Minutes Human Rights Commission 9 8 08CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
September 8, 2008
Commissioner Oswald called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:20
p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2008, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Marco Rubinstein
Char Eddy
Shane Oswald
Absent: Vince Vanden Heuvel
Anthony Allen
Staff: Kelly Larson
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Colin Scott
Gretel Winterwood
Katrina Wilberding
Molly Menster
Upon a motion by Commissioner Rubinstein and second by Commissioner Winterwood, the minutes of
August 11, 2008 were unanimously approved as submitted.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the August Caseload Report. There were sixty-three intakes, five new cases filed,
nine cases under active investigation, two cases in mediation, two cases in administrative review, one
case was closed and five cases remained in backlog. The case summary details allegations of disability
discrimination in the area employment.
Chairperson's Report
No report given.
Director's Report
Written report submitted. Commissioners should contact Kelly if they are interested in attending the
League of Iowa Human Rights Agencies meeting in Des Moines on October 2.
Education and Outreach Subcommittee Reports
National Origin: The DVD is almost complete. The premier is scheduled for October 29 at the
Presentation Motherhouse on Carter Road, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Invitations will be sent out.
Speakers Bureau:
Molly indicated that she will present speaker orientation to eight volunteers on September 22 from
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Prescott Neighborhood Resource Center. She expressed disappointment
in the low number of people interested and at the lack of commitment from some of the volunteer
trainees. She encouraged commissioners to identify individuals who would be suitable for this
type of program.
Housinct:
Commissioner Rubinstein reported that he met with Kelly to review the ICRC testing program,
and they talked about the possibility of holding a fair housing fair during Fair Housing Month in
April.
Recommend Parkins Division Adopt Policy for Access Aisle Violations
At last month's meeting Katrina reported that the City Parking Manager reported an increase in tickets
written for accessible parking violations. The City's policy is to give permit holders who fail to display
their permit one free pass prior to charging the $100 fine. Katrina suggested that the commission
recommend that they adopt the same policy violation for individuals parking incorrectly in the access
aisle. Crenna went over the current fine process, and added that a letter making this recommendation
would need to come from the commission. Commissioner Rubinstein moved that the DHRC recommend
that the City Parking Division adopt the same policy for access aisle violations as the inappropriate
usage of the sign policy, where the first ticket is a courtesy. Commissioner Eddy seconded. After
discussion, the commission felt they should wait for further clarification from Katrina as to whether they
are encouraging the Parking Division to ticket more aggressively versus giving the courtesy tickets. The
motion was withdrawn. This issue will be placed on next month's agenda.
Discuss and Set Date for Goal Settina
It was the consensus of the commission to contact Art Roche to facilitate the session on either October
3, noon to 5:00 p.m., or on October 13, the next regular meeting date and time. Commissioner
Rubinstein suggested that they schedule the 2009 goal setting session during next month's session.
Carol will check the availability of the absent commissioners and Art, and will get notice out ASAP.
New Business
Molly distributed a new brochure that outlines the presentations and training topics that we offer.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Rubinstein moved to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Winterwood seconded. Motion passed by consensus. Meeting was
adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
The next regular meeting is October 13, 2008.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: