HomeMy WebLinkAbout137-15 RESOLUTIONRESOLUTION NO. 137-15
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE
AMOUNT OF $40,000.00 TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR PAYMENT OF
COSTS RELATED TO THE UNIFORM NONDISCRIMINATION
PROTECTIONS SPECIAL ELECTION
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE,
ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby approves a budget
adjustment, a copy of which is attached to this Resolution, in the amount of $40,000.00 to provide
funding for payment of costs related to the Uniform Nondiscrimination Protections Special
Election.
PASSED and APPROVED this 4th day of August, 2015
APPROVED: A ATTEST:
SONDRA E. SMITH, City Clerk
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File Number: 2015-0319
Agenda Date: 8/4/2015 Version: 1 Status: Agenda Ready
In Control: City Council Meeting File Type: Resolution
Agenda Number: C. 2
UNIFORM NONDISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS SPECIAL ELECTION
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A BUDGET ADJUSTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,000.00 TO
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR PAYMENT OF COSTS RELATED TO THE UNIFORM
NONDISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS SPECIAL ELECTION
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE,
ARKANSAS:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby approves a budget
adjustment, a copy of which is attached to this Resolution, in the amount of $40,000.00 to provide
funding for payment of costs related to the Uniform Nondiscrimination Protections Special Election.
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Page 1 Printed on 713012015
Sondra E. Smith
Submitted By
City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form
2015-0319
City Council Meeting Date - Agenda Item Only
N/A for Non -Agenda Item
City Clerk/Treasurer /
General Government Department
Division / Department
Action Recommendation: .
Approval of a Budget Adjustment to pay for the Uniform Nondiscrimination Protections. Special Election
Budget Impact:
1010.6600.5318.00
Account Number
Fund
Project Number Project Title
Budgeted Item? No Current Budget $ -
Funds Obligated $ -
Current Balance
...,...,.m..._.._,.._,,,,._,.,....,...o...
Does item have a cost? Yes Item Cost $ 40,000.00
Budget Adjustment Attached? Yes Budget Adjustment $ 40,000.00
Remaining Budget --
V20140502
Previous Ordinance or Resolution # 5781
Original Contract Number: Approval Date: LV
Comments:
CITY OF
T�►
a1*4
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMO
ARKANSAS
MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 2015
TO: Mayor Lioneld Jordan and City Council
FROM: Sondra E. Smith, City Clerk Treasurer
DATE: July 9, 2015
SUBJECT: Uniform Nondiscrimination Protections (Civil Rights) Special Election Cost
RECOMMENDATION:
At the time the 2015 budget was completed there were no special or general elections planned
for the calendar year. The City Council approved Ordinance Number 5781, Uniform
Nondiscrimination Protections on June 16, 2015 and set a date for a special election on
September 8, 2015.
AN ORDINANCE TO ENSURE UNIFORM NONDISCRIMINATION
PROTECTIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF FAYE1TEVILLE FOR GROUPS
ALREADY PROTECTED TO VARYING DEGREES THROUGHOUT STATE LAW
It is necessary to bring forth a budget adjustment ordinance to pay for the election. Elections vary
in cost therefore the cost for this special election is an estimated cost. I am requesting a budget
adjustment in the amount of $40,000.00 to cover the estimated special election cost.
The City Clerk recommends the approval of a Budget Adjustment to pay for the Uniform
Nondiscrimination Protections Special Election.
BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT:
$40,000.00
Mailing Address:
113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville, AR 72701
ORDINANCE NO. 5781
AN ORDINANCE TO ENSURE UNIFORM NONDISCRIMINATION
PROTECTIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF FAYEITEVILLE FOR GROUPS
ALREADY PROTECTED TO VARYING DEGREES THROUGHOUT
STATE LAW
WHEREAS, laws including the Civil Rights Act (42 U.S.C § 2000e, et seq.), the Arkansas
Civil Rights Act of 1993 (A.C.A. § 16-123-101 et seq.) and the Arkansas Fair Housing Act
(A.C.A. § 16-123-201 et seq.) provide Fayetteville citizens with protections against
discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, religion and disability;
and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly has determined that attributes such as "gender identity"
and "sexual orientation" require protection {A.C.A. § 6-18-514 (b)(1)}; and
WHEREAS, Fayetteville citizens deserve fair, equal and dignified treatment under the law;
and
WHEREAS, Fayetteville seeks to attract a diverse and creative workforce by promoting itself
to prospective businesses and employees as a fair, tolerant and welcoming community; and
WHEREAS, the protected classifications in A.C.A. § 6-18-514 (b)(l) for persons on the basis
of gender identity and sexual orientation should also be protected by the City of Fayetteville to
prohibit those isolated but improper circumstances when some person or business might
intentionally discriminate against our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens; and
WHEREAS, in response to the concerns recently expressed by the citizens of Fayetteville on
a similar issue, the Fayetteville City Council recognizes their interest in participating in the
democratic process and invites the citizens to decide whether gender identity and sexual
orientation should also be protected by the City of Fayetteville.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Page 2
Ordinance No. 5781
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby refers this
ordinance to the Fayetteville voters for their enactment or rejection in a Special Election to be
held on September 8, 2015. The operative provisions that will be enacted by Fayetteville
citizens into the Fayetteville Code if approved by a majority of Fayetteville citizens voting in
the election shall be as follows:
"Uniform Civil Rights Protection
Purpose
Fayetteville is a welcoming, fair and tolerant city which endeavors to ensure that all of its
citizens and visitors will be free from unfair discrimination. Since Federal and State law
already protect citizens from most discrimination, the Uniform Civil Rights Protection
Article shall extend existing protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens and
visitors as recognized elsewhere in state law.
Definitions
(A) "Employee ". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition of
"Employee" as stated in the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-102 (4).
(B) "Employer ". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition of
`Employer" as stated in the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-102 (5).
(C) "Gender Identity "means an individual's own, bona fide sense of being male or female,
and the related external characteristics and behaviors that are socially defined as either
masculine or feminine. Gender identity may or may not correspond to the sex assigned to the
individual at birth.
