Minutes of Human Rights Commission Meeting 11 10 08CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
November 10, 2008
Commissioner Oswald called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15
p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call: Jim Allan
Present: Anthony Allen
Char Eddy
Shane Oswald
Marcos Rubinstein
Absent: Katrina Wilberding
Staff: Kelly Larson
Carol Spinoso
Oath of Office
Colin Scott
Vince Vanden Heuvel
Gretel Winterwood
Molly Menster
Commissioner Oswald administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Allan.
Approval of Minutes
Upon a motion by Commissioner Rubinstein and second by Commissioner Winterwood, the minutes of
October 10 and October 13, 2008 were unanimously approved as submitted.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the October Caseload Report. There were sixty-two intakes, four new cases tiled,
twelve cases under active investigation, one case in mediation, one case was closed, and four cases
remained in backlog. The case summary details allegations of age discrimination in the area
employment.
Chairperson's Report
Kudos to Commissioner Vanden Heuvel and the National Origin Subcommittee for their efforts and the
great turnout at the Diverse Dubuque premier.
Director's Report
Written report submitted. Kelly added that the term of Commissioners' Vanden Heuvel, Wilberding and
Allen will end January 2009. Application forms should be submitted by November 25.
Review Amendment for Prohibited use of Parking Spaces
Commissioner Wilberding provided copies of the ordinance amendment to the City Code Section 32-
321.705 "Prohibited use of parking places or identification devices by adding a paragraph on the manner
of parking in accessible parking stalls." Kelly stated the amendment has already been approved by the
City Council.
Review of Goals
Goal 1:The DHRC will increase its visibility in the community.
1. Commissioner Oswald volunteered to write a human rights related article for City News.
2. Each commissioner was asked to identify two groups they would like to present to.
Commissioner Winterwood gave a brief presentation to members of PFLAG.
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel: The Franciscan Sisters Mother House and the Downtown
Neighborhood Association.
Commissioner Rubinstein: League of Women Voters, UNDIA & Multicultural
Family Center
Commissioner Eddy: Dubuque Community Y
Commissioner Allan: DACU and PFLAG
Commissioner Scott: Tri-States Human Resource Association
Commissioners should try to make contact with their organizations by January.
Goal 2:The DHRC will build awareness and understanding of issues related to race, national origin,
sexual orientation, disabilities, and housing.
To date there have been five presentations.
2. Commissioner Rubinstein suggested that staff create a spreadsheet to track the bases of
intakes on a monthly basis.
3. Commissioners will submit any upcoming events to staff for publication on webpage.
Goal 3: The DHRC will increase advocacy efforts by commissioners for protected classes and for issues
related to fair housing.
Intake forms have been sent to commissioners.
2. Commissioners will be involved with individuals who have experienced discriminatory
behavior that is not illegal.
3. Commissioners were asked to bring suggestions for possible meeting locations and times
to next month's meeting.
New Business
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Allen moved to adjourn
the meeting. Commissioner Rubinstein seconded. Motion passed by consensus. Meeting was
adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
The next regular meeting is December 8, 2008.
Minutes approved as submitted: ~
Minutes approved as corrected: