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Minutes Human Rights Commission 3 10 08CITY OF DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF March 10, 2008 Commissioner Rubinstein called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:20 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2008, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex. Roll Call: Present: Dan Chatfield Marco Rubinstein Colin Scott Vince Vanden Heuvel (4:55 pm) Katrina Wilberding Gretel Winterwood Absent: Anthony Allen Staff: Kelly Larson Approval of Minutes Shane Oswald, Chair Molly Menster Commissioner Winterwood stated that the February minutes should be corrected to read "Frank Belcastro" instead of "John Belcastro." Upon a motion by Commissioner Winterwood and second by Commissioner Scott, the minutes of February 11, 2008 were approved as corrected. Caseload Report Molly summarized the February Caseload Report. There were forty intakes, one new case filed, seven cases under active investigation, one case in mediation, one case in ALJ review, five cases remained in backlog, and one case was closed. The case summary details a claim of disability discrimination in the area of public accommodation. Chairperson's Report Commissioner Rubinstein reported on the human rights legislative breakfast that he, Shane and Molly attended last month. He noticed a decline in attendance by both legislators and commissioners this year. Marcos also attended the League of Iowa Civil Rights Agencies meeting following the breakfast. Representatives from the Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission presented an informational DVD that they produced about their commission. Director's Report Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. Subcommittee Reports Education and Outreach National Origin: Molly reported that Vince is attending the subcommittee meeting today as they will be addressing important issues. Presently they have $7,500 to put towards the 6 - 10minute video, and they believe they will be able to secure the balance of the funds needed. Vince stated that they have seven probable presenters interested and that Craig will begin interviewing these possible presenters shortly. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Wilberding moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Winterwood seconded. Motion passed by consensus. Meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m. The next regular meeting is April 14, 2008. Minutes approved as submitted: Minutes approved as corrected: Race: Molly reported that they had two meetings and a proposal was created and submitted to the group for approval. The next step is to contact potential speakers. Disability: Commissioner Winterwood stated that she provided Molly with the name of another person that is interested in being a speaker. Housing: Commissioner Winterwood reported that they had attempted to meet on two occasions, but have just not been able to meet. Marcos will talk with Anthony and attempt to schedule another meeting. Sexual Orientation: Speakers are ready to be trained. Accessibility Katrina reported that PAD is working with a group out of Chicago called Easy Access Chicago to inquire about utilizing some of the ideas in the accessible tourism guide that they have published. They will be expanding the Board and they continue to work with various city departments and civic organizations. They will be sponsoring a forum inviting members of the Chamber, Main Street, Ltd. and the Warehouse District to introduce Gary Blosch, the new Building ADA Inspector. Commissioner Wilberding distributed a rough draft of a brochure that she and Mary Coan created for the purpose of providing information on the services offered by the Human Rights Department; how to access it and the complaint process. Katrina asked for any Commissioner input. Discuss and Follow-up on Hospital ER Sianaae Crenna stated that she researched the ADA/ADAAG Guidelines and case law and there is nothing specific to emergency or hospital signage. There is nothing that addresses whether ER signage has to be a certain size or where the signage should be located. Discussion ensued as to possibly approaching the City Council in support of Mr. Belcastro's request since the Commission has no authority in this matter. A suggestion was made to perhaps prepare a draft communication if they were to proceed in this manner. Human Riahts Banauet Kelly stated that the department has funding available every other year to hold a Human Right Banquet, and asked whether the commission would be interested in planning an event for this fall. It was suggested that instead of doing a formal event that perhaps they plan a picnic type event at one of the parks. Or perhaps work with Main Street, Ltd. to possibly present the faces & voices award during a break at one of their downtown musical events. Election of Officers Commissioner Winterwood moved to table the election of officers until next month's meeting. Commissioner Wilberding seconded. All in favor.