City Council - Ordinance Committee

Ordinance Committee Minutes March 7, 2023 Members present: Councilor Derby, Councilor Peake, Councilor Riley Members absent: Also in Attendance: Councilor Zaret Meeting called to order by Councilor Derby at 6:00 pm 1. Public Speak Time: 2. Approval of the February 24, 2023, meeting notes: Minutes will be approved at next meeting. 3. Continuing Business: Amend City Ordinances – Add Sec. 6-23 (Safe & Fair Access to Legally Protected Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Services) Councilor Zaret gave an overview of what specific language has changed since the last meeting. Councilors discussed moving the Preamble and Findings of the Ordinance language as a concurrent resolution to be passed at the same time as the ordinance. Public Comment Pam Hibbard, Easthampton – Had questions about the remaining political process. Councilor Derby explained. Sandra Zieminski, South Hadley – Wanted to know if the current language would be sent to the solicitor. Councilor Derby confirmed the remainder of the process of recommending it to the full council which is where the public hearing will be. Billy Park, Florence – Began to read a letter opposed to gender affirming care, Councilor Derby interrupted him and required that he stay on the topic of the language in the ordinance and not ideologies. Jean Pao Wilson, Easthampton – Had questions specifically about HIPAA laws and how it applies to non-medical employees like city workers. • A motion was made by Councilor Peake, and Councilor Riley Seconded. Vote: 3-0 approved to send the ordinance language Sec. 6-23 Safe & Fair Access to Legally Protected Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Health Care Services as amended to the City Solicitor. Vacant Storefront Ordinance Updates: Councilor Derby changed some language in the vacant store-front property to ensure that vacant apartments on the third floor of storefront properties aren’t subject to fees. Added in a date of effect to take place July 1st, 2023, and that fees may be set by the Building Commissioner.  A motion was made by Councilor Peake, and Councilor Riley Seconded. Vote 3-0 approved to change the language as amended. 4. Other: Next regular meeting: March 28th at 6:00 pm. Councilor Peake made a motion to adjourn, and Councilor Riley seconded. Vote: 3-0. Meeting adjourned at 6:54 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Councilor Brad Riley Clerk to the Ordinance Committee