I. CALL TO ORDER

Ann Marie Gortmaker called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m.

(John Bowders, Hazel Fields, Richard Perkins appeared virtually)

Staff Present: Adam Kruse, Shane Creech, Richard Stone, Allison

Anderson, Vineet Kapilla, Clint Smith, Phil Teeple, Aaron Decker

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

appeared virtually.

II. INTRODUCTIONS

Statement by Chair on Virtual Participation

Ann Marie Gortmaker makes a statement on virtual participation and

reminds members to speak in to the microphone.

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Commission discussed the agenda.

Ken Rice made a motion to approve the agenda. Rene Powell seconded the

motion. All in favor; motion approved.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

DRAFT October 9, 2025 Minutes

Commission discussed the October minutes.

Marlee Walz made a motion to approve the minutes. Richard Perkins seconded

the motion. All in favor; motion approved.

V. SPECIAL ITEMS

Clint Smith, Community Development Director, and Shane Creech,

Director of Public Works - A discussion about accessibility and temporarily

closed sidewalks for construction

Shane Creech talked to the Commission and answered some of the

questions provided in advance. Shane Creech talked about the ADA

Sidewalk Transition Plan and said that the Public Works Department will

involve the City’s ADA Coordinator for any major changes to that plan, and

also said that the Department will continue to seek input from the

Disabilities Commission on the plan and ongoing sidewalk project

priorities. Shane Creech talked about street snow removal and about

projects, including round-a-bouts. Shane Creech spoke about the

permitting process for sidewalk closures, he said that Building Site

Development Division used to be part of Public Works Department but now

it is part of the Department of Community Development. The Commission

asked Shane Creech and Clint Smith about the City Sidewalk Closure

Policy, as well as staff training on that policy. Shane Creech talked about

training opportunities for his staff that take place throughout the year, and

many are required for their continuing educations requirements for a

professional engineer license. He said that these trainings will discuss

PROWAG and MUTCD standards, including for closing sidewalks. Clint

Smith spoke on behalf of Building Site Development Staff and said that the

permitting staff in his Department are very familiar with the City’s Sidewalk

Closure Policy, that it regularly comes up as a topic of discussion at staff

meetings when talking about projects or permits.

Richard Stone, City Engineering and Operations Manager, City of

Columbia - A discussion about street snow removal and ongoing or future

projects related to sidewalks

Richard Stone was present but did not speak. The Commission did not

specifically discuss this. A lot of this was covered by the presentation from

Shane Creech and Clint Smith.

VI. OLD BUSINESS

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

Adam Kruse spoke briefly for an overview of the award. The Commission

discussed the next steps towards implementation including marketing

materials and potentially going to the business community to talk about it,

to ensure they understand it is an award for education and recognition; it

does not have anything to do with enforcement.

VII. NEW BUSINESS

Discussion on the City's proposed pedestrian safety ordinance as it relates

to accessibility or concerns of people with disabilities

Adam Kruse discussed that City Council has requested for the

Commission to provide input on the proposed pedestrian safety ordinance

as it relates to accessibility. The Commission discussed the proposed

ordinance, including its requirements, interpretations of parts, and feelings

on the ordinance. Jonathan Asher commented about the requirement to

cross in crosswalks. Jonathan said that there are instances where people

might feel more comfortable crossing in other places. Jonathan also talked

about concerns with prohibiting people being in the street, and said that

there are places with broken sidewalks or no sidewalks and going in the

street might be the only option for some people. Ken Rice talked about

concerns with immediate enforcement and believed there should at a

minimum be a grace period to educate people of any new requirements.

Marlee Walz said that there needs to be community education if this were

rolled out, and there needs to be improved signage to help make people

aware of the new requirements. Joseph Facteau commented that it feels

rushed. After the discussion with all members, John Bowders provided a

recap of the concerns raised by the Commission related to accessibility,

which were the requirement to only cross in a crosswalk where other

locations might be more appropriate for someone with a disability, the

strict prohibition of being in the street because some locations might not

have a sidewalk, and providing a period of public education prior to

enforcement of any new requirements.

Ken Rice made a motion to write a report to Council with these points. Alexis

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

VIII. REPORTS

Future Agenda Items

Ann Marie Gortmaker said the Commission should invite someone from

the City’s Communications division to talk about the DawnZ Award and

also have the consultants for the Como to Zero Group. The Commission

will invite these groups to the December meeting.

Chair

No report at this time.

Staff Report

Adam Kruse reported that the Commission’s budget was approved and

that Council approved a higher budget for the National ADA Symposium.

MU Chancellor's Committee on Persons with Disabilities

Ann Marie Gortmaker said that they have not met yet, but will meet next

week.

Safe Streets for All Working Group

John Bowders talked about the Consultants who will come to talk to the

Commission next month. Also, that the consultants are hoping to get more

input from groups on the surveys. Adam Kruse said he will email the group

the survey links.

Airport Steering Committee

John Bowders said the consultant is expected to have a report some time

in January, maybe February at the latest.

IX. GENERAL COMMENTS BY PUBLIC, MEMBERS AND STAFF

Ann Marie Gortmaker talked about one point raised by Shane Creech was

not enough inspectors and Ann Marie wondered whether this might be an

issue for Council’s Budget next year.

X. NEXT MEETING DATE: December 11, 2025

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Alexis Simmerman made a motion to adjourn. Joseph Facteau seconded the

motion. The meeting adjourned at 4:41 p.m.