COMMISSION ON INCLUSION AND ADAPTIVE LIVING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
11:30 A.M.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025
STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
11:30 A.M.
MINUTES
1.
Call to Order
Chair Simukonda called the meeting to order 11:31 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 EISENBERG COMMISSIONER RANDALL |
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER DOPSON |
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.
None
5.
Action Items
A.
Discussion and Possible Action: Appointment of Vice Chair
Postponed to August meeting.
B.
Discussion and Possible Action on Remaining 2025 Meetings: September 24, 2025, November 26, 2025, and December 24, 2025
Moved by Keith Becker, seconded by Sarah Dorman to reschedule the meetings of September 24, 2025, November 26, 2025, and December 24, 2025 to September 17, 2025, November 19, 2025, and December 17, 2025 respectively.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
C.
Consideration and Approval of Letter of Appreciation: Downtown Public Library
Commissioner Randall shared that he had visited the downtown library last week and noticed a bookstall set up in honor of Disability Pride Month. The stall featured books about the disability rights movement and works authored by people with disabilities. He suggested that the Commission send a letter of appreciation to the library staff, city manager, and City Council, for organizing and supporting the bookstall.
Moved by Russell Randall, seconded by Keith Becker to send the letter to staff and City Council.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
6.
Discussion Items
A.
Discussion and follow-up on Barrier Free Flagstaff
Commissioner Randall shared that Barrier Free Flagstaff (BFF) continues to meet regularly, but an accessibility expedition planned for July 25th will not take place, as Lauren and Sean, the expedition experts, feel the group is not ready for an event of that scale. They hope to present to the Commission in the future to increase city and Commission involvement in the expeditions. BFF will meet remotely tomorrow to discuss other ways to promote accessibility and inclusion in the community. It was noted that BFF may not appear as an agenda item until October or November, and scheduling will be coordinated once Lauren and Sean’s availability is confirmed.
B.
Discussion regarding Coffee and Donuts with a Cop
Chair Simukonda shared that the Police Chief has started a Cross-Ability Committee, bringing together community members and professionals to work with police officers on reviewing major incidents. The committee will meet quarterly and host one large annual event. To introduce themselves to officers in a friendly way, she proposed a “Coffee and Donuts for a Cop” event, where Commission members and visitors could meet officers at the start of their shifts. The commission agreed that the event should occur at the beginning of shifts rather than the end. The plan will be reviewed with the Chief, and the item will be revisited in September with a finalized approach.
C.
Discussion about Regional Plan 2045
The Commission discussed the Regional Plan 2045, noting that the public hearing draft is expected to be posted soon, likely by the end of the week or early next week. A summary of revisions and responses to public comments will follow shortly after.
Due to scheduling conflicts and the complexity of the topic, the Commission agreed to table a detailed discussion until September 18th. At that meeting, half an hour will be dedicated to the Regional Plan, following a full hour (or slightly more) for the Building Code update.
Due to scheduling conflicts and the complexity of the topic, the Commission agreed to table a detailed discussion until September 18th. At that meeting, half an hour will be dedicated to the Regional Plan, following a full hour (or slightly more) for the Building Code update.
D.
Accessible Trails
The Commission discussed accessible trails, noting that Truman from High Country Adaptive Sports, who conducts trail accessibility assessments, was supposed to present but was not able to attend.
Commissioner Randall referenced past research conducted by former Commissioner Caitlin Verfeurth about five or six years ago, which included a comprehensive survey of 56 miles of local trails and a PowerPoint presentation summarizing findings. Martin Ince confirmed he still has all the original data and presentation files. To avoid duplicating work, they agreed it would be helpful to share this information with Truman to assist by leveraging past research while supporting ongoing accessibility efforts on the trails.
Commissioner Randall referenced past research conducted by former Commissioner Caitlin Verfeurth about five or six years ago, which included a comprehensive survey of 56 miles of local trails and a PowerPoint presentation summarizing findings. Martin Ince confirmed he still has all the original data and presentation files. To avoid duplicating work, they agreed it would be helpful to share this information with Truman to assist by leveraging past research while supporting ongoing accessibility efforts on the trails.
7.
Liaison Reports/Updates
A.
Update from Council Liaison - Mayor Daggett
None
B.
Transportation Liaison - LaReina Reyes - Mountain Line
None
C.
Update from Youth Liaison - Joseph Spence & Alida Pfeil
Ms. Pfeil reported that NACoPT was working on planning a summer retreat meeting that would likely occur in August.
D.
Update from Sidewalk Liaison - Jamie Martinez
Mr. Martinez reported that there are no current updates on sidewalk compliance but encouraged Commissioners to send any issues his way, noting that he cannot address concerns if he is not made aware of them. Chair Simukonda noted that at the next meeting, Michelle McNulty, Planning and Development Services Director, would be attending th meeting to discuss code compliance in detail.
E.
Update from Parking Liaison - Rachael Simukonda
Chair Simukonda provided an update, noting that there are no major developments yet because the Chief has only recently completed his first year in the role.
