Minutes_Equity and Human Rights Commission 03.12.24 Copyrighted
April 15, 2024
City of Dubuque Consent Items # 01.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUM MARY: Airport Commission of February 27, 2024; City Council Proceedings of
March 25, 26, 27, 28 and April 1, 2, and 4 2024; Community
Development Advisory Commission of January 17, 2024; Equity and
Human Rights Commission of March 12, 2024; Resilient Community
Advisory Commission of January 11, 2024; Zoning Advisory
Commission Draft Minutes of April 3, 2024.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
City Council Proceedings 3/25_5:15 PM Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 3/25_6:30 PM Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 3/26 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 3/27 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 3/28 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 4/1 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 4/2 Supporting Documentation
City Council Proceedings 4/4 Supporting Documentation
Airport Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
Zoning Advisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
Equity and Human Rights Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
Resilient Community Advisory Commission Minutes Supporting Documentation
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EQUITYAND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEET/NG M/NUTES
March 12, 2024
DATE: Tuesday, March 12, 2024
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Ruby Sutton Building, 1157 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
Commissioner Andersen called the meeting of the Equity & Human Rights Commission
to order at 4:34 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Carla Anderson, Jake Kurczek, Matthew Zanger, Michaela
Freiburger, David Heiar
Commissioners Absent: Enoch Sanchez, Maitha Jolet, Teresa Sampson-Brown
Staff Present: Ann Marie Jannette
Approval of February 13, 2024, Meetinq Minutes
Corrections discussed. Andersen motioned, second by Kurczek, to approve the meeting
minutes of February 13, 2024, as corrected.
Reflections & Updates:
Heiar provided an update on the status of the changes or amendments that are being
discussed in the legislature. The Better Together Committee met with local MIT students
who are assisting to put a roadmap together to assist with international students
and connecting them to workforce. Immigration Forum on March 21 St from 2-4pm with the
DCSD. He provided an update on the Diversity Summit that many attended in February.
Would like to be partnering with the Chamber on future Diversity Summits. Participated in a
virtual art presentation. Would like the display or presentation to be in the Dubuque area. A
handout was provided with book recommendations.
Freiburger provided an update and background on the Diversity Summit history. Businesses
are working on DEI and human rights. Arts & culture and transportation are areas that she
would like to see more advancement in. Attended the Cracker Barrel with the State
legislature. Importance of sending letters to committees. A letter went out to senators and
legislators.
Zanger suggested adding additional groups to the mental health category of the list provided
in person.
Goals Implementation Proqress:
Heiar discussed that we should be partnering with agencies that align with goals. Freiburger
discussed that we set up committees to strategize how the commission to implement the
goals. Kurczek added that he would like to see some goals assigned to individuals that are
present at the meeting.
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Reports
Caseload Report
1 complaint. 9 active investigations. 1 in mediation. 5 full hearing cases closed. FY24 total
cases closed 60. FY24 total cases 62.
Director's Report
Aitken-Schadle was unable to attend the meeting. Jannette attended the Diversity Summit
along with several City staff. Intercultural Competency training to staff for all new employees.
Virtual Wednesday meetings are attended by about 50 people. Diversity in Dubuque
calendar for March is available online. Participated in the MFC career week for middle
school and high school students. Looking for volunteer trained mediators for a neighborhood
dispute. Human Rights Department has officially opened the new grant, two $5000 grants
will be disbursed to a non-profit organization. The organization needs to have Dubuque as
the primary service location.
Chairperson's Report
Andersen attended the Diversity Summit. Provided an update on a case she has been
following involving a 12-year-old child and charges filed against them. Charges have been
dropped. Sustainability in housing that is being built in Washington neighborhood.
Volunteers will be needed. Recent death of a 21-year-old worker. OSHA training and
funding for construction sites —ensuring workers are being provided proper training.
Old Business:
Conversation about the concept of belonging. Andersen brought up that she spoke with other
commissions about belonging. She wants to ensure that everyone has a sense of belonging.
Suggestion of training to the commission. Freiburger and Kurczek discussed education
opportunities.
Public Input
2023 Grant recipient, Alanda Gregory, to report on the 2023 Black Expo. 25 Black owned
businesses attended. City departments also attended. The cost of the event was $13,000.
Funding for scholarships and to start a podcast was utilized.
New Business:
• Creation of a team to monitor legislative actions on the state and federal level. Motion by
Kruczek to create a 3-member team, second by Freiburger. All approved.
• lowa bill overhauling social studies education discussion (see TH article). Heiar
discussed that the new committee should review and put together a letter of
recommendation.
• Recent legislation removing gender parody discussion.
• lowa bill would ban citizen police review boards (https://www.thegazette.com/state-
government/iowa-bill-would-ban-citizen-police-review-boards/)
• John Lewis Youth Leadership Award nominations
• Event: April 4th at The Spot from 5-7pm, Black Generations Unveiled discussion/stories
Adiournment:
Andersen motioned and Kurczek seconded to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting ended
at 5:35 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Minutes approved as submitted: �"����`N��
Minutes approved as corrected: �� '�'"���`�'�'�'�`�
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