2010-12-14_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 14, 2010 Item 4B City Benefits December 7, 2010 To: Human Rights Commission Fr: Carolyn Curti, Human Rights Commission Staff Liaison Eldona Bacon, Human Resources Director Re: Domestic Partnership Registry There is currently nothing in our City policies or employee handbook that specifically identifies or addresses domestic partnerships. The State of Minnesota would have to take legislative action to allow a local government to offer domestic partner benefits. Roseville's City code has two places that address discrimination. 104.01: Purpose and Scope; Personnel Appointments K. Equal Employment Opportunity: 1. State and Federal Regulations: The city provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, directives and regulations. 2. Discrimination: Discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, place of residence, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy, age or any other class protected by state or federal law is prohibited in all personnel policies, programs and practices. 3. Responsibility of City Manager: The city manager is responsible for implementing this policy. Failure of any city employee to act in a manner consistent with this policy may result in disciplinary action against that employee. (Ord. 1230, 8 -23 -1999) 1207.27: Nondiscrimination: The franchisee, its agents, employees, contractors and subcontractors shall at all times comply with the provision of the City of Roseville Code and applicable state and federal law regarding nondiscrimination and civil rights in connection with its services provided pursuant to this Franchise Ordinance. (Ord. 1324, 08 -08 -2005) Domestic Partner Registry Recently Maplewood and Golden Valley became the sixth and seventh cities to enact domestic partner registration ordinances in Minnesota Some argue that while domestic partner registries have limited legal effect, couples (different sex and same -sex) can document the existence of their relationship. This can help with securing benefits from employers, businesses, or others who wish to use the registration as the basis for doing so. Leaders and residents in the cities that have passed such a proposal have spoken about the positive message a partner ordinance sends about the welcoming, inclusive nature of the community.