COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
MINUTES FOR REGULAR MEETING
June 5, 2024, CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The regular meeting of the Commission on Persons with Disabilities was called to order at 6:35 PM.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Mullings, Commissioner Bugge, Commissioner Schmitz, Commissioner Bonsmith, Commissioner Roloff, Commissioner Beehler, Commissioner Hall
Absent: None
Staff: Secretary Sarah Henry
2. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENT
None
3. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS (labeled as on Meeting Agenda)
4-A Recommendation to Endorse the City of Alameda Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (ACTION ITEM)
• Presented by Erin Smith, Public Works Director, City of Alameda
• Detailed overview of the “ADA Plan” comprised of five (5) parts:
o Public Engagement and Input: surveys, CPWD presentation, draft plan, other Board/Commission presentations, public comment
o Evaluation of City Buildings and Parks (“Sites”): 58 sites assessed; team of CASp from Bureau Veritas assessed all physical elements of city-owned sites and facilities
o Assessment of Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right of Way: assessed over 2,000 curb ramps, signalized intersections, 220 miles of sidewalks, pathways; PROWAG are standardized guidelines from federal level used for assessment; mapping done to show areas of improvement
o Review of City Programs and Services: general trend in evaluation was that City lacks written policies and procedures about accessibility; adapted schedule for recommendations and specific action items
o The Transition Plan, Accessibility for All
§ Five (5) Phases of physical site improvements and budgeted amounts, based on Bureau Veritas cost estimates
§ Public Right of Way: priority framework for improved curb ramps, sidewalk repairs, pathways/trails, pedestrian signals
§ City Programs and Services: schedule for implementation of changes and improvements to ensure accessibility and inclusion
§ Center for Independent Living available to help with website accessibility
§ Emergency Operations Plan and including plans for disability community
o Next Steps: implement barrier removal, hire ADA Coordinator to track physical improvements and engage with community
• Clarifying Questions
o Commissioner Bugge asked about curb ramp accessibility score, as shown on maps
o Commissioner Schmitz asked about accessible play structures at parks
§ Director Smith asked to follow-up with Director Long, ARPD
o Commissioner Schmitz asked about beach access
§ Director Smith confirmed public feedback and shared with EBRPD
o Commissioner Schmitz asked about APD/AFD stations being in Phase 5
§ Director Smith clarified that Stations are employee-based and that significant barriers for the public are being addressed
§ Public can notify of other City barriers by contacting Director Smith
o Commissioner Hall asked about Socially Vulnerable Neighborhoods, commended survey gathering and ADA Coordinator position
o Commissioner Beehler commented that ongoing collaboration of ADA Coordinator and City departments would be ideal; culture of accessibility
o Commissioner Bonsmith asked about future evaluation of bus stops and crosswalks, new programs such as the water taxi being accessible; also asked about how Alameda compares to other, similar cities
§ Commissioner Hall stated that Alameda is doing well in this regard
• Public Comment
o Speaker Kinney requested annual report about Transition Plan progress; mentioned 2008 Transition Plan and encouraged better tracking of new Plan; stated need for staff training, basic policies, emergency planning
• Commission Questions
o Chair Mullings mentioned that “ADA” for the label of compliance is too narrow; would like more emphasis on empowering messaging; requests incremental milestones
o Commissioner Schmitz encourages more than compliance, greater emphasis on inclusive mindset for “everyone belongs”
o Commissioner Beehler mentioned Disability Maturity Model for digital accessibility
o Commissioner Hall expressed disappointment that Emergency Management Plan is pushed out to 2026/27
o Commissioner Bugge suggested Commissioners check in with ADA Coordinator quarterly
o Secretary Henry asked about a committee of residents that Commissioners could also participate in
o Commissioner Bugge asked about the ADA Coordinator job position timeline
o Commissioner Bonsmith acknowledged the amount of effort taken to create ADA Transition Plan
• Vote to Recommend: unanimous approval (7)
4-B Review and Discuss Design Concept Alternatives for the Fernside Traffic Calming & Bikeways Project
• Presented by Lisa Foster, Acting Transportation Planning Manager, City of Alameda and Jimmy Jessup, Parametrix
• Developing 1.3 Mile Corridor Project to address dangers in Fernside corridor
o Assessment: injury, crash rates, on-street parking use
o Community engagement to draw feedback and plan development
o Concept Alternatives for bikeways, pedestrian walkways
• Clarifying Questions
o Commissioner Bugge asked about near-term installation vs long-term construction for concept adjustment; also asked about Fernside resident feedback
§ Manager Foster clarified that multiple rounds of letters were sent
o Commissioner Bugge asked what of the near-term plans is considered safest for pedestrians
§ Presenter Jessup clarified that motor vehicle speeds have the greatest correlation to safety; all concept alternatives attempt to slow traffic speeds
o Commissioner Bonsmith asked about timing of injury accidents occurred
o Commissioner Roloff asked for definitions of “Tier 3,” “crash”; more clarification on near-term vs. need for long-term
o Commissioner Schmitz asked about accessible parking
§ Chair Mullings stated that majority of residences have driveways
o Commissioner Hall confirmed that removing turn lanes slows speeds
• Public Comment
o Speaker Kinney stated that bike and disabled communities need equal consideration, especially how they interact in shared lanes
• Commissioner Comments
o Commissioner Roloff stated that losing parking access and visitability may have greater impact on residents than presumed
o Commissioner Schmitz stated that Fernside Project is necessary because of high speeds
o Chair Mullings would like for the Project to take broader action for accessibility, not relying on one resident or one address
o Commissioner Roloff would like to see results of feedback given from disabled community
o Community Beehler requested feedback reports, bus stop information
o Commissioner Bonsmith endorsed option for street parking that does not include crossing the bike lane
4-C Presentation on the Social Service Human Relations Board’s 2023 Community Needs Assessment Report
• Presented by Scott Means, President of Social Service Human Relations Board
• Assessment of Alameda demographics, income, school, housing, social supports
• Public Comment: none
• Commissioner Questions and Comments
o Chair Mullings asked for goal and next steps of report; asked to consider inclusion of self-identifying disability demographics
o Commissioner Hall mentioned connection among disabled, elderly, and unhoused population statistics
4. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS
• Commissioner Hall asked if Commissioners are subscribed to Pacific ADA Network newsletter and upcoming webinar
• Commissioners highlighted the Boards and Commissions Recognition event
5. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
• Appreciation for Commissioners
• Park St re-striping completed, curb painting, signage added
• Final community meeting for Aquatic Center; design options to be presented next CPWD meeting
• Summer water shuttle redesigned for accessibility and coming soon
Meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.