The Jefferson City Council met Tuesday night in regular session.

During open forum, several residents addressed the Council about a recent incident involving a transgendered individual using the female locker room at the city swimming pool. The concerns that were voiced included not exposing children to those with different body parts as the locker rooms they are using, or letting adult males into the female locker rooms. Possible solutions that were voiced included establishing unisex bathrooms and creating separate entrances for transgendered individuals  

A concerned resident called the City earlier this month about a transgendered individual using the female locker room. The City released a statement saying it could not discriminate against individuals based on their sexual identity or sexual orientation as part of the state and federal Civil Rights Act. 

Those that spoke in support of transgendered individuals said it isn’t right to provide separate entrances because you are singling out those individuals, who also have rights. They also commended the City for its statement. After nearly 30 minutes, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Zmolek said the matter would be referred to a committee for review and possibly come up with solutions. 

Also during open forum, Mary Ganoe-Danielsen addressed the Council about an incident where two dogs killed her dog earlier this month. She requested a review of the City’s current ordinance to provide harsher punishments other than giving the owner of the dogs that killed her dog the options of removing them from city limits or having them euthanized. City Administrator Mike Palmer said the matter would be referred to the police committee.

The Council then held a public hearing and then sold the property of 703 North Wilson Avenue to James Ford for $2,500. They also approved third readings to amend three ordinances, including adding abandoned connections, temporary vacancy and water service rates; allowing decks in front of residential homes, and adding feral cat colonies to the animal protection and control ordinance. Additionally, the Council approved the 28E agreement for joint operation of the new law enforcement center with Greene County as presented, accepting $13,000 for the airport as part of the Airport Coronavirus Response Grant Program, a plat of survey for the Greene County Early Learning Center new building project, and a quarterly funding request for Greene County Development Corporation as presented.