Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities Committee Minutes Zoom Remote Meeting Hosted in Tacoma, WA 98402 Friday, December 10, 2021 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:04 p.m. Commissioners Present Amin Tony Hester, Luke Byram, Kristy Willet, Todd Holloway, Krystal Monteros, Aimee Sidhu, Lukas Barfield, Tony Caldwell, Commissioners Absent James Williams, Rebecca Parson, Richard Smaby City Staff Present Lucas Smiraldo (OEHR), Gail Himes (HR), Guests Present Delmar Algee, Pierce County Social Services, Julian Wheeler (Pierce County Accessible Communities Advisory Committee), Haley Edick, David Edick, Ivan Tudela, Emergency Management Adoption of Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Holloway and seconded by Commissioner Sidhu and carried to accept this meeting’s COD agenda with a discussion around ADA access concerns for people with disabilities at fast food establishments, pharmacies and financial institutions designated for “new business” Acceptance of Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Sidhu and seconded by Commissioner Holloway and carried to accept the November 2021 minutes. Public Comment None 1st Guest Presenter 1st Guest Presentation Reports Chair and Vice Chair Liaison Report Subcommittees Report Guest Update New Business Good of the Order Adjournment Delmar Algee, Pierce County Social Services Mr. Algee presented the work of the County in delivering services to those experiencing homelessness. He began by sharing his work experience leading up to his current position: * Began with TACID as case manager * Continued as Case Manager for MDC * Coordinated Entry Manager for Coordinated Entry Team * Currently hired as funder for Homeless Services to include contracting with agencies and technical assistance. Highlights of Mr Algee’s presentation * In 2014 began helped participate in model for Pierce County in partnership with Building Changes. * Met with diversion specialists to determine best way to support clients * Case managers are trained to follow emotional lows of first intake discussion and then to begin guiding back “up” toward a constructive plan. * The more comprehensive support is offered to clients who qualify for permanent housing support. * Rapid Rehousing is a means of helping clients find their own housing with support of case management. * Commissioner Hester asked how homeless people prove their homeless circumstances and Mr. Algee agreed that HUD needs to consider how to make things easier for people who are seeking secured housing. * Commissioner Willet asked if families with disabilities move the family up the priority list. Delmar responded that the criteria keeps changing depending on the administration. Here are recent homelessness statistics: In 2020 * 4,600 households are homeless * Of this number 2,300 chose diversion intervention and of 2,300 50% were successful in finding housing solutions. Finally Delmar shared some recent system enhancements * If family qualifies for a critical time intervention they will receive the help of a navigator, a practice initiated in Connecticut. Commissioner Monteros discussed that what THA calls accessible is most often not Chair Monteros is New State Coordinator for Miss Wheelchair Washington. No report from the Vice Chair tonight. Lucas Smiraldo: * Lucas indicated that the Feasibility report would be delayed a month as Cindi Laws was called out of state to a family health emergency. * Chief Avery Moore was named the new Police Chief and TAOCD will be working with Dr. Jackson to have a voice in transformation and reform moving forward as new leadership comes on board under the Chief. * The roll out of the Closed Caption Campaign has been deeply impacted by business shut downs and COVID. The plans is to roll out the campaign in the Spring of 2022. Public Works: * Commissioner Caldwell supports an inquiry that will enable the Public Works Committee to work with a downtown group to address abuse of parking rights for the disabled and look at inventory and access for people with disabilities. Emergency Management: * Commissioner Holloway indicates we are tracking weather patterns to create safety and shelter plans for disabled people. Also gesture training to be offered by Jim House in mid December Guest Tudela included much of his report in tandem with Todd Holloway Guest Wheeler: has cycled off leadership of PCAC and thanked everyone for welcoming and support. Commissioner Hester is the new co-chair and will offer the PCAC report. Commissioners offered well wishes and gratitude for Mr. Wheeler’s service. Gail Himes offered a report around people with disabilities being denied access to fast food and pharmacies and being told that they must use drive up lanes even if they are on foot or on a wheelchair. Several examples of this were offered including an experience of a guest David Eddick, at McDonalds on Pearl Street. The commission has decided to form a task force to determine how to address the citywide problem. Volunteers include Monteros, Hester, Sidhu, Byram and Willet * Commissioner Holloway reported that WSDOT is working on Route 167th to Dome and would like feedback, * Commissioner Monteros expressed concern around people in prison isolation and much more likely to suffer health issues. The longest isolation should not extend beyond 14 days. Motion made by Commissioner Holloway and seconded by Commissioner Hester to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting ended at 6:07 p.m.