ORDINANCE NO. 240952

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Sponsor: Councilmember Crispin Rea

Amending Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances, Administration, by repealing and replacing Section 2-972 for the purpose of deeming certain employees not in violation of the City's residency requirement in circumstances of domestic violence.

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WHEREAS, domestic violence has a destabilizing impact on victims; and

WHEREAS, administrative requirements may create additional burdens for victims who are already experiencing stressful and traumatic circumstances; and

WHEREAS, the State of Missouri has enacted the Victims Economic Safety and Security Act ("VESSA"), which provides for workplace accommodations for victims of domestic or sexual violence; and

WHEREAS, while VESSA does not impact the City's residency requirement, the City acknowledges some employees who are victims, or have family or household members who are victims, of domestic or sexual violence may need to temporarily relocate outside the City limits for their or their family member's safety; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That Chapter 2, Code of Ordinances, ADMINISTRATION, is hereby amended by repealing Section 2-972, Residence of employees, and enacting in lieu thereof a new section of like number and subject matter, to read as follows:

Sec. 2-972. Residence of employees.

The following conditions regulating residence shall apply to all nonelected city employees:

(1) Employment preference. Preference for employment shall be given to residents of the city for all positions in the classified service.

(2) Applicants. Applicants for employment with the city, who are nonresidents at the time of appointment, shall establish residence inside the city limits within nine months after the date of appointment. In the discretion of the director of human resources, persons who, at the time the nine months expires, have entered into a contract to purchase a residence for their use and who are...

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