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COMMISSION ON INCLUSION AND ADAPTIVE LIVING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026
CITY HALL COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
211 WEST ASPEN AVE
11:00 A.M.

MINUTES

Call to Order

Chair Simukonda called the meeting to order 11:00 a.m.

Roll Call

NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means.

Present:

Russell Randall

Sarah Dorman

Rachael Simukonda

Keith Becker

Absent:

Michele Eisenberg

Rasheera Dopson

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.

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.

None

Approval of Minutes

Consideration and Approval of Prior Minutes

The commission requested more time to review the meeting minutes. It was agreed to consider the March 2026 minutes and hold the others until next month to allow commissioners more time to review the minutes.

Moved by Russell Randall, seconded by Sarah Dorman to approve the minutes of March 25, 2026.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Action Items

Discussion and possible action on letter to City Council in support of the CATs on Wheels program

John Buckley and Pam Jensen from CATs on Wheels presented a proposal to the commission to change city policy allowing salvaged bicycles from the landfill to be distributed to underserved groups,

Mr. Buckley explained that bicycles brought to the Cinder Lakes landfill are currently disposed of after passing the weigh scale, and CATs on Wheels seek access to these bikes for refurbishment and distribution to the homeless and other groups.

Mayor Daggett clarified that the Police Department already donates bikes directly to CATs, but the proposal focuses on bikes disposed of by the general public at the landfill.

Commissioner Becker inquired about salvaging wheelchairs and other mobility devices; Ms. Jensen noted limited capacity to handle these and suggested the commission consider finding other organizations for mobility device refurbishment.

Commissioners discussed the city ordinance preventing salvaging at the landfill due to liability concerns, and Mr. Buckley shared that he had discussions with the landfill director who also supports the proposal if Council approves a separate area for bike collection.

The commission reviewed the draft letter to Council expressing support for the CATs on Wheels program and the request to work with the Landfill to obtain disposed bikes.

Moved by Russell Randall, seconded by Keith Becker to approve and send the letter to City Council in support of the CATs on Wheels program.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

Discussion Items

Brainstorming and Ideas

The commission had discussion and provided some brainstorming ideas.

Risk Management Director Aaron Kaminsky outlined the mandatory elements of the ADA transition plan, including identifying physical barriers, methods for removal, prioritization, official designation, and public involvement, referencing examples from Rochester and Phoenix.

Mr. Kaminsky described plans to update the risk management website with an ADA contact form for grievances and suggestions, focusing on city property, services, and programs, and clarified distinctions between municipal and private property responsibilities under ADA.

Commissioner Becker suggested exploring dedicated city taxes or property taxes to fund accessibility improvements, and commissioners discussed the challenges of budgeting and prioritizing repairs, referencing other cities' approaches.
Commissioners recommended breaking the project into manageable steps, assembling a transition team with representatives from city departments and advocacy groups, and leveraging resources such as consultant guides and ADA symposiums.

Quarterly Website Accessibility Progress Report

Ms. Saltzburg explained that new federal digital accessibility requirements were delayed by one year, but the city is continuing its efforts without pause, maintaining momentum on accessibility improvements.

The communications program is auditing over 900 web pages to ensure compliance with WCAG AA standards, collaborating with divisions and accessibility partners to identify and address digital barriers. Plans are underway for robust accessibility training for staff involved with digital platforms, and a website redesign has begun with built-in accessibility tools, expected to take about six months. The city will provide quarterly public updates on accessibility progress and is working with outside vendors to address technical issues, using tools to prioritize high-traffic pages for accessibility improvements.

Liaison Reports/Updates

Update from Council Liaison - Mayor Daggett

Mayor Daggett shared that she is encouraging divisions on ways to interact and utilize the commission. She has committed to sharing information with staff and the City Manager on things to consider as they move forward in their work.

Transportation Liaison - LaReina Reyes - Mountain Line

Ms. Reyes shared that Mountain Line staff recommended the Board of Directors approve the addition of the Alvan Clark Loop and retain the Thompson Loop, which would retain Route 8 service on the three stops that were proposed to close. She also shared that the next Coordinated Mobility Council meeting is on May 22, 2026.

Update from Youth Liaison - Joseph Spence & Alida Pfeil

Joseph Spence and Alida Pfeil File reported on preparations for the IDEA conference in August, NACOPT's resource fair planning, and presentations from the SCALE program for college students with developmental disabilities.

Update from Sidewalk Liaison - Jamie Martinez

None

Update from Parking Liaison - Rachael Simukonda

None

Information Items To/From Inclusion and Adaptive Living Commission Members and Staff Liaison

Commissioner Randall presented a list of commission achievements, including the commission name change, increased liaison representation, ADA audits, accessibility improvements at parks and libraries, and collaboration with city planners and programs.

Commissioner Dorman shared information about an upcoming Accessible Housing and Transition Institute for parents and young adults, with Circle Families partnering to provide presentations on services such as transportation and social security.

Commissioner Becker informed the commission about upcoming public forums for new community college buildings, encouraging members and disability advocates to attend and provide input on ADA and universal design considerations during the design stage.

Chair Simukonda reminded the commission that Council would be considering new appointments and reappointments in May. A new Chairperson will be selected at the June meeting after the new members are seated.

10.

Agenda Items for Next Meeting (THURSDAY - May 28, 2026)

No discussion.

11.

Adjournment

The Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting adjourned at 12:46 p.m.