Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities Committee Minutes Zoom Remote Meeting Hosted in Tacoma, WA 98402 Friday, August 13, 2021 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:07 p.m. Commissioners Present Amin Tony Hester, Luke Byram, Todd Holloway, Krystal Monteros, James Williams, Richard Smaby, Rebecca Parson, Lukas Barfield, Tony Caldwell, Dylan O’Catherine Commissioners Absent Aimee Sidhu, Kristy Willet City Staff Present Lucas Smiraldo (OEHR), Jennifer Kammerzell (Public Works) Guests Present Cindi Laws (Purple Mountain Advocates), Ivan Tudela (PCDEM), Julian Wheeler (Pierce County Accessible Communities Advisory Committee), Haley Edick Adoption of Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Smaby and seconded by Commissioner Halloway and carried to accept this meeting’s COD agenda. Acceptance of Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Halloway and seconded by Commissioner Smaby and carried to accept the July 2021 minutes. Public Comment No public comments shared. 1st Guest Presenter 1st Guest Presentation 2nd Guest Presenter 2nd Guest Presentation Reports Chair and Vice Chair Liaison Report and Updates Commissioner Reports Pierce County Communities Advisory Committee Update Good of the Order Adjournment Jennifer Kammerzell of City of Tacoma’s Public Works Department and Staff Liaison to the Transportation Commission Outdoor Dining Program PowerPoint presentation. Council’s desire for a future permit policy. Jennifer covered the following topics: Background and Resolution 40783, program mission and approach, barriers and markings, parklet design and siting, cost estimates, community engagement, timeline of process and future presentations. Request for letter from commission by October on this plan. Commissioners Smaby, Monteros, Byram: reference to success stories such as Point Ruston, if mandatory make sure accessibility is not blocked, number of applications for the current program, desired minimum width of sidewalk, warning system of outdoor dining areas for cane users. Cindy Laws of Purple Mountain Advocates Introduction and Accessible Transportation Feasibility Study Update. Compared (spreadsheet) 15 national, peer cities to Tacoma and looked at density, population mobility, subsidies, regulations, and other factors and how they contribute to wheelchair accessible taxis. Breakdown of rates charged when servicing wheelchair customers. Universities, military presence, private companies, downtown density contribute taxi contract opportunities. Motivation for drivers to take/accept wheelchair accessible trips and purchase large enough vehicles. Shared success stories of taxi companies and organizations around the state. Will do a second presentation in December. Commissioners Williams, Parsons, Monteros, Holloway, Caldwell, Byram: kudos on data collected, electric vehicles battery life and charging station infrastructure, manufacturer donate vehicles. Chair Monteros: White paper for the Disabilities Rights of Washington press conference scheduled for late August. Video posted on social media and will be presented in front of Congress. News Tribune interview with Vice Chair Byram. Vice Chair Byram: No report at this time. Mr. Smiraldo: Ribbon cutting set for September 21, 2021 at corner of Pacific Avenue and 64th Street. Deputy Mayor Blocker and Councilmembers Ushka and Walker will be present and speaking for event. Caldwell Monteros to present banner. PW Department assist with banners. Commissioners to hold banners. Ms. Wheelchair Idaho will be attending as a guest. Tacoma Police Advisory Committee work has been put on pause due to alignment of various projects involving TPD and various City department and projects. A review of how to consolidate and align projects is in the works. Commission applications process and interviews debrief with commissioners. Alternates are being considered to assist with vacancies. Commissioner Holloway shared about police work needing to include mental health assistance and his personal experience over the weekend. Guest Wheeler: Upcoming virtual meeting on September 14th, via Zoom at 9am. Remote meetings will continue until further notice. Legislative report. Guest Edick highly suggests specific disability input when consultation is happening. Motion made by Commissioner Caldwell and seconded by Commissioner Smaby to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting ended at 6:09 p.m.