2026-10-28 - Commission on Inclusion and Adaptive Living

So, welcome to the October 28th Commission on Inclusion and Adaptable Living Living meeting. I'm thrilled to be here with all of you, even if it's just by speakerphone.

>> Good to have you.

>> All right. [name], if you could take us through a roll call, that would be much appreciated.

>> [name]

>> Here.

>> [name]

>> Present.

>> [name]

>> Here.

>> [name]

>> Here.

>> [name] Here.

>> All right. So, moving down to item number three, is the recommended protocol for members and other participants. All commission All commissioners should have their microphones on mute to keep the background noise out of the chat room, and the chair of the meeting should ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak if they wish to do so. Commissioners should use the chat function to inform the chair that they would like to make a statement. And the chair will announce the commissioners to speak in the order that they appear in the chat. [name], I'll just need your help with that today.

>> Not a problem.

>> All right. So, moving down to item number four, we have a presentation from Snow Heroes.

>> Take it away.

>> Perfect. Uh good morning, everyone. My name is [name], and I serve as a manager um for the City of Flagstaff's Sustainability Division. Today, I'll be sharing one of the programs that I help uh administer for the city. Uh next slide, please. So, today we will go through like the purpose of the Snow Hero program, its primary like goals and benefits to the community, the history of it, like how it came to be, uh an overview of the different outreach efforts that we employ to build awareness around the program and build support for the program. Importantly, how to access things, whether you're wanting to request services for the program or to participate in another way. And then, just at the very end, a brief overview of the differences between the Snow Hero program and another snow-related program the city runs. Next slide, please. So, primary purpose is addressing needs and legal requirements within the the city boundaries. During actual winters that we have, I know last winter was kind of less snow than most of us would like, um but this addresses the need to clear snow and ice from sidewalks to make mobility in neighborhoods better for everyone. And [clears throat] then, this program is set up to connect residents who need assistance with that clearing of ice and snow with a Snow Hero vol- volunteer individual or group to help clear that snow and ice after every single snow event uh throughout the winter months. And there's city code requirements that if you are a resident or a property owner, you're responsible for maintaining that adjacent sidewalk. And not everyone has the ability to do that on a regular basis for what for many different reasons. So, those are some of the main purposes uh why this program was developed. Next slide. Uh program overview, this is just like kind of high-level highlights of the program. Uh it complements existing programs and initiatives such as some of the efforts Co-Compliance does to help educate about safe sidewalks. Uh Pros operates the snow berm removal program which removes the berm at the end of people's driveways. So, this is just kind of filling filling in a gap uh from those other programs. And big parts of this connecting neighbors with neighbors. Knowing your neighbors is great. Um I barely know some of mine and I've been here for about 5 years. I try my best, but this is an opportunity for others to get to know the people around them. So, which in which will result in increased neighborhood mobility and help it has helped build collaborations within the city organization as well. So, some more touch points so that way the left hand knows what the right hand is talking about. Next slide, please. Brief program history. So, it started off with a lot identifying those needs and some challenges in different neighborhoods. And we did extensive research to find other similar types of programs across the nation. Uh I highlighted a couple of the examples on the slide here. Denver operates a snow angels program. Cedar Rapids does a snow buddies program. Toledo does it another type of snow angels shoveling program. All of these operate in different ways. Some of them are based on like neighborhood associations running and operating them to connect residents with a core group of volunteers who go around to multiple locations. Others like the snow buddies program focuses on matching neighbors with other neighbors to support each other. So, ours took pieces of all of those programs together to create the Flagstaff Snow Hero program. Um and the collaboration list there the majority of people who had a key involvement in developing the structure and benefits of this program. Um on there Pros, Parks Rec Open Space and Events, Public Works, Code Compliance, the Legal and Risk Management Team for the city, and this commission. So, I remember coming to you all about 3 years ago multiple times to help present and draft these different types of models and what's going to be most effective, and the commission provided really great insights on how to improve the program. And every year that I come back to this group I always receive amazing feedback to continue to make improvements. Uh and then the pilot year was 2023. So, 3 years ago is when this initiative started. That first year we had a lot of engagement with the community because it was a fairly good snow year. Uh and then last year kind of interest dwindled a little bit. Next slide, please. So, some of our outreach efforts, and we've changed uh formats and different outreach methods year to year based on the need. So, during that pilot year, we did a little more. We had advertisements on different bus routes and posters inside the buses and on the sides of the buses as well. Uh since then we have pulled back a little bit um due to funding considerations, and a lot of our efforts online, social media event calendars, volunteer Flagstaff, which is a new volunteer portal for the city organization. So, anyone who's looking for volunteer opportunities with the city of Flagstaff, volunteer Flagstaff is the hub for that. There is an updated city webpage that's linked here in the slide, but if you type in to a search engine Snow Heroes Flagstaff, it's usually like one of the first links that pops up. Uh we advertise in multiple newsletters uh that are distributed by the city organization. The city of Flagstaff Sustainability Office has uh a newsletter that goes out a monthly basis. And then we usually connect with Discover Flagstaff as well, and they will advertise in their local uh newsletter as well. And other types of outreach, direct mailers, and I'll talk a little bit more about that in the next slide. Uh as well as direct emails. So, we do radio advertisements. We will typically do one to two press releases annually, so that way we can get out there broadly. And then oh I guess it's Yeah, the event calendar's up there. And then we do targeted flyers and posters uh at community centers and where people gather. And I usually will send the flyer once it's developed for the year with all the actual updated information to this group and ask you all to distribute it amongst your networks to just build awareness. So, those are broadly like as a in a nutshell, all the things that we do. Um presentations to this group as well is another one. Um there is a monthly presentation like group that Discover Flagstaff runs every single month. It's called Coffee Clutch, and that is Discover Flagstaff inviting uh nonprofits and a lot of different businesses in town together to hear what's happening across the organization, and we present there every single month uh for sustainability on our volunteer efforts and upcoming events. So, we will be presenting there as well. So, just a couple additions there. Thank you, [name]. And we do some more targeted outreach as well based on the courtesy snow berm relocation program, which the city parks and rec pros parks rec open space and events runs. They have a list of all these different residents who have submitted an application to have some the snow berm at the end of their driveway removed by city staff after city plowing operations are concluded. And we reach out to all those individuals. First, we and by we, I mean me, I look at all the different addresses on that list and identify do they actually have a sidewalk adjacent to their property. And then I do targeted mailers and if there's email contacts so in the mail, phone call, and email to all those residents who meet the criteria for the snow berm relocation program and if they have a sidewalk. And this is what that direct mailer looks like. It's just a simple postcard with information and contact. Next slide, please. Okay, the fun stuff. How to. So, this first one, if you are resident and you're like, "Wow, I need assistance clearing ice and snow from my sidewalk throughout the entire winter, here are some of the the requirements for this program. You have to live [Remainder of the Snow Heroes presentation and the questions and comments that followed, the public comment period, and the presentation by community advocates on universal design are omitted from this transcript.] approve the minutes from September 23rd, 2026. So if you need a moment to peruse those minutes, please do so. And then if I could have a a motion to approve followed by a second when you're done.

