Minutes Human Rights Commission 5 12 08
CITY OF
DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
May 12, 2008
Commissioner Oswald called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:22
p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2008, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen Vince Vanden Heuvel
Shane Oswald, Chair Katrina Wilberding
Marco Rubinstein Gretel Winterwood
Absent: Dan Chatfield Colin Scott
Staff: Kelly Larson Molly Menster
Carol Spinoso
Reflections
Commissioner Rubinstein reported that earlier today the US Immigrations and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) raided a Postville plant which resulted in approximately 300 people being
Arrested.
Approval of Minutes
Upon a motion by Commissioner Wilberding and second by Commissioner Rubinstein, the minutes of
April 14, 2008 were approved as submitted.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the April Caseload Report. There were sixty-nine intakes, one new case filed, ten
cases under active investigation, one case in mediation, one case remained in backlog, and three cases
were closed. The case summary details a claim of discrimination in the area public accommodation on
the basis of race.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Oswald distributed a draft informational brochure that he and Katrina had been working
on. At this point it has not been translated into Spanish or Marshallese. This will be discussed at next
month’s meeting.
Director's Report
No questions regarding the Director’s written report.
Education and Outreach Subcommittee Reports
National Origin:
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel reported that they are currently working on the filming. The
subcommittee has raised $9,100, and they are waiting for responses from other organizations.
Race:
Disability:
Housing:
Speakers Bureau: Molly suggested that the orientation for speakers be postponed until the fall
due to the fact that there are no requests for education and outreach presentations during the
summer months. Molly would like the speakers to begin speaking immediately following
orientation so they can practice what they’ve learned. Additionally, she asked for commissioner
assistance in promoting the speakers bureau. Shane and Katrina will work on a PR plan.
Accessibility
Commissioner Wilberding stated that PAD continues to work on the hotel survey. Ken Haugen
from the Hilton Garden Inn has agreed to assist by helping review the survey and volunteered to
be the first hotel surveyed. They are also planning an anniversary event for this fall.
Discuss Fair Housing Testing Study
Commissioners requested this be placed on the agenda after hearing media reports of the testing study
conducted in Cedar Rapids. Kelly explained that the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission hired John
Marshall Law School to train testers. They conducted around 39 tests and found violations in about 30
tests. They used matched pair testing at the application stage and they were looking at the responses in
terms of availability. Some of these cases are still in the investigative stage so little information can be
given at this point.
Commissioner Oswald asked if this is something the commission would be interested in pursuing here in
Dubuque. Commissioner Rubinstein felt that they needed to be proactive and show the community that
we are serious and support human rights. Commissioner Allen thought that it would be more effective to
provide education to the public so that they are aware of their rights and then they can proceed with filing
a complaint. He stated that currently there isn’t any data available and that would make it hard to sell to
the City Council. Commissioner Oswald asked that Kelly obtain project information from the Cedar
Rapids commission, and then they can work on putting a proposal together for City Council
consideration.
New Business
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel asked when the commissioner vacancy will be filled. Kelly indicated that
the appointment will take place at next Monday’s (5/19) Council meeting.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Rubinstein moved to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Winterwood seconded. Motion passed by consensus. Meeting was
adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
The next regular meeting is June 9, 2008.
Minutes approved as submitted: _______________________________________
Minutes approved as corrected: _______________________________________