Chair Randall called the meeting to order 11:04 a.m.

None

Mandia Gonzales and Kim Austin with MetroPlan provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

METROPLAN GREATER FLAGSTAFF
METROPLAN UPDATE
GRANT AWARDS – TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS SAFETY ACTION PLAN
PROJECT EXAMPLE TYPES

It was asked whether the proposed safety modifications had already been approved by Council, noting past concerns with curb designs. Ms. Austin explained they are not fully approved yet; the process is still in planning. She pointed to the success of the Cheshire Asphalt Art project as an example that generated excitement and support, emphasizing that temporary installations help test ideas, gather community feedback, and strengthen funding applications.
When asked how the Commission could support, Ms. Austin stated that the Commission could provide input once data is available, advocate for the projects with Council and staff, and show support at MetroPlan Executive Board meetings.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS SAFETY PLAN – UPDATE
PUBLIC CONCERNS AND CRASHES
FLAGSTAFF WALKS – SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 6

It was asked if the accident data presented included train accidents. Ms. Gonzales said some are included, but the information is incomplete—available reports often just list incidents as “trespassing” and lack detail. She noted it’s difficult to find robust train crash data but they’re working with partners to improve it. Ms. Gonzales clarified that the maps combine injuries and fatalities for bicyclists and pedestrians between 2017 and 2023, with red markers indicating fatalities only. She confirmed the 28% statistic on pedestrian fatalities came from the regional Transportation Safety Plan and said updated data will provide more precise numbers later. 

FLAGSTAFF WALKS
ACCESSIBILITY WALK AUDIT
ROUTE OPTIONS

The commission discussed the logistics of the accessibility walk.

Sustainability Manager Steven Thompson gave a brief update on the Snow Hero program, which last year matched 20 residents with volunteers to clear sidewalks after snowfalls. He sent surveys to participants and will incorporate feedback into program improvements, planning to report to City Council in November.

He expects growth mainly in the number of residents requesting service but not expansion beyond sidewalk clearing yet. He is working with the legal team to formalize volunteers as city volunteers and to explore whether assistance could extend to private property (e.g., steps, paths).

This year, the program will no longer be considered a pilot but an evolving program. It will be open to all city residents, with priority for those who previously requested berm removal. Focus remains on serving seniors and differently abled residents.

Mr. Thompson shared that recruitment for volunteers and resident sign-ups will launch in early November, aiming to match before the first snowfall. He also highlighted the October 26, 2024 materials drop-off event.

Commissioners expressed support and appreciation for the program, noting it addresses a clear community need.

Transportation Engineer Jeff Bauman, Transportation planner Martin Ince, and City Engineer Paul Mood provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
EARLY DEVICES
CURRENT DEVICES

When asked about details regarding assistance for the visually impaired, Mr. Bauman explained that accessible pedestrian signals assist visually disabled people through locator tones, tactile arrows indicating direction, audible/vibrating feedback confirming activation, and verbal messages announcing when and where it is safe to cross. Older “cuckoo/chirp” sounds are no longer used, replaced by clearer voice messages.

Ms. Simukonda asked how users will be educated about features like the extended push for longer crossing times, noting the challenge for visually disabled individuals who cannot read signs. Mr. Bauman acknowledged that education is an unresolved issue since the city has not yet installed these devices. He said there should be signs and likely audible instructions, but he was not certain of the full solution. Staff was committed to researching national guidance, and said updates would be shared with the Commission once plans are finalized.

APS WITH VOICE MESSAGES
ADD APS TO EXISTING SIGNALS?
ADD APS AS FUNDING ALLOWS
PRIORITIES

The commission discussed concerns about accessible pedestrian signals and overall pedestrian safety. It was noted that NAU and ADOT have installed APS devices, but the City of Flagstaff has not. Mr. Bauman explained that the City only installs APS when rebuilding or adding new signals, as there is no budget for retrofitting functioning ones. Mr. Ince suggested exploring grant opportunities and pointed out that Mountain Line has strong expertise in this area. It was noted that it is a surprise that APS has not been a priority in Flagstaff, especially given that other cities, like Salt Lake City, adopted them 20 years ago.

There was also conversation about prohibiting right turns on red at major intersections. Mr. Bauman stated that while it has come up in broader safety campaigns, the City has not undertaken a formal process to evaluate or implement such a policy. He noted that it could be incorporated into upcoming master planning and safety engineering updates, supported by consultant resources. Mr. Ince added that MetroPlan could also provide assistance in exploring these possibilities.

When asking how the Commission could support moving these issues forward, Mr. Ince explained that the best way to assist would be through active engagement in the upcoming planning projects and studies, since those are the avenues where opportunities and policy ideas are identified.

Commissioner Eisenberg left the meeting at 12:15 p.m.

Ms. Saltzburg discussed the upcoming proclamation for Disability Awareness Month in October, aiming to highlight and address the needs of the disabled community within the city and demonstrate the city's commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals with disabilities. Ms. Saltzburg also shared that she us trying to get a banner with the commission name.

Commissioner Purrington presented a draft letter on therapeutic recreation and inclusion, noting it draws from past Commission meetings and offline discussions. She emphasized that coordination duties are too large for one department alone and suggested the City consider either a dedicated inclusion coordinator or distributing responsibilities across departments.

Chair Randall recalled prior comments that the City currently has no formal inclusion role, only scattered efforts within departments. Commissioner Becker supported the idea, saying either a dedicated staffer or trained leaders in each department would benefit the City.

Commissioner Purrington proposed a funding solution: using the Arizona@Work incumbent worker training program, which reimburses up to 90% of training costs, to upskill current employees for roles such as therapeutic recreation specialist or inclusion coordinator. 

The group discussed whether to separate the ideas of a citywide inclusion coordinator versus a recreation-specific role. There was value in both, but the recommendation was to leave the letter as-is, focused on recreation, while still allowing room for broader consideration later. Chair Randall suggested enhancing short-term goal #5 in the letter by clarifying examples of adaptations, such as staff training, equipment, and expanded hours of operation. He also highlighted that sites like the Hal Jensen Rec Center should be open on weekends to truly improve accessibility. The commission agreed to add the examples of adaptation to short-term goal #5.

Moved by Rachael Simukonda, seconded by Keith Becker to approve the letter as amended and send to the City Council.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Ms. Reyes discussed the upcoming presentation to the City Council regarding WAV On-Demand transportation. She would provide data and slides for the presentation that emphasize the need for improved transportation options for individuals with disabilities. The presentation aims to advocate for the expansion and support of WAV On-Demand services to enhance accessibility and mobility within the community.

The Commission discussed the appointment of a new Chair and Vice Chair. 

Moved by Susan Purrington, seconded by Russell Randall To appoint Rachael Simukonda as commission chairperson.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Rachael Simukonda, seconded by Russell Randall to appoint Susan Purrington as the commission vice-chairperson.

Commissioner Purrington requested time to consider the role due to workload concerns.

Commissioner Simukonda withdrew her motion with Chair Randall's support.

The decision was deferred to the next meeting.

Chair Randall reported on a productive meeting with Mayor Daggett, where they discussed the possibility of setting up a meeting with city department heads to talk about accessibility and inclusion. It is hoped that such a meeting would foster a city-wide approach to improving accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

None

The Northern Arizona Community of Practice Transition Team met and learned that Flagstaff High School is hosting a college and career fair on October 9, 2024. Planning has also begun for an employment fair at Coconino High School in the spring. They hope to see a future event at Coconino Community College in March.

None

Commissioner Simukonda shared that she is working on joining a Police Department committee, which will likely include one representative from each Commission. She also mentioned a brief meeting with Code Compliance, where she and Mr. Martinez discussed ways to improve coordination; more details will be shared at the next meeting.

Ms. Saltzburg reviewed the working calendar and agenda for the October meeting.

The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.