Committee debates Commission on Aging liaison role; considers targeted outreach and recruitment for accessibility perspectives

Committee members discussed whether a permanent liaison from the Commission on Aging remains the best way to ensure the needs of mobility-limited residents are represented.

Steve, who currently serves as liaison, said the role has produced little actionable reporting in recent years and asked whether the original intent—bringing accessibility concerns into planning discussions—is still being met. 'I don't bring much from them either for that matter,' he said, describing infrequent, topic-specific input.

Kathy Olsson noted that the committee's ordinance originally built liaison relationships into the committee structure to ensure vulnerable residents' needs were reflected. Several members suggested alternatives to a standing liaison: calling on the Commission on Aging or the senior center when specific issues arise, holding an annual joint meeting, recruiting committee members with lived experience, or conducting field visits to evaluate how accessible infrastructure feels to people with mobility limitations.

Members also proposed an ordinance edit to require at least one committee member with experience representing people with mobility challenges, rather than a permanent Commission on Aging seat. Staff said drafting such language and sharing it with the Commission on Aging and the city's legislative office would be feasible.

No formal ordinance change was made at the meeting; members asked staff to draft recommended language and to consult the Commission on Aging and relevant staff for follow-up.