Resident urges Mapleton to expand disability representation; council suggests adding voices to existing committees

A Mapleton resident who identified himself as Colton urged the City Council on Wednesday to form a group to represent disabled residents and make their needs more visible. Colton told the council he would like "to figure out how we can form such committee to voice the needs" of Mapleton's disabled population.

Councilmembers recommended several options instead of immediately creating a standalone board: adding representing voices to existing committees and creating an ad hoc audit of current committee composition to ensure inclusion. Council Member Jessica said the city would "love to have this voice there" and suggested Colton work with committee liaisons to identify gaps.

As an immediate next step, the council agreed Colton will help staff a resource table at the upcoming self-reliance fair to distribute information on transportation, Meals on Wheels and regional resources such as MAG (Mountainland Association of Governments) and UTA. City staff recommended Colton coordinate with Melanie, the self-reliance committee chair, and with Corey, who is the council liaison to public safety and other committees.

Councilmembers emphasized practical outreach—attending regional transportation and MAG meetings where funding decisions are made—and encouraged Colton to be a point of contact for residents with accessibility concerns. No ordinance or formal committee charter was created at the meeting; councilmembers asked staff and liaisons to report back if they determine a distinct committee is still necessary after auditing existing committees and resources.