Commission debates stricter attendance bylaws; vote delayed when quorum lost; DPW incidents flagged

Commissioners reviewed proposed changes to the LGBTQIA+ Commission bylaws on March 17 that would add enforcement after three unexcused absences, and discussed how enforcement would actually be implemented.

One proposed option would restore a stricter standard: after three unexcused absences the executive team would raise the issue and the commission could recommend removal to the mayor’s office and city council. Speakers noted the existing rule allowed removal in theory but had not been enforced; they suggested a formal letter from the commission to the mayor’s office as the likely enforcement mechanism.

A commissioner moved to adopt the first, stricter option and another seconded. Before a vote could be taken members concluded the meeting lacked quorum after a commissioner left; the chair and others said they would pursue the matter outside the meeting, including possibly sending a notice to absent members and creating a timeline for any change.

Separately, a commissioner reported two recent incidents involving the Department of Public Works: one where a DPW worker used a homophobic slur in a dispute that went before the Human Relations Commission, and a separate matter that resulted in a settlement and where the worker is no longer employed by the city. The reporting commissioner said they will ask the new DPW director about workforce training during an upcoming interview.

Commissioners asked for an effective start date if bylaws are changed and suggested warning notices before removals. They also noted vacancies and term expirations on the commission as context for strengthening attendance rules. The item was tabled for follow-up because the body lacked quorum to take a formal vote.

The commission recorded the discussion in the meeting notes and agreed to continue work on drafting the language and sequencing any enforcement actions outside the meeting.