Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities Committee Minutes Hybrid Meeting, hosted virtually via Zoom and in person at Tacoma Municipal Building Friday September 13, 2024 Call to Order Vice Chair Edick called the meeting to order at 4:04 PM. Land Acknowledgement read out loud by Lucas Smiraldo Commissioners Present * Vice Chair Edick * Sidhu * Coleman * McRae * Barfield * Periman Commissioners Absent Chair Hester, Caldwell, (Two additional commissioners will take seats at the October meeting.) City Staff Present Lucas Smiraldo, Angel Pele, Carrie Wilhelme Guests Present – Community Ivan Tudela Ice Breaker What is your favorite part of the changing of the seasons from summer to autumn?” Adoption of Agenda Barfield motioned. Periman seconded. Passed unanimously Acceptance of Minutes Edick motions to accept. Coleman second. Passed unanimously Public Comment * No public comment Recognition of service for Commissioners Holloway and Williams Commissioners expressed their appreciation for Williams and Holloway who are leaving the commission after extended and exemplary service. Chair Reports * Chair Hester was an excused absence * Vice Chair Edick: Requesting an update on feasibility study. Braille signage went up downtown. Presentation Carrie Wilhelme, Transportation, Public Works Transportation Master Plan and Facilitated Conversation Carrie Wilhelme – Growth Management Act. They are in the timeframe to update the comprehensive plan. • What specific barriers or challenges do individuals with disabilities encounter when accessing the city’s transportation network (walking, biking, driving, and/or taking transit)? 1. Walking – Sidewalks are not consistent in height posing fall risks. Bus poles and light poles are similar so it’s difficult to distinguish the differences between bus and light poles. Increased community policing in terms of on-foot presence to better support and serve these communities—building connection and belonging between police and disabilities communities. A need for increased braille signs. Debris located on the sidewalk. There’s a need to increase education re: right-on-reds. Safety is the biggest concern for our community. 2. Bike – Electric scooters and its respective speeds are a concern. • What word choice, goals, policies, or actions would you recommend be included in the Transportation Master Plan to address these issues and would demonstrate Tacoma’s commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive transportation network? Commissioners offered some thoughts linked to the input above. Liaison Report – Office of Equity & Human Rights – Lucas Smiraldo 1. Feasibility Study Update – Current taxi structure is struggling. There were concerns about the fees required to support this program. There is current interest in doing a pilot program—TIDE Flats which includes neighborhoods connected, and Ruston Way/Northern End. We are engaging with the Runner program which outcomes will be vetted by the Public Works Director due to temporary assignment. The vehicles in the Runner program are accessible – the cost is about 350k per year for a runner. 2. Update on New Commissioner Selection Process New commissioners will join TACOD in October 3. New Subcommittees: Met in August. Commissioners did not meet as a body in August so had time to engage as subcommittees. New subcommittees are: * Disability Resources and Access Platforms * Transportation Access (Will include Accessible Taxi) Subcommittee Reports Public Works—No updates Disability Resources and Access Platforms— Due needing a little early and Caldwell on an excuse absence, Coleman will report next month Transportation— Edick will keep us updated. Emergency Management—Todd Holloway, Ivan Tudela, Chair Hester to be added. See below. Action Items * Coleman and Edick will give subcommittee updates at next meeting. * Barfield will develop a draft letter of support around decriminalization of psychedelics in synch with statewide efforts. Ordinance may be put forward by Councilmember Bushnell before the end of the year and Barfield would like TACOD to submit a letter of support for the action. Emergency Management— Pierce County is having a public open house event which features fire demonstration and k9 search dogs. Pierce county also coordinates search and rescue efforts across the state. It is on September 28th from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Ivan Tudela– Pierce County Human Services WA CARES Program – Funds become available July 2026? They are trying to contract with partners that don’t partner with Medicaid. They closed the application process for the Seniors Farmers Market recently. Public Safety by Holloway – Utilities are getting involved with the public to work on energy resilience around lifesaving equipment that requires power. The Center for Independence is looking at back-up battery systems and other assisted technology devices. The University of Colorado has a similar program that’s working and is partnering with Medicaid to cover the cost of the back-up batteries. Report from PCAC No report this month Committee Reports Emergency Management given earlier tonight. Individual Commissioner Reports None Invitation for Community Input No input tonight New Business or Good of the Order Barfield – Tacoma Psychedelics Society is working to get a resolution passed by the Council. Council Bushnell is the sponsor. He would like someone from the TACOD to go to the Tacoma Psychedelics Society to discuss de-criminalization… and would like support in drafting a resolution to decriminalizes natural psychedelics, etc. Would like TACOD partnership. Will work with Lucas Smiraldo for next steps. Sidhu, offering her proxy vote as she had to leave early. This vote enabled quorum. Vote was unanimous in favor. Adjournment 6:00 PM COD Members:, Chair; Amin Tony Hester, Vice Chair: Hayley Edick, Anthony Caldwell, Lukas Barfield, Cheri D. Coleman, Aimee Sidhu, Wanda McRae, and Billie Periman. City of Tacoma • Committees, Boards and Commissions cityoftacoma.org/cbc • 747 Market Street, 12th Floor • Tacoma, WA 98402-3701 The views and opinions expressed herein do not reflect the official position of the City of Tacoma or City Council, and shall not be used to endorse a candidate for office or ballot measure. If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact Lucas Smiraldo at 253-591-5048, or 711, or Washington Relay Services 1-800-833-6384.