Commission on Persons with Disabilities Regular Meeting - May 1, 2025

Note: The meeting minutes and transcript indicate the actual meeting date was January 22, 2025, conflicting with the user-provided date of May 1, 2025. The summary below uses the provided date per instruction.

The Commission on Persons with Disabilities held its regular meeting on May 1, 2025, chaired by Chair Mullings. All commissioners were present. The meeting covered sea-level rise adaptation projects, an age-friendly community initiative, and traffic calming designs for Fernside Boulevard, along with public comments and staff updates.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comment: The city's new ADA Coordinator, Lilian Jewell, and Public Works Director Erin Smith were introduced to the commission. Lillian Jewell expressed excitement about engaging with the community and building on existing accessibility efforts.
• Public Comment on Fernside Traffic Calming & Bikeways Project:
  • Jim Strelow argued the design is 100% bike- and pedestrian-oriented, 0% resident-oriented, and will not reduce speed; he noted no stop signs, dips, or bumps are included and expressed confusion about bus stop placement.
  • Andy Wang asked that the Gibbons-Fernside-High intersection be studied for implementation as part of the 2026 resurfacing instead of being delayed several years; he cited safety concerns, narrow medians, and unclear crosswalks.
  • Ken Fagel addressed the lack of public parking along Fernside.
  • Kevis Brownson expressed concern over current crossings but appreciated the long-term plan as proposed.
  • Secretary Sarah Henry questioned the reasoning behind pedestrian median islands, bikeway direction changes, and the impact on Bayo Vista and High neighbors losing left-turn access.
• Public Comment on Age-Friendly Initiative: Andy Wang wanted to ensure public comment was solicited. Jim Strelow shared that the Pacific Pinball Museum welcomes elderly visitors and volunteers and could partner with local adult day programs.

Discussion Items

4-A: Concept Designs for Estuary Adaptation Project and Bay Farm Island Adaptation Project

• Gail Payne, Senior Management Analyst, presented the early design phases for two sea-level rise projects, including shoreline treatments, water retention, erosion solutions, pump stations, nature-based solutions, and pedestrian elements. The projects are in the 10% design phase and exempt from CEQA (Section 15262) for this stage only.
• Commissioner Questions and Positions:
  • Commissioner Roloff asked what insight from the commission would be most helpful; Gail Payne stated equity and community engagement are top of mind.
  • Commissioner Hall asked why the project is exempt from the Environmental Quality Act; Payne clarified only the design stage is exempt, with full CEQA/NEPA analysis to follow.
  • Commissioner Schmitz expressed concern that the wooden pedestrian bridge is not included; Payne noted Mayor Ashcraft shared the same concern, but grant funding limits prevent its inclusion, and it will require coordination with Transportation and East Bay Regional Parks.
  • Commissioner Schmitz affirmed that lookouts along trails would be valuable for a variety of mobility aid users.
  • Chair Mullings encouraged investment in a multimedia approach to accessibility for signs and trails.
  • Commissioner Bonsmith asked about the 10-year flood level baseline; Payne and Erin Smith clarified predictive modeling is used to design for future flood levels.
  • Commissioner Roloff asked about dependence on grant funding; Payne stated the current grant is nearly exhausted and future funding is still needed, though a FEMA grant ($50 million recommended for further review) and a Water Resources Development Act allocation ($30 million, pending appropriation) are potential sources.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Beehler agreed with the need for accessible lookouts, braille, sound, and tactile features. Commissioner Roloff suggested multiple access points with compliant slopes for levee access.

4-B: Presentation by the Social Service Human Relations Board – Age-Friendly Alameda

• Jim Means presented the Age-Friendly Alameda initiative (based on the AARP/WHO model), which assesses built and social environments across eight domains. Next steps include community outreach and creation of SMART goals.
• Commissioner Positions and Suggestions:
  • Commissioner Roloff noted collaboration could help provide adults with developmental disabilities more activity opportunities, especially with reduced job availability.
  • Chair Mullings encouraged sensitive and inclusive messaging to attract a wide range of residents.
  • Commissioner Bonsmith urged inclusion of mental health resources.
• Means requested commissioner involvement by subscribing to the info list and participating in conversations.

4-C: Draft Final Design Concepts for Fernside Traffic Calming & Bikeways Project

• Lisa Foster (Transportation Planning Manager) and Jimmy Jessup (Consultant) presented two phases: a long-term concept (two-way protected bikeway, pedestrian median islands, accessible bus boarding islands, estimated $20.5 million) and a near-term concept (2026 resurfacing, buffered bike lanes, estimated $1.5 million). The corridor runs 1.3 miles from Tilden Way to San Jose Avenue, with a near-term option from Tilden to High Street.
• Commissioner Questions:
  • Commissioner Roloff asked about rapid-flashing beacons as alternatives; Jessup noted stop signs are ineffective for traffic calming but beacons may be considered.
  • Commissioner Hall asked about lengthening the red light at the High Street bridge; Jessup said long-term project includes intersection operations study.
  • Chair Mullings asked for clarification on bus transfer zones; Jessup explained in-lane boarding islands would allow buses to stop without merging.
  • Commissioner Schmitz asked about accessibility for wheelchair vans with ramps; Jessup described deployment over planting strips or across the bikeway, and Scott Wikstrom (City Engineer) referenced PROWAG guidelines for on-street accessible parking.
  • Commissioner Bonsmith asked about raised bikeways versus roadway grade; Jessup stated raised bikeways are 40% more expensive but preferred, and funding is grant-based.
  • Commissioner Beehler asked about the timeline to include Gibbons in 2026; staff explained the Gibbons intersection design requires further public input and will be studied separately.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Beehler thanked the transportation team for incorporating previous commission feedback. Commissioner Hall shared PROWAG guidelines with the commission.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were recorded for any agenda item. The commission discussed each item and provided feedback to staff.
• For Item 4-A, the concept designs had already been approved by City Council the previous night (January 21, 2025). The commission's feedback will be forwarded to consultants.
• For Item 4-B, the commission expressed interest in partnering with the Social Service Human Relations Board on the Age-Friendly initiative; commissioners may join the mailing list.
• For Item 4-C, the commission reviewed the draft final design concepts; staff will incorporate feedback into the staff report for City Council. Further public outreach on the Gibbons intersection is planned.
• Staff Communications: The Oakland-Alameda Access Project (OAAP) construction will begin summer 2025, requiring periodic single-lane closures of the Posey Tube for up to 18 months. The bike/pedestrian lane will remain open during single-lane closures. The commission was encouraged to attend other board meetings and recruit new members, especially persons with disabilities.
• Commission Communications: The warming shelter at Christ Church is well-supported with meals and volunteers. Meeting dates for 2025 were set for the second Wednesday of each month (subject to cancellation or rescheduling).