Minutes Human Rights 11 18 02 (2)DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
November f 8, 2002
Judy Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15 p.m. on
Monday, November 18, 2002, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Raydora Drummer
Sr. Corine Murray
Kathy Stevens
Chuck Ryan
Evelyn Jackson
Judy Giesen
Bill Ross
Lou Oswald
Absent: Marry O'Shea
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Bill Blum
Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the October 14, 2002 meeting minutes, Commissioner
Stevens seconded. All in favor of accepting the minutes as submitted.
Caseload Report:
Carol summarized the October Caseload Report. There were 48 intakes, 0 cases in backlog, 7 cases
under active investigation, 2 cases in mediation/conciliation, 3 cases in administrative review, 0 cases
in ALJ review, 4 cases in the public hearing process, 3 new cases filed, and 5 cases were closed.
The case synopsis involves housing discrimination on the basis of race.
Director's Report:
Kelly spoke to a human resource management class at the University of Dubuque on October
15.
Staff has been working on a variety of ADA compliance issues internally with the city. Most
recently, we are attempting to locate the most durable and usable detectable warnings to be
installed on curb ramps.
On October 21, Kelly participated on a hate cdmes panel at Loras College. She was asked
to explain the legal elements of a hate crime. There were approximately 150-200 people in
attendance. The TH followed up with an article on November 3.
We have finished up the Annual Report. Tammy is working on the layout and then it will be
printed and presented to the Council in December.
We have finished up our budget recommendations for next year. We are facing a budget
crunch and are seeking nothing beyond a basic maintenance budget.
HUD is re-instituting quarterly conference calls with all directors in the region.
We have completed our review of the condominium association by-laws throughout Dubuque
for compliance with family status requirements under the fair housing law. We have not
discovered any violations, and will be writing a report for HUD in the next few weeks.
Our multi-family housing accessibility compliance project is well underway. We are finding
many violations, and will be filing complaints over the next few months.
We are trying to establish our testing program. We are very much in need of people who are
willing to serve as testers. We especially need a mix of men and women who are black,
white, or Latino.
Faces & Voices is underway and seems to be going well. We've received many positive
comments about the TH insert.
Staff had to cancel another DDRC quarterly meeting because only two people indicated
availability to attend. We are planning a dinner and training event for December 2 and have
invited all mediators with the DDRC, Loras College, and the Small Claims Court. We will hold
the event if we receive at least twenty RSVPs. DDRC volunteers visited police lineups to
increase awareness of DDRC services, and also created a short training video.
Staff is in receipt of a notice of Oral Argument before the Court of Appeals in the Taylor vs.
Farmland Foods case. Dorothy O'Bden will present oral arguments for the Complainant.
A Wahlert High School student has requested a speaker to give an overview of the Human
Rights Commission to students on either December 9, 10 or 13. Judy volunteered to give that
presentation.
Appoint Commissioners to Serve on Hearin,q Panel for May Public Hearin,q
There was discussion on cost, time, and the potential appearance of conflict of interest in utilizing
Commissioners on the hearing panel. Commissioner Oswald moved to table this agenda item until
next month's meeting. Evelyn seconded. All in favor. The Commission will consider options at the
December meeting.
Plan of Action for Goals
Impressions of Faces & Voices
Commissioners shared their, thoughts, experiences and observations of the events they
attended dudng Faces & Voices.
Needs for Children/Parents with Autism - Codne, Chuck, Marry
The committee continues to speak with area agencies and is still gathering information.
Update on Sexual Orientation and About Face Theater Presentation
Commissioner Ross provided an update on his research.
He was pleased to announce that About Face Theater gave two performances, and that each
was well attended.
New Business
Kelly reported that currently there is one application on file for appointment to the Human Rights
Commission at the City Clerk's office. The application deadline is December 9~h.
Commissioner Ryan announced that the League of Women Voters is sponsoring a tour of the schools
in light of the upcoming school tax vote.
Commissioner Jackson is working on getting the theme of the Human Rights Banquet, '~/Vith Liberty
and Justice for All," written in different languages.
Commissioner Oswald requested that the Director elaborate more on multi-family housing
accessibility and the testing program at next month's meeting.
Adiournment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Oswald seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 5:47 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: