Minutes_Human Rights Commission 7 13 09CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
July 13, 2009
Commissioner Rubinstein called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:16
p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2009, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Jim Allan
Anthony Allen, Vice-Chair
Char Eddy
Marcos Rubinstein, Chair
Gretel Winterwood
Katrina Wilberding
Absent: Terry Driskell
Colin Scott
Staff: Kelly Larson
Molly Menster
Aaaroval of Minutes
Shane Oswald
Carol Spinoso
Commissioner Winterwood noted that Commissioner Allen's name was omitted from the Housing
Subcommittee. Commissioner Allan moved to approve the June 8, 2009 meeting minutes as corrected
and Commissioner Winterwood seconded. The minutes were approved as corrected.
Caseload Resort
Carol summarized the June Caseload Report. There were 44 intakes, five new cases were filed, fifteen
cases under active investigation, two cases in mediation, two cases in administrative review, two cases
in ALJ review, three cases were closed and four cases remained in backlog. The case summary details
allegations of race and familial status discrimination in the area of housing. Commissioner Allan
recommended changing the report to reflect the "Department" instead of "Commission" because the
caseload is actually staff work. It was suggested to leave the Commission logo on the report but to
reference it as "Staff Caseload Report."
Chairperson's Report
No report given
Director's Resort
Written report submitted. Commissioner Allan expressed that he was impressed with the number and
range of education and outreach activities.
Anthonv Watak to address the needs and concerns of the Marshallese Communitv
Mr. Watak was not present to address the Commission.
Discuss marketing oaaortunities for the Speakers' Bureau
Commissioner Allan stated that he postponed meeting with John Upstrom at Loras College about
utilizing his students to help market the Speakers' Bureau programs because of concerns that the HRC
didn't have any resources to contribute towards this project and he wanted more clarification on what to
actually ask for. Further discussion on this topic will be held at the Commission's goal setting session.
Review of Goals
Commissioner Wilberding asked for input on how to identify people within the disability community. They
are looking at ways to create an on-line community of local people who share interests surrounding
disability issues. This would be a good way to solicit speakers for the Speakers' Bureau, or tenants to
Step by Step, etc. Kelly stated that the Iowa Civil Rights Commission set up their own facebook page
and they have community members who join that page, and that is how they communicate information.
They will discuss which vehicle is best for social networking at the August meeting.
In regards to alternating meeting sites, Commissioner Allen reported that he spoke with Jerelyn
O'Connor, Neighborhood Specialist, regarding holding DHRC meetings at the venues of the various
neighborhood associations. She felt that the associations would be receptive to hosting meetings. She
said that they typically meet in the evening at around 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Allen will proceed
with scheduling those meetings.
Plan aoal setting
Commissioner Wilberding moved to select a different facilitator this year. Commissioner Allen seconded.
All in favor. Recommended possible facilitators include Side Scott, Wendy Wheelock, and Mary Lynn
Neuhaus. Kelly and Marcos will contact absent commissioners to see about availability on Friday
afternoons in August or September.
Gender Balance Statute
New Business
Commissioner Allan called attention to the ordinance that states that Commission members are expected
to attend two-thirds of all regularly scheduled meetings within a twelve month period or it shall constitute
grounds for replacement. Both excused and unexcused are treated as absences and count toward the
two-thirds. Additionally, after three or more consecutive unexcused absences the Commission may
declare a vacancy by reason of such absences. He questioned whether members are going to operate
in agreement with the Ordinance. Commissioner Wilberding moved to have Chairperson Rubinstein
send an email to each Commissioner reminding them of Ordinance attendance requirements, and asking
if they want to continue to operate under that Ordinance or should there be discussion at a future
meeting. Commissioner Allen seconded. All in favor.
Adjournment
Commissioner Allan suggested that, due to the time, the last agenda item be made first order of business
at next month's meeting. Commissioner Allen seconded. Motion passed by consensus. Meeting was
adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
The next regular meeting is July 13, 2009.
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Minutes approved as submitted: ~~~~~-~~ ~" ~'~~
Minutes approved as corrected: