Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Committee Transition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
COBAC honors outgoing member Corey Sparks; Councilor Barb Campbell reflects on accessibility progress
Summary
The City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee recognized outgoing member Corey Sparks for six years of service and heard departing Councilor Barb Campbell praise the committee’s shift toward constructive work and express optimism for regional transit leadership changes.
The City of Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee (COBAC) on Dec. 19 formally recognized member Corey Sparks for six years of service and accepted brief remarks from Councilor Barb Campbell, who is leaving the committee when her council term ends in January.
Cassandra, COBAC staff liaison, read a summary of Sparks’s contributions and accomplishments, which the committee cited as: work on the ODOT Highway 20 Greenwood Project, the Drake Park footbridge, Columbia Park footbridge accessibility improvements, taxi licensing discussions, outreach at CityFest and other community engagement, and advocacy on sidewalk and snow-removal issues. Corey Sparks responded to the recognition, noting she joined COBAC in February 2018 after a recent epilepsy diagnosis and said she appreciated the learning and friendships developed while serving.
Councilor Barb Campbell addressed the committee and reflected on the group’s evolution. Campbell said the committee shifted from a period of frustration and litigation to a “hopeful” working posture in which members focus on what is possible. She encouraged strengthening the committee’s relationship with the Central Oregon Coalition on Access (COCA) and praised recent progress in local transportation management. Campbell highlighted a regional development: Bob Townsend, formerly ODOT Region 4 director, is now director of Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council/Central Oregon Transit (referred to in the meeting as CET) and, she said, brings deep technical knowledge and ideas for service and cost improvements.
Committee chair Liz Woodfin and members offered thanks to Sparks and Campbell and invited Campbell to remain involved as her schedule allows. No formal action was required for the recognitions; they were recorded as expressions of gratitude during the meeting.
