2025-177 Establishing an Accessibility Advisory Commission

CITY OF NEWPORT

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL

No.2025-177

WHEREAS, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires public entities to make their programs, services, and facilities accessible to persons with disabilities; AND

WHEREAS, the City of Newport recognizes this and is committed to fostering an inclusive community that ensures equal access and participation for all residents and visitors, including individuals with disabilities; AND

WHEREAS, under Title II of the ADA, the City has a responsibility to involve persons with disabilities in their self-evaluation and planning process to identity and remove barriers to accessibility; AND

WHEREAS, the City recognizes the importance of engaging individuals with disabilities and community advocates in an advisory capacity to help inform and guide accessibility improvements; AND

WHEREAS, public engagement, consultation, and lived experience are essential components in the development of effective accessibility policies and practices; AND

WHEREAS, an advisory commission comprised of individuals with relevant expertise and lived experience can provide valuable guidance and insight into decision-making regarding barriers to access and inclusion; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that Newport’s City Council hereby establishes an Accessibility Advisory Commission to serve as the communications link and advisors to the City Council, City Administration, the City’s Boards and Commissions, local businesses, and the public; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the Commission shall be comprised of seven (7) residents, who will have the option of serving two (2) or three (3) year terms and that all applicants must be registered voters and will be required to submit an application, resume, and ethics statement, that is in accordance with ordinance 2.56.10., to Council thru the City of Newport’s application process found on the cityofnewport.com website; AND BE IT FIRHTER

RESOLVED, that Council, will review all applications and resumes, will submit a list of qualified applicants they wish to interview to the Council Chair, and once Council conducts the interviews, then the seven (7) Commission members will be chosen by a majority vote of Council; AND BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the Commission will appoint a Chair of the Commission at their first meeting, shall hold monthly meetings, and will submit an annual report to the Council outlining its objectives, opportunities to remove accessibility barriers, proposed programs, and updates on initiatives undertaken throughout the year.

STEPHANIE SMYTH
ELLEN PINNOCK

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
OCTOBER 22, 2025

Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk