If a complaint is filed with the City Clerk alleging that the City, or one of its boards, commissions, departments, divisions, officials, or employees has engaged or is engaging in an unlawful discriminatory practice as defined in Chapter 539 of the Worthington Codified Ordinances, then the following additional procedures shall apply:
(a) The Law Director shall forward a copy of the complaint to the City Council.
(b) The City Council may appoint special counsel to conduct a preliminary investigation instead of the Law Director conducting the preliminary investigation.
(c) The City Council may appoint a mediator to endeavor to eliminate any alleged unlawful discriminatory practices by methods of mediation instead of the Law Director appointing a mediator.
(d) The City Council may appoint a hearing officer to conduct a determination hearing instead of the City Manager appointing the hearing officer.
(e) If the complaint involves an employment action by the City against the complainant, then the City Council may refer the complaint to the Personnel Appeals Board for an appeal hearing concerning the alleged discriminatory practices and no further action shall be taken under this Chapter.
(Ord. 14-2019. Passed 5-20-19.)