Flagstaff commissioners back a public ADA transition plan and staff training

City staff presented a draft ADA transition plan and a proposed staff training program during the Commission for Inclusion and Adaptive Living meeting. Aaron, the staff lead on the project, told the commission the city has not had an adopted transition plan in place and recommended a public, prioritized transition plan that includes an ADA coordinator, a grievance form and a public website for submissions.

"We need an ADA coordinator and a grievance process," Aaron said, describing a 12–14 section plan and a 98‑page building self‑assessment checklist staff has prepared. He proposed prioritizing evaluations for the busiest facilities first, listing libraries, City Hall and recreation centers as examples.

The plan also calls for citywide training so employees who review engineering plans and facilities are familiar with ADA requirements and the self‑evaluation methodology. Aaron said the city intends to compress what is ordinarily a longer class into four full days with an outside facilitator (identified as Susan) who will also train commission members and staff to be facilitators.

Commissioners asked whether the training would include universal‑design content and whether commissioners and community members could attend. Aaron said the training will cover universal design and that commissioners should be able to participate; staff indicated some funds are needed and that a suggested registration donation of $250 is being discussed, with flexibility for commissioners who cannot afford that amount.

Commissioners emphasized public involvement and review. Lorena Reyes of Mountain Line and others offered to share mapping and mobility data to support the transition plan appendices and public outreach. Aaron said the transition plan and its supporting documents will be returned to the commission for review and will be made public.

The commission directed staff to bring website drafts, the grievance form and a prioritized timeline back to a future meeting and asked staff to look for grant or other funding opportunities to help implement the plan.