Minutes_Equity and Human Rights Commission 11.14.22Copyrighted
February 20, 2023
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 01.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of 1/30/23 and 2/6/23; Equity and Human
Rights Commission of 8/8/22, 9/12/22, 11/14/22, and 12/12/22; Historic
Preservation Commission of 1/19/23; Library Board of Trustees of
10/27/22, 11/16/22, and 12/15/22; Library Board of Trustees Update of
1/26/23; Zoning Advisory Commission of 2/1 /23; Zoning Board of
Adjustment of 1/26/23; Proof of publication for City Council Proceedings
of 1 /17/23 and 1/30/23.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
City Council Proceedings 1/30/23 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 2/6/23
Equity and Human Rights Commission of 8/8/22
Equity and Human Rights Commission of 9/12/22
Equity and Human Rights Commission of 11/14/22
Equity and Human Rights Commission of 12/12/22
Historic Preservation Commission of 1/19/23
Library Board of Trustees of 10/27/22
Library Board of Trustees of 11/16/22
Library Board of Trustees of 12/15/22
Library Board of Trustees Update of 1/26/23
Zoning Advisory Commission of 2/1/23
Zoning Board of Adjustment of 1/26/23
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
1 /17/23
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of Supporting Documentation
1/30/23
Dubuque
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
EQUITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Monday, November 14, 2022
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Ruby Sutton Building, 1157 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
Commissioner Durnin called the meeting of the Equity & Human Rights Commission
to order at 4:36 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Carla Anderson, Yindra Dixon, Michael Durnin,
Maitha Jolet, Jake Kurczek,
Commissioners Absent: Dereka Williams, Klanea Evans, Aaliya Herrion, Janelle Branch,
Staff Present: Gisella Aitken-Shadle, Collins Eboh
Approval of October Ioth, 2022, Meeting Minutes
The commission did not have a quorum and so no meeting minutes were recorded.
Reports
Caseload Report
The October 2022, Caseload Reports was received and filed. A question was raised about
the definitions of the categories attributed to cases, i.e. referred, back logged for
investigation, on hold, etc. Chair has requested an explanation from the City Attorney's
office on the statues of cases and who within the office is currently conducting investigations
in a timely and effective manner. Dixon requested to have the annual report as well as a
monthly report shared with the commission by the investigator.
Dixon proposed greater collaboration between the Equity and Human Rights Commission
and the Housing commission to better leverage both departments resources to expedite and
document complaints. Specifically noting that if the Housing Commission would share
outcomes on code violations and fair housing violations, then the Commission could better
understand how to help the community.
Jolet noted that the housing department has not been clear with the Marshallese community
on applying to and eligibility to a new home buyer program.
Chairperson's Report
Durnin suggested to the commission moving forward that they bring greater attention to
caseload report. Durnin noted that he is retiring and not seeking re election in 2023. The
Chair thanked everyone for their continued work, intention, and passion in this area.
Director's Report
Chief of Equity & Human Rights Gisella Aitken-Shadle, noted that an Equity and Human
Rights Specialist position will be posted in January. Aitken-Shadle noted the review and
update to Human Rights handouts (Complainant, Respondent, Know Your Rights, etc.) and
distribution in the community. Aitken-Shadle noted that 2023 department initiatives may
include DEIB (Diversity Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) conferences.
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Aitiken-Shadle also noted that an evaluation of non commission related inquires received by
the Equity & Human Rights and noted in webqa may be an area to review in the future.
Old Business:
Chair Durnin detailed a response from the city attorney related to the "Letter of Concern"
drafted by the commission. City attorneys' office advised commissioners to review and refer
to rule 2.4 which allows commissioners to review complaints. Commissioners discussed this
point further and may submit another letter for the attorneys review soon. Being a proactive
commission was noted often.
New Business:
Durnin noted the end of his term (January 2023) and brought to the floor the topic of electing
new chairpersons. Attendance of absent commissioners was noted by Dixon and Durnin.
Durnin opened the floor for nominations. Kurczek nominated Anderson for Commission
Chair. Jolet seconded nomination. Anderson Accepted nomination. No other nominations
were put forward. Roll call:
Durnin Yes Kurczek Yes Durnin Yes Anderson Yes Dixon Yes
Motion carried.
Durnin mentioned that letters to commissioners Williams and Evans regarding their
attendance will be sent. Eboh noted that Evans sent a text saying "I'm sorry that I can't be a
part of this anymore." Eboh noted that if she was officially resigning, that a letter of
resignation needs to be sent to Chair and Chief of Equity and Human Rights. Durnin noted
that the December meeting should discuss vice -chair positions as well.
Kurczek noted that meeting times of the commission could be reevaluated and would like to
explore new dates and times in the future to promote more consistent participation from
commissioners and the public. Eboh noted that meeting dates and times are at the
discretion of the commission. Kurczek noted input from the city clerk would be helpful.
Review 2022 Goals:
Commissioners reviewed goal objectives. Guest speakers especially from the City
Attorneys office, Police Department and Housing were asked to be invited to speak to the
commission. Dixon noted a free thanksgiving dinner and food give away in the days
leading up to Thanksgiving for the community. Aitken-Shadle noted a Christmas holiday
celebration at the multicultural family center. Flyers and information were distributed.
Jolet noted that the upcoming closure of the knights of Columbus Center was a matter of
concern for the Marshallese community for future community events.
Adjournment:
Durnin motioned and Jolet seconded to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting ended at 5:58
p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is December,12, 2022.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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