Minutes_Equity and Human Rights Commission 05.13.25City of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
Copyrighted
July 21, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of July 7 and 14, 2025; Equity and
Human Rights Commission of May 13, 2025; Equity and
Human Rights Commisions Goals Subcommittee of May 27,
2025; Library Board of Trustees Update of June 23, 2025;
Park and Recreation Commission of June 10, 2025; Proof of
Publication for City Council Proceedings of June 16, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 7 7 25 City Council Minutes
2. 7 14 25 City Council Minutes
3. May 27, 2025 EHRC Subcommittee Minutes
4. May 13, 2025 EHRC Minutes
5. Library Board of Trustees Update
6. 6.10.2025 Park and Rec Meeting Minutes
7. Proof of Publication for 6.16.25 Proceedings
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Dubuque
THE CITY OF
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2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
EQUITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
May 13, 2025
DATE: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
The meeting was called to order at 4:35 pm.
Commissioners Present: Jake Kurczek, Matthew Zanger, Michaela Freiburger, Dave Heiar,
Rick Baumhover, DeLano Cain Watson, Traci Phillipson, Luzelena Bravo
Commissioners Absent: Nikki Nutter
Staff Present: Gisella Aiken Shadle, Chief of Equity and Human Rights; Ann Marie
Jannette, Equity and Human Rights Specialist
New commissioner Luzelena Bravo was sworn in.
Approval of Meetinq Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes as corrected from the April 8, 2025, meeting by Watson,
seconded by Freiburger. All in favor.
Public Input
No members of the public were in attendance.
Reports
Caseload Report
• Complaints filed — number of complaints that were signed during the month
o April amount: 0
• Active investigations — investigations that are currently active but in various stages
(active, administrative review, initiated, on hold, etc.)
o April amount: 13
• Incidents in mediation — complaints currently in mediation
o April amount: 2
• Incidents in full hearing — complaints in full hearing process
o April amount: 0
• Inquiries — calls/inquiries that don't result in an official complaint being filed (including
outreach events)
o April amount: 11
• Complaints closed during the month — signed complaints that were closed during the
month (doesn't include inquiries or complaints that were never filed)
o April amount: 0
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• Total inquiries and complaints FY25 — signed complaints filed in FY25
o April amount: 162
Example of EHR complaint received in April 2025:
No complaints were filed in April.
Director's Report
Aitken-Shadle reported staff plus Baumhover had attended and had a table at the Myson
Easter Egg Hunt. They also attended the event put on by grant recipient Afriwell Hub.
Conversations are pending on the continuation of the Dubuque Community Police Relations
Committee (DCPRC) in light of the recent passage of bills at the state level limiting police
committees. People wanting to make complaints against the police should direct them to
the Dubuque police directly or the Iowa Office of Civil Rights (IOCR).
The Equity & Human Rights Department (EHR) gave a presentation on implicit bias to the
local realtor's association. During the presentation they played a game developed by the
department called Neighbor-Opoly. Bravo to offer the game to her professor and/or different
school groups at Loras College.
The EHR department is doing goal setting for FY26. The commission is also responsible for
goal setting. A subcommittee was formed for this purpose which includes Heiar, Bravo,
Zanger, and Phillipson. The subcommittee meeting will take place May 27 at 4:00 PM at the
M FC.
Chairperson's Report
Chairperson Kurczek reported that he has been looking at other human rights departments
across the state, but many don't have agendas posted for their commissions. Some
commissions were noted as providing awards or grants to residents. Iowa City wrote a
commission letter regarding Trans laws at the state level.
Old Business:
There is no update on the planning of a commission event. Jannette reminded that all
checks for an event must be cut no later than June 15 and that no funds will be available in
FY26 which starts July 1, 2025.
New Business:
Aitken-Shadle reported that the HF856 bill has passed at the state level. This bill prohibits
diversity, equity, and inclusion activities at the state, county and city levels. It is waiting to
be signed by Govenor Reynolds. Aitken-Shadle inquired whether the commission wanted to
continue to meet throughout the summer months. There was general consent throughout
the commission that they would continue to meet.
Reflections and Updates
Heiar reported that the Afriwell Hub event was very well done. Baumhover reported that he
is on the DBQ Pride committee and that in case of rain the event will be held at Five Flags.
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Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Watson, seconded by Heiar. All in favor. The meeting ended at 5:39
p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 4:30
p.m., at the Multicultural Family Center.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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