What's Happening in the Council Chamber?

Accessibility and Safety Upgrades

The Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber got an upgrade to fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The plans for these changes began in 2001. Funding was set aside in 2024 from Capital Improvement Funds restricted to ADA improvements and compliance. Construction began on January 2, 2026. On Monday, June 15, 2026, the chamber reopened for the People's business. 

Here is a rundown on some of the changes:

Drawing of the new dais. It is more curved to allow members to better see each other.

The Dais

  • The platform where the Council members had a step in the center, which elevated the president's desk. This was removed to make the entire dais accessible from both sides for wheelchairs and those with mobility challenges. 
  • Additional access doors were installed in the adjacent offices from the dais, with ramps, to provide additional safety and emergency exits. 
  • The new desks were wired for the city network, computers, and microphones. The old antique desks weren't designed to hold all the wiring needed for today's technology needs. The former desks have been retired. Some went to the Museum and some to council offices.
  • The dais is now curved to allow members to see each other. The former dais placed the members in a straight ine, and members struggled to have conversations with members they couldn't see. 

 

A drawing of the view of the gallery from the dais.

The Gallery

  • A new lectern moves up and down to accommodate our tallest and smallest public speakers, including those in wheelchairs or using other assistive devices. 
  • The gallery will accommodate wheelchairs on the sides of designaed rows rather than along the back walls. 
  • The gallery will have one wide aisle to accommodate wheelchairs of all types and those with mobility challenges.  
  • Safety railings were installed ton stairs and ramps throughout the chamber.

     

 

A view of the whole chamber, showing people in the seats and members on the dais.

Other Improvements

  • The room was upgraded and rewired to improve sound within the chamber. It will retain the availability of assistive hearing devices for the hearing impaired, and headphones used for language interpretation. 
  • New carpet. 
  • New bench cushions. 
  • Other behind-the-scenes improvements.
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