>> I'll make a motion.

>> Thank you, [name]. Do I have a second?

>> [name] City Council

>> Thank you, [name]. I appreciate you. Um so all of those in favor of approval of the minutes from September 23rd, 2026 as written signify by saying I.

>> I.

>> I.

>> All of those opposed? Hearing no opposition, the minutes from September 23rd, 2026 will be approved as written. Thank you, everyone. Now we'll be moving down item number 10 on our agenda, our discussion items. And we have an announcement. [name], would you like to read that?

>> Yep. At the direction of council, the city clerk's office was asked to evaluate the boards and commissions programs and then to make recommendations to council regarding ways that the program can improve both efficiency, effectiveness, and service to the community. A discussion with the council and a presentation for these recommendations will occur on November 17th. Materials outlining the proposed recommendations will be available in the packet the week prior to the November 17th meeting uh council meeting and we encourage all commissioners um and public to attend the meeting in person or watch it live for additional information and specifics regarding those recommendations. Uh recommendations may or may not be accepted by council and then we welcome all public comments.

>> When do we get that packet? Are those available online?

>> Yes.

>> Okay. I'll find it. Okay. I'll take a look.

>> And just to remind you that will be the day before our monthly November meeting. So, that's actually good timing. All right. Does anybody have anything else that they would like to add to this announcement?

>> I just uh I wasn't sure I'm I'm sorry if I'm not supposed to speak now.

>> Just Yeah, go.

>> Um but packets like will be available online?

>> Yeah.

>> Those will be packets with the recommendations from the city

>> from the city staff to the council.

>> Yep.

>> And that will Okay.

>> You can like read it like I'll probably read it ahead of time because I'll be at work and then I'll watch the meeting after on YouTube. Um yeah.

>> Okay, perfect. So, moving down to item number B, a debriefing from Northern Arizona Disability Resource Fair, which was a really awesome event to be involved in. So,

>> My um it was amazing to have, you know, all all of you were there. I think everyone all of you guys were there. It was great to see you. Um my one recommendation was the fair wasn't accessible for being accessibility fair. We just we had a hard time getting, you know, some of you behind our table and um you know, just

>> There was space in between the tables.

>> So, one of the recommendations is if they could open the area wider.

