Legislation faces turbulence at Shelby City Council
Shelby Councilman Nathan Martin’s legislative proposal encountered turbulence during the latest Shelby City Council meeting, highlighting concern over its implications.
The ordinance, aimed at codifying anti-discrimination measures similar to the Civil Rights Act for the city, sparked a discussion among council members and legal advisers over its potential impact on contracts and legal standing.
The proposal, Ordinance No. 4-2024, introduced on March 4, seeks to address “impermissible expenditures” related to discriminatory activities within the city of Shelby.
Despite its intentions to uphold values against discrimination, concerns were raised about its legality and the potential for future contractual complications.
During the meeting, Councilman Eric Cutlip expressed reservations, citing discussions with the law director that flagged issues with the ordinance’s compatibility with existing contracts.
In response, Martin defended the ordinance, stating, “The language that comes out of this is actually from several different think tanks...so there are no conflicts.”
He assured the council that the provisions had been upheld in other states, negating the need for further amendments.
However, the city’s legal advisers, including Shelby law director Gordon Eyster and outside counsel advised against the ordinance’s passage.
Eyster emphasized, “It’s this legal adviser’s opinion this should not be passed,” echoing concerns from the city’s external legal team that despite amendments, significant issues remained.
“I would encourage you to all vote nay on this,” Eyster said.
“If you want a further detailed, well-thought-out legal explanation, I think our outside legal counsel was prepared to do that or can do that for us,” Eyster told council. “I don’t think we need to expend that cost. That’s certainly the council’s prerogative, but I don’t recommend this be passed at this time.”
Martin was able to secure amendments to the legislation on March 4.
“They (outside counsel) were aware of the amendment requests but said they still had problems with it,” Eyster said in response to a question from Councilman Derrin Roberts.
Councilman Martin responded: “I think that’s a mischaracterization of the legal counsel’s email. I’ll leave it at that.”
Eyster said: “Council has the email and can form their own opinions from the email from outside counsel.”
The proposed ordinance, described by Martin as a measure to ensure no city funds are used for dis
first-ever regional championship and an appearance in the Division II Final Four.
The Whippets also claimed their fifth consecutive MOAC championship and finished ranked second in the final AP poll.
Bruskotter, a Wright State commit, was also named Division II Northwest District Player of the Year, Division II District 6 Player of the Year and MOAC Player of the Year.
Teammate Casey Lantz earned special mention All-ohio honors.
The senior for- ward averaged 12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.3 steals while helping his team win a record-setting 25 games and become the
first Shelby boys’ team to win 20 regular-season games.
The honors were announced Thursday.