Columbus advisory commission adopts bylaws to create three standing committees

At its June meeting the Columbus Advisory Commission on Disability Issues voted to adopt amended bylaws that establish three standing committees to focus the commission’s work and speed staff engagement. Josh Carti, the commission’s assistant city attorney, read the proposed Article 8 and the three committee descriptions into the record before commissioners debated and approved the change.

The revised Article 8 designates (A) an Accessibility, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to address sidewalk accessibility, curb cuts and crosswalk safety, paratransit and bus-stop accessibility and related transportation barriers; (B) a Housing, Community Access and Independent Living Committee to address affordable accessible housing, ADA housing compliance, home modification access, independent living and community inclusion opportunities; and (C) a Governance, Membership and Nominations Committee to handle commissioner recruitment, onboarding, bylaw review and governance recommendations. Carti also read the commission’s establishing ordinance language (Codified Ordinances of the City of Columbus, Section 175.06) outlining duties such as providing recommendations on city policies and submitting an annual report to the mayor and City Council.

Commissioner Eric Duffy proposed inserting the phrase “but not limited to” after the word “may” in each committee description to allow future expansion of committee duties without a bylaws amendment; commissioners accepted that wording. Commissioner Katrina Norris urged that the language explicitly accommodate people with invisible disabilities (mental‑health, sensory and neurodivergent conditions), and other members said the housing/community access language as written could encompass outreach and engagement work while permitting further edits later.

After discussion Duffy moved to accept the bylaws “as amended today”; Bob Ream seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote. Counsel read back volunteers for the three committees and the commission approved those memberships by voice vote: Committee A (Accessibility/Transportation/Infrastructure) including Chair Nicole Carter and Vice Chair Jana Miller and volunteer members Eric Duffy, Justin Simmons, Bob Ream and Katrina Norris; Committee B (Housing/Community Access/Independent Living) including Chair Nicole Carter and Vice Chair Jana Miller and volunteer members Alexia, Tessa Wilson, Justin Simmons, Katrina Norris and Grace Schultz; Committee C (Governance/Membership/Nominations) including Chair Nicole Carter and Vice Chair Jana Miller and volunteer members Unha and Tessa Wilson. Commissioners were told membership can be changed later by vote if needed.

Josh Carti reminded commissioners that committee meetings must be properly noticed and accessible to the public (in-person venues must be accessible and online meetings must include accommodations) and suggested smaller groups (three to seven members) could be more effective for working meetings. Staff also noted the CACTI annual report is still in draft and will be submitted to the mayor’s office and City Council once completed.

Next steps: the commission will proceed with committee planning and consider schedules and officer/ex-officio membership at upcoming meetings. The commission set its next regular meeting for Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.