(D) "Housingaccommodation' This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition
of `Housing accommodation" as stated in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act of 1993, A.C.A. §
16-123-202 (1).
(E) "Place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage or amusement ". This definition
adopts and incorporates herein the definition, of `Place of public resort, accommodation,
assemblage or amusement" as stated in the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-
123-102 (7). Furthermore, this shall not mean any religious facility or other religious institution
including their owned and operated schools and daycare facilities.
(F) "Real estate broker orsalesman ". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the
definition of "Real estate broker or salesman" as stated in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act of
1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-202 (2).
Page 3
Ordinance No. 5781
(G) "Real estate transaction ". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition
of 'Real estate transaction" as stated in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-
123-202 (3).
(H) "Real property". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition of
'Real property" as stated in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-202
(4).
(I) "Sexual Orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality by practice,
identity or expression.
Applicability and Exemptions
(A) The Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article is only applicable to discriminatory
actions occurring within the Fayetteville city limits.
(B) This Article adopts and incorporates herein the entirety of AC.A. § 16-123-103
Applicability of the Arkansas Civil Rights Act.
(C) Churches, religious schools and daycare facilities, and religious organizations of any
kind shall be exempt from this Article.
Discrimination Offense
(A) The right of an otherwise qualified person to be free from discrimination because of
sexual orientation and gender identity is the same right of every citizen to be free from
discrimination because of race, religion, national origin, gender and disability as recognized and
protected by the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993.
(B) The Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article adopts and incorporates herein these
rights as quoted below:
(1) The right to obtain and hold employment without discrimination;
(2) The right to the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or
privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement;
(3) The right to engage in property transactions (including sales and leases) without
discrimination;
(4) The right to engage in credit and other contractual transactions without discrimination;
and
(5) . The right to vote and participate fully in the political process.
Page 4
Ordinance No. 5781
(C) A person engaging in a real estate transaction, or a real estate broker or salesman, shall
not on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity engage in any conduct likewise
prohibited by A.C.A. § 16-123-204 Prohibited Acts of the Arkansas Fair Housing Act on the
basis of other enumerated attributes.
(D) No employer shall discriminate against nor threaten any individual because such individual
in good faith has opposed any act or practice made unlawful by this section or because such person
in good faith made a charge, testified, assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation,
proceeding or hearing related to the Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article.
Establishment and Duties of a Civil Rights Commission
There is hereby established the Civil Rights Commission. The Civil Rights Commission shall
review and decide complaints of alleged discrimination in violation of the Uniform Civil Rights
Protection Article. The Commission will provide to the City Council an annual accounting of the
number of complaints received and the outcomes.
Composition
(A) The Civil Rights Commission shall consist of seven members composed of the following:
(1) Two (2) representatives of the business community;
(2) Two (2) owners or managers of rental. property;
(3) One (1) representative with experience in Human Resources or employment law;
(4) Two (2) citizens at large, at least one of whom identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or
transgender.
(B) Members will be appointed by the City Council, each for a term of three years.
Appointments shall be staggered so that each year either two or three members` terms shall be
available for appointment by the Nominating Committee.
(C) Members of the Civil Rights Commission may be removed from office by the City Council
for cause upon written charges and after a public hearing.
Meetings
(A) The Civil Rights Commission shall meet for an organizational meeting within 60 days
after the citizens enact this ordinance and every year thereafter following the appointment of new
members.
(B) Meetings shall be held at the call of the chairperson.
Page 5
Ordinance No. 5781
(C) A majority of the membership ofthe Civil Rights Commission shall constitute a quorum.
(D) All meetings shall be open to the public.
(E) The Civil Rights Commission shall adopt rules necessary to the conduct for its affairs,
and in keeping with the provisions of the City's Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article.
Staff Support
The City Attorney's office shall receive complaints on behalf of the Civil Rights Commission
and assist the Commission in performing its duties and carrying out its responsibilities.
Complaint Procedure and Enforcement
(A) A person asserting a claim of discrimination, herein referred to as the "Complainant",
pursuant to this Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article must present such claim in writing to
the City Attorney's office no more than ninety (90) days after the person has knowledge of the
facts giving rise to the claim of discrimination. The City Attorney's office will, within two (2)
business days, notify the Civil Rights Commission that a complaint was received.
(B) Informal mediation or conciliation between the alleged discriminator, herein referred to
as the `Respondent", and Complainant shall be attempted by the City within four business days
and before any other enforcement measures can begin. Such mediation or conciliation
measures shall be pursued in accordance with the confidentiality protections provided by
A.C.A. § 16-7-206. Mediation and conciliation should be concluded within two weeks after the
complaint is received unless both parties agree to further efforts.
(C) If conciliation efforts are successful in resolving the complaint, the Civil Rights
Commission will be notified of resolution and take no further action.
(D) If conciliation efforts fail to resolve the complaint, the Civil Rights Commission shall
notify both parties that a hearing will be conducted at a specified place and time not more than
fourteen (14) business days after the conclusion of conciliation efforts but not less than five (5)
business days after issuance of notice of the hearing.
(E) Conduct of the Hearing:
(1) The Civil Rights Commission shall review the initial complaint and may receive any
additional evidence from the Complainant.
Page 6
Ordinance No. 5781
(2) The Respondent shall have an opportunity to explain or provide evidence to rebut any
allegations of illegal discriminatory acts. No person shall be compelled to be a witness against
himself in any formal or informal hearing.
(3) After considering all the evidence presented, if the Civil Rights Commission determines
that the Respondent has violated this Article, the Commission shall forward the original claim
and their findings to the City Prosecutor.
(F) Penalty:
(1) A person's first violation of this ordinance shall carry a penalty of up to a $100.00 fine.
Fayetteville City Code § 10.99 General Penalty shall apply to any subsequent violations.
(2) No violation of this Article shall be construed to be a misdemeanor or felony.
