Minutes_Human Rights Commission 09.09.25Copyrighted
October 20, 2025
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings of October 6, 2025; Arts and
Cultural Affairs Grants Committee of August 14, 2025; Arts
and Cultural Affairs Art on the River Committee of July 10,
2025; Human Rights Commission of September 9 and 16,
2025; Human Rights Commission Subcommittee for
Commissioner Handbook Update of September 16, 2025;
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
September 8, 15, 22, 23, and 25, 2025.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 10 6 25 City Council Minutes
2. Arts and Cultural Affairs Art on the River Committee Minutes
3. Arts and Cultural Affairs Grants Committee Minutes
4. Human Rights Commission Minutes
5. Human Rights Commission Special Meeting Minutes
6. Human Rights Commission Subcommittee Handbook Meeting Minutes
7. Proof-9 8 25 City Council Proceedings
8. Proof-9 15 25 City Council Proceedings
9. Proof_9.22.25 Proceedings
10. Proof_9.23.25 Proceedings
11. Proof 9.25.25 Proceedings
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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
September 9, 2025
DATE: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
The meeting was called to order at 4:36 pm.
Commissioners Present: Jake Kurczek, Matthew Zanger, Michaela Freiburger, Traci
Phillipson, Nikki Nutter, DeLano Cain Watson
Commissioners Excused: Rick Baumhover, David Heiar
Commissioners Absent: Luzelena Bravo,
Staff Present: Ann Marie Jannette, Human Rights Specialist
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes as submitted from the August 12, 2025, meeting. Motioned by
Freiburger, seconded by Zanger, all in favor.
Motion to approve the minutes as submitted from the August 29, 2025, subcommittee
meeting regarding the recommendation of the Dubuque Area Land and Water Legacy
Project. Motioned by Zanger, seconded by Freiburger, all in favor.
Motion to approve the minutes as submitted from the September 4, 2025, subcommittee
meeting regarding updates to the Human Rights Commission handbook. Motioned by
Phillipson, seconded by Zanger, 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 August amount: 0
• Active investigations — investigations that are currently active but in various stages
(active, administrative review, initiated, on hold, etc.)
o August amount: 15
• Incidents in mediation — complaints currently in mediation
o August amount: 0
• Incidents in full hearing — complaints in full hearing process
o August amount: 0
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• Inquiries — calls/inquiries that don't result in an official complaint being filed (including
outreach events)
o August amount: 7
• Complaints closed during the month — signed complaints that were closed during the
month (doesn't include inquiries or complaints that were never filed)
o August amount: 0
• Total inquiries and complaints FY26 — signed complaints filed in FY26
o August amount: 21
Director's Report
Aitken-Shadle was out of the office. The report was given by Jannette. She reported that
the department is currently working on the FY27 budget and setting goals for the
department. Jannette provided an update on the IOCR statement on their complaint form
regarding gender identity stating that if discrimination occurred before July 1, 2025, the
complainant has 300 days to file a complaint. If the discrimination occurred after July 1,
2025, they cannot file a complaint at the state level because it is no longer a protected class
in the state of Iowa. However, it is still a protected class at the City level so they can file a
complaint with the City of Dubuque Office of Human Rights.
Jannette reported that they are updating the marketing materials and that they are currently
with the City Attorney's office for approval. New pens and pencils have been ordered that
show the new name of the department. These items will be handed out at outreach events.
Jannette reported that the department is working on an internal training session regarding
Belonging in the Workplace. She also conveyed that the Civil Rights Specialist position was
eliminated and Shante Weston was laid off.
Jannette conveyed several upcoming events for which the commission could attend. These
included the Latinx Fiesta on October 11, the Senior Expo on September 18, BBQ in DBQ
on September 20, and the Boards and Commission picnic happening that evening on
September 9.
Chairperson's Report
Nothing to report.
Old Business:
Jannette conveyed that going forward, if a regularly scheduled commission meeting could not
be held due to no quorum, that the Chief of Human Rights or the Chair would attempt to
reschedule the meeting. Also, if an event arose that required a special meeting, the Chief or
Chair would attempt to schedule one.
New Business:
Followup policy/procedure from City Council — no update
Internal commission handbook update — Per Phillipson, the entire handbook was reviewed.
Changes were made and the subcommittee is meeting September 16 to review the
changes.
Resolution for City Council — Freiburger motioned to create a resolution for City Council
affirming that everyone belongs here and recognizing human dignity and safety as human
rights. The motion was seconded by Zanger with all in favor. Freiburger will create a draft
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resolution. A special meeting will be held on September 16 to review and vote on approval
for submission to City Council.
Dubuque Area Land Water Legacy recommendations — Motion to approve the resolution
drafted by the subcommittee was made by Phillipson. Motion seconded by Zanger with all
in favor.
Commission description/purpose on Human Rights website — no comments from
commissioners. The description/purpose was approved and no changes were suggested.
Upcominq Outreach Events
Senior Expo on September 18, 2025, and Latinx Fiesta on October 11, 2025.
Upcoming Cultural Events
None.
Reflections and Uadates
Zanger is going to send out the list of partner organizations to the commissioners.
Freiburger noted that the Dubuque Community Foundation was holding its Data Walk on
September 10. Envision 2030 is expected to unveil their top ideas and create planning
committees on October 16 and a suggestion was made for commissioner to volunteer or
attend the meeting.
A request was made to invite FY25 grant recipients to the October or November commission
meeting to give a report on the benefits of receiving the Equity Grant.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Zanger, seconded by Cain -Watson. All in favor. The meeting ended at
5:29 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 4:30
p.m., at the Multicultural Family Center.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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