Minutes_Equity and Human Rights Commission 08.13.24City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
October 21, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: Civil Service Commission of October 2, 2024; Equity and
Human Rights Commission of August 13, 2024; Library
Board of Trustess Updates of August 22 and September 26,
2024; Resilient Community Advisory Commission of
September 5, 2024; Proof of Publication for City Council
Proceedings of September 16, 2024.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Civil Service Commission Minutes
2. Equity and Human Rights Commission Minutes
3. Library Board of Trustees Council Update_8-22
4. Library Board of Trustees Council Update_9-26
5. Resilient Community Advisory Commission Minutes
6. Proof of Publication City Council Proceedings 9 16 24
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Dubuque
THE CITY OF
DUB E
AA•Alrerip City
;
2007.2012.2013
2017*2019
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
EQUITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
August 13, 2024
DATE: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
The meeting was called to order at approximately 4:30 pm.
Commissioners Present: Jake Kurczek, Dave Heiar, Matthew Zanger, Nikkole Nutter, Rick
Baumhover, Maita Jolet (virtual)
Commissioners Absent: Michaela Freiburger, Enoch Sanchez, Theresa Sampson -Brown
Staff Present: Gisella Aiken Shadle; Chief of Equity and Human Rights
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Chairperson Kurczek motioned, Heiar seconded, to approve the minutes from the July 9,
2024.
Public Input
No members of the public were present to provide input.
Reports
Caseload Report
The Equity & Human Rights Commission's July 2024 report indicates one new complaint
logged during the month, with 14 active investigations ongoing. The fiscal year 2025 has
seen three cases closed so far, matching the total number of cases for the year. In the
previous fiscal year (FY24), 11 complaints were officially filed, with two withdrawn, two
mediated, and seven still open. An example case from July 2024 involved allegations of
workplace harassment and discrimination based on race and sexual orientation at a local
restaurant, resulting in the complainant's termination. The report highlights the distinction
between initial inquiries and officially filed complaints, noting that many initial contacts do not
result in formal discrimination cases due to various factors.
Chairperson's Report
Chairperson Kurczek has been researching other commission in Iowa and how they
operate. Commissions are largely inactive across the state and/or information is difficult to
find. Davenport has a very active commission with many cases each year.
Director's Report
Reviewed the FY 2024 Awardees for the Equitable Community Grant — Red Basket Project
and Hills and Dales. Grants were given for $5,000 to each awardee. Considering changing
the amount for next year.
Staffing continues to be on hold until it is determined what the community will need for the
role within the department.
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Old Business:
None.
New Business:
o Report on FY24 Equitable Community Grant applicants
10 applicants, two chosen for $5,000 each
o Subcommittees / Ordinance update
No new information, an update will be provided in the September meeting.
o Planning update for a community event/speaker for the Fall
o Commissioner participation in public outreach events
Past Events — Back to School Bash, National Night Out, DBQFest
Upcoming Events — Latinx Fiesta
o September conference for League of Iowa Civil and Human Rights Agencies Conference
in Davenport. Invitation for commissioners to attend.
o Requesting a resignation from Enoch due to attendance issues.
Reflections and Updates
The commission would like to have the Community Impact Director at a future meeting. The
commission would like further direction on the ordinance from City Attorney and/or City
Manager.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn at approximately by Kurczek, seconded by Baumhover. All in favor. The
meeting ended at 5:57 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10 at 4:30 p.m.,
at the Multicultural Family Center.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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