1994-07-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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On motion by Ms. Daugherty, seconded by Ms. Slaughter, the appropriation for the two-waying of Water Street/Third Street mall extension project was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration: Mr. Toscano questioned whether the bid could be separated for the two projects or whether the projects could be rebid or the Third Street project redesigned. Mr. Huja replied that if the project is re'bid construction will have to wait until next year. Mr. Letteri stated that the projects had been bid separately and staff could explore options. Mr. Letteri added that value engineering could be explored with the contractor as well. Mr. Toscano stated that he would like to explore the options before the final reading of the appropriation and might consider doing the projects separately. ORDINANCES: AMENDING CITY POLICY TO BAN DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION Mrl Toscano stated that he would allow a limited number of comments to be made even though this was not a formal public hearing on the proposed amended to City policy to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. Mr. Daniel Ortiz, law professor at the University of Virginia, stated that he has studied the proposed changes to the City's ordinances and did not find anything that would bar the City from approving the amendments. Mr. Ortiz urged Council to support the ordinance. Ms. Brenda Lambert, 301 Monte Vista Avenue, representing a group of families of lesbians and gays, urged Council to ban discrimination in employment and in contracts. Mr. Mark Hertzog, 113 West Main Street, coordinator of the Campaign for Human Rights, stated that while the proposed amendments may appear minor to many, to the gay community they are considered a big deal because it will create a small sphere of safety and will send a strong message that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation will no longer be acceptable. Mr. Tom Hilt of Rugby Road, endorsed the proposed ordinance but requested that "political affiliation" be included in the proposal as he feels Council uses party affiliation to deny membership on major boards and commissions such as the Planning Commission and School Board. Mr. Gouldman noted that political affiliation is currently included in the City's equal employment opportunity clause. Mr. Toscano stated that he did not feel Council discriminated against persons with different political party affiliations on boards and commissions, adding that applicants are not asked about their party affiliation in the appointment process, and encouraged anyone interested in membership on boards to apply. Ms. Slaughter noted that often Council takes into consideration geographic issues when making board appointments in order to have a fair representation of all areas of the City. Mr. Thane Kerner wholeheartedly supported the proposed amendment as an endorsement of freedom and expressed agreement with Mr. Hill's comments regarding appointments to boards and commissions. On motion by Ms. Slaughter, seconded by Mr. Vandever, the ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND REORDAINING SECTIONS 19-7, 22-11 AND 22-12 OF TI~ CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY CODE, 1990, AS AMENDED, PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PERSONS BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION" was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration.