McMinnville council approves $300,000 contract for ADA transition plan; vote 4–1–1
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Summary
Council authorized a contract with Sally Swanson Architects to produce an Americans with Disabilities Act (Title II) transition plan and inventory city facilities; the measure passed with one dissent and one abstention. Staff said the plan will let the city prioritize barrier removal rather than await federal enforcement.
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2025-34 authorizing the city manager to sign a contract with Sally Swanson Architects not to exceed $300,000 to develop an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transition plan. The resolution passed 4–1–1 (four ayes, one nay, one abstention).
Jodi Christiansen, special projects manager, told council the plan is a federal requirement for public entities covered by Title II of the ADA and will inventory public facilities, identify barriers, and create a prioritized multi-year plan for accessibility improvements. "The plan is, a requirement to develop a formal ADA transition plan," Christiansen said during her presentation.
Christiansen and Community Development Director Heather Richards said the work will engage architects and certified inspectors, include a review of both facilities and program/service accessibility (including website and non-structural services), and produce a prioritized schedule for barrier removal. Staff said the city negotiated an additional internal project-management allocation of $50,000 drawn from previously approved ARPA funds to support the effort.
Council discussion before the vote included requests for clarification of funding sources and timeline. Councilor Payne abstained from the vote; Councilor Tukulski voted no. Councilors Cunningham, Chenoweth, Geary and Council President Peralta voted yes.
Why it matters: An ADA transition plan documents existing accessibility gaps and gives the city control over sequencing and funding of improvements. Christiansen said the proactive plan allows the city to prioritize and budget upgrades rather than having remedy priorities dictated by a complaint or federal enforcement action.
Contract details and schedule: Staff estimated the inventory and planning work will take about 12 to 18 months. The contract includes architectural and inspection services and an added scope to evaluate program and website accessibility. The not-to-exceed amount for the consultant contract is $300,000; staff-resourcing for project management of roughly $50,000 is part of an ARPA allocation.
Ending: With the resolution approved, staff will begin the planned surveys, inspections and program reviews and will return to council with prioritized recommendations and cost estimates for barrier removal.
