Domestic partnership benefits for same sex couples

On the question of adding same sex partners to the city's current definition of family members for insurance benefits, the discussion was relatively brief.

Mayor Ed Tauer called for an abbreviated debate, and encouraged council members to reserve lengthy comments for the final verdict when the issue proceeds to regular session.

"Let’s say there are six votes to move that forward … If that were to happen, everybody will have a chance to comment on that on the floor … We’re really voting on do we want to put it forward to the floor," Tauer said.

The subsequent discussion was light, as Councilman Bob FitzGerald provided one of the sole comments.

"I will make statements opposing this on the floor," FitzGerald said.

The vote saw five council members voting yes, with Mayor Tauer providing the tie breaking pro-vote. The question will proceed to the city council floor during regular session.