmed that meetings are being opened in advance to help participants join smoothly.

Chair Randall asked Ms. Saltzburg to extend appreciation to Public Affairs for the recent social media posts about proper garbage can placement. The posts were informative and helped raise awareness, even though some negative feedback had been received.

Commissioner Dorman shared upcoming community events, including a parent support group pizza party on July 17th and the Northern Arizona Disability Resource Fair. She planned to send details for distribution to commissioners, who were encouraged to share the information widely, including with the Community Practice Transition Team, to ensure broad outreach within the disability community.

The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting adjourned at 12:42 p.m.