>> We were in a different room last year. I don't know if that made a difference. It was in that front room that was a little [Banter omitted.] So, and what a great event to bring the community together.

>> Moving on. So, our next agenda item No comment.

>> [laughter]

>> So, I think it's worth again thank you for you know sponsoring and I thought it was definitely worthwhile and I would encourage us going again. I just didn't with it fresh in our mind, is there something you know we should do different or better or just do it all the same and it worked out well?

>> know. Maybe like info on the commission would be my only recommendation. Like have a little pamphlet or card or something. Um we were letting people know like get involved. There's usually openings, check the website, but some people forget to do that. So, maybe just cuz every every as a participant last year, every table pretty much had like promotional stuff and you could keep it with you. So,

>> I I like

>> That would just be my

>> That's it's very free flies have passed out like every piece of paper that we had there. Uh so, I think that's a really good suggestion.

>> Yeah, just like what the commission is, what we do, what our goals are, how to apply, things like that.

>> It's a great idea.

>> That would be a fantastic like a little card that we can hand out to people that just gives them a a glimpse of what the commission is about.

>> And when our meetings are.

>> Yes.

>> Yes.

>> So, that they can We we don't have any public participation hardly at all. And uh uh We we should be pushing for time because of public participation, but we're not and and so uh um I I think we need to get the public more involved somehow.

>> Yeah. I agree. And just as a member of the public, [name], thank you so much for your work on this cuz I know this is a huge amount of work for you for months and months and months and it's a great event and I just appreciate you. So, thank you.

>> Thank you. It's truly a pleasure to put it on and we have a great committee who does so. So,

>> [gasps]

>> be on the lookout. I know it's crazy to think that it felt probably busier this year than last year or maybe tighter like the room was smaller. Um

>> [clears throat]

>> but it's it's just because there were more people that came. So, we had over 300 people attending. I think 309 signed up, so we know that that's just people that that we caught by coming in. So, several people probably didn't, so I would assume that we had closer to about 350 community members coming in and out that day. So, um thank you guys so much for participating. It's nothing if our community doesn't show up on that end, too. So, we appreciate you guys and um so glad that you were here.

>> [name], this is [name]. Thank you so much for everything you do. That was a tremendous event. Pretty amazing.

>> Thank you. I appreciate that.

>> Moving down to items C and D on our agenda, I was speaking with [name] about the

>> Moving down to items C and D on our agenda, I was speaking with [name] about the letters that we are um that we are embarking on writing and I really want to get your feedback and your involvement because this is this is a commission for all of us. So, when we talk about writing a letter for universal design to the council, I I feel that it's really important to get all of your feedback on that so that we can really construct something that packs a punch and really gets at the heart of what we want. So, if I could ask you to um send ideas my way or to [name]'s way so that we can make that happen, please do so.

>> And [name] and I talked about this. Our goal is universal design was on our agenda even before, you know, [name] sent this info out. So, we want to have a good kind of conduit where we can gather all that and then present it to the city, present it to all the the departments coming from the commission to say, "Hey, you know, we've gathered all this. This is what we believe in. This is what we hope for." And I love [name]'s comment about let's let's pack a punch in a letter so that, you know, um make good examples of good things and bad things, you know, "Here's Lone Tree. It's awesome, except there's no button for a crossing that people can reach, you know." So, um just, you know, and again, "Hey, here's a horrible one where there's a you know, light pole right in the middle of the sidewalk and I can't even get around it, you know." So, whatever I, you know, we'll take the ideas, the presentations, and uh we'll probably vote on a letter either next time or soon to get it up to council and around the city. And then budget, we show me the money, you know. If we really believe in this, there should be some money available to do it for each department. So, I don't know if that means, you know, 1% of each department's budget includes a line item for, you know, accessibility improvements or maybe there's a separate line item budget that just gets funded and then grows with time. Just something to to say that we commit not only our action, but our money behind the action.

>> And I really get behind [name]'s comment that universal design, it really impacts everybody. Folks with disabilities, yes. Um, our elderly population, yes. It really just impacts everybody. So, let's make Flagstaff as universally designed as we possibly can.

>> I think putting in the letter that you can be just become disabled at any time in your life. That might really be important to include because people don't think about it until you break your leg and you can't walk for 6 weeks and then you're trying to navigate a city that is difficult to navigate.

>> Just the aging process at some point

>> or even

>> you will develop a disability of some sort.

>> 80 years old but then I could get something

>> Almost no matter who you are, you're going to develop something.

>> at some point in your life.

>> Yep.

>> If you're fortunate enough to live long enough, okay? So, yeah.

