07-26-2010 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 26, 2010 APPROVED 91 history. In further explaining the difference in the versions, Mr. Squires said that version 92 one, paragraph six, contains language about barring city officials and employees from 93 using a language other than English and the other versions (versions two and three)relate 94 to the same but expand on that by changing the identification from"private"to "non- 95 official"communications and he feels this is preferable in consideration of the court's 96 concerns about free speech impediments. Further the term"official" is defined. He 97 suggests that version three is the best in his opinion and based on current activity in the 98 area that he has reviewed. He also suggested that he understands that the council's focus 99 is intended in the area of cost savings and to being proactive rather than reactive in the 100 area and he has tried to focus the language of the resolutions in that direction. In that 101 same light, he felt it important to set rules in place and at the same time be able to balance 102 those rights of individuals; it sets a clear future policy. 103 104 The council reviewed the versions and comments were made. The council concurred 105 that version three is preferred. They are appreciate of Mr. Squires' work in digging 106 deeper and commend him on bringing forward a resolution that expresses very well the 107 cost saving intentions of the council. When a council member asked, if the resolution 108 were approved,what would change at city hall, Acting Administrator Tesch suggested 109 that if translation of official documents were requested, the resolution would prohibit that 110 service from being provided at any cost to the city. A council member added that a list of 111 free translation services could be put together to use as a resource as long as it is kept 112 clear that those services would include no liability to the city. A council member 113 confirmed that there hadn't actually been any requests for translation services to this 114 point; it was noted that the police department has provided translation services and would 115 continue to do so as a public safety requirement. 116 117 A council member read the exceptions included in the resolution. The city attorney noted 118 that it represents a list developed by the U.S. English organization that is based on 119 experiences of other communities and also somewhat on federal law. 120 121 A council member requested that the resolution be read in its entirety at the council 122 meeting. The city attorney was instructed to repeat his review of how the resolution was 123 developed. 124 125 The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m. 126 127 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on 128 August 9, 2010. 129 130 131 • 132 Imo_ . 133 Julianne Ba ell, City Cle ert,'•ayor 3