Chair Simukonda called the meeting to order at 11:03 a.m.

Elton Yazzie from the Northern Arizona Travel Disabled Coalition discussed the need for the return of public transportation from Tuba City to Flagstaff, which was halted during the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of this service for the disabled community on the Navajo Nation.

Capital Improvements Project Manager Geneva Lanzetta, Beautification, Arts, and Sciences Manager Jana Weldon, and applicant Jake Bacon presented the Phone Booth Library project, detailing its location outside the visitor center along historic Route 66. The project aims to convert British phone booths into tiny libraries to promote literature and arts in the community. Ms. Lanzetta highlighted the challenge of maintaining the historic integrity of the phone booths while making them wheelchair accessible. The current structure is not accessible, prompting the need for alternative solutions.

Mr. Bacon discussed the challenges posed by the automatic closing doors and weather impacts, as well as the difficulty in sourcing books for differently-abled users, such as those needing large print or braille. He noted the high cost of initially stocking the library and the need for frequent restocking, suggesting that a freestanding adjacent library could help address accessibility concerns. Ms. Weldon explained that the Beautification and Public Art Commission would fund the initial stock of the library and acknowledged that the historic booth itself cannot be ADA compliant. She proposed accommodations, including a take-and-leave model with periodic checks and an assistance button connecting to the visitor center.

Commissioner Purrington offered recommendations for physical modifications, such as lower pull-out shelves or grabbers for higher shelves, and suggested using QR codes to monitor inventory. She emphasized the importance of consulting with ADA and Universal Design experts to ensure inclusivity without compromising the historic character of the booth. Chair Simukonda highlighted universal design considerations, including wheelchair accessibility and braille signage, and coordination with the School for the Deaf and Blind to improve access to materials.

Commissioner Randall expressed concerns about city funds being used on projects that are not fully accessible. Community Investment Director David McIntire provided background on how the project evolved from a smaller initiative to a library at the Visitor Center, addressing right-of-way issues and improving accessibility in the plaza.

The discussion concluded with the understanding that all future libraries will include an accessible adjacent component, that accessibility will be prioritized in planning and design, and that suggestions for increased accessibility should be incorporated into the project.

Chief Sean Connolly introduced himself, sharing his background and his commitment to engaging with the commission. He emphasized the importance of protecting human and civil rights, and the need for officers to see through the lenses of the community. He discussed the importance of ADA training for officers and the need for continuous improvement in identifying and addressing disabilities.

Chair Simukonda expressed appreciation for the Flagstaff Police Department, noting that it feels friendlier, and she looks forward to working with them in her role as liaison. Chief Connolly emphasized the importance of building relationships before incidents occur, promising transparency and open communication, while acknowledging there is always room for improvement, particularly regarding transport and support for individuals with disabilities. Chair Simukonda raised the topic of ADA training for officers, and the Chief responded that good policy requires both training and accountability, noting the importance of community-centric training and the potential involvement of outside trainers.

Commissioner Randall questioned how Flagstaff differs from Phoenix regarding DOJ oversight. Chief Connolly explained that Flagstaff PD embraced aggressive reform, engaged openly with the DOJ, implemented de-escalation best practices, and incorporated additional training after incidents. He confirmed that ADA Title II considerations are part of officer training, but there is room for improvement, particularly in identifying individuals with disabilities during encounters. While there is no codified process, officers are trained to use discretion and communication to understand the needs of those they interact with. He also noted past successful training using panels of families with lived experience and expressed openness to additional programs, such as those from the Autism Society of Arizona.

The Chief indicated that the department has an ADA compliance officer and highlighted ongoing efforts to bring modern training to officers, including VR-based scenarios and collaboration with the park ranger academy to enhance ADA-related skills. He also addressed mental health training, noting the limited local resources, and emphasized that police should lead with service rather than incarceration, collaborating with programs like CARE and Solari to meet community needs. He encouraged sharing additional training resources and described plans to establish advisory boards for continuous community input.

Commissioner Dorman raised concerns about police involvement in schools for students with disabilities and high behaviors. The Chief clarified that officers are not disciplinarians, and the department collaborates with schools to ensure appropriate responses while advocating for adequate staffing and specialized support. Commissioner Dorman suggested involving certified recreational therapists trained in behavioral health in schools, and the Chief underscored the department’s commitment to officer wellness, acknowledging the mental and physical toll of their work.

Streets Section Director Sam Beckett shared that his hope was to share information on what they do and the services we provide to the community. He reviewed his prior presentation which covered the following:

STREETS 2024 SNOW OPERATIONS
2023-24 SEASON REVIEW
SNOW SHIFTS – EQUIP & STAFFING
STREETS SNOWPLOW FLEET
STREETS STAFFING
STREETS WINTER RESPONSIBILITIES
EVENT RESPONSIBILITIES
2024 SNOW READINESS & OPERATIONS MANUAL
STREET-SNOW PLOWING PRIORITIES
POST EVENT
STREETS STRATEGIC VISION AND GOALS

Held for next month.

Commissioner Randall shared that he had met with Sara Dechter regarding the concerns from the commission regarding accessibility. He drafted a letter that expressed the desire to have those elements added into the plan.

Moved by Russell Randall, seconded by Keith Becker to send the letter to City Council and respective Regional Plan staff.

Vote: 6 - 0

In the interest of time, the commission did not receive liaison reports or updates.

The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting adjourned at 12:58 p.m.