Minutes Human Rights Commission 12 8 08CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
December 8, 2008
Commissioner Oswald called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:16
p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2008, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Shane Oswald
Marcos Rubinstein
Absent: Jim Allan
Anthony Allen
Staff: Kelly Larson
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Vince Vanden Heuvel
Gretel Winterwood
Katrina Wilberding
Colin Scott
Char Eddy
Molly Menster
Upon a motion by Commissioner Vanden Heuvel and second by Commissioner Rubinstein, the minutes
of November 10, 2008 were unanimously approved as submitted.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the November Caseload Report. There were forty-five intakes, two new cases filed,
ten cases under active investigation, two cases in mediation, once case in administrative law judge
review, three cases were closed, and five cases remained in backlog. The case summary details
allegations of disability discrimination in the area employment.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Oswald stated that he would be speaking to the Disabled American Vets and Dubuque
Evening Lions as part of the Commission's outreach and education efforts.
Director's Report
Written report submitted.
Review of Goals
Goal 1:The DHRC will increase its visibility in the community.
1. Commissioner Oswald will be submitting a human rights related article for City News.
2. Commissioner Oswald will present to the Disabled American Vets and the Dubuque
Evening Lions. Commissioner Wilberding will be speaking on disability issues to the
Women's Giving Circle, the Rotary, and to 4th grade students at Kennedy Elementary
School.
3. Commissioner Rubinstein commented that commissioners sponsored a table at the
NAACP Awards Banquet on December 4, 2008, and that he will be meeting with
representatives of the Multicultural Family Resource Center to discuss program planning.
Commissioner Wilberding served as commission representative to the Dubuque Disability
Advocates in establishing a center for independent living, and has been attending Mobility
Matters meetings with Keyline/RTA representatives working on transportation issues.
Goal 2:The DHRC will build awareness and understanding of issues related to race, national origin,
sexual orientation, disabilities, and housing.
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel reported that the National Origin Subcommittee will be
presenting to the Franciscans, Downtown Neighborhood Group, and the United Way.
Additionally they will be making contact with area legislators and the Chamber of
Commerce.
Molly stated that the next round of speakers training will be held Tuesday, January 6,
2009, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Prescott Neighborhood Resource Center.
Goal 3: The DHRC will increase advocacy efforts by commissioners for protected classes and for issues
related to fair housing.
3. Commissioners were asked to bring suggestions for possible meeting locations and times
to next month's meeting.
New Business
Commissioners bid farewell and thanked Commissioner Vanden Heuvel for his dedication to the
Commission and diligent efforts with the National Origin Subcommittee.
Currently there are three commissioner applications on file with the City Clerk. Appointments to the
Commission will be made at the December 15, 2008 City Council meeting. Commissioners were
encouraged to continuously seek interested applicants in the event someone would resign. There was
also discussion on changing the meeting time so that it is more accommodating to those individuals who
work until 5:00.
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 4:37 p.m.
The next regular meeting is January 12, 2009.
Minutes approved as submitted: ~~~i~ (~
Minutes approved as corrected: