2014-06-09 Regular Council agenda

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parliamentary authorities and do not follow Robert’s Rules of Order. She noted it is hard to look at other organizations and say well they do it, because oftentimes they have different set of rules that they have adopted. Ms. Dickey stated that it is important for Council to understand their own rules and to follow them. She stated that although people may not always like the outcome of a meeting bit are satisfied if they had an opportunity to present their side and vote on the issue. Jan Adams, 7150 Cambridge, University City, MO Ms. Adams stated that the language contained in the proposed resolutions is objectionable and Council is not required to give a nay or yea vote to baited language. She suggested that members of Council abstain from any vote that they believe contains objectionable language, because with only two votes in favor the resolution fails. Ms. Adams stated that the two proponents of these resolutions seek to delay government business with repetitious, protracted political speech. Abby Shea, 7008 Tulane Avenue, University City, MO Ms. Shea stated that currently she is the Assistant Manager at the Heman Park Pool and has been an employee for five years. She stated that currently lifeguards are required to wear one-piece swimsuits which are a change from previous years where women had the option to wear either a one or two piece suit. Women are required to wear a shirt to cover up their stomachs and men are not. Ms. Shea stated that the definition of discrimination according to Webster’s Dictionary is “The practice of unfairly treating a person or a group of people differently from other people or groups of people”. This policy, by definition, is discrimination against women workers. Either women should be allowed to wear two piece swimsuits if they desire or the men should be required to wear shirts. Ms. Shea stated that when she brought this issue up with her supervisors they told her that the matter was beyond their control and that to require men to wear shirts would be too hot for them. If it’s too hot for men, it’s too hot for women. Ms. Shea stated that while no actual policy has been established, if enacted this would be a step in the right direction. However in her opinion, there is a broader issue; making women employees wear shirts to cover up their modest uniform emphasizes that the clothes they wear represents their sexuality and in some ways perpetuates the rape culture that we live in. She stated that no matter what clothes a person wears, they are not asking for it. In the case of lifeguards all they are asking for is to be cool on those hot, humid summer days. Ms. Shea stated that the one-piece spandex suits are uncomfortable and inappropriate for hot weather. She concluded by stating that as a society we need to stop hyper-sexualizing women. Change starts by taking small steps. A small step would start by allowing women the choice to wear a one or two piece uncovered swimsuit. P. COUNCIL COMMENTS Dr. Carr asked the City Manager if he would provide her with an update on the bid proposal for the trash receptacles that was postponed at the last meeting. She then stated that she had sent an email th to Mr. Walker, with a copy to Mr. Wilson on May 29, asking for an explanation of why several streets in her ward had been tarred and sanded instead of being repaired with asphalt. She stated that to date, she has not received a response. Dr. Carr thanked everyone who came out to tonight’s meeting, even though she is disappointed that even with an expert here to help Council address something that they seem unable to understand, it was so roundly rejected. She stated that she thinks that Council should embrace every opportunity to learn and do things correctly. And her hope is that they will seek to get additional training. Dr. Carr said we live in a very liberal democracy that protects the rights of the minority. She stated that we pride ourselves on being a diverse community, but we seem not to be inclusive, tearing other people down instead of inviting them to sit down and work through their issues. Dr. Carr stated that she heard Ms. Adams’ assertion about what happened during the Civil Service meeting, but stated Ms. Adams was absolutely incorrect. She stated that Ms. Adams may want to take this issue up with the attorney who clearly stated that no recording was taking place. Dr. Carr stated that she does believe that it is against the law to record a conversation which you are not a party to and she would not violate that law nor would the other person who was accused of doing so. She stated that as a political figure she is subject to a much higher standard and believes that there is a need to be absolutely open and honest. With respect to the six suspended employees, Dr. Carr stated that she also questions whether this was politically motivated or policy motivated. Her hope is that at some point she will be able to address that issue.