Chair Simukonda called the meeting to order at 11:01 a.m.

None

Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Manager Sara Dechter along with Associate Planner Elsa Erling presented the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045, highlighting the partnership with Coconino County and the importance of coordinated planning efforts for land use, transportation, and infrastructure. Their presentation included the following slides:
PROCESS FOR UPDATING THE PLAN
REGIONAL PLAN COMMITTEE
FOCUS OF THE PLAN – 5 PRIORITIES
REGIONAL PLAN CHAPTERS
POLICY SECTION
IMPLEMENTATION SECTION
MAPS
SCENARIO PLANNING PROCESS
SCENARIO PLANNING HOUSING
SCENARIO PLANNING TRANSPORTATION
FUTURE GROWTH ILLUSTRATION
HOUSING RELATED GOALS AND POLICIES
TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER GOALS AND POLICIES
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES
HIGH PRIORITY ACTION ITEMS
GROWTH AND LAND USE
INTEGRATION IN OTHER CHAPTERS
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
60-DAY PUBLIC REVIEW
PLAN COMMENTS HOSTED ON KONVEIO
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE 60 DAY REVIEW?

Commissioner Randall noted that two audits had been conducted and they both revealed significant ADA-related issues, particularly on many of the community’s roads. Multimodal Transportation Planner Martin Ince shared a link to a “Traffic Calming 101” guide, noting that traffic calming studies—while often initiated in response to complaints—always incorporate ADA considerations into their designs. However, not every road receives traffic calming, and the current approach tends to be reactive and piecemeal. The city and Metro Plan are developing a Streets Master Plan, which is expected to be adopted next year and will establish guidelines for roadway design, including ADA accessibility, with broader implementation likely two to three years after adoption.

Chair Simukonda expressed concern about the Commission’s involvement, emphasizing that many members either have personal experience with disabilities or know someone who does. She noted that the Commission could provide a valuable perspective in ensuring that accessibility needs are addressed proactively. She requested that Commission members be invited to participate in planning processes, rather than only being consulted after projects are initiated. Commissioner Randall echoed her concerns, sharing that some past projects had actually decreased accessibility because the Commission was not involved during the planning phase. Staff acknowledged the importance of involving Commission members early and committed to bringing this request to the team working on project scoping. 

Ms. Dechter further explained that the transportation chapter contains goals and policies related to streetscapes, parking, and accessibility. Particular attention was given to ensuring ADA-accessible parking is centrally located and functional, especially in areas like downtown or newly developed activity centers. Additionally, she highlighted recent changes in state legislation, which limit the amount of required onsite parking. This makes accessible on-street parking increasingly important, particularly given Flagstaff’s restrictive winter parking ordinance that prohibits overnight parking for most of the year. These changes will require adapting parking policies to maintain accessibility under new constraints.

Ms. Dechter shared that the 60-day review period for the plan runs from October 20 to December 19, during which Commission members can form a subcommittee or provide individual feedback to help shape guiding principles. While some projects, such as adjusting parking policies, may take three to four years to fully implement, the early involvement of the Commission is critical to ensuring ADA accessibility is prioritized in both planning and future development.

Commissioner Randall asked whether high-density housing is likely to be concentrated near the university. In response, Ms. Dechter explained that while the university projects growth, these projections should be viewed cautiously because the population of traditional college-age students is shrinking nationally, and universities are competing for a smaller pool of students. The city’s future growth maps highlight areas suitable for large multifamily and mixed-use development. These include suburban centers and urban centers. Some of these areas, like the Woodlands Village and Milton Road corridor, could continue to support developments similar to existing projects, such as “The Hub” and “The Standard.” These areas are already zoned for higher density, and because of the 2006 Private Property Rights Protection Act, it is extremely difficult for the city to downzone or reduce allowable densities in these locations. Property owners have mechanisms to opt out of changes, which limits the city’s flexibility.

Commissioner Randall emphasized that minimizing displacement of current residents is a major concern, referencing past situations like the Arrowhead Trailer Park, where residents were displaced and the property remained vacant for years. Ms. Dechter acknowledged the challenge, noting that while the plan prioritizes reducing displacement and maintaining affordable housing, the legal and regulatory framework makes it difficult to fully prevent displacement. The planning team carefully considered where higher-density development is proposed to balance growth, housing affordability, and minimizing displacement risk.

Commissioner Randall reflected on the Commission’s history of conducting regular accessibility audits, noting that this practice largely stopped before or during the pandemic. He emphasized a desire to resume audits, starting with city-owned public buildings and potentially expanding to other public and private buildings, though he acknowledged that auditing private buildings would require their voluntary participation. Ms. Saltzburg clarified that the Commission has authority to audit public buildings, but private buildings could only be assessed if the owners invited the Commission to do so.

Chair Simukonda suggested working with Commissioner Purrington and the organization Welcome Here to conduct voluntary audits of private businesses, while focusing the Commission’s formal efforts on city-owned facilities. Commissioner Purrington explained that Welcome Here currently has limited staffing, and expanding private business audits would require additional volunteer recruitment. She expressed willingness to train Commission members to conduct consistent audits and offered to help organize an informal working group for public facilities.

The commission noted the significant accessibility issues identified during the most recent downtown audit, particularly on sidewalks and public buildings. Commissioner Randall raised concerns about public schools, referencing his experience with Flagstaff Unified School District, and mentioned that new school board members are interested in improving accessibility. Ms. Pfeil suggested engaging local provider agencies to recruit people with disabilities to assist in audits, providing both a meaningful community activity and a broader perspective. Mr. Spence also highlighted prior experiences conducting accessibility assessments in public spaces and schools.

