Council previews reconfiguration of Access Advisory Board; county to remain ex officio

Council members asked whether the Access Advisory Board had been consulted on a proposed ordinance to reconfigure the board. A city staff speaker said staff and the county have been involved in discussions and that the board itself had been sent information but that the specific restructuring had not been deliberated by the full board.

"This board is very vital for our ability to provide, an accessible community," a staff speaker said, noting recruitment and meeting‑management problems with more than 30 members and periodic ineffective meetings. Staff told council they had reached out to county leadership and that county manager Stultz reported support; the county will continue to participate through an ex‑officio nonvoting ADA coordinator.

Staff said they will bring the ordinance and related bylaws to the August 11 agenda for council consideration and further discussion. Council members signaled they expected robust debate at that meeting.