Jill Schramm/MDN Billi Gunderson speaks to the Minot City Council Tuesday on accessibility issues at City Hall.

The Minot City Council may take up ideas for encouraging improved disability access in the community after getting an overview of the issue last Tuesday.

Some council members indicated interest in future discussions after a representative from the International Code Council met remotely with the city council Tuesday to talk about application of ADA requirements. There also was some interest in a Mandan ordinance that requires any project receiving public funds to include installation of power-assisted doors.

The topic rose to the council’s attention in recent months.

Minot resident Billi Gunderson had successfully advocated for inclusion of power-assisted doors in the Facade Improvement Program, which provides city economic development funds to assist in upgrading downtown buildings. She also has been regularly addressing the council about her concerns over accessibility in City Hall. Issues have included a transition discrepancy with the sidewalk at the north door that prevents wheelchair access and a council chamber podium that doesn’t allow a wheelchair to be front-facing. She spoke to the council Tuesday from an adjustable table set up next to the podium. The city has been reviewing the north door situation for remediation.

City Manager Harold Stewart said representatives with Independence, Inc. in Minot gave City Hall their approval after walking through the building to assess accessibility prior to its opening. He said the city is interested in having a second walk-through by someone knowledgeable on ADA to re-verify compliance.