COMMISSION ON DISABILITY CONCERNS - MAY 4, 2026 MINUTES.PDF

Minutes of the COMMISSION ON DISABILITY CONCERNS held on Monday, 
May 4, 2026, p.m., held both In-Person & Virtually: Tempe Transportation 
Center- The Don Cassano Room, 2nd Floor 200 E Fifth Street, Tempe, AZ 
85281 & Microsoft Teams at the following link:  
Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 225 621 097 341 3 Passcode: 38EA6Wg3 
Dial in by phone +1 480-498-8745, 717583081#  Phone conference          
ID: 717 583 081# 
 
 
 
(MEMBERS) Present: 
 
(MEMBERS) Absent:   
 
 
 
Jacob Bunch (Chair)   
Kathy Jefferson (Co- Chair) 
Steven Tokos                                                             
Genevieve Vega                                                                                  
Lauren Hansen 
Krista Smiley 
Maria Hoertz 
Danielle Ulm 
Marcus Mason                     
                                                            
City Staff Present: 
 
Monique Perry, ADA Accessibility Coordinator/ Staff Liaison 
 
Guests 
 
No Public Guest 
 
Call to Order 
 
Commissioner Bunch called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  
 
 
 
Minutes 
Commission on Disability Concerns Meeting 
May 4, 2026

Commission on Disability Concerns 
May 4, 2026 
 
2 
 
Agenda Item 1 – Native Land Acknowledgement Statement 
 
We acknowledge that Tempe lies in the ancestral land of the Native peoples who 
have lived here since time immemorial. The ancestral land of the O'odham and 
Piipaash stretches far beyond the boundaries of our city.   
The landscape is sacred to them, embodying cultural values that are integral to 
their identity and way of life. The O'odham and Piipaash continue to maintain a 
deep spiritual connection to this land. We embrace the responsibility of caring for 
these places and vow to uphold this commitment in all our actions.  
 
Agenda Item 2 – Public Appearances 
 
The Commission on Disability Concerns welcomes public comment for items listed 
on this agenda only. There is a three-minute limit per person. If you would like the 
Commission to consider an issue or topic, please request the topic be placed on 
the agenda for the next meeting. The Commission must provide notice to the 
Community of our discussion, consideration, and PUBLIC MEETING AGENDA 
possible action on every topic. Please feel free to speak with any Commissioner or 
staff so we may assist you. 
 
Agenda Item 3 – Introduction of Newly Seated Commissioners 
 
The two newly seated Commissioners officially introduced themselves to the 
Commission. They became official in April, when there was no monthly meeting 
due to the Commission’s annual All-Abilities Ceremony. 
 
Agenda Item 4 – Consideration of Minutes: March 2, 2026 
 
The Commissioners will consider and approve meeting minutes for: March 2, 
2026. Commissioner Vega motioned to approve the March 2 minutes. The motion 
was seconded by Commissioner Hoertz, with all other Commissioners in 
agreement for approval. 
 
Agenda Item 5 – Citywide ADA Updates/Questions/ Discussion 
 
The ADA Accessibility Coordinator discussed open/ active complaints or 
accommodation requests submitted since the last meeting, from around the City. 
 
The Coordinator noted there should be more we can do when businesses don’t 
care about accessibility, and Commissioners noted:

Commission on Disability Concerns 
May 4, 2026 
 
3 
 
• Possible collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce or the Housing 
Authority 
• East Valley NAACP- have a Civil Rights process, along with a legal redress 
committee; the largest in the valley. 
• For the doctor’s offices- possible use of the medical board. 
 
 
Agenda Item 6 – New Youth Commissioners Voting Rights Discussion/ 
Possible Vote 
 
The Commission discussed and voted on whether the two new youth seats will 
have voting rights on all Commission matters. The Commissioners all agreed with 
a vote of 9 to 0 for Youth Commissioners to have full voting rights, just like the 
other Commissioners. Commissioner Hoertz motioned to approve the votes, and 
Commissioners Tokos and Ulm seconded the motion; with all other 
Commissioners confirming.  
 
Agenda Item 7 – All-Abilities 2026 Closeout Discussion/ Possible Vote 
 
The Commission discussed the 2026 All-Abilities Ceremony, including any 
feedback, ideas, or concerns for 2027, with the shared goal of continually 
strengthening and improving future events. 
• QR Code for program next year- print a few for those being recognized. 
• How to make this a public event- community participation. 
• Suggested to start with Commissioners inviting two guests next year. 
• Socia media awareness. 
 
Agenda Item 8 – CDC Strategic Goal Discussion and Vote 
 
The commission will discuss and vote on an approach for implementing the 
year-two strategic plan goals, including outlining the success path for each goal. 
 
Agenda Item 9- Announcements 
 
The Commission may make announcements regarding programs or current 
events that are not on the agenda. No discussion or legal action will be taken 
regarding these announcements. 
• Provide future agenda items because the list has mostly been addressed. 
• There was a change to the Youth award for All- Abilities- this position has 
not received a plaque in the past but did this year and will moving forward.

Commission on Disability Concerns 
May 4, 2026 
 
4 
 
 
Agenda Item 10- Upcoming Meeting Date = Proposed Future Agenda Items 
 
• Upcoming Meeting Date – June 1, 2026  
• Proposed Future Agenda Items Updates Have 
o Project Vision Zero Presentation  
o The Centers for Habilitation Presentation  
o Adult Changing Tables 
o Potential “green certification” process 
 
Motion made by Commissioner Vega to adjourn the meeting. 
Second by Commissioners Vega, Smiley and Hansen. 
Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m. 
 
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Prepared by: Monique Perry 
 
Reviewed by: Velicia McMillan Humes