COMMISSION ON INCLUSION AND ADAPTIVE LIVING
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024
CITY HALL STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
11:00 A.M.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2024
CITY HALL STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
11:00 A.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Chair Randall called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.
2.
Roll Call
NOTE: One or more Commission members may be in attendance through other technological means.
NOTE: One or more Commission members may be in attendance through other technological means.
| PRESENT: CHAIR RANDALL COMMISSIONER BECKER COMMISSIONER EISENBERG COMMISSIONER PURRINGTON COMMISSIONER SIMUKONDA |
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER DORMAN COMMISSIONER SMITH |
3.
Recommended Protocol for Members and Other Participants
All commissioners should have their microphones on mute to keep the background noise out of the chat room. The chair of the meeting should ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak if they would like. Commissioners should use the chat function to inform the Chair they would like to make a statement and the Chair will announce the Commissioners to speak in the order they appear in the chat.
All commissioners should have their microphones on mute to keep the background noise out of the chat room. The chair of the meeting should ensure everyone has an opportunity to speak if they would like. Commissioners should use the chat function to inform the Chair they would like to make a statement and the Chair will announce the Commissioners to speak in the order they appear in the chat.
4.
Public Participation
The Commission cannot act upon items presented during the Public Participation portion of the Agenda. Individual Commission members may ask questions of the public but are prohibited by the Open Meeting Law from discussion or considering the item among themselves until the item is officially placed on the Agenda. Each public comment or presentation will be limited to five (5) minutes.
The Commission cannot act upon items presented during the Public Participation portion of the Agenda. Individual Commission members may ask questions of the public but are prohibited by the Open Meeting Law from discussion or considering the item among themselves until the item is officially placed on the Agenda. Each public comment or presentation will be limited to five (5) minutes.
None
5.
Action Items
A.
Discussion and Possible Action: Therapeutic Recreation Working Group Update and Discussion
Commissioner Purrington led the working group in drafting recommendations for the City and PROSE to begin building therapeutic recreation opportunities, with the team refining a letter that outlines short-, medium-, and long-term goals. The commission emphasized the importance of inclusivity, encouraging the letter to reflect adaptive and accessible programming for all, not just differently abled residents. Survey efforts were discussed, noting current gaps in accessibility questions and the opportunity to partner with students to develop more comprehensive tools that capture trail use and recreation needs. The group also raised concerns about limited recreation center hours, suggested expanding FUTS accessibility information with clearer maps and signage, and supported partnerships with NAU and High Country Adaptive Sports to involve students in trail assessments and adaptive programming.
6.
Discussion Items
A.
Observatory Mesa Trail Plan Presentation - Sylvia Struss, Open Space Coordinator
Open Space Coordinator Sylvia Struss and Truman Shoaff provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:
BACKGROUND
TRAIL PLAN OBJECTIVES
INTERNAL SCOPING AND
CURRENT CONDITIONS
FIRST TRAIL PLAN DESIGN
SECOND PROPOSAL
THIRD PROPOSAL
NEXT STEPS
The commission thanked Ms. Struss and Mr. Shoaff for the presentation and reiterated their commitment to seeing all trails be accessible.
BACKGROUND
TRAIL PLAN OBJECTIVES
INTERNAL SCOPING AND
CURRENT CONDITIONS
FIRST TRAIL PLAN DESIGN
SECOND PROPOSAL
THIRD PROPOSAL
NEXT STEPS
The commission thanked Ms. Struss and Mr. Shoaff for the presentation and reiterated their commitment to seeing all trails be accessible.
B.
Disability Resource Fair
The commission discussed the upcoming fair and their desire to reserve a table. They were also coordinating with MetroPlan and Mountain Line to conduct an audit walk downtown through Heritage Square.
C.
Sidewalk Working Group Update
Commissioner Simukonda reported that Chief Connolly is creating a dedicated Police Liaison for the commission and is open to squad-level presentations on inclusivity. He planned on attending the October commission meeting to introduce himself to the commission and discuss the cross-disability board in he hoped to introduce in early 2025. Jamie Martinez highlighted ongoing sidewalk obstructions from bulk and trash pickup, he noted that weekly updates were being submitted to Code Compliance. They are addressing as much as they can within their limited staffing. The commission hoped to collaborate with the Police Department, Code Compliance, and community members to improve accessibility, particularly ahead of winter, and encouraged commissioners to report issues to support these efforts.
D.
Discussion Regarding Festival Accessibility
The commission raised concerns about the accessibility of festivals, specifically the placement of disabled restrooms and navigating grassy areas. Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Amy Hagin indicated a willingness to incorporate accessibility considerations into event planning and permits.
E.
Disability Awareness Month planning for October
A proclamation for Disability Awareness Month is planned for the October 1st City Council meeting, with the Commission encouraged to attend and possibly speak. There was also a suggestion to have information available at the meeting to further promote awareness.
7.
Liaison Reports/Updates
A.
Update from Council Liaison - Mayor Daggett
There was a brief discussion about improving the city's website accessibility, highlighting the importance of making it easier for citizens to report issues and navigate the site. Ms. Saltzburg acknowledged the need for adjustments to the website to better accommodate the community and that staff was actively working with the city’s website provider to make the necessary changes.
B.
Transportation Liaison - LaReina Reyes - Mountain Line
It was reported that the WAV Committee continues to push for on-demand wheelchair-accessible transportation in Flagstaff and is seeking additional support. Several letters of support have already been submitted, but the committee is requesting this commission also send a letter to City Council endorsing their efforts. The commission agreed to consider this as an action item at the next meeting to help strengthen momentum and demonstrate broad community backing.
C.
Update from Youth Liaison - Joseph Spence - NACoPTT
Flagstaff High School will host a College and Career Fair on October 2 from 5–7 p.m., geared toward young adults, while Coconino Community College will hold its Career Fair on October 9 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Both events are open to the community.
D.
Update from Sidewalk Liaison - Jamie Martinez
None
E.
Update from Parking Liaison - Rachael Simukonda
None
8.
Staff Participation
Ms. Saltzburg displayed and reviewed the working calendar based on the discussion from the Planning Meeting.
9.
Information Items To/From Inclusion and Adaptive Living Commission Members
Commissioner Becker encouraged people to attend the Pickin in the Pines festival, he would like to hear thoughts and opinions in terms of accessibility.
10.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting - September 25, 2024
11.
Adjournment
The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.