14.A.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 03/05/2013
- From:
- Josh Copley, Deputy City Manager
Information
TITLE:
Consideration of Ordinance No. 2013-08: An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, amending Flagstaff City Code Title 14, Human Relations, by adding Chapter 2, Civil Rights.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Read Ordinance No. 2013-08 by title only for the final time.
2) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2013-08 by title only for the final time (if approved above).
3) Adopt Ordinance No. 2013-08.
2) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2013-08 by title only for the final time (if approved above).
3) Adopt Ordinance No. 2013-08.
Policy Decision or Reason for Action:
Enactment of Ordinance No. 2013-08 establishes a Civil Rights Ordinance, which will provide protections to people based upon their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or Veterans Status in both employment and public accomodation.
Financial Impact:
The expenses associated with administration of a Civil Rights Ordinance are not currently budgeted. In consideration of experiences reported by municipalities who have enacted similar Civil Rights Ordinances, staff anticipates minimal financial impact on the City's General Fund. If Council approves the Civil Rights Ordinance, staff will make the necessary arrangements to facilitate its administration, including a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the services of an outside Mediator and Investigator. Staff believes that, other than the expenses of an outside Mediator and Investigator, the administrative functions of complaint receipt and processing can be performed in-house with existing resources.
Connection to Council Goal:
Effective governance
Has There Been Previous Council Decision on This:
During their regular meeting on February 19, 2013, Council reviewed the proposed Civil Rights Ordinance and voted to approve a first reading with the following amendments:
1.) The civil fines imposed by the City Court for any violations of the ordinance would be as follows:
a. First Offense: Maximum fine of $500
b. Second Offense: Minimum fine of $300 but not more than $1,000
c. Third or subsequent Offense: Minimum fine of $900 but not more than $2,500
2.) The Investigator will be selected by the City Manager, following established rules and procedures.
1.) The civil fines imposed by the City Court for any violations of the ordinance would be as follows:
a. First Offense: Maximum fine of $500
b. Second Offense: Minimum fine of $300 but not more than $1,000
c. Third or subsequent Offense: Minimum fine of $900 but not more than $2,500
2.) The Investigator will be selected by the City Manager, following established rules and procedures.
Options and Alternatives:
1.) Consider and discuss the proposed Civil Rights Ordinance and provide any additional direction to staff.
2.) Approve final reading and adopt the Civil Rights Ordinance.
3.) Do not approve final reading and adoption of Civil Rights Ordinance.
2.) Approve final reading and adopt the Civil Rights Ordinance.
3.) Do not approve final reading and adoption of Civil Rights Ordinance.
Community Involvement:
During the month of January 2013, city staff has facilitated five public outreach sessions with various groups and individuals within the community. This is in addition to the public participation that has occurred during several council meetings and work sessions when the City Council has considered the Civil Rights Ordinance. Additionally, the City Council has hosted Mayor Ralph Becker at its meeting on September 25, 2012, to share his perspectives and experiences on Salt Lake City's Civil Rights Ordinance. The subject of a Civil Rights Ordinance for Flagstaff has garnered significant interest and input from our community which has generally been supportive of the Ordinance.