Severability
If any part, provision or section of this ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional it shall be
severed from the remainder which shall remain valid and enforceable."
Section 2. That the City Council for the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby determines that
if the Fayetteville voters fail to approve the referred ordinance, the ordinance will not go into
effect; but if the voters approve the ordinance, the ordinance quoted in Section 1 will be enacted
into the Fayetteville Code and become effective sixty (60) days after the approving election.
PASSED and APPROVED this 16th day of June, 2015.
Al
LOU
ATTEST:
By:
SONDRA E. SMITH, City Clerk Treasurer
Legistar ID No.:
AGENDA REQUEST FORM
FOR: Council Meeting of June 16, 2015
FROM:
City Council Member Adella Gray
ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION TITLE AND SUBJECT:
oQb 15d
AN ORDINANCE TO ENSURE UNIFORM NONDISCRIMINATION
PROTECTIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE FOR GROUPS
ALREADY PROTECTED TO VARYING DEGREES THROUGHOUT STATE
LAW
APPROVED FOR AGENDA:
Ci uncil Member Ade Gray Date
Legistar ID No.: Jy/ 5 a D 7 `F
AGENDA REQUEST FORM
FOR: Council Meeting of June 16, 2015
FROM:
City Council Member Adella Gray
City Council Member Matthew Petty
ORDINANCE OR RESOLUTION TITLE AND SUBJECT:
AN ORDINANCE TO ENSURE UNIFORM NONDISCRIMINATION
PROTECTIONS WITHIN THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE FOR GROUPS
ALREADY PROTECTED TO VARYING DEGREES THROUGHOUT STATE
LAW
APPROVED FOR AGENDA:
City Council Member Adella Gray Date
r
it
Citt Council Mempr Matthew Petty
„�-21715
Date
DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE
OFFICE OF THE
CITY ATTORNEY
Kit Williams
City Attorney
Blake Pennington
TO: Mayor Jordan Assistant City Attorney
Patti
City Council PaMulford
ale
Paralegal
FROM: Kit Williams, City Attorne
DATE: June 3, 2015
RE: Legality of enacting an ordinance to prohibit some types of
discrimination based upon a person's gender identity or sexual
orientation
Act 137 of 2015 codified as A.C.A. § 14-1-401 "Intrastate Commerce
Improvement Act" states that a "municipality ... shall not adopt or enforce
an ordinance . . . that creates a protected classification or prohibits
discrimination on a basis not contained in state law." (emphasis added).
Little Rock City Attorney Tom Carpenter wrote a detailed analysis in
his City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001 concerning whether Little Rock
could pass a non-discrimination ordinance that would provide some
protection against discrimination for some persons if such discrimination
was based upon their sexual orientation or gender identification. His short
answer is that Little Rock could pass such an ordinance because
"the proposed ordinance does not create any protected class,
nor does it list any prohibited discrimination not already
protected by state law." (emphasis in original).
Although reasonable legal arguments may be advanced by
opponents of such ordinances, I believe that Little Rock City Attorney Tom
Carpenter has the better argument that ordinances such as Little Rock's
1
and the one now offered by Aldermen Gray and Petty are legal and not
prohibited by A.C.A. § 14-1-401, et seq. I certainly would be prepared to
defend the legality of the Gray/Petty ordinance in Court if opponents file
suit (which is likely).
I have attached Mr. Carpenter's ten page City Attorney Opinion for
your review.
I have not had time yet to prepare an additional legal analysis in
which I will discuss other reasons and factors to support the City Council's
legal authority to enact a non-discrimination ordinance. You should know
that Little Rock's ordinance was very limited in its scope and only covered
its own employees and contractors seeking to do business with the City.
The one now proposed by Aldermen Gray and Petty would cover most
employees, tenants, and business customers in Fayetteville as did the initial
non-discrimination ordinance.
Therefore, I believe it is likely that once the Intrastate Commerce
Improvement Act goes into legal effect in July, an opponent will sue
Fayetteville if you have passed the Gray/Petty ordinance.
2
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
500 West Markham, Ste. 310
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Thomas M. Carpenter
City Attorney
Honorable Joan Adcock
Director -at —Large, Position 10
6808 Mablevale Pike
Little Rock, Arkansas 72209
Telephone (50I) 371-4527
Telefaesimile (501) 371.4675
April 19, 2015
CITY ATTORNEY OPINION NO. 2015-001
Re: WHETHER PROPOSED ORDINANCE ON CITY ANTI -DISCRIMINATION POLICIES WILL BE
VALID AFTER ACT 137 TAKES EFFECT IN JULY, 2015.
Dear Director Adcock:
This letter contains the opinion of this office to the question you posed about a proposed anti-
discrimination ordinance which will be considered by the Little Rock Board of Directors on
Tuesday, April 21, 2015.
QUESTION PRESENTED
Whether a proposed ordinance to codify City anti -discrimination
practices will be valid after the effective date of Act 137 of 201.5 on July
22, 2015.'
SHORT ANSWER
Yes. As to intrastate commerce, the proposed ordinance does not create
any protected class, nor does it list any prohibited discrimination not
already protected by state law. As to discrimination on activities in
interstate commerce, Act 137 by its express terms does not apply.
Amendment VII to the Arkansas Constitution provides that no law is effective until 90 days after final
adjournment of the General Assembly. The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn sine die on April 22,
2015, so the effective date of Act 137 will be July 22, 2015.
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19,2015: Page 2 of 10
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, April 21, 2015, the Board of Directors will consider a proposed ordinance entitled
"An ordinance to declare the policy of the City of Little Rock on issues not to be considered in
hiring; to declare the policy on companies with which the City contract; to declare an emergency;
and, for other purposes." The ordinance has three basic sections:
I. The first section declares that the City will not discriminate against City
vendors "...because of the race, color, creed, religion, sex, national
origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity,
genetic information, political opinions or affiliation of the vendors'
owners." It also requires that all City departments, divisions, and
commissions, comply with this policy;
2. The second section of the ordinance declares that in the delivery of City
services, the City will not discriminate "because of race, color, creed,
religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political opinions or
affiliation." It contains a similar requirement for compliance throughout
all City departments, division, and commissions; and,
3. The third section notes that the City will not contract with any entity that
discriminates "on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national
origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity,
genetic information." The section also notes that City bid documents will
note this requirement, and will also require that all contracts with the City
note the vendor's agreement to adhere to such a policy. 2
The first two sections apply to the City. The third section applies only to vendors who wish to do
business with the City and be considered for contracts with the City.
The question of whether the ordinance is contrary to state law arises from the fact that Act 137
of the 90th Regular Session of the Arkansas General Assembly states "A... municipality.. .shall not
adopt or enforce an ordinance, resolution, rule, or policy that creates a protected classification or
2 The provision applies to all contracts. So, whether a bid is decided on the lowest responsible and
responsive price bid (REP), or on the basis of the most qualified firm to do the work (RFQ), or even in a
sole source bid where it is impractical and unfeasible to bid for a particular good or service, this provision
applies.
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19,2915: Page 3 or t0
prohibits discrimination on a basis not contained in state law." 2015 ARK. ACTS 137 § 1 (2015).
The title of the Act is the "Intrastate Commerce Improvement Act." Id. By its express terms, it
applies only to contracts that in no way involve interstate commerce.3
DISCUSSION
1. Arkansas law already lists the types of discrimination identified in the proposed ordinance.
The specific question is whether the proposed ordinance, if passed, would at any time violate
Arkansas law as set forth in Act 137 of 2015 ("the Act"). The Act prohibits two actions: (1) The
creation of a protected classification; and, (2) A prohibition against discrimination that is not
otherwise present in "state law." The language reads:
14-1-403. Prohibited conduct.
(a) A county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state shall
not adopt or enforce an ordinance, resolution, rule, or policy that creates a
protected classification or prohibits discrimination on a basis not contained
in state law.
(b) This section does not apply to a rule or policy that pertains only to the
employees of a county, municipality, or other political subdivision.
2015 Ark. Acts 137 § I (emphasis added).
Nothing in. the proposed ordinance creates a protected classification of individuals. The issue
is whether state law already prohibits discrimination for the reasons listed in the proposed
ordinance. It does. Because state law already prohibits each kind of discrimination contained in
the proposed ordinance, then the proposed ordinances does not violate the plain words of the Act.
The kinds of discrimination the proposed ordinance would prohibit are:
1. Race;
2. Color;
3 Because the Act applies only to intrastate commerce, any interstate commerce aspect of the ordinance
is not under question. Still, as demonstrated in the opinion, provisions of Article 11 of the Arkansas
Constitution, as well as various Arkansas statutes in existence, and the 14`h Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution clearly establish that the City's ordinance would not violate the provisions of the Act.
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19, 2015: Page 4 of 10
3.
Creed;
4.
Religion;
5.
Sex;
6.
National origin;
7.
Age;
8.
Disability;
9.
Marital status;
10.
Sexual orientation;
11.
Gender Identity; and,
12.
Genetic information.4
Race and color are expressly protected in the 1874 Arkansas Constitution:
The equality of all persons before the law is recognized, and shall ever remain
inviolate; nor shall any citizen ever be deprived of any right, privilege or
immunity, nor exempted from any burden or duty, on account of race, color
or previous conditions.
Article II, § 3, ARK. CONST. In addition to race, religion, national origin, gender, and disability
are expressly protected in the Arkansas Civil Rights Act.
The right of an otherwise qualified person to be free from discrimination
because of race, religion, national origin, genders, or the presence of any
sensory, mental, or physical disability is recognized as and declared to be a
civil right.
Ark. Code Ann. § 16-123-107 (a) (West 2013). Marital status, as part of the broader term
"familial status" is referenced in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act.
The opportunity to obtain housing, and other real estate, without
discrimination because of religion, race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, or familial status, as prohibited by this chapter, is recognized and
declared to be a civil right.
4 In the quotations from state law that follows this list, the words contained in the list are in italics.
5 For purposes of this provision, "'[b]ecause of gender,' means, but is not limited to, on account of
pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions." Ark. Code Ann. § 16-123-102 (1) (West 2013)
(emphasis added).
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19,2015: Page 5 of 10
Ark. Code Ann. § 16-123-203 (a) (West 2013). Age discrimination is prohibited in the state Age
Discrimination Act.
It shall be unlawful for a public employer to:
(1) Fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual or otherwise
discriminate against any individual with respect to his her or compensation,
terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the individual's
age;
(2) Limit, segregate, or classify employees in any way which would
deprive or tend to deprive any individual of employment opportunities or
otherwise adversely affect his or her status as an employee because of the
individual's age....;
Ark. Code Ann. § 21-2-203 (a) (1) (2) (West 2008). Discrimination by public agencies based upon
a person's creed is expressly prohibited by state law:
(a) Every state agency shall include in its personnel manual a statement that
discrimination by any officer or employee based upon race, creed, religion,
national origin, age, sex, or gender shall constitute grounds for dismissal.
Ark. Code Ann. § 21-12-103 (West 2008). An employer's discrimination against a potential
employee because of genetic information is prohibited. In fact, it is illegal under state law to even
seek genetic information from a potential employee:
(a) An employer shall not seek to obtain or use a genetic test or genetic
information of the employee or the prospective employee for the purposes of
distinguishing between or discriminating against or restricting any right or
benefit otherwise due or available to an employee or prospective employee.
(b) An employer shall not require a genetic test of or require genetic
information from the employee or prospective employee for the purpose of
distinguishing between or discriminating against or restricting any right or
benefit otherwise available to an employee or prospective employee.
Ark. Code Ann. §11-5-403 (West 2014). State law already has specific provisions to prohibit
discrimination based upon gender identity and sexual orientation.
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19, 2015: Page 6 of 10
(b) (1) "Attribute" means an actual or perceived personal characteristic
including without limitation race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin,
socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity,
physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation.
