Minutes Human Rights 5 14 01 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
MA Y 14, 2001
Thom called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:19 p.m. on
'Monday, May 14, 2001 in Conference Room 2 at the City Htill Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Thom Determan Raydora Drummer
Judy Giesen Evelyn Jackson
Marty O'Shea Charles Ryan
Kathy Stevens Ruby Sutton
Absent: Kathy Blau
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Bill Blum
Approval of Minutes:
Marty moved to approve the minutes of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission's April 9,
2001 meeting, Kathy Stevens seconded. Hearing no discussion, the minutes were
unanimously approved.
Caseload Report:
Carol summarized LEe May Caseload Report. There were 45 intakes, 6 cases in backlog, 7
cases under active investigation, 3 cases in mediation, 0 cases in ALJ review, 2 cases in the
public hearing process, 3 cases filed, and 2 cases were closed. The case synopsis for May
involves age discrimination in the area o£ employment.
Chairperson's Report:
Thom reported that he participated in the Police accreditation study that was conducted in
April. He complimented the police for their work with the DDRC, DCAP, their involvement
with the schools and the COPS programs, and also stated that the Police Department is very
outreach oriented.
· Thom has been meeting with representative from the NAACP and the Diversity Celebrations
group to plan the next Martin Luther King Holiday in January. They are trying to link the
two days together to give the students a chance to exhibit their talents.
Thom also continues to be involved in the Everyone's Neighborhood initiative.
Director's Report:
Kelly introduced the summer intems. Rachel Wand will be working in the Human Rights
Office, and Stacie Codar will be working with Bill in the Legal Department.
Kelly stated that the Everyone's Neighborhood initiative began with three committees:
1) The Workforce Education Committee is meetings to develop training programs
for employers on diversity and workplace issues.
2) The Community Education Committee is interested in linking people to one
another and is developing several "Neighbor to Neighbor" programs.
3)
The Welcoming Committee was working towards the creation of a structured mad
funded organization connecting newcomers to people and resources in the
community. The committee recognized that similar efforts were underway in the
community. Therefore, the committee shifted their goal toward joining those
existing efforts.
Everyone's Neighborhood participants have decided to formally join efforts with the
company Dubuque365. Dubuque365 has proposed a variety of initiatives that have received
support from the City of Dubuque, the Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation, Dubuque Main Street, and the Dubuque Jaycees. A governing
board will be created with representatives from the Chamber, Human Rights, neighborhood
groups, DACU, NAACP, both school districts, GDDC, labor, and six members will be
elected from the Everyone's Neighborhood group.
The web site will have virtual neighborhoods centered around different themes. One of them
will be the unity neighborhood focusing on diversity issues.
Kelly is interviewing Assistant City Manager candidates this week.
On April 11t~ Kelly spoke to the Sertoma Club regarding Everyone's Neighborhood.
The City's Affirmative Action Program has been revised and distributed in the form of an
Administrative Policy.
Kelly spoke to the Leadership Dubuque Class on April 20th on human rights issues in
Dubuque.
Kelly dish'ibuted DDRC information at a volunteer fair at the Kennedy Mall on April 21st.
On April 23~a Kelly spoke to two NICC human relations classes on diversity in the
workplace.
On Wednesday, May 16th, Kelly will be staffing a booth at the Northend Neighborhood Fair
at Audubon School from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
The next Crime-Free Multi-House program is scheduled for April 19th.
The Undiscovered Resources Job Fair is scheduled for September 21, 2001.
Complainant's Motion for Attorney's Fees in Taylor vs. Farmland
Many moved and Chuck seconded to direct staffto send notification to the Respondent
allowing fifteen days to respond to the Complainant's motion for attorney's fees. Kathy
Stevens questioned whether the fees were typical. Bill stated that typical fees are ranging
from $90 - $125 per hour plus expenses2 No further discussion. All in' favor ofMarty's
motion.
Appointment to the Dubuque Community Advisory Panel(DCAP)
Thom opened the floor for nominations to DCAP. Evelyn nominated Kathy Stevens. No
other nominations. All in favor of appointing Kathy Stevens as the Commission's
representative to DCAP. Raydora will remain the alternate delegate.
Committee Reports:
Education of the Commission:
Education of the Community:
Thom distributed a draft proposal that he and Kathy Blau prepared for the Human
Rights Banquet. The date is September 19th at the Holiday Inn. They are proposing
that Rick Dickenson, Director of the Greater Dubuque Development Corp., be the
keynote. Thom asked for any suggestions or input.
Judy reported that they have been filming the video promoting friendliness and
hospitality in Dubuque. Once completed, they will begin the disabilities video.
New Business
Evelyn is preparing for her presentation to fourth grade students at Table Mound on the
history of African-Americans in Iowa.
Evelyn stated that she attended a program on racism sponsored by the Church Women's
United. There were approximately 60 women in attendance.
Marry distributed a videotape to each of the Commissioners on the "Four Little Girls."
Presentation on Marshall Islands
Maitha Jolet gave a presentation about the tri-state Marshalese community. Mr. Jolet spoke
about their culture and difficulties finding employment and housing assistance.
Them was a motion and second to adjourn the meeting. All in favor. The meeting adjourned
at 6:20 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: