Agenda Item 1D - 6-27-14 Public Meeting MinutesAGENDA ITEM# lD
AUGUST 11, 2014
Minutes of the Public Meeting held in the City Hall North Conference Room on Friday,
June 27, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Commissioners Beckenbach and Hill met with the City Manager to discuss general topics
pertaining to the recent workshop and upcoming agenda.
Present:
Mayor Pro Tern/Commissioner Mark Beckenbach
Commissioner Jimmy Hill
Commissioner Maria Mark
City Manager Nelson Van Liere
City Attorney Rich Komando
Dr. Mark Tomaski
Mr. Chris Jorgensen
Commissioner Hill -wants to discuss HRO. Expressed concerns with the logistics of the
HRO. Even though other local governments have similar laws, he is concerned over the
costs. Commissioner Hill used the dangerous dog case as an example ($3, 000) of the
possible costs. He has concern about the balance vs. the effect to our City.
Commissioner Beckenbach -as far as litigation is concerned, he made a few phone calls
and the local government he contacted hadn't seen any litigation.
Commissioner Hill -our ordinance isn't like the other ones. The filter for the process
is too light and that will make us a focal point of anyone who wants to get into the
judicial process. He doesn't think any of our citizens would do this. Is it an opinion
to pass something similar to Neptune Beach and ensure that the City's process is in
order.
Commissioner Beckenbach spoke with Judy Sheklin who is involved with this advocacy and
she gives an example of a girl she knows.
R Komando -discuss definition of age in the proposed ordinance.
Commissioner Hill -asks for clarification definition of family.
R Komando -explain definition is currently in the ordinance dear the fair housing
section.
Commissioner Beckenbach -insurance program. Would that cover litigation costs?
Commissioner Hill -if not covered, can we buy coverage?
N Van Liere -doesn't believe insurance would cover, but we can check with the HR
Director.
Commissioner Hill -businesses may not know they have a bigot working for them, and the
business would bear the costs. Then COAB would not be attractive for business.
Commissioner Beckenbach -disagrees.
AGENDA ITEM# 1D
AUGUST 11, 2014
Commissioner Hill -we have a responsibility to businesses and shouldn't be using
activism with a business person's checkbook.
Commissioner Beckenbach -explains former hesitation about the transgender group, but
spoke with Dr. Tomaski and better understands what each person deserves. Most major
corporations have internal policies in place. He checked and learned that other than
statewide and national businesses, restaurants would be the ones with more than fifteen
employees.
Commissioner Hill -why do we want to be in this part of people's lives. Discuss the
opposition from religious groups and the exemption that seems to now address the
protection of their beliefs. Doesn't think the ordinance will change anyone's mind about
the lifestyle.
Commissioner Hill and Beckenbach -discuss national history of religious freedoms.
Commissioner Hill -isn't the government already handling this issue . Doesn't like the
language, but agrees it's getting better. Feels like it is being rushed toward the end.
Believes this ordinance will generate a constitutional challenge or cost the City
thousands of dollars.
Commissioner Hill -discuss possible referendum.
Commissioner Mark -ask for clarification of what is meant by costs. Present or future.
Not aware of any other local government in Florida that has been subject of a lawsuit.
All discuss the enforcement and procedures.
Discuss inherent challenges in discussing this issue, the costs with layers of review
and the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission.
Discuss national movements and the potential for the COAB to become a battleground in
the movements in support and opposition of LGBTQ rights.
Public Comment:
Dr. Tomaski -available for questions. Discuss how he had been sued and the effects.
Discuss psychology of transgender individuals.
Discuss jurisdictional maximum amounts of $15,000
Commissioner Hill -would like to define what is discriminatory. Wants to put some
filters in place.
Commissioner Mark -discuss assessing costs to the litigants. Maybe a filing fee.
Discuss how to define discrimination.
Commissioner Beckenbach -discuss issues for meeting schedule. Wants the citizenry to
know in advance what is on the agenda.
Commissioner Hill -doesn't want to lose an opportunity for the citizens to have a clear
and transparent view of the work of the Commission. Compromise could be two workshops
and two commission meetings every month.
Minutes of the Public Meeting on June 27, 2014 Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Beckenbach wants to discuss next week.
AGENDA ITEM# 1D
AUGUST 11, 2014
Commissioner Mark not available next week and understands the City Manager's proposal.
Likes the idea to keep things moving. Believes it will empower the citizens.
Public Comment
Chris Jorgensen -wants to use electronic media to track what is occurring on the
meeting. Federal government is destroying the schools. These are emotional issues.
Dr. Tomaski -wants to discuss meeting issues further. Does not want to see the
Commission go backward.
Discuss meeting July 7th to continue conversation.
Adjourn 5:10pm
Mark E. Beckenbach
Mayor Pro Tern/Commissioner
Minutes of the Public Meeting on June 27, 2014 Page 3 of 3