Minutes_Human Rights Commission 04.14.26 Copyrighted
June 1, 2026
City of Dubuque CONSENT ITEMS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Minutes and Reports Submitted
SUMMARY: City Council Proceedings for May 18; Resilient Community
Advisory Commission of April 9; Human Rights Commission
of April 14; Historic Preservation Commission of March 19;
Long Range Planning Advisory Commission of February 18;
Community Development Advisory Commission for April 22;
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of April 28
and May 4
SUGGUESTED Receive and File
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 5-18-26 City Council Proceeding 5-18-26s
2. 26-04-09 RCAC Minutes
3. April 14, 2026 OHRC Minutes
4. Minutes HPC 03-19-26 Approved
5. Minutes LRPAC 02-18-2026 APPROVED
6. CD Approved Minutes 4.22.26
7. Proof of Publication - City Council Proceedings 04.28.26
8. Proof of Publication - City Council Proceedings 5-4-26
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Dubuque
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110
2007�2012�2013
Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2019
HUMAN RIGHTS COMM/SS/ON MEETING MINUTES
April 14, 2026
DATE: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
TIME: 4:30 PM
LOCATION: Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
The meeting was called to order at 4:31 pm.
Commissioners Present: Michaela Freiburger, Traci Phillipson, David Heiar, Rick
Baumhover, Erin Beatty, Courtney Engevold, Nikki Nutter
Commissioners Excused:
Commissioners Absent: Juan Montgomery, DeLano Cain Watson
Staff Present: Ann Marie Jannette, Human Rights Specialist; Jason Lehman, Interim Chief
of Human Rights
Approval of Meetinq Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes as submitted from the March 10, 2026, meeting. Motioned by
Freiburger, seconded by Beatty, all in favor.
Public Input
One member of the public, Dubuque County Auditor Keith Lucy, was in attendance.
Reports
Caseload Report
• Complaints filed — number of complaints that were signed during the month
o March amount: 2
• Active investigations — investigations that are currently active but in various stages
(active, administrative review, initiated, on hold, etc.)
o March amount: 18
• Incidents in mediation —complaints currently in mediation
o March amount: 0
• Incidents in full hearing — complaints in full hearing process
o March amount: 0
• Inquiries —calls/inquiries that don't result in an official complaint being filed (including
outreach events)
o March amount: 14
• Complaints closed during the month —signed complaints that were closed during the
month (doesn't include inquiries or complaints that were never filed)
o March amount: 0
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• Total inquiries and complaints FY26 —signed complaints filed in FY26
o March amount: 110
Director's Report
Jannette reported that new flyers on Civil Rights Housing Discrimination have been
completed. Work will continue on specific flyers for employment rights, and the other
protected classes, as well as translated flyers.
Jannette offered commissioners the opportunity to attend Fair Housing Tester training
offered by Legal Aid. The training will take place on Wednesday, April 22 at 6 PM at
Convivium.
Jannette reported that they held a mediation the day before and they had reached a
successful outcome and a settlement for the complainant.
Jannette reported that she had a Human Rights table at the Easter Egg Hunt at the MFC
earlier in the month and had attended the Celebrate Africa event.
Lehman reported that there is no news on the hiring of a new Human Rights Director.
Chairperson's Report
Heiar and Baumhover participated in interviews for the new Human Rights Director position
recently. There were two applicants they interviewed.
There was a recent article in the newspaper regarding License plate readers and the impact
they may have on ICE using them for immigrants and the potential misuse. Lehman
provided clarification on what was allowed under police policy and law. The Building
Bridges subcommittee will meet next week and Heiar will report on Lehman's comments.
Old Business:
Discussion on changing the day/time of commission meetings: each commissioner present
commented their either Monday or Tuesday would work for them. However, changing the
meeting to 4:00 would be difficult for some of the commissioners. Nutter motioned to move
the meetings to the second Monday of the month, Phillipson seconded, all in favor, motion
passed.
New Business:
OHR Department and Commission goal setting discussion: Heiar requested that all
commission members review the organization contact list for organizations they may already
be affiliated with. Jannette reported that commission goals are due by the middle of May.
Commission goal setting will take place at the May commission meeting. Commissioners
were asked to bring their ideas or share ahead of time goals that could be included.
Review Human Rights Commission Handbook: This item was tabled. It will be put on the
agenda for May's commission meeting.
Upcominq Outreach Events
Dubuque Fest will take place August 8 and 9. The commission discussed whether to have
an outreach booth there and it was decided that we should. Jannette to reach out to reserve
a spot.
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Dubuque Pride will be held June 6. The Office of Human Rights will be sharing a table with
Volunteer DBQ this year because of spacing issues at the event.
Upcominq Cultural Events
The MFC will be hosting an Indigenous Heritage Celebration on May 16 from 10am —2 pm.
Reflections and Updates
Freiburger reported on the most recent Cracker Barrel session and what bills made it into
the funnel.
Beatty reported on the recent progress of the appeal of the SF496 bill regarding banned
books in schools. The appeal was denied and the bill stays in effect.
Adiournment:
Motion to adjourn by Freiburger, seconded by Baumhover. All in favor. The meeting ended
at 5:35 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.,
at the Multicultural Family Center.
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Minutes approved as submitted: �'
Minutes approved as corrected:
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