I. CALL TO ORDER

John Bowders called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.

(No members appeared virtually)

Staff Present: Adam Kruse

Members of the public appeared in person. A member of the public appeared virtually.

II. INTRODUCTIONS

Statement by Chair on Virtual Participation

John Bowders makes a statement on virtual participation and reminds participants to

keep cameras on.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Members discussed amending the agenda to include “Sanctuary City for LGBTQ in

Columbia” to be included at the end of New Business.

Jonathan Asher made a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Dawn

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

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

DRAFT September 14, 2023 Disabilities Commission Meeting Minutes

Rene Powell made a motion to approve the minutes. Jonathan Asher seconded

the motion. Motion passed. Gretchen Maune abstained from voting.

V. SPECIAL ITEMS

Brianna Lennon, Boone County Clerk, to present on accessible voting for

people in Boone County

Brianna Lennon presented to the commission on accessible voting opportunities. Brianna

discussed the ongoing polling location audits for accessibility. She also discussed the

changes in Missouri law to primary elections as well as the ongoing litigation regarding

photo identifications requirements for Missouri voters. The commission discussed these

issues and had questions for Brianna.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

Speakers Schedule for Disabilities Commission

John Bowders discussed a draft proposal for an annual schedule for presenters to the

Disabilities Commission. This proposal will be discussed further during the November

meeting.

Strategic Plan Scheduled Discussions

John Bowders requests members review the COMO Accessibility Plan for further

discussion at the next November meeting. Adam Kruse will email commission members

a copy of the plan.

Accessibility Statement on Council Forms

Commission members discussed this issue, and whether accessibility could be included

as a category for documents submitted to city council. Adam Kruse believes the

category options on City Council documents are related to the City’s strategic plan.

Adam will follow-up to gather more information on this.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Discussion on I-70 and US-63 Connector and Accessibility

John Bowders discusses that the Vision Zero Task Force is applying for a grant for this

area, and seeking feedback from the Disabilities Commission. Commission members

discussed the dangers to pedestrians in this area and trying to cross over the US 63

Connector. Sonya Johnson mentions that nearby hotels may also wish to provide

feedback on future plans. John Bowders requests that staff invite Krista Shouse-Jones to

a future meeting to discuss the location and the application.

Liaison from Disabilities Commission to the Bicycle/Pedestrian

Commission

John Bowders discusses the commonality and intermingling of issues that both of issues

presented to both of these commissions. Commission discusses the idea of a liaison.

John Bowders agrees to participate in Bicycle/Pedestrian Commissions as a liaison for

the Disabilities Commission.

VIII. REPORTS

Chair

None

Staff

Adam Kruse discussed the issue of closed sidewalks and accessibility. That, in

response to an ADA grievance and findings by the ADA Coordinator that the City did not

do enough for review of plans and enforcement, the Public Works Department is drafting a

new closed sidewalk policy to include minimum accessibility requirements for

contractors. Adam also mentioned that the Chuck Graham award for Lydia Olmsted will

be presented on Monday, October 16.

Public Transit Advisory Commission

Dawn Zeterber provides an update that the consultants presented to the Commission at

the last PTAC meeting.

MU Chancellor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities

Ann Marie Gortmaker stated that the Lee Hensen award was presented in September

and winners included the Mizzou Wheelchair Basketball group and Kari McBee for

accessible design in fashion.

Vision Zero Working Group

John Bowders provided an update discussing the next proposal to the federal highway

association with a focus on the I-70 and US-63 Connector.

IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF

Sanctuary City for LGBTQ Community

Oliver Ackerman presented to the Commission on issues facing the LGBTQ community

after recent action from the Missouri State Legislature. He and others are proposing a

sanctuary city ordinance which deprioritizes law enforcement action against members of

the LGBTQ community for issues like restrooms and healthcare. Oliver also discussed

the overlap between people of the disabilities community and the LGBTQ community.

Carol Salter also presented on the proposed ordinance and mentioned that some court

cases have recognized transgender as being under the protected category of disability.

Commission members discussed the issue and the idea of a proposed ordinance. An

ordinance has not yet been proposed to City Council. The Commission members wished

to wait until they could see a copy of the ordinance draft.

Cathy Dolles commented on the issue of limited transportation and difficulty in scheduling