MINUTES 07-16-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Today I am recommending that we add "Source of Income" (SOI) to our anti - discrimination in housing ordinance, as a protected classification. The goal here is to do what we can to remove what barriers we are able and help low- income people find decent, safe and affordable housing. Individuals and families who receive public assistance have every right to participate in our local renal markets. Including SOI protections in anti - discrimination laws has been shown to decrease discrimination and make it easier for low - income people to find suitable housing. In what form a person or family pays rent should not determine what community will or will not accept them. Currently, eight states and many counties, cities and towns across the country that have SOI protections that include public assistance. In Cuyahoga alone, there are four: Linndale, South Euclid, University Heights, and Warrensville Heights. I look forward to much discussion in committee. I'm sure there will be a lot of good input and questions to come. At which time, I would hope, we also discuss what we can do as a city to help landlords to understand these changes, should they be adopted. I have also reached out to organizations such as The Fair Housing Center, Cuyahoga County and CMHA to understand how we might work closer to ensure that implementation is efficient and effective with an aim to benefit both tenants and landlords. I humbly request that this be referred to the Housing Committee. Motion by Mr. Rader, seconded by Mr. O'Leary to receive and file the communication. Motion passed. All members voting in favor. ORDINANCE 35 -18 - AN ORDINANCE repealing Section 516.01 and Section 510.01, Discrimination Prohibited, of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lakewood and enacting a new section in its place to include source of income as a protected class as well a definition for the term source of income. (pg. 28) Motion by Councilmember O'Leary, seconded by Councilmember Anderson to refer to Housing Committee. Motion passed all members voting yea. 10. Communication from Mayor Summers regarding July 4th Parade Grand Marshals (pg.35) Mayor Summers presented awards to parade award winners in the categories of Best Color Guard, Best Float, Most Original Entry, Best Bicycle, & Most Spirit. A spokesperson from each group said a few words about their group. Mr. O'Leary thanked awardees and congratulated them.