(2) "Bullying" means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation,
ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against
another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or
physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school
employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee
is associated and that causes or creates actual or reasonably foreseeable:
(A) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damages to
the public school employee's or student's property; or ...
(C) A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or
public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or
pervasiveness of the act....
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-514 (West Supp. 2015). As to sexual orientation, and marital status, state
law again has a statute in place to prohibit such discrimination:
Every shelter shall: (1) Develop and implement a written nondiscrimination
policy to provide services without regard to race, religion, color, age, marital
status, national origin, ancestry, or sexual preference;
Ark. Code Ann. § 9-4-106 (1) (West 2009).
In addition, Arkansas law expressly permits the change of official birth records for transgender
individuals:
(d) Upon receipt of a certified copy of an order of a court of competent
jurisdiction indicating that the sex of an individual born in this state has been
changed by surgical procedure and that the individual's name has been
changed, the certificate of birth of the individual shall be amended
accordingly.
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19, 2015, Page 7 of 10
Ark. Code Ann. § 20-18-307(d) (West Supp. 2015). While this statute does not mention
discrimination, it is clear that Arkansas does not limit sexual identity to that found at birth.6
In short, the proposed ordinance, which only lists types of discrimination that are already
prohibited for one reason or another by state law,7 does not violate the Act. Since the state statutory
or constitutional provisions quoted above are already in place, the argument that anything in the
proposed ordinance violates state law, and therefore violates the Act, is easily dispatched. After
all, "[t]o give the same words a different meaning for each category would be to invent a statute
rather than. interpret one." Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., 134 S.Ct. 2751, 2769 (2014),
quoting with approval, Clark v. Martinez, 543 U.S. 371, 378 (2005). The City does not create any
new form of discrimination in the proposed ordinance.
2. The proposed ordinance complies with the Arkansas Constitution Equal Protection Clause.
As already shown, the proposed ordinance does not list any type of discrimination that is not
already a part of Arkansas law. A secondary question is whether the ordinance somehow violates
the Equal Protection provision of the Arkansas Constitution. The general provision, more fully
cited above, is that "[t]he equality of all persons before the law is recognized, and shall ever remain
inviolate...." Article II, § 3, ARK. CONST. In terms of a local governmental interest to prohibit
discrimination, what does this mean?
'[I]f the constitutional conception of "equal protection of the laws" means
anything, it must at the very least mean that a bare ... desire to harm a
political unpopular group cannot constitute a legitimate governmental
interest' ... Government cannot avoid the strictures of equal protection
simply be deferring to the wishes or objections of some fraction of the body
politic.
6 Accord, Radtke v. Miscellaneous Drivers & Helpers Union, 867 F.Supp.2d 1023, 1033 (D. Minn.
2012).
7 Sections 1 and 2 of the ordinance mandate that the City not discriminate on the basis of "political
opinions and affiliation." This particular requirement is not passed on to private businesses since it is clear
that businesses, including corporations, are entitled to First Amendment rights:
We find no basis for the proposition that, in the context of political speech, the
Government may impose restrictions on certain disfavored speakers. Both history
and logic lead us to this conclusion.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Comm'n, 558 U.S. 310, 340 (2009).
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19, 2015: Page 8 or 10
Jegley v. Picado, 349 Ark. 600, 635, 80 S.W.3d 332, 352 (2002) (citations omitted)(first emphasis
supplied)(second emphasis added). The general question in Jegley was whether it was proper to
criminalize same sex consensual behavior. The Arkansas Supreme Court held that it was not,
particularly when the same activities by heterosexual couples were not also criminalized.
The key to the equal protection argument is that the Court's statement effectively provides
there is no governmental interest in using taxpayer revenues to fund entities or persons which wish
to deny equal protection to some group. The desire to assure that the City revenues do not directly
or indirectly support the denial of constitutional rights to the listed groups is the thrust of the
proposed ordinance. A legislative body "cannot act, under the cloak of police power or public
morality, arbitrarily to invade personal liberties of the individual citizen." See Jegley, 349 Ark. at
638, 80 S.W.3d at 353. Since a government cannot act in such a manner, the fact that the proposed
ordinance merely states that the City will not act in such a manner, directly or indirectly, is
certainly consistent with the Arkansas Constitution, i.e. state law.
3. The proposed ordinance is consistent with federal interpretations on certain issues.
Of the twelve practices prohibited in the proposed ordinance by entities that wish to contract
with the City, only two — sexual orientation, gender identity — can even be said to raise a question
about prohibited discrimination. Race, color, creed, religion, and national origin, have been
standard prohibitions since the 13th•, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution were
ratified. The Equal Protection provision of the 1874 Arkansas Constitution, as demonstrated,
contained similar protections.5
Sex discrimination became prohibited under federal law through Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964.42 U.S.C. § 2000e. Age discrimination became prohibited through the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act in 1967.29 U.S.C. § 621, et seq; additional protections were
offered in the Civil Rights Act of 1991. See, e.g., 29 U.S.C. § 626(e). Disability discrimination
was prohibited for projects that received federal funds with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and for
state and local government projects in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. 29 U.S.C. §
701, et seq; 42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq. Genetic information became protected at the :federal level
by the Genetic Information Non -Discrimination Act of 2008.42 U.S.C. § 2000ff, et seq.
In terms of sex discrimination, this prohibition does not apply merely to the fact that a person
is male or female. For example, the U.S. Supreme Court has expressly held that sexual stereotyping
e Indeed, Arkansas was one of the first formerly Confederate states to ratify the 13t1i Amendment after
the close of the Civil War.JAMES MCPHERSON, Battle C?y of Freedom at 840 (Oxford, 1988).
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19, 2015: Page 9 of 10
is prohibited under Title VII. Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989). "Such
stereotypical attitudes violate Title VII if they lead to an adverse employment decision." Lewis v.
