Mintues_Human Rights Commission 10 13 08
CITY OF
DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
October 13, 2008
Commissioner Oswald called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:19
p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Char Eddy Colin Scott
Shane Oswald Vince Vanden Heuvel
Marcos Rubinstein Gretel Winterwood
Katrina Wilberding
Absent: Jim Allan Anthony Allen
Staff: Kelly Larson Molly Menster
Reflections
Commissioner Eddy commented on the TH article written by David Harris regarding myths and facts
about the Section 8 Housing Program. Commissioner Wilberding suggested that they send a letter of
thanks to Mr. Harris. Commissioner Oswald will forward a letter on behalf of the Commission.
Approval of Minutes
Upon a motion by Commissioner Rubinstein and second by Commissioner Vanden Heuvel, the minutes
of September 8, 2008 were unanimously approved as submitted.
Caseload Report
Molly summarized the September Caseload Report. There were sixty-one intakes, no new cases filed,
ten cases under active investigation, one case in mediation, no cases in administrative review, three
cases were closed, and four cases remained in backlog. The case summary details allegations of race
discrimination in the area employment.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Oswald mentioned that HUD completed a fair housing audit of the Human Rights
Department and there were no problem areas other than a paperwork issue. Kelly explained that they
suggested establishing a written policy related to conciliation follow-up, and that she responded to them
explaining that those specifics are written in our ordinance.
Director's Report
Written report submitted. Kelly added that Carol is in the process of compiling the Annual Report and
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asked that commissioners submit their reflection statements to her by October 24.
Education and Outreach Subcommittee Reports
National Origin: The commission viewed the completed DVD entitled “Diverse Dubuque.” 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 reported that she presented speaker orientation to eight volunteers on September 22, and
that currently they have two sexual orientation speaking engagements scheduled.
Accessibility
Commissioner Wilberding is looking into transportation issues and will be attending a meeting at
ECIA later in the week. The Dubuque Disability Advocates group is looking into establishing a
Center for Independent Living in Dubuque and is looking for someone to spearhead the project.
Recommend Parking Division Adopt Policy for Access Aisle Violations
Commissioner Wilberding conveyed that the Parking Division currently enforces permit violations when
people are parked in an accessible space without displaying a permit. If they have a permit and fail to
display it, the first ticket issued, with proof of a permit, would be void. With subsequent violations the
individual would need to pay the $100 fine. She suggested the same enforcement for those individuals
that park incorrectly in the access aisle. There was consensus to have Katrina send a letter on behalf of
the commission to Tim Horsfield, encouraging the enforcement of incorrectly parked vehicles in an
accessible parking stall. She will copy Dave Heiar and commissioners.
Review of Goals
Commissioners reviewed the goals established at its October 10, 2008 meeting. Commissioner
Rubinstein moved to approve the established 2008 – 2009 goals for the Human Rights Commission as
amended. Commissioner Eddy seconded. Roll call:
Char Yes Vince Yes
Shane Yes Katrina Yes
Marcos Yes Gretel Yes
Colin Yes
Motion carries.
Commissioner Rubinstein suggested that they revisit their mission statement and consider revising it.
Commissioner Wilberding suggested adding a standing agenda item for reviewing goals.
New Business
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Wilberding moved to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Winterwood seconded. Motion passed by consensus. Meeting was
adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
The next regular meeting is November 10, 2008.
Minutes approved as submitted: _______________________________________
Minutes approved as corrected: _______________________________________