training, all new hires should undergo the training immediately. Allison agreed it will apply
to new hires as well. Jacque also commented on the importance of enforcing accessible
sidewalk closures around medical facilities such as the Boone Hospital area, as well as
ensuring push buttons at crossings are accessible as the Commission has heard
concerns of buttons not being reachable to people who use wheelchairs. Ann Marie
Gortmaker asked about the meaning of “detectable” barricades and whether that applies
to sound detectable or cane detectable. Allison clarified it did mean cane detectable. Ann
Marie commented on the training, that she has seen the training video mentioned in the
policy and it is extensive. Allison stated that she has reached out to the Missouri’s
LTAP, which is a training provider on the safety of roadways, and hopes they will also
provide more training in this area. Ann Marie asked about whether the permit online has
been updated with respect to the new policy and the accessibility checklist. Jerry East
stated that it has not been fully added to the online application yet, as staff wanted to
receive public input before finalizing it to be part of the application process. Ann Marie
commented that when contractors are applying to fully close the sidewalks, she believes
they should include a justification in the application as to why they cannot do a protected
partially open sidewalk. Adam Kruse stated that he will work with staff and can review the
application itself to see if we need an additional question for contractors to justify why a
full sidewalk closure is needed instead of a partial closure. Patrika Brown asked about
notification to the public when the sidewalk is closed. Jerry East stated that Public
Works’s Public Information Officer is notified of the closure and public information will
deem whether they need to do a press release or a social media notice of the closure.
The determination is made in their office. The Commission thanked staff for their work and
for presenting on this topic as sidewalks are consistently brought up in Commission
business.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
Sanctuary City Ordinance for LGBTQ Persons
Jacque Sample provided an update that the best understanding is that staff is in the
process of drafting an ordinance to be presented to Council. Adam Kruse stated that is
also his best understanding, Adam stated that if it goes in front of Council at the first
meeting in February, then he will notify the Commission otherwise it will remain on the
agenda for the February meeting for the Commission to discuss.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Disabilities Commission Budget and New Decision Items Requests
Jacque Sample provided an update on the current fiscal year budget and the Commission
discussed the items. Commission would like to ensure there is ADA training for staff,
including for first responders in particular. Jonathan Asher stated that he attended first
responder training from Niagara University and he believes is helpful. Vera Elwood stated
that Niagara University does provide free training for EMS employees for free but was not
sure about police or fire. The Commission also discussed the upcoming ADA symposium
and the budget allocation for that.
COMO Accessibility Plan Alignment Discussion on Reliable Infrastructure
Goals
Adam Kruse provided an update that this was on the Commission’s Speaker Schedule to
review this. Jacque Sample stated that she is working on a survey or progress reports for
these assessments. The Commission discussed this issue. The Commission’s idea is to
do two semi-annual progress reports, and one annual report to Council.
VIII. REPORTS
Future Agenda Matters
Adam Kruse discussed the proposed agenda items for February’s meeting according to
the Commission’s schedule, which is to invite someone from the City Manager’s Office to
