Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Directing City staff to explore and study the possibility of providing early mediation between businesses.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Civil Rights offers early mediation for parties to a complaint so they can meet with a professional mediator in an effort to reach a resolution prior to proceeding with the complaint; and,
WHEREAS, currently, early mediation is offered for individual complainants but not for cases of businesses seeking mediation with another business; and,
WHEREAS, early mediation between businesses can provide benefits to small businesses who may otherwise be taken advantage of due to a lack of previous negotiating experience, a lack of resources, or a combination of factors; and,
WHEREAS, early mediation can save time and expenses, preserve a cooperative relationship, resolve conflict, encourage collaboration, and provide a learning opportunity for parties regarding their rights and responsibilities; and,
WHEREAS, the Department of Civil Rights has interest in studying their ability to provide early mediation between businesses, in addition to their current mediation efforts;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council directs City staff, led by the Department of Civil Rights, to explore and study the possibility of providing early mediation between businesses.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council directs City staff, led by the Department of Civil Rights, to submit a report regarding the ability to provide early mediation between businesses to the Common Council no later than October 31, 2025.