>> You know, and that's something that I always impose in my classes that I teach to my students is that ability is something that's very fleeting in life. And like you all said any of us can come into contact with a disability at any given point in time in our lives. Whether that disability be a temporary one or a permanent one. Or if it's somebody that we love that incurs that disability. So, thank you everybody for your input on that. I really do appreciate your efforts and look forward to seeing what we come up with. Moving down to item number E on our agenda, the ADA transition plan city property priorities and I'd like to have [name] speak to this.

>> So, I've been working hard on finding our properties and what's different is, you know, I've got a list of properties that we ensure because they've got buildings on it, but that's not just the properties people visit. You know, we've got public parks, we've got community gardens. So, I found 400 and 78 um properties and we did have an initial meeting in terms of you know, should this be included on the transition plan? And maybe in addition to the transition plan, while we're in the building, let's look at it from a staff perspective. So, you know, let's take City Hall. All right, we do the transition plan, we're looking at the public publicly accessible spaces, but if we hire individuals that need more assistance, let's look at the staff areas as well. So, we've got, you know, we've got this column that says yes, definitely we need to inspect this on the plan. And then yes, staff in terms of, you know, maybe it's not the public transition plan, but while we're doing the inspection, let's look at all the areas. So, you know, again, we go to the Aquaplex, nice big public area, but then let's look at the staff areas as well. So, we've got the data so that we can inform both decisions in terms of, all right, here's how we improve it so that we're encouraging um all members of the community to work at the city because they could access their workspace, you know. So, that's what the

>> emergency exits

>> Yeah. You know,

>> Some of them just have stairs and I'm like, how would I I would have to get out? And like, what slide down to get out?

>> Yeah. Could you work here on the stairs on the second floor? You know, is that even an option?

>> an elevator?

>> The Department of Labor would say that any employer, public or private, but any employer who has more than 15 employees, they have to have their workspaces accessible. Yeah, because otherwise you would never hire someone.

>> It's true. But even and inviting in terms of, hey,

>> Exactly. That's

>> we want you to know you're welcome, you know.

>> Yeah, or be easily changed to make it accessible.

>> Yeah, that's right. So, we went through the majority of what we went through. I mean, we literally got through Let me see how much of this we didn't get through.

>> Is this a document you can share with us?

>> get through 100 a 100 of these items. And so, we we looked at everything but the buildings. We're going to do the buildings last because those are more common. But, we have like assets on here like a generator, you know, we don't care about that. Uh we have some like well houses where again we put yes for staff but not the public. The public's not going into there. But, you know, if we had something that's maintaining the wells that need to be able to access it. So, then from there we said, "What's the priority? Is it low? Is it high?" So, in looking at I'll show you like some of the low priorities. Uh

>> Is this Can you share this

>> Yeah.

>> Cool.

>> So,

>> big document.

>> I was like, "Oh, jeez. I can barely

>> And some of these lows were because we already do a good job at it. Um I just wanted to wet your whistle in terms of, you know, this is what we're looking at you know, high priority the visitor center, city hall, um El Gensen, the airport, the library. Um

>> And we need to do something there.

>> Wheeler Park we felt like is a high visited uh area.

>> I'd say all the parks.

>> Yeah, Heritage Square, you know, the restrooms, the um and then some of these are assets where we rent them. So, the Eastside Library, the Tuba City Library, the Grand Canyon Library, you know, so uh in terms of low priority, we had smaller parks that are less visited. And just because it's low doesn't mean we're not doing it. We're like, "All right, if we got a priority, let's hit the the high, you know, high stuff first." Um you know, some of the water utility places, the uh the wells, the you know, the Murdock Park, you know, um and sometimes some of this the criteria was it was low not because it wasn't visited but because it's already very well accessible already. So we're we're kind of you know getting to the point where we're like all right, what's low, what's high, what's very low, you know, what's kind of in the middle. The different fire stations, they they usually have community events, they've got community rooms. So that's kind of a medium priority. And then the airport, you know, some of these hangars and these shades you know, we put as very low priority. So

>> city, right? There's no county.

>> Yeah, this is all city. Yeah, that blew me away that and I'm still finding stuff like hey, community garden, okay, let me get the community gardens on there.

>> Welcome to the ADA world.

>> So I'm I'm close to finding it all. I took I got all of the city-owned property. There was I don't know. There's more than this, you know, city-owned parcels and then I match the parcels to the city-owned property and I've got a meeting this Friday on you know, with [name] and saying and another staff member, I'm saying okay, what do we own, why do we own it, who do we own it for? We own the the land under a lot of places that we just kind of you know, lease out. And so some of this is is all that. So that's that's to wet your whistle cuz somebody's banging at the door for the next meeting but just I'll get this document out and just to let you know, you know, tell me, you know, hey, this should be a higher priority. [name], you forgot about you know, the basketball courts at Helgeson, which I didn't find here. But you [laughter] know, tell me,