Minutes_Human Rights Commission 9 14 09
CITY OF
DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
September 14, 2009
Commissioner Rubinstein called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:16
p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2009, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Jim Allan Colin Scott
Anthony Allen, Vice-Chair Gretel Winterwood
Marcos Rubinstein, Chair Katrina Wilberding
Absent: Terry Driskell Shane Oswald
Char Eddy
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Molly Menster
Approval of Minutes
Upon a motion by Commissioner Wilberding and second by Commissioner Winterwood, the minutes of
July 13, 2009 were unanimously approved as submitted.
Tim Trenkle Addressed the Commission
Mr. Trenkle teaches psychology at NICC and is a free lance writer who writes about oppressed
populations. Mr. Trenkle stated that he gathered data on ethnic relations in Dubuque from a survey he
created after reading a book entitled, “White Racism on the Western Urban Frontier: Dynamics of Race
and Class in Dubuque,” which was written by a University of Dubuque Professor, Mohammad Chaichian.
He stated that 44 out of 100 Dubuque citizens surveyed did not know there was a Human Rights
esults also showed a concern for crime and safety amongst
Commission in the city of Dubuque. R
residents, and concerns about race.
He encouraged commissioners to get out into the community to
get to know the people in the different neighborhoods. Commissioners informed Mr. Trenkle that the
Commission has been dealing with some of these issues, and will continue to address these issues
through the established goals of the Commission.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the August Caseload Report. There were 38 intakes, two new cases were filed,
eleven cases under active investigation, one case in mediation, one case in administrative review, eight
cases were closed and six cases remained in backlog. The case summary details allegations of
disability discrimination in the area of housing.
Chairperson’s Report
Commissioner Rubinstein announced that the grand opening of the Dubuque Multicultural Family Center
th
is on Saturday, September 19 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Commissioner Rubinstein asked that commissioners send him ideas for restructuring the meeting
agenda in an attempt to make it more efficient. He will then meet with staff to discuss and draft a new
agenda outline.
Director's Report
Written report submitted.
Gender Balance Statute
Kelly stated that the State passed a statute in an attempt to obtain gender balance on certain
boards/commissions, and that the Human Rights Commission is one that is covered by the statute
because it is a commission created by State Code. The statute requires a showing of good faith effort to
try and recruit a balanced number of men and women into the positions. She stated that the City Clerk’s
office is responsible for recruiting for all of the commissions, but she encouraged commissioners to
recruit with an eye for balance when appointments come up in December. Commissioner Rubinstein
asked staff to gather more information for further discussion at next month’s meeting.
Commissioner Attendance
Commissioner Allan stated that there is an ordinance in place regarding meeting attendance and voiced