I. CALL TO ORDER

Jacque Sample called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

(Jonathan Asher, Kieta Clay, Hazel Fields appeared virtually)

Staff Present: Adam Kruse, Michael Parks

Members of the public appeared in person. No members of the public appeared virtually.

II. INTRODUCTIONS

Statement by Chair on Virtual Participation

Jacque Sample makes a statement on virtual participation and reminds participants to

keep cameras on.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Hazel Fields made a motion to approve the agenda. Ann Marie Gortmaker

seconded the motion. All in favor; motion approved.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

DRAFT February 8, 2024 Disabilities Commission Meeting Minutes

Patrika Brown made a motion to approve the minutes. Vera Elwood seconded

the motion. Motion approved. Hazel Fields abstains from voting.

V. SPECIAL ITEMS

Discussion with Michael Parks, Airport Manager for Columbia Regional

Airport, with general updates on airport operations

Michael Parks presented to the Commission and discussed the new airport terminal

including the new service animal relief area, adult changing table, audible signals at

pedestrian crosswalks, sensory room. He also discussed the airport master plan for

capital improvements and the airport steering committee.

Discussion with Cortney Fisher, Director of Training Division for Thompson

Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, with general information and an

update on the groundbreaking ceremony for a new facility on April 25, 2024

Cortney Fisher presented to the commission and discussed an overview of the services

offered by Thompson Center, the upcoming new facility, conferences for people with

autism, and training opportunities for first responders. The Commission discussed the

training opportunity.

Cathy Dolles made a motion to send a letter to the Columbia Police Department

and Columbia Fire Department to connect them with the Thompson Center and

this training opportunity. Dawn Zeterberg seconded the motion. All in favor;

motion approved.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Content of Promotional Materials for the Disabilities Commission

Adam Kruse provided an update that there is a draft in the process and what is included.

Members requested the promotional material include information on accessible parking

violations.

Upcoming Outreach Opportunity for 2024 Earth Day Festival

Commission members discussed the upcoming Earth Day Festival which will take place

on April 21 (rain date set for April 28).

Patrika Brown made a motion to register for an Earth Day booth. Dawn Zeterberg

seconded. All in favor; motion approved. The Commission will discuss staffing

the booth at the April meeting.

Discussion on 2024 National ADA Symposium and Nomination for

Members to Attend

Adam Kruse provides an update that the symposium will be June 9-12 in Minneapolis,

Minnesota. The Commission identified members who were interested and that two

members could be sent this year under the current budget.

Jacque Sample made a motion to send Vera Elwood to the Symposium. Ann

Marie Gortmaker seconded. All in favor; motion approved.

Dawn Zeterberg made a motion to send Rene Powell to the Symposium. Ann

Marie Gortmaker seconded. All in favor; motion approved.

VIII. REPORTS

Future Agenda Items

Jacque Sample provides an update that the Commission received a response from the

City Manager’s Office regarding some of the items discussed at the February meeting

and that this should be on the agenda for April. Adam Kruse said that Brian Adkisson

from the Community Relations Division will be presenting at the next meeting and that the

Mayor is also expected to attend. Members also discussed that the Commission could

invite RATI and Columbia Mobile Aid.

Chair

Jacque Sample discussed her attendance at a recent City Council meeting which

included the Commission’s Letter of Support for the LGBTQ Safe Haven Ordinance and

the Commission’s Report to Council for New Decision Items in the 2025 Fiscal Year

Budget.

Staff Report

Adam Kruse reported that Samantha Rogers, administrative staff in the Law Department

who assisted with the Commission, has moved onto a new position outside of the City.

Public Transit Advisory Commission

Dawn Zeterberg reported that the transit consultants will be in attendance at the Tuesday

meeting.

MU Chancellor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities

Ann Marie Gortmaker says that there was a brief meeting and there are no updates.

Vision Zero Working Group

No report.

Airport Steering Committee

No report.

IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF

Eric Westhues, an architect, discussed an upcoming sidewalk closure policy with the

Disabilities Commission that will take place at Ninth and Broadway. The project’s

proposal will be submitted before City Council, however the project team wished to

discuss the current proposal with the Commission first.

Rene Powell commented that the Commission may want to consider making a name

change in the future. Jacque Sample requested that this be an agenda topic at the next

meeting.

Vera Elwood commented on temporary sidewalk closures and discussed an issue at

Council Meetings where individuals had to stand in line for extended amount of time for

fear the individual might lose a place in line to make a public comment.

X. NEXT MEETING DATE

April 11, 2024

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Patrika Brown made a motion to adjourn. Rene Powell seconded the motion.

The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 5:09 PM.