AGENDA DATE: 9/16/2020
TITLE:
Title
An Ordinance to Amend County Code Chapter 1, General Provisions
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Schedule a public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend County Code Chapter 1, General Provisions, to revise the rules of constructing the County Code when referencing gender
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Kamptner, Russell
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Doug Walker
BACKGROUND: The County has prioritized working towards a more diverse, inclusive and equitable organization, and a review of the County’s policies, processes, and ordinances is ongoing to ensure they reflect the County’s priorities.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations: Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities
DISCUSSION: In a review of County Code § 1-102, Rules of Construction, the reference to “Gender” is currently defined as: “A word used in the masculine includes the feminine and the neuter.” Staff recommends amending the reference to “Gender pronouns,” defined as: “A word used in the masculine or the feminine, in particular “he,” “she,” “him,” and “her,” includes all gender identities.”
Staff believes this amendment creates a more inclusive reference, and the County Attorney has prepared a draft ordinance (Attachment A) to make this change.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board direct staff to schedule a public hearing on October 21, 2020 to consider the adoption of the attached draft ordinance (Attachment A).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed Ordinance