Heartland Inns ofAmerica, LLC, 591 F.3d 1033, 1038 (2010). The Eighth Circuit has cited with
approval a federal case from the Sixth Circuit that .found sex discrimination under Title VII when
a firefighter, who wished to identify as female, was targeted for termination because he wished "to
express a more feminine appearance." Id., quoting Smith v. City ofSalem, Ohio, 378 F.3d 566, 568
(6th Cir. 2004). Adverse employment decisions "based on `gender non -conforming behavior and
appearance' [are) impermissible under Price Waterhouse." Lewis, 591 F.3d at 1039.
At present, the U.S. Department of Labor is seeking comments on proposed rule changes for
the Office of Federal Compact Compliance Programs to assure that Executive Order 13672 (July
21, 2014), is properly implemented. The Executive Order specifically prohibits discrimination on
th basis of sexual orientation in federal contracting, which means for contracts that involve the
expenditure of federal funds. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was issued earlier this
year. 80 Fed. Reg. 5246-5279 (January 30, 2015). Not only was the NPRM issued because of the
Executive Order, but also because current federal guidelines were woefully out of date and did not
take account of changes in federal law, or federal court decisions.9
4. The proposed ordinance does not require action by any business in Arkansas.
The proposed ordinance does not require any business, or individual, in Arkansas to take any
affirmative act. There is no requirement that any business within the City adopt any personnel
policy because of this ordinance. Instead, the ordinance states that discrimination for certain
reasons is not allowed, and that if a company wishes to vie for a contract with the City, it must
follow the very policies the City follows. In short, the proposed ordinance would define an aspect
of a "responsive" bidder in a price bid, and a "qualified" bidder in a services bid, as one that
adhered to the City's requirements against discrimination, and were willing to execute a document
to that effect.
CONCLUSION
The proposed ordinance does not violate Arkansas law, specifically Act 137 of 2015,
because every prohibition against discrimination named is already named somewhere in
state law. Further, the proposed ordinance is consistent with interpretation by the Arkansas
' These changes included the amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to Prohibit Sex
Discrimination on the Basis of Pregnancy; the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009; the Family Medical
Leave Act of 1993; and cases that identify sexual harassment such as City of Los Angeles v. Manhart, 435
U.S. 702 (1976); and same sex harassment such as Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Servs., 523 U.S. 75, 78
(1998).See 80 Fed. Reg. 5246, 5249 and nn. 18-23.
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Opinion No. 2015-001
April 19,2015: Page 10 of 10
Supreme Court of the Equal Protection clause of the Arkansas Constitution. Finally, the
proposed ordinance is also in conformity with federal law and regulations that bar
discrimination.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas M. Carpenter
City Attorney
TMC:ct
cc. Mayor Stodola and Members of the Board of Directors (via email)
Bruce T. Moore, City Manager (via email)
James E. Jones, Assistant City Manager (via email)
William C. Mann, Ill, Chief Deputy City Attorney (via email)
Bonnie Engster, Law Office Coordinator
Amendment 1
Section (C) of Definitions shall be amended to replace the last sentence thereof as follows: Gender
identity corresponds to the readily observable biological and scientifically determinable fact of a person
being either male or female at birth.
Amendment 2
Section 1 shall be amended to provide that the entire ordinance be printed on the ballot. Further the
City of Fayetteville shall provide no summary statement or shortened description of the ordinance to
the Washington County Clerk for printing on the ballot.
Amendment 3
Section 1 shall be amended to provide that no City of Fayetteville resources shall, directly or indirectly,
be used to promote the approval of the ordinance by the Fayetteville voters.
Amendment 4
Section 1 shall be amended to provide that the scheduling of an election shall be held in abeyance until
the Attorney General of the State of Arkansas has rendered an opinion as to whether the proposed
ordinance violates A.C.A. § 14-1-401. If the Attorney General determines that the proposed ordinance is
in violation of the foregoing statute, then the ordinance shall be considered void ab initio and no
election shall be held.
4
Amendment 5
Section 2 shall be amended to provide that, if the ordinance is rejected by the voters of the City of
Fayetteville, the City of Fayetteville shall not enact another ordinance concerning discrimination on the
basis of sexual orientation and gender identity for a minimum of two (2) years from the date of the
election which rejected the ordinance. This provision alone shall survive the rejection of the ordinance
by the voters.
Amendment 6
Section (A) of the Discrimination Offense shall be amended to provide that the observance or practice
of gender identity or sexual orientation shall be subject to the same limitation as set forth in A.C.A. § 16-
123-103(b) for religious observance or practice.
Solely for reference purposes: A.C.A. § 16-123-103(b)
It shall not constitute employment discrimination under this subchapter for an employer to refuse to
accommodate the religious observance or practice of an employee or prospective employee if the
employer demonstrates that he is unable to reasonably make such accommodation without undue
hardship on the conduct of the employer's business.
Amendment 7
Section 1 shall be amended that the ordinance shall be put to a vote at the next regular general election
in November 2016.
Amendment 8
Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Section (D) shall be amended to provide that notice of the
complaint be provided to the Respondent with notice in a similar manner as the service of a summons in
a civil suit. Respondent shall have 30 days after service to respond in writing to the complaint. Any
hearing shall be set not earlier than 60 days after receipt by Civil Rights Commission of the written
response by Respondent.
H
Amendment 9
Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Section (E) shall be amended to provide that the Arkansas rules
of evidence, including but not limited to the exclusion of hearsay evidence, shall apply to the conduct of
the hearing before the Civil Rights Commission.
Amendment 10
Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Section (E) shall be amended to provide that the Respondent
shall be presumed innocent of a violation until determined guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by the Civil
Rights Commission.
10
Amendment 11
Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Section (E) shall be amended to provide that the Respondent
shall have the right afforded in the U.S. Constitution, Amendment 6, to confront each witness against
her at the hearing.
11
Amendment 12
Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Section (E) shall be amended to provide that the Respondent
shall have the right to appeal any adverse decision against him to the State Circuit Court.
