I. CALL TO ORDER

John Bowders called the meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.

(Richard Perkins appeared virtually)

Staff Present: Adam Kruse, Michael Sokoff, Adnan Halilovic, Shannon

Hemenway, Leigh Kottwitz

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

appeared virtually.

II. INTRODUCTIONS

Statement by Chair on Virtual Participation

John Bowders makes a statement on virtual participation and reminds

members to speak in to the microphone.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Commission discussed the agenda.

Jonathan Asher made a motion to approve the agenda. Joseph Facteau

seconded the motion. All in favor; motion approved.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

DRAFT September 11, 2025 Disabilities Commission Meeting Minutes

Commission discussed the September minutes. Members found an error

in that Ann Marie Gortmaker was counted as present, but was actually an

excused absence.

Joseph Facteau made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Marlee

Walz seconded the motion. All in favor; motion approved.

V. SPECIAL ITEMS

Mike Sokoff, Transit Manager, City of Columbia - A discussion about the

City's public transit and paratransit services, as well as some parking

Mike Sokoff presented to the commission. Mike mentioned that he is going

to be retiring next month. Mike talked about there being a national shortage

of bus drivers and discussed some of the issues surrounding it. Mike said

that the City currently has 29 of a needed 40 positions filled for bus drivers.

Mike said that the Fiscal Year 2026 budge passed and that transit will be

fare free at least until the next budget cycle. Transit also faced budget cuts

from the state from $200,000 per year to $120,000. The Commission also

discussed parking, audible stop announcements on buses and the transit

consultants’ study that will be presented at a meeting on October 21. Mike

said some of the takeaway points of the study are that people want more

frequency of buses on the current fixed routes, and that the consultants

talked about funding which is always an issue. Transit is currently operating

primarily on federal grants and it’s never a certainty as to what Transit will

actually receive.

Leigh Kottwitz, Neighborhood Services Manager, City of Columbia - A

discussion about the City's Office of Neighborhood Services

Leigh Kottwitz presented to the Commission. Leigh said the Department of

Housing and Neighborhood Services has a new director, he was sworn in

on Monday. Leigh talked about how her division, the Office of

Neighborhood Services, operates with 7 inspectors who enforce the

property maintenance code, health and nuisance violations, zoning issues,

chapter 24 enforcement including sidewalks and roll carts or solid waste

violations. Leigh said that last year her office responded 4,782 reports and

that 2,963 of those were citizen complaints. Leigh said if someone wants to

complain, they can call 874-CITY, use the chat feature on the website or

send an email to neighborhood@como.gov

<mailto:neighborhood@como.gov>. The Commission discussed the report

an issue feature on the app. The Commission also discussed snow

removal on sidewalks around the City and enforcement.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

VII. NEW BUSINESS

VIII. REPORTS

Discussion on the revised ADA grievance complaint form

Commission tabled this item for next meeting.

Update on the DawnZ Award, an award to recognize business accessibility

Commission tabled this item for next meeting.

Future Agenda Items

Commission discussed inviting Richard Stone and Shane Creech from the

City’s Public Works Department and Clint Smith from the City’s

Department of Community Development, to discuss sidewalks and

permitting process for closed sidewalks during construction.

Chair

John Bowders provided a report that transit and sidewalks are two of the

most common issues that come up, so he appreciates today’s speakers

and Commission’s discussion with them.

Staff Report

Adam Kruse reminded Commission members of the Board Reception on

October 22.

MU Chancellor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities

Ann Marie Gortmaker said the Lee Henson Access Award Ceremony

occurred last weekend. Ann Marie said that this year’s focus was a lot on

virtual accessibility because of the Department of Justice’s upcoming

deadline in the Spring.

Safe Streets for All Working Group

John Bowders talked about the Safe Streets Survey and that next week

there will be a site review and road safety audit of the Business Loop

where volunteers will be on site with the consultants.

Airport Steering Committee

No update

IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF

Alexis Simmerman wished to welcome new members to the Commission.

Ann Marie Gortmaker commented that she and John are working to

provide presenters some questions in advance of the meeting so they have

time to prepare. If Commission members had any questions for future

speakers to email those questions to Adam Kruse.

X. NEXT MEETING DATE: November 13, 2025

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Jonathan Asher made a motion to adjourn. Joseph Facteau seconded the

motion. The meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m.