Commission on Persons with Disabilities Meeting - July 9, 2025

The Commission on Persons with Disabilities met on July 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM via hybrid format at City Hall. The meeting included an informational overview of the city's Residential Rehabilitation Program, the first annual update on the ADA Transition Plan, and adoption of revised commission bylaws. Commissioners also welcomed a new member and discussed community engagement.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The commission approved minutes from June 5, 2024, January 22, 2025, March 12, 2025, and May 14, 2025. Commissioner Lyons abstained from the first three sets (as she was not present) and voted only on the May 14, 2025 minutes. The three commissioners present for the earlier meetings voted to approve them; four commissioners approved the May minutes. All minutes were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carol Gottstein (new Mastic Board member) stated she had seen a flyer for the Residential Rehabilitation Program at Dine and Connect but noted it has not appeared in Mastic publications or on Mastic's website, and the social services specialist may not be actively promoting it.
• A member of the public (mentioned earlier in transcript as having attended Dine and Connect) expressed surprise the program was not widely publicized at Mastic or elsewhere.

Discussion Items

• Residential Rehabilitation Program Overview (Info Item): Grecia Manayan, Program Manager in Housing and Human Services, presented two federally funded (CDBG) programs: the Minor Home Modification Grant (up to $5,000) and the Housing Rehabilitation Loan (up to $15,000). The programs are for safety, accessibility, and mobility improvements for owner-occupied homes, prioritizing seniors and individuals with disabilities. Eligibility is limited to low- and moderate-income households (80% of area median income). Since launching a few months ago, zero applications have been received. The program administrator (Rebuilding Together East Bay Network) has conducted outreach at the food bank, Dine and Connect, and Mastic Senior Center, but the application is not available online. Commissioners suggested posting the application online, distributing flyers through the commission's newsletter, and engaging first responders, hospitals, the library, and the Alameda Post. The commission offered to share the program in its newsletter and through nonprofit networks.
• ADA Transition Plan Annual Update: Lillian Jewell, ADA Coordinator, presented the first annual update since the plan's adoption in June 2024. Highlights included:
  • Community Engagement: Monthly newsletter "Accessibility in Alameda" launched April 2025 with nearly 300 new subscribers (total over 2,000; 30% open rate). Invited community to share ADA impact stories for the 35th anniversary.
  • Departmental Engagement: Quarterly interdepartmental Accessibility Review Team meetings; collaboration with Recreation and Parks, Library, IT, Planning/Building/Transportation, and Code Enforcement on accessibility improvements.
  • Physical Site Improvements: Of 58 assessed city-owned facilities, work is progressing in phases through FY2032-33. Notable updates:
    • Mastic Senior Center: 131 of 423 barriers already addressed (door force, signage, etc.). Architectural design firm contracted; construction RFP expected in FY25-26.
    • Veterans Memorial Building: Bathroom made single-user ADA compliant; auditorium floors refinished. Design phase for kitchen/dining room on ground floor.
    • City Hall: Signage and stair treads updated; comprehensive design assessment being solicited.
    • Washington Park: 160 of 546 barriers addressed (bathroom fixtures, pipe insulation). Recreation center renovation starts FY25-26.
    • Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal: Design complete for accessible parking and shuttle stop upgrades; City Council to consider construction contract July 15, 2025.
    • Civic Center Parking Garage: Design in progress; Council to consider construction contract September 2025.
  • Infrastructure Improvements: Sidewalk Repair Program (funded by Measure B/BB) has two components:
    1. Saw grinding: Over 10,000 tripping hazards removed citywide ($1 million investment; nearly 2 miles of sidewalks repaired). Initial focus on city sites and high-pedestrian streets (Park, Webster); next phase targets socially vulnerable neighborhoods.
    2. Property Owner Pilot Program (launched January 2025): 221 property owners notified; over 130 participated (7 hired own contractor); 19 applied for financial hardship (city covers 25-100% of costs). Invoiced over $150,000; received $76,000 in payments (~9,000 sq ft of sidewalk). City pays labor; property owners pay supplies. If tree roots cause damage, city may cover costs.
  • Program Improvements: Reasonable accommodation and grievance procedures publicly posted; HR added workplace violence policy; effective communication initiatives (translation, ASL, event planning guides); standardized practices for job descriptions and documents.
  • What's Next (FY25-26): Continue sidewalk program, complete Phase I building projects (some Phase II deferred due to funding), emergency preparedness plans with Fire Department, further website accessibility improvements.
• Commission Bylaws Review: Commissioners reviewed redline edits reflecting prior discussion. Key change: reduction from 9 to 7 members. A revised purpose statement was added (consistent with council-established language). Motion to adopt the new bylaws passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Bylaws Adopted: The revised bylaws (reducing commission to 7 members and updating purpose statement) were approved by unanimous vote.
• Vice Chair Election Deferred: A vice chair will be elected at the next meeting; chair/vice chair elections will return to January rotation.
• Upcoming Actions:
  • City Council to consider construction contract for Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal on July 15, 2025.
  • City Council to consider construction contract for Civic Center Parking Garage in September 2025.
  • ADA coordinator will follow up on sharing previous survey responses about accessibility with East Bay Regional Parks District for their 10-year plan.
  • The commission will include the Residential Rehabilitation Program information in its newsletter and explore outreach through additional city departments.
• Commission Communications: Welcomed new Commissioner Julie Lyons (healthcare background, disability advocate). Commended outgoing Commissioner Roloff (via plaque). Discussed CERT program evacuation concerns, ADA 35th anniversary activities (banners on Webster, Central, Park streets; newsletter stories invited). Lillian Jewell noted upcoming events: Disability Pride rally July 11, 2025 at CIL campus in Berkeley; MTC Community Advisory Council application deadline July 14, 2025; East Bay Regional Parks District survey for 10-year plan.