Williamsport committee reviews ADA inspection, updates to Public Works access and schedules staff training

Williamsport Mayor Derek Sodom and a joint committee discussed an ADA inspection and recent accessibility work at the city's Public Works Building during a meeting Monday, April 7.

The committee heard that consultant Mark Derry completed an ADA assessment and that crews have modified the Public Works customer window and entrance to improve accessibility, including lowering the customer window, widening the door approach and adding an automatic-access button.

The assessment, which the committee said covered city buildings, will be incorporated into the city's existing work plan. Committee members asked staff to confirm whether the work plan sent earlier reflected Derry's most recent inspection and to update it if necessary.

"Public Works Building, Mark Derry did his report. We received it," said Misty Dionne, a committee member, noting the inspection covered accessibility improvements. Committee members said the report appeared to cover the work completed since Derry's prior visit.

Mayor Derek Sodom said he would have staff and the city engineer review the work plan with Derry to ensure the document reflects completed work and outstanding items. "I'll have Bill, our engineer, and Mark look at the work plan, get it updated, and get it to you all," Sodom said.

Committee members also discussed scheduling joint staff trainings for employees who missed previously offered sessions and for recent hires. Donna Fuller, introduced as the city's HR director during the meeting, was asked to provide an employee list and to coordinate proposed training dates with committee facilitators.

Committee member Tommy Grigo and others said they would support holding training at an appropriate city facility and involving facilitators Tom and Amy to tailor examples for employees in service roles.

The group did not take a policy vote on the work plan at the meeting; instead, staff were directed to update the plan, confirm details and circulate proposed training dates. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was made and approved.

The committee plans to circulate an updated work plan and training schedule once staff and the consultant complete their review.