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Local ministry alleges retaliation over proposed Group Care Home code changes; Council hears concerns
Summary
A board member of Radical Hospitality Ministries told the Council the group filed a discrimination complaint after a license denial and warned proposed Group Care Home ordinance language could unnecessarily restrict care, limit oversight and be retaliatory; the amendment was on first reading and Council did not vote on final changes.
During first reading of proposed amendments to Chapter 26 (Group Care Homes), James Baugh, a Wheaton resident and board member of Radical Hospitality Ministries (RHM), told the Council RHM "filed a discrimination complaint after a license denial and believes the revisions may be retaliatory." He argued that language such as "individual with specific needs" could restrict access to care and criticized the potential removal of oversight committees, urging the Council to reconsider the ordinance wording to avoid unintended barriers for vulnerable people.
City Manager Michael Dzugan noted staff recommended an additional change to clarify legislative intent and that the proposed Group Care Home provisions had been discussed at prior planning sessions. Council did not take final action on the Group Care Home amendments at the March 2 meeting; further consideration is expected as the amendments proceed through the ordinance process.
