COMMISSION ON INCLUSION AND ADAPTIVE LIVING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
11:00 A.M.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
11:00 A.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Chair Simukonda called the meeting to order 11:01 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 SIMUKONDA COMMISSIONER BECKER COMMISSIONER DORMAN COMMISSIONER PURRINGTON COMMISSIONER RANDALL |
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER EISENBERG |
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.
OPEN CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Open Call to the Public enables the public to address the Commission about an item that is not on the prepared agenda. Comments relating to items that are on the agenda will be taken at the time that the item is discussed. Please limit your remarks to three minutes per item to allow everyone an opportunity to speak.
Open Call to the Public enables the public to address the Commission about an item that is not on the prepared agenda. Comments relating to items that are on the agenda will be taken at the time that the item is discussed. Please limit your remarks to three minutes per item to allow everyone an opportunity to speak.
Dan Moses and Brittany Johnson with the Arizona Coyote Sled Hockey Team were in attendance to watch the meeting.
5.
ACTION ITEMS
A.
Appointment of Vice Chairperson
Moved by Russell Randall, seconded by Keith Becker to appoint Susan Purrington as Vice Chair.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
B.
Consideration and Approval: Sending a letter to the City Council Regarding Regional Plan 2045
Commissioner Randall discussed the regional plan for 2045, highlighting the need for accessibility and inclusion. He and Commissioner Becker planned to meet with Sarah Dechter on December 5th to address these concerns and set up informal working groups to provide recommendations by December 14th.
Working Group Formation: A working group to review the 2045 regional plan was created which included Commissioners Randall, Becker, and Chair Simukonda.
Accessibility Concerns: Commissioner Randall noted that the 2045 regional plan lacks explicit mentions of accessibility and inclusion.
Document Review: Commissioner Becker shared his experience of reviewing the 214-page document with city staff, identifying sections related to roads, sidewalks, and transportation that could include accessibility suggestions.
Recommendation Deadline: Ms. Saltzburg confirmed that recommendations for the regional plan need to be submitted by December 14th, with a final deadline of December 19th.
Letter to City Council: Commissioner Randall proposed drafting a letter to the City Council addressing the regional plan's accessibility issues. The informal working group will draft the letter after the December 5th meeting, to be voted on December 18th.
Working Group Formation: A working group to review the 2045 regional plan was created which included Commissioners Randall, Becker, and Chair Simukonda.
Accessibility Concerns: Commissioner Randall noted that the 2045 regional plan lacks explicit mentions of accessibility and inclusion.
Document Review: Commissioner Becker shared his experience of reviewing the 214-page document with city staff, identifying sections related to roads, sidewalks, and transportation that could include accessibility suggestions.
Recommendation Deadline: Ms. Saltzburg confirmed that recommendations for the regional plan need to be submitted by December 14th, with a final deadline of December 19th.
Letter to City Council: Commissioner Randall proposed drafting a letter to the City Council addressing the regional plan's accessibility issues. The informal working group will draft the letter after the December 5th meeting, to be voted on December 18th.
6.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Update From Code Compliance - Reggie Eccleston, Code Compliance Manager
The commission and Code Compliance Officer Robert Solomon discussed code compliance issues. The discussion focused on the ongoing issues with trash cans being left on sidewalks, snow removal concerns, and the limitations of enforcement.
Chair Simukonda what notifications are being provided to residents, and what follow-up occurs related to trash can placement. Mr. Solomon explained that when trash cans are found on sidewalks, Solid Waste moves them to the curb and attempts to notify homeowners, although many are at work and difficult to reach. Current stickers placed on trash cans are not effective, so new ADA-accessible stickers are being designed to clearly show residents that cans should be placed at the curb rather than on sidewalks. Commissioner Becker noted that while drivers generally perform well, the public is often misinformed and difficult to reach through mailed notices, emphasizing the need for clear communication that residents are likely to see, such as door notices.
Commissioner Randall shared his frustration with repeatedly encountering trash cans left on sidewalks in his neighborhood, noting that confronting residents can be dangerous and asking why enforcement does not occur. Mr. Solomon clarified that Code Compliance focuses on education rather than issuing citations, which is a policy directive. Violations are not cited routinely, and when a trash can is moved, the violation cycle resets with the next trash day. Commissioners Becker and Randall expressed concern that blocked sidewalks pose safety hazards, forcing pedestrians into streets and potentially exposing the city to liability.
The commission agreed that while education is emphasized by Code Compliance, residents may repeatedly violate the ordinance without consequence, leaving community members frustrated. The discussion highlighted the need for better public education, clearer communication tools, and potentially involving additional authorities to ensure safety and compliance without relying solely on citations.
Chair Simukonda what notifications are being provided to residents, and what follow-up occurs related to trash can placement. Mr. Solomon explained that when trash cans are found on sidewalks, Solid Waste moves them to the curb and attempts to notify homeowners, although many are at work and difficult to reach. Current stickers placed on trash cans are not effective, so new ADA-accessible stickers are being designed to clearly show residents that cans should be placed at the curb rather than on sidewalks. Commissioner Becker noted that while drivers generally perform well, the public is often misinformed and difficult to reach through mailed notices, emphasizing the need for clear communication that residents are likely to see, such as door notices.
