I. CALL TO ORDER

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

(John Bowders, Kieta Clay, Rene Powell appeared virtually)

Staff Present: Adam Kruse, Brian Adkisson

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

Commission members wished to add “Discussion of Chuck Graham Accessibility and

Ambassador Award” to the end of new business.

Ann Marie Gortmaker made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Vera

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

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

DRAFT March 14, 2024 Disabilities Commission Meeting Minutes

Vera Elwood made a motion to approve the minutes. Ann Marie Gortmaker

seconded the motion. All in favor; motion approved.

V. SPECIAL ITEMS

Discussion with Brian Adkisson, Creative Services and Marketing

Manager for City, for input on meeting space improvement ideas and

accessibility

Brian Adkisson presented to the Commission that the City is beginning a request for

proposal process for improvements to equipment and technology in the City’s meeting

spaces such as Council Chambers and Room 1A/1B. The Commission discussed ideas

for accessibility improvements including making presentations available on personal

mobile devices, live captions in the meeting space, wheelchair access to podium,

designated empty spaces in audience for people who use wheelchairs, concerns with

audience members having to stand in line for extended amount of time on important

topics, the temperature of meeting spaces being too cold in winter, assistive listening

devices, make transcripts from captions available to the public after the meeting. Brian

Adkisson thanked the Commission and suggested any other ideas or recommendations

for the project be submitted within 45 to 60 days.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

Content of Promotional Materials for the Disabilities Commission

Adam Kruse provided an update that at Earth Day there will be a flyer and information on

reporting disabled parking violations. Also, that he is still working on an official brochure

for the Commission.

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). Members volunteered for times to staff the booth.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Response from City Staff on February Meeting Topics

Commission members tabled this until the May meeting.

Discussion on Name of Disabilities Commission

Commission members tabled this until the May meeting.

VIII. REPORTS

Future Agenda Items

Commission members discussed upcoming agenda and to invite Human Resources to

attend to discuss accommodations, it will also include the items tabled from this

meeting. The Commission will push back inviting Cultural Affairs at least one month. The

Commission wished to include further discussion on accessibility improvements to

meeting spaces. Also, the request for a letter of support for the safe streets for all grant

application.

Chair

No report

Staff Report

Adam Kruse mentioned that there are 4 members whose terms are expiring and that if

they wished to reapply, the deadline is May 3.

Public Transit Advisory Commission

Dawn Zeterberg forwarded the presentation from the transit consultants last week.

Commission members discussed the content of the presentation.

MU Chancellor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities

Ann Marie Gortmaker and John Bowders provided an update that the Lee Henson Award

is coming up and nominations are open.

Vision Zero Working Group

John Bowders provides an update. Adam Kruse mentioned that Krista Shouse Jones is

going to request a letter of support from the commission for the safe streets grant.

Airport Steering Committee

No updates.

IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF

Cathy Dolles, commented that the business loop needs a crosswalk near Aldi’s and

general concerns that vehicles are getting too close to pedestrians.

Ann Marie Gortmaker comments that, in her experience, roll carts have not yet been as

big of a pedestrian concern on sidewalks as she originally believed. Commission

members discussed varying experiences with roll carts.

Vera Elwood commented of concerns that medical services were cut off of a transit route

in the consultants’ presentation.

Cathy Dolles commented that one idea might be for the Commission to post a flyer on

city buses. Jacque Sample also suggested maybe they could put information on

business cards that members could distribute.

X. NEXT MEETING DATE