There was discussion regarding ADA training for police officers and civilian aides, particularly regarding enforcement of laws related to blocking or parking on sidewalks. It was noted that officers currently receive only one hour of ADA training per year, which is insufficient. There was a suggestion to implement brief monthly training sessions, around 15 minutes each, with an ADA expert to provide more consistent guidance and education. This would amount to roughly four hours per year, dramatically increasing ADA awareness and understanding among officers.
Commissioner Randall raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement, as some officers or civilian aides may choose whether to enforce the law regarding sidewalk obstructions, similar to traffic enforcement discretion. Chair Simukonda encouraged commissioners to report any disability-related interactions with police officers to her via email so that the issues can be documented, addressed, and represented effectively to the Police Chief.
There was discussion regarding ADA training for police officers and civilian aides, particularly regarding enforcement of laws related to blocking or parking on sidewalks. It was noted that officers currently receive only one hour of ADA training per year, which is insufficient. There was a suggestion to implement brief monthly training sessions, around 15 minutes each, with an ADA expert to provide more consistent guidance and education. This would amount to roughly four hours per year, dramatically increasing ADA awareness and understanding among officers.
Commissioner Randall raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement, as some officers or civilian aides may choose whether to enforce the law regarding sidewalk obstructions, similar to traffic enforcement discretion. Chair Simukonda encouraged commissioners to report any disability-related interactions with police officers to her via email so that the issues can be documented, addressed, and represented effectively to the Police Chief.
8.
Information Items To/From Inclusion and Adaptive Living Commission Members and Staff Liaison
The Commission discussed the upcoming Disability Fair, building on the success of last year’s event. The fair is scheduled for Saturday, October 4th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the High Country Conference Center. A sensory room will be available for attendees who need a break. Planning is ongoing, including securing sponsors, coordinating vendors, and managing logistics. Registration is set to open on August 11th. The group also discussed inviting Metro Plan to participate with their walking tour again and emphasized early distribution of “save the date” notices. The Commission plans to have a banner at the event and hopes to involve the mayor, City Council, and potentially the Coconino County Board of Supervisors in some capacity.
Commissioner Randall shared that he has met informally with Mayor Daggett at community events, and he emphasized that the Mayor is very supportive of the disability community, consistently expressing interest in improving accessibility and inclusion in Flagstaff.
Chair Simukonda shared information about an upcoming Aquaplex Pool Party on Sunday, July 20th, at 1:50 PM. The event will feature pool games, mini golf, an obstacle course, and music, with a $5 entry fee. A table will be set up for Special Olympics, and she encouraged Commission members and community supporters to attend, volunteer, or simply engage with the event to show support for the disability community. Attendance is a way to promote accessibility, raise awareness about programs at the Aquaplex, and highlight recreational opportunities available to differently-abled children and adults. Commissioner Randall added that the Aquaplex now accepts Renew Active and Silver Sneakers memberships, which benefits older adults and those on Medicare Advantage programs, making community recreation more accessible.
Commissioner Randall shared that he has met informally with Mayor Daggett at community events, and he emphasized that the Mayor is very supportive of the disability community, consistently expressing interest in improving accessibility and inclusion in Flagstaff.
Chair Simukonda shared information about an upcoming Aquaplex Pool Party on Sunday, July 20th, at 1:50 PM. The event will feature pool games, mini golf, an obstacle course, and music, with a $5 entry fee. A table will be set up for Special Olympics, and she encouraged Commission members and community supporters to attend, volunteer, or simply engage with the event to show support for the disability community. Attendance is a way to promote accessibility, raise awareness about programs at the Aquaplex, and highlight recreational opportunities available to differently-abled children and adults. Commissioner Randall added that the Aquaplex now accepts Renew Active and Silver Sneakers memberships, which benefits older adults and those on Medicare Advantage programs, making community recreation more accessible.
9.
Agenda Items for Next Meeting (September 24, 2025) and Working Calendar
The Commission reviewed its planned agenda and priorities for the remainder of the year based on notes from their recent planning meeting. Key points included:
-
August: The focus will be on code compliance, with a significant portion of the meeting dedicated to engaging with Michelle McNulty, the new Planning and Development Services Director, to clarify oversight and address Commission questions. The goal is to ensure Commissioners fully understand the program and its processes.
-
September: Discussion will cover the Regional Plan 2045 and updates to building codes, as requested by the Sustainability Division.
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October: Commissioners will meet the new Risk Manager and Human Resources/Risk Management Director. These sessions will provide an opportunity to discuss ADA compliance strategies and plans with city leadership.
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November: The agenda will include therapeutic recreation, with Rebecca Sayers, director of PROSE, and her team prepared to re-engage the Commission on this topic.
Additional pending items were noted but not scheduled yet, including:
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City website accessibility (likely February or later due to new staff, Erin Kaminsky, and coordination with Public Affairs).
-
Transition training for the Commission, anticipated in late winter or early spring.
-
Job fairs, coordinated by youth liaisons.
-
Affordable housing, identified as a high-priority issue to be addressed within the year.
Commissioners also discussed concerns, including street plowing and accessibility for essential travel. Commissioner Becker suggested drafting a letter to the City Council or presenting at a Council meeting to highlight these issues and address potential funding and policy changes. The plan is to revisit that in December during a wrap-up session reviewing accomplishments and remaining priorities for the year.
10.
Adjournment
The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting adjourned at 12:44 p.m.