Commissioner Randall shared his frustration with repeatedly encountering trash cans left on sidewalks in his neighborhood, noting that confronting residents can be dangerous and asking why enforcement does not occur. Mr. Solomon clarified that Code Compliance focuses on education rather than issuing citations, which is a policy directive. Violations are not cited routinely, and when a trash can is moved, the violation cycle resets with the next trash day. Commissioners Becker and Randall expressed concern that blocked sidewalks pose safety hazards, forcing pedestrians into streets and potentially exposing the city to liability.
The commission agreed that while education is emphasized by Code Compliance, residents may repeatedly violate the ordinance without consequence, leaving community members frustrated. The discussion highlighted the need for better public education, clearer communication tools, and potentially involving additional authorities to ensure safety and compliance without relying solely on citations.
B.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Model Plans Pilot Program
Sustainability Analyst Genevieve Pearthree presented the ADU model plans pilot program, emphasizing its goals of increasing housing options, improving energy efficiency, and promoting accessibility. She explained that the program includes a design contest in which up to ten winning designs will be selected, reviewed for building code compliance, and made publicly available as pre-approved plans. She highlighted the importance of incorporating accessibility and universal design features, such as wider doorways, zero-threshold entries, and blocking for future grab bars. Mr. Martinez volunteered to serve on the selection committee for the ADU model plans, with Commissioner Randall as a backup. The committee will review and score the designs based on criteria including accessibility. Ms. Pearthree also outlined the program timeline, with the design contest beginning in December, winners selected in February, and the model plans library going live in July 2025.
C.
Absolute HCBS - Michaela Sanders
Michaela Sanders with Absolute HCBS provided a presentation that covered the following:
EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH INCLUSIVE SUPPORT
OVERVIEW OF ABSOLUTE HCBS
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
RESPITE CARE
ATTENDANT CARE
HABILITATION
HOUSEKEEPING
OUR APPROACH
BEYOND RESPITE, HAB AND ATC
PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
ADVOCACY
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
OUR VISION
WHY CHOOSE ABSOLUTE HCBS?
CONCLUSION
The commission thanked Ms. Sanders for the presentation.
EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH INCLUSIVE SUPPORT
OVERVIEW OF ABSOLUTE HCBS
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE
RESPITE CARE
ATTENDANT CARE
HABILITATION
HOUSEKEEPING
OUR APPROACH
BEYOND RESPITE, HAB AND ATC
PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
ADVOCACY
STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
OUR VISION
WHY CHOOSE ABSOLUTE HCBS?
CONCLUSION
The commission thanked Ms. Sanders for the presentation.
D.
Self-help Group and Improvements to Streets and Accessibility
Chair Simukonda and Commnissioner Randall announced the first meeting of the self-advocacy support group for differently-abled people on December 2nd at the main library. They invited everyone to join and participate.
E.
Accessibility Audits
The commission discussed accessibility audits of city facilities and public spaces. Ms. Saltzburg explained that the Public Works Director and Facilities Director requested to attend the January meeting to discuss the audits, their intent and desired outcomes. An informal working group was suggested to begin the planning process.
Mayor Daggett shared that she recently had a conversation with Dapper Dre who works for Freaky Foot Tours and they discussed doing a tour coupled with an audit. He would like to explore how we might incorporate those things together and do it in a way that gets more people involved in spotting the challenges in the downtown area.
Mayor Daggett shared that she recently had a conversation with Dapper Dre who works for Freaky Foot Tours and they discussed doing a tour coupled with an audit. He would like to explore how we might incorporate those things together and do it in a way that gets more people involved in spotting the challenges in the downtown area.
7.
LIAISON REPORTS/UPDATES
A.
Update from Council Liaison - Mayor Daggett
None
B.
Transportation Liaison - LaReina Reyes - Mountain Line
Ms. Reyes shared that the Coordinated Mobility Council was going into the next year with strong recommendations in light of Proposition 488 passing. She also suggested bringing in MetroPlan to the discussions on accessibility audits to provide a more regional perspective and opportunities for partnership.
C.
Update from Youth Liaison - Joseph Spence - NACoPTT
Ms. Pfeil provided highlights from the NACoPTT meeting, including discussions about a spring event and a presentation by Jason Sneed on people with developmental disabilities and law enforcement.
D.
Update from Sidewalk Liaison - Jamie Martinez
Chair Simukonda reported that the sidewalk working group continues to work with Code Compliance on issues with trash cans and vehicles blocking sidewalks. They encouraged continued reporting of problem areas via email but noted that if Code Compliance has already addressed a specific address, it may not be reported again for three months to allow time for resolution. Commissioner Randall questioned this approach, expressing frustration that repeatedly blocked sidewalks should be reported each time. Chair Simukonda explained that repeated reporting can be redundant if Code Compliance is already working on a solution, and the three-month interval is a compromise to track progress while raising awareness of ADA concerns. She clarified that commissioners should continue reporting issues to Mr. Martinez, who will monitor complaints and coordinate follow-up with Code Compliance.
E.
Update from Parking Liaison - Rachael Simukonda
None
8.
Information Items To/From Inclusion and Adaptive Living Commission Members and Staff Liaison
Commissioner Randall requested an update from PROSE on Renew Active. He also shared that he and Martin Ince were meeting at the intersection of the FUTS at University Heights to discuss the accessibility challenges.
9.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting (December 18, 2024)
Ms. Saltzburg reviewed the commissions working calendar for the next few months.
10.
Adjournment
The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living adjourned at 12:51 p.m.