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.