12
Amendment 13
Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Section (E) shall be amended to provide that it shall be a
defense to any alleged discrimination that the Respondent holds a good faith belief in traditional
marriage and that her allegedly discriminatory acts were a reasonable expression of her belief in the
sanctity of traditional marriage. For these purposes, "traditional marriage" is to be defined as a
marriage of one man to one woman.
13
Amendment 14
Complaint Procedures and Enforcement Section (F) shall be amended to provide that Fayetteville City
Code § 10.99 General Penalty shall not apply to impose imprisonment on anyone cited and fined under
this ordinance.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
Democrat azette
P.O. BOX 1607, FAYETTEVILLE, AR, 72702 • 479-442-1700 - FAX: 479-695-1118 m WWW.NWADG.COM
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
I, Cathy Wiles, do solemnly swear that I am the Legal Clerk of the
Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, printed and published in
Washington and Benton County, Arkansas, and of bona fide circulation,
that from my own personal knowledge and reference to the files
of said publication, the advertisement of
CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE
Ord. 5781
Was inserted in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat
Gazette on:
June 25, 2015
Publication Charges: $ 557.71
SEE ATTACHED
Cathy Wiles
Subscribed and sworn to before me
This 2q day of(jUYU , 2015.
Not Public `��� �ENP'RT�,,,,
My Commission Expires: i O(z.i-1 �.°�P��G
**NOTE**
Please do not pay from Affidavit. Invoice will be- ent:••.
xpire?.•O� ``.
gSH4NG'``��`
RECEIVED
JUL 02 2015
CITY OF
OFFICE
ORDINANCE NO. 5781
AN ORDINANCE TO ENSURE UNIFORM a e eve Ie
NONDISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS WITHIN
THE CITY OF FAYEITEVILLE FOR GROUPS
ALREADY PROTECTED TO VARYING DEGREES ARKANSAS
THROUGHOUT STATE LAW.
WHEREAS, laws including the Civil Rights Act (42 U.S.C § 2000e, et seq.), the
Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993 (A.C.A. § 16-123-101 at seq.) and the Arkansas
Fair Housing Act (A.C.A. § 16-123-201 et seq.) provide Fayetteville citizens with
protections against discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin,
age, sex, religion and disability; and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly has determined that attributes such as "gender
identity" and "sexual orientation" require protection (A.C.A. § 6-18-514 (b)(1));
and
• WHEREAS, Fayetteville citizens deserve fair, equal and dignified treatment under
the law; and
WHEREAS, Fayetteville seeks to attract a diverse and creative workforce by
• promoting itself to prospective businesses and employees as a fair, tolerant and
:welcoming community; and
WHEREAS, the protected classifications in A.C.A. § 6-18-514(b))) for persons on
the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation should also be protected by
the City of Fayetteville to prohibit those isolated but improper circumstances when
some person or business might intentionally discriminate against our gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender citizens; and
• WHEREAS, in response to the concerns recently expressed by the citizens of
Fayetteville on a similar issue, the Fayetteville City Council recognizes their inter-
• est in participating in the democratic process and invites the citizens to decide
whether gender identity and sexual orientation should also be protected by the
City of Fayetteville.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby
refers this ordinance to the Fayetteville voters for their enactment or rejection in a
Special Election to be held on September 8, 2015. The operative provisions that
will be enacted by Fayetteville citizens into the Fayetteville Code if approved by a
majority of Fayetteville citizens voting in the election shall be as follows:
"Uniform Civil Rights Protection
• Purpose
Fayetteville is a welcoming, fair and tolerant city which endeavors to ensure that
all of its citizens and visitors will be free from unfair discrimination. Since Federal
and State law already protect citizens from most discrimination, the Uniform Civil
Rights Protection Article shall extend existing protections to lesbian, gay, bisexu-
al, and transgender citizens and visitors as recognized elsewhere in state law.
Definitions
(A) Employee". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition of
"Employee" as stated in the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-
102 (4).
(B) Employer". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition of
"Employer" as stated in the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-
102(5).
(C) "Gender Identity" means an individual's own, bona fide sense of being male
or female, and the related external characteristics and behaviors that are socially
defined as either masculine or feminine. Gender identity may or may not corre-
spond to the sex assigned to the individual at birth.
(D) "Housing accommodation". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the
definition of "Housing accommodation" as stated in the Arkansas Fair Housing
'Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-202 (1).
(E) "Place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage or amusement". This
definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition of "Place of public resort,
accommodation, assemblage or amusement" as stated in the Arkansas Civil
Rights Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-102 (7). Furthermore, this shall not mean any
religious facility or other religious institution including their owned and operated
schools and daycare facilities.
(F) "Real estate broker or salesman". This definition adopts and incorporates
• herein the definition of "Real estate broker or salesman" as stated in the Arkansas
Fair Housing Act of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-202 (2).
,(G) "Real estate transaction". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the
definition of "Real estate transaction" as stated in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act
of 1993, A.C.A. § 16-123-202 (3).
(H) "Real property". This definition adopts and incorporates herein the definition
of "Real property" as stated in the Arkansas Fair Housing Act of 1993, A.C.A. §
16-123-202 (4).
(I). "Sexual Orientation" means heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality by
practice, identity, or expression.
• Applicability and Exemptions
(A) The Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article is only applicable to discrimina-
• tory actions occurring within the Fayetteville city limits.
•''(B) This Article adopts and incorporates herein the entirety of AC.A. § 16-123-103
Applicability of the Arkansas Civil Rights Act.
(C) Churches, religious schools and daycare facilities, and religious organizations
of any kind shall be exempt from this Article.
Discrimination Offense
(A) The right of an otherwise qualified person to be free from discrimination
• because of sexual orientation and gender identity is the same right of every citizen
• to be free from discrimination because of race, religion, national origin, gender and
disability as recognized and protected by the Arkansas Civil Rights Act of 1993..
' (B) The Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article adopts and incorporates herein
(these rights as quoted below:
(1) The right to obtain and hold employment without discrimination;
i(2) The right to the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages,
facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage,
(3) The right to engage in property transactions (including sales and leases) with-
out discrimination;
(4) The right to engage in credit and other contractual transactions without dis-
^'nt te; and
(5) The right to vote and participate fully in the political process.
(C) A person engaging in a real estate transaction, or a real estate broker or
salesman, shall not on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity engage in
any conduct likewise prohibited by A.C.A. § 16-123-204 Prohibited Acts of the
Arkansas Fair Housing Act on the basis of other enumerated attributes.
(D) No employer shall discriminate against nor threaten any individual because
such individual in good faith has opposed any act or practice made unlawful
by this section or because such person. in good faith made a charge, testified,
assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing
related to the Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article.
Establishment and Duties of a Civil Rights Commission
There is hereby established the Civil Rights Commission. The Civil Rights
Commission shall review and decide complaints of alleged discrimination in viola-
tion of the Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article, The Commission will provide
to the City Council an annual accounting of the number of complaints received
and the outcomes.
Composition
(A) The Civil Rights Commission shall consist of seven members composed of
the following:
(1) Two (2) representatives of the business community;
(2) Two (2) owners or managers of rental property;
(3) One (1) representative with experience in Human Resources or employment
law;
(4) Two (2) citizens at large, at least one of whom identifies as gay, lesbian,
bisexual, or transgender.
(B) Members will be appointed by the City Council, each for a term of three years.
Appointments shall be staggered so that each year either two or three members'
terms shall be available for appointment by the Nominating Committee.
(C) Members of the Civil Rights Commission may be removed from office by the
City Council for cause upon written charges and after a public hearing.
Meetings
(A) The Civil Rights Commission shall meet for an organizational meeting within
60 days after the citizens enact this ordinance and every year thereafter following
the appointment of new members.
(B) Meetings shall be held at the call of the chairperson.
(C) A majority of the membership of the Civil Rights Commission shall constitute
, a quorum.
(D) All meetings shall be open to the public.
;(E) The Civil Rights Commission shall adopt rules necessary to the conduct for
its affairs, and in keeping with the provisions of the City's Uniform Civil Rights
Protection Article.
;Staff Support
The City Attorney's office shall receive complaints on behalf of the Civil Rights
Commission and assist the Commission in performing its duties and carrying out
its responsibilities.
tComplalnt Procedure and Enforcement
(A) A person asserting a claim of discrimination, herein referred to as the
Complainant", pursuant to this Uniform Civil Rights Protection Article must
present such claim in writing to the City Attorney's office no more than ninety
(90) days after the person has knowledge of the facts giving rise to the claim of
discrimination. The City Attorney's office will, within two (2) business days, notify
the Civil Rights Commission that a complaint was received.
(B) Informal mediation or conciliation between the alleged discriminator, herein
referred to as the "Respondent", and Complainant shall be attempted by the City
within four business days and before any other enforcement measures can begin.
Such mediation or conciliation measures shall be pursued in accordance with the
ceonfidentiality protections provided by A.C.A. § 16-7-206. Mediation and concili-
,ation should be concluded within two weeks after the complaint is received unless
both parties agree to further efforts.
(C)df conciliation efforts are successful in resolving the complaint, the Civil Rights
Commission will be notified of resolution and take no further action.
(D) If conciliation efforts fail to resolve the complaint, the Civil Rights Commission
shall notify both parties that a hearing will be conducted at a specified place;arfd
time not more than fourteen (14) business days after the conclusion of coheilia-
tion efforts but not less than five (5) business days after issuance of notice of the
hearing.
(E) Conduct of the Hearing:
(1) The Civil Rights Commission shall review the initial complaint and may receive
any additional evidence from the Complainant.
(2) The Respondent shall have an opportunity to explain or provide evidence to
rebut any allegations of illegal discriminatory acts. No person shall be compelled
to be a witness against himself in any formal or informal hearing.
(3)After considering all the evidence presented, if the Civil Rights Commission
determines that the Respondent has violated this Article, the Commission shall
forward the original claim and their findings to the City Prosecutor.
(F) Penalty:
1) A person's first violation of this ordinance shall carry a penalty of up to a
0
1.00.00 fine. Fayetteville City Code § 10.99 General Penalty shall apply to any
subsequent violations.
2) No violation of this Article shall be construed to be a misdemeanor or felony.
severability
f:any part, provision or section of this ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional
t shall be severed from the remainder which shall remain valid and enforceable."
eoIior12j That the City Council for the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby
etermines that if the Fayetteville voters fail to approve the referred ordinance,
he ordinance will not go into effect; but if the voters approve the ordinance, the
rrdinance quoted in Section 1 will be enacted into the Fayetteville Code and
lecome effective sixty (60) days after the approving election.
iASSED and APPROVED this 16th day of June, 2015.
kPPROVED: ATTEST:
ly: By:
JONELD JORDAN, Mayor SONDRA E. SMITH, City Clerk Treasurer
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas - Budget Adjustment Form (Legistar)
Budget Year Division: Miscellaneous Adjustment Number
2015 Dept.: General Government
Requestor: Sondra Smith
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT DESCRIPTION / JUSTIFICATION:
The City Clerk recommends the approval of a Budget Adjustment to pay for the Uniform Nondiscrimination Protections
Special Election. It is necessary to bring forth a budget adjustment ordinance to pay for the special election. Elections
vary in cost therefore the cost for this special election is an estimated cost. I am requesting a budget adjustment in the
amount of $40,000.00 to cover the estimated special election cost.
COUNCIL DATE:
LEGISTAR FILE ID#:
7/21/2015
2015-0319
B a4-bL14 GV Fe U'
7/10/2015 7:39 AM
Budget Director Date
TYPE:
DESCRIPTION:
GLDATE:
RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE POSTED:
TOTAL 40,000 40,000 v.20150402
Increase / (Decrease) Project.Sub#
Account Number Expense Revenue Project Sub AT Account Name
1010.6600.5318.00 40,000 - EX Election Cost
1010.0001.4999.99 - 40,000 RE Use of Fund Balance
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