The commission discussed procedural rules for conducting Commission-led audits, including quorum requirements and how findings would be reported back to the Commission and city leadership. Commissioner Purrington emphasized the need for training, consistent documentation, and establishing a priority list of facilities to audit, potentially focusing on city buildings scheduled for renovations or new construction. Commissioner Randall suggested prioritizing facilities with high public use, such as libraries, since accessibility in these spaces has the greatest impact.

An informal working group was proposed to identify priority buildings, create a timeline, and participate in training. 

Chair Simukonda opened the discussion about the Commission’s spring recognition event, noting that the group had previously planned to host a spring event instead of a formal banquet. She invited Commissioners to share ideas on timing, format, and logistics. Commissioner Randall recalled that similar events had been held twice in the past in the City Hall foyer. Those events were straightforward to organize, involved recognizing mostly young people, and included simple award presentations, some refreshments, and minimal expense. He expressed support for hosting the event again in the spring.

Chair Simukonda noted that the mayor had indicated a small budget could be allocated for the event and sought input on scheduling. Commissioner Purrington suggested leveraging her spring event planning course, which involves up to 30 students partnering with community organizations to plan and execute events in April. This approach could provide additional support while allowing flexibility for indoor or outdoor venues, such as the City Hall landing or another accessible location. Commissioners voiced their agreement and support for this plan.

Commissioner Purrington clarified that while she could serve as the academic liaison, a Commission member would need to take the lead in supervising the students. She noted that more detailed planning and discussion of parameters could occur in November. She also mentioned that this opportunity could extend to other city or community organizations interested in partnering with her students for event planning experience.

Moved by Russell Randall, seconded by Susan Purrington to reschedule the December 25, 2024 meeting to December 18, 2024.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

None

Ms. Reyes provided an update on the work of the WAV subcommittee. She reported that the subcommittee recently presented their initiative to City Council, with the presentation described as heartfelt, factual, and well-received. The next steps include setting up mini interviews with NAU and potentially the Daily Sun to increase visibility.

Ms. Reyes also noted an upcoming Coordinated Mobility Council meeting in November and invited anyone interested to contact her directly or visit the Mountain Line website for more information. Additionally, she shared that she attended the Arizona Rural Transportation Summit in person, gaining insights from mobility managers who assist sub-recipients in obtaining 5310 funding. She offered to provide further information on this experience to anyone who reaches out.

Commissioner Randall announced that Alida Pfeil has been formally chosen by the Community Practice Transition Team to serve as the Commission’s second youth liaison.

Ms. Pfeil provided an update from the meeting, highlighting a presentation by Belinda Escalante from DES on pre-employment transition services. These services are available to youth aged 14 to 22 participating in an educational program and include support in five areas: job exploration, work readiness, post-secondary education and training, counseling, work-based learning, and self-advocacy skills. She noted that there are some eligibility requirements, such as not currently participating in another transition-to-work program unless there is a gap in services. Coordination typically occurs through schools, and Belinda Escalante is available for contact to assist with any difficulties or questions regarding the program.

Additionally, Ms. Pfeil mentioned an upcoming event hosted by the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program. This event is a focus group for families of children and young adults up to age 26 in Flagstaff, designed to gather input on how services can be improved.

Chair Simukonda reported that Code Compliance staff would be attending next month's meeting.

Chair Simukonda shared that the new Police Chief Sean Connolly was planning to attend an upcoming commission meeting to discuss citizen engagement and his vision for the department.

Chair Simukonda announced that Commissioner Purrington’s decision about serving as Vice Chair will be addressed in next month’s meeting. She also shared the DES webpage link regarding pre-employment transition services.

Commissioner Becker raised a concern about a dangerous intersection at Coconino High School, noting the need for traffic control to protect pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities. Mr. Ince offered to provide a contact for reporting the issue.

Commissioner Becker also brought up challenges with current snow plowing practices, highlighting difficulties for people with mobility needs, including those on dialysis, and suggested discussing snow enforcement and business snow removal at a future meeting. Chair Simukonda noted that code compliance focuses on compliance rather than enforcement and that city staff from the snow readiness program could be invited to a meeting in December.

Commissioner Randall expressed appreciation that police and code compliance representatives would attend the next meeting, emphasizing the importance of coordination between entities and highlighting research showing that people with disabilities face higher risks of negative encounters with police. He suggested a future discussion on ADA Title II compliance for public entities, which could be scheduled for the January meeting with HR and legal staff.

Commissioner Dorman shared support for High Country Adaptive Sports and their local programs.

Mr. Ince discussed the upcoming Summit for Arizona Trails, noting participation by adaptive sports groups, including Luke 5 Adventures and High Country Adaptive Sports, and emphasized the need for inclusive trail design using principles of universal design. He also highlighted issues with an existing trail slope and plans to address accessibility in the field.

Lastly, Chair Simukonda recognized Commissioner Dorman for her work on the October 5th Disability Resource Fair, noting the strong community connections made, advocacy opportunities, and media coverage from a podcast interview. Commissioner Dorman confirmed plans to continue and expand the fair next year and encouraged participation in the statewide conference in Phoenix in June.

Ms. Saltzburg reviewed the commission's working calendar for the next few meetings.

The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting adjourned at 12:51 p.m.