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-_195 U. S. Constitution giving women the right to vote; and WHEREAS, Charlottesville has flourished due in large part to the civic, educational and spiritual leadership of women; and WHEREAS, in the past 20 years laws and policies in the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia have slowly changed to create equality in educational and work settings and in the division of marital property and to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, and sexual harassment; and WHEREAS, some policies in private and public institutions and employment still have unfair or inequitable effects on women; and WHEREAS, women still provide most of the care of the young and elderly even while they work in the jobimarket and at home; and WHEREAS, many negative stereotypes about gender limit opportunities for all people to achieve their fullest potentials; NOW, THEREFORE, we, the City Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, do hereby proclaim August 26, 1992 as WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY in remembrance of all those women and men who have worked for a more equitable community, nation and world in which women and men, girls and boys, share equally the burdens and benefits, opportunities and hazards of our society. We acknowledge and celebrate the~human similarities and the important differences between women and men. Yet we urge the public and private sectors of our community to improve their policies on family leave, nondiscrimination in hiring and job promotion and equal pay for equal work. We commit our city to affirmative action to overcome the effects of past discrimination and stereotypes and to ensure equality or rights~ duties, privileges and the responsibilities for all people, regardless of gender or race. Ms. Holly Ferris, representing the local chapter of the National Organization for Women, accepted the proclamation and commended Council for its leadership in gender equity. STAFF REPORT: CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Gouldman stated that consideration of a consent agenda had been requested by a member of Council and was used by other communities to shorten meetings by grouping routine matters together to be voted on in a block, with any item subject to removal at the request of any Councilor. Mr. Gouldman also noted that state law now allows appropriations to be approved in one reading, should Council want to amend its ordinance to reflect this change. Mr. Toscano stated that he favored trying a consent agenda and if it was found that it either did not save time or reduced the amount of information to the public, then the matter could be reconsidered. .Mr. Toscano stated that he would not favor approving appropriations in one reading at this time. Mr. Gouldman stated that a consent agenda process could be adopted by Council by resolution. Ms. Slaughter recommended that Council vote on a consent agenda process at the next meeting, making note that the public would be allowed to speak on matters on the consent agenda.