Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Task Force

SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY TASK FORCE March 4, 2013 – 4:30 p.m. Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott PRESENT: Judge Miles Sweeney – Chairman Lola Butcher, Randall Doennig, Rev. Steve Gardner, Dick Hardy, Dr. Ginger Holczer, Jeff Houghton, Cindy Lear, Lynne Meyerkord, Rev. Michael Overton, Pam Sailors, Robert Salor, Sarah Smith, David Trippe, Gary Whitaker Angela Filbeck – Alternate Kelly Johnson – MCHRCR Chairman CITY STAFF LIAISONS: Dan Wichmer – City Attorney, Cora Scott – Director of Public Information and Civic Engagement, Sharon Smith – City Manager’s Office ABSENT: Rick McLain __________________________________________________________________________ The 2/25/13 minutes were reviewed and Rev. Steve Gardner made a motion to accept. Rev. Michael Overton seconded motion. Minutes approved. Dan Wichmer reviewed Sunshine Law guidelines. All meetings are open to public and agendas are required to be posted in City Clerk’s Office at least 24 hours in advance. All committee or sub- committees within the Task Force must copy Sharon Smith on all correspondences, as well as meeting agendas for posting. All documents are open to public. Since texting is difficult to keep a record of, Dan asked that members avoid using this form of communication to one another. Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations Chairperson Kelly Johnson reviewed copies of City Code from three of Springfield’s Benchmark cities and stated an electronic version will be sent out to Task Force as well. Dan reviewed the amended ordinances that were under consideration by Council in August 2012. He stated the difference between the two amended ordinances is that one contains religious exemption. The members provided input to create a list of topics for discussion when visiting community businesses and groups: Possible groups to gather information from: Elderly (OLGA) Employers Faith Community College Community HR Director groups Other cities Stat reports  Employment – Chamber of Commerce SAHRA (Springfield Area Human Resources Association) SBDC (Springfield Business Development Corporation Housing – Kelly stated most issues based on race and disability Dan said the number of issues has been reduced greatly and will not be big concern locally because of federal government will be the enforcement agency due to HUD Public accommodations – Chamber of Commerce Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Healthcare companies (Mercy, Cox) Religious business owners Restaurant associations Transportation businesses Interfaith alliance groups The following were discussed as a guidance for each sub-committee: o Attempt to get more facts, with minimal opinions. o Create 5-6 questions that can be taken to each entity they visit. Judge Sweeney will speak with Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson to consider mailing out questionaire to local businesses. Next meeting scheduled for Monday, March 11 – 4:30 at Public Safety Center Meeting adjourned at 6:06 pm.