Minutes, Human Rights 3 12 01DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
MARCH 12, 2001
Kathy Blau called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:16 p.m. on Monday, March 12, 2001 in Conference Room 2 at the'City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Kathy Blath Vice Chair
Ruby Sutton
Charles Ryan
Evelyn Jackson
Judy Giesen
Kathy Stevens
Absent:
Thom Determan Marry O'Shea
Raydora Drummer
Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Bill Blum
Guest Speaker - Sr. Jeanette McCarthy
Sr. Jeanette, Director of St. Pat's Hispanic Ministry, shared information on the services
offered by the minisl~. She stated that there are currently around 300 Hispanics living in
the community, and that the minislxy offers help with social, spiritual, legal, and language
concerns, and also provide education and outreach. The ministry is supported by the
Archdiocese of Dubuque, and through grants and contributions. Spanish masses are held
every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at St. Pat's.
Approval of Minutes:
Ruby moved to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2001 regular Commission
meeting, Evelyn seconded. Heating no corrections, the minutes were unanimously
approved.
Caseload ReporL'
Carol summarized the February Caseload Report. There were 38 intakes, 5 cases in
backlog, 7 cases under active investigation, 0 case in mediation, 1 case in ALJ review, 2
cases in the public hearing process, 4 cases fried, and 1 case closed. The case synopsis
for February involves a disability discrimination complaint in the area of housing.
Chairperson's Report:
No report given.
Director's Report:
The March 6th budget hearing went well. Kelly thanked those who attended for their
support.
The Immigrants in Our Midst program was held on March 2ha. Approximately 50 people
were in attendance, half of which were police officers.
Kelly is in the process of rewriting the City's Affrrrnative Action Plan to assure that it is
in compliance with the regulations of the Department of Labor.
In follow-up to the Everyone's Neighborhood meetings, Kelly's group is researching
information on existing welcoming organizations in the community. The next meeting is
March 23.
Kelly will be speaking to the Friends of the Community on Friday morning on the subject
of the ADA.
On Thursday Kelly has a speaking engagement at the Shalom Center on haman rights
issues.
Kelly will be attending another vocational rehab, meeting to discuss a proposed job fair
and emploYerconference scheduled for this fall.
HUD will be in Dubuque next week to review the Community Development Block Grant
programs.
Bill will travel to Kansas City next week to attend the Regional Executive Council for
Civil Rights meeting to discuss future training programs.
Kelly reminded Commissioners that oral arguments in the Taylor case will be held on
March 26th.
City Expo is scheduled for April 17th. Kelly asked for volunteers to help staff the DHRC
booths.
Kelly provided information on a recent Supreme Court case regarding individuals
employed by state employers. The case £mdings say that a state employee can no longer
sue the state for damages resulting from employment discrimination on the basis of
disability.
Kelly relayed that Tammy Gehling had won an Addy Award for the Fair Housing Guide
she designed for the Departmem.
Review Process for Oral Arguments
Oral arguments in the Taylor vs. Farmland case are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on March
26t~. Each attorney will be allowed 20 minutes to present their oral arguments.
Commissioners agreed to also allow the attorneys five minutes for rebuttal. Bill stressed
the importance of reading the entire transcript and the proposed decision. He also
emphasized the importance of not considering anything new presented by the attorneys.
They should only consider what is in the transcript and the proposed decision. After
arguments, Commissioners will proceed to a closed session for discussion on affirm'rog,
modifying, or rejecting the proposed decision.
Election of Officers
Kathy B. opened the floor for nominations of Chairperson. Evelyn nominated Kathy
Stevens, Ruby Seconded. Kathy Stevens nominated Judy, Chuck seconded. Kathy Blau
nominated Thom, Judy seconded. Judy declined her nomination. Evelyn moved that
nominations be closed, Ruby seconded. All in favor of closing nominations. Thom
Determan Was elected Chair by a vote of 4 - 2.
Kathy Blau opened the floor for nomination of Vice-Chair. Evelyn nominated Kathy
Stevens and Kathy Blan seconded. Kathy Stevens nominated Kathy Blau and Judy
seconded. Evelyn moved that nominations be closed, Judy seconded. Kathy Stevens was
elected Vice-Chair by a vote of 4 - 2.
Committee Reports:
Education of the Commission:
Kathy Blau thanked Raydora for inviting Sr. Jeannette to speak about the
Hispanic Ministry, and Bill for his presentation on oral arguments.
Judy stated that John Henos will talk about the Marshall Islands at the May 14th
mee)ting.
Education of the Community:
Evelyn spoke to members of the AAUW on predatory lending on March 3rd.
Rub3~ spoke to Acquin School students on racism on February 28th.
Judy stated that she met with Kelly and Doug McCatlum on Thursday to discuss
the proposed TV video spots. They are currently lining up people for the videos,
and are planning to begin filming the end of April.
New Business:
No new business.
Ruby moved to adjourn the meeting and Kathy S. seconded. All in favor. The meeting
adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: