Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities Committee Minutes Zoom Remote Meeting Hosted in Tacoma, WA 98402 Friday, January 14, 2022 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 4:04 p.m. Commissioners Present Amin Tony Hester, Luke Byram, Todd Holloway, Krystal Monteros, Aimee Sidhu, Lukas Barfield, Tony Caldwell Richard Smaby and James Williams. Commissioners Absent Rebecca Parson, Kristy Willet City Staff Present Lucas Smiraldo (OEHR), Eric Huseby (pw) , Rachel Barra (PW) Gail Himes (HR), Guests Present Ivan Tudela, Emergency Management, Steph Farber, (PTAG) LeRoi Jewelers, Haley Edick, John Halliday. Adoption of Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Hester and seconded by Commissioner Caldwell and carried to accept this meeting’s COD agenda with a discussion around ADA concerns for people with disabilities around the lack of an audible crossing signal at 26th and Proctor scheduled at the end of the meeting. Acceptance of Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Byram and seconded by Commissioner Holloway and carried to accept the December 2021 minutes to include small typo corrections. Public Comment John Halliday introduced himself and shared his background in Native American government affairs and advocate for those who are blind based on his own recent experiences. 1st Guest Presenter 1st Guest Presentation Reports Chair and Vice Chair Liaison Report Subcommittees Report Guest Update New Business Good of the Order Adjournment Steph Farber on behalf of the Parking Access Group PTAG working in affiliation with Public Works, Parking Division Key points in the presentation included: * Shared point in time parking and ADA fraud claim concerns at Broadway between 11th and 13th where 18 out of 20 stalls included ADA placards and verification that 12 used fraudulent placards verified during a day long sting. * Fraudulent use limits access for all including those with disabilities. * Mr. Farber supports a group that would explore all of the ADA implications around downtown parking and parking inventory including ADA access, more visual signage, infrastructure improvements, and technology tools to set recommendations. The working group would begin by the third quarter of the year. Commissioner Questions/Comments Q. When was the placard investigation done? A. Did stings routinely. * Monteros shared intentional misuse of her parking space at her building. * Eric Huseby discussed that employers are big users of these spots. * Mr. Farber shared that there is evidence that at least one large employer may have been providing access to fraudulent placards. Hester: Can we use more severe penalties for abuse such as higher fines and towing of cars using fraudulent placards? Huseby; Some of these actions are not under the direct jurisdiction of the city enforcement so must assess who has jurisdiction around further measures. Caldwell: * People should be warned about fraudulent use. * Lamination and direct affiliation with disabled person so the legitimacy could be checked by enforcement. * Increase fines. * Signage to report abuse. Mr. Farber: Heartened by this response and each sting operation calls for many resources for just a single day of ADA verification. Sidhu: Parking is a limited resources. Appalled by potential employer involvement in ADA placard abuse. What role do employers play in enforcement? How do we get employers involved? Those who expressed interest in the working group included: Commissioners: * Monteros (Chair) * Byram (Vice Chair) * Caldwell (Public Works Subcommittee Chair)) * Sidhu * Hester Community Member: * John Halliday * Commissioner Monteros discussed her Q13 interview around access and lack of snow removal for people with disabilities. * Met with Transportation Board to discuss infrastructure needs in Tacoma for the 2023 budget. Discussed the needed modifications needed on 56th and Orchard and Lakewood Drive in 2023. Seven million are required to update access needs. Ms. Himes This is on the radar and City is considering some annexation of segment of University Place that could support these enhancements. Lucas Smiraldo: * Feasibility Study was not presented due to illness of consultant. Mr. Smiraldo has asked that a draft be available for commissioner review in the month of January before moving forward to Council. * We are hoping to begin more meaningful engagement with TPD by late February to give the new Police Chief Moore some time to acclimate and select leadership. * The rollout of the Closed Caption Campaign his underway and language of a broad mailing has been approved. The intent is the rollout will begin by the end of the first quarter of 2022. * Lucas and Gail Himes met with Danielle Larson to discuss a targeted education campaign for drive through businesses such as fast food, pharmacies and banks to provide a safe alternative for people who are disabled. Ms. Larson will generate the list and Lucas and Gail will draft language for the campaign to encourage businesses to create alternatives such as an intercom system at the door, easier to use apps to order, and covered space for people to await their orders outside. Those businesses that make their services more accessible would be verified by commissioner and community volunteers and featured at the TACOD website. * Covered in previous reports Guest Tudela shared warming shelter activity and response to high waters in the region. Warming shelter options offered to residents. Hayley Edick shared concerns around the absence of an audio signal at the corner of 26th and Proctor close to Washington Hoyt school which has some deaf youth. * No push button signal. * In middle of day there are no crossing guards. * Numerous folks impacted with disabilities at this busy intersection. Gail Himes responded Audio signal will take time based on expense and adding new electric infrastructure that could occupy passing space in this intersection. Would also explore vibrating signal for the deaf to invite walk signal. None Motion made by Commissioner Byram and seconded by Commissioner Caldwell to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting ended at 6:03 p.m.