HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-GOV-2005-09-26 GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting September 26, 2005 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Chair Mackesey
Alderpersons (3) Zumoff, Taylor, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney— Luster
Mayor Peterson
Information Management Specialist - Day
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Whitmore
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
RESOLVED, that the Minutes of the August 22, 2005 Governance Committee meeting
be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jim Hagen addressed the Governance Committee in support of the Resolution to Affirm
Commitment to and Support of Non-Discrimination.
City of Ithaca Resolution to Affirm Commitment to and Support of Non-
Discrimination
By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (the City) has, in its Mission Statement, its Bias-Related
Crime Law, and in its Human Rights Ordinance stated its firm commitment to non-
discrimination, including against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
members of the community; and,
WHEREAS, the City Code Chapter 215 - Article One - Section Three prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, and in referrals for
employment, and
WHEREAS, the City Code Chapter 215 - Article One - Section Six prohibits
discriminatory denial of education facilities, and
WHEREAS, the City Code Chapter 215 - Article One - Section Nine prohibits aiding and
abetting the above mentioned discrimination, and
WHEREAS, these policies reflect a broader community value of inclusiveness; and,
WHEREAS, the City's non-discrimination policies and value placed on inclusiveness
has helped our community's employers attract the best employees, has helped to attract
many gifted tradespersons, artists, and other contributors to our community, and helped
create a welcoming atmosphere that is among the most diverse, vibrant and unique in
New York State; and,
WHEREAS, discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation, unfortunately
still occurs within the city of Ithaca, to the detriment of the entire city and to all of its
residents; and,
WHEREAS, this discrimination, which includes recruitment efforts by the US Military, is
being facilitated by local institutions which operate within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City would likely face a strong claim of federal pre-emption based on
the Solomon Amendment should it attempt to enforce its local ordinances against such
local institution, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council strongly reaffirms its policy of nondiscrimination
and its commitment to the City's nondiscrimination law, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the City calls on institutions operating within the City to come into full
compliance of City Code Chapter 215, to take a strong and meaningful public position in
support of LGBT members of the community, and to lobby our elected representatives
to reform military policy (including Don't Ask Don't Tell) so that it is not in conflict with
local law; and be it further,
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution shall be sent to President Geroge W. Bush,
Representative Maurice Hinchey, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Hillary Clinton,
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Superintendent of Ithaca City School District
Judith Pastel, Ithaca City School District Board Of Education President Roy Dexheimer,
Cornell University President Hunter Rawlings, and Tompkins Cortland Community
College President Dr. Carl E. Haynes.
Discussion followed on the floor with Shane Seger, Chairman of the Lesbian, Bisexual,
Gay, and Transgender Task Force (LBGT) explaining that some organizations are not in
compliance with the "Solomon Amendment" and could face loosing government funding
if they do not comply. Programs such as the "No Child Left Behind Act" and "Don't Ask
Don't Tell" policy compel discrimination by requiring military recruitment to be allowed
on academic campuses.
City Attorney Luster explained the history of the proposed legislation and how Tompkins
County, Cornell University, and the City were hoping to be able to support a joint
statement. He stated that Cornell rejected the draft language and supported a weaker
statement. The City was therefore surprised when Cornell signed an Amicus Brief with
other colleges.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:00 P.M.
al/AI 116(.1L4,42.-
CAditA_CLIA
Cindie L. Day amela Mackesey
Information Management Specialist Chair