January 13, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
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Meeting Minutes Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities Regular Meeting January 13, 2026 | 7:00 a.m. Room 101, Chandler Community Center 125 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler, AZ Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Hespel at 7:01 a.m. Roll Call Commission Attendance Staff Attendance Chair Bill Hespel Vice Chair Julie Lazzara Becky Kuiper, Recreation Superintendent Mickey Ohland, Community Services Planning Manager Committee member Kim Foy Committee member Geoffrey Foote Josh Adams, Business System Support Analyst Committee member Emily Raymond Committee member Steven Briggs Committee member Elisha Miller Committee member Jenny Miller (virtually) Consent Agenda 1. Move Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities approve the meeting minutes of the December Regular Meeting. Consent Agenda Motion and Vote Comm. Foote moved to approve the Consent Agenda; Seconded by Comm. Briggs. Motion carried unanimously (8-0). Action Agenda 2. Discussion and Possible Action – Fun Run Expenses. Staff presented anticipated costs for the February 26, 2026, Fun Run at Tumbleweed Park, including medals, supplies, food, and entertainment. Discussion included dietary considerations, logistics, and prior event feedback. The conversation about dietary needs focused primarily on gluten-free options, with Comm. Anderson noting that parents of neurodivergent youth typically prefer them. Several members stated they had no strong opinion either way and would defer to the staff. Page of 2 3 Comm. Briggs noted that half of the expenses were for entertainment. Mrs. Kuiper stated that the entertainment included face painting, a DJ, and balloon-animal stations. Staff recommended approval of expenditures not to exceed $11,000. The committee recommended providing pizza as the food option. Motion to approve expenditures not to exceed $11,000 by Comm. Briggs; Seconded by Comm. Foy. Motion carried unanimously 8-0. Briefing 3. Playground Accessibility Presentation – Mickey Ohland Mickey Ohland, Community Services Planning Manager, presented an overview of park and playground accessibility initiatives, including ADA transition planning, inclusive playground design, surfacing options, restroom accessibility, shade, seating, signage, safety, and future park development and renovation projects. Mr. Ohland stated that if the committee was looking for ways to contribute to the City’s park system, they could consider donating a Miracle Machine or other accessible playground equipment. 4. Fund Update Staff reported an MC4PWD gift fund balance of approximately $64,000. Spending authority for FY 2025- 26 is limited under City budget requirements. A request for additional authority has been submitted. 5. Update on Disability Awareness Awards Staff reported receipt of five nominations. The Committee discussed eligibility, potential reclassification, and the need for additional nominations in the remaining categories. 6. Update on Scholarships No scholarship applications have been received to date. Outreach efforts are ongoing. The Committee discussed continuing promotion through the March deadline. Discussion 7. Conference Tabling Event The Committee discussed the possibility of tabling at the Evidence for Success Disability Conference June 23rd and 24th at Wild Horse Pass. Vice Chair Lazzara stated the fee would be $275 for the two- day event. Chair Hespel asked whether the committee believed the opportunity would benefit the Chandler community. Committee members expressed value in networking not only with community Page of 3 3 organizations but also with organizations in close proximity and with similar missions. Vice Chair Lazzara also noted that the conference would be held in Chandler. The item was tabled for future consideration and added as an action item for the next meeting. 8. Movie Screening Potential disability awareness films and licensing considerations were discussed. Comm. Lazzara suggested the movie Zebra and the Bear and stated that the licensing fee for a screening would be $200. The Movie Unstoppable was suggested at a previous meeting. The group agreed to view both movies and added an agenda action item to discuss and decide which movie to proceed with for a community movie screening. Members were asked to review the films before returning the item for action. Information Items 9. Comm. Lazzara mentioned there will be an emergency response training event on April 18, 2026, that the committee will attend for free. Mrs. Kuiper stated staff would work on a possible quorum notice for that event. 10. The next Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Regular Meeting will be held at 7:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Chandler Community Center in room 115; Park in the parking garage and enter the door located on the southeast side of the Community Center (closest to the parking garage). Adjourn The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 a.m. by Chair Hespel. ______________________________ ______________________________ Becky Kuiper, Recreation Superintendent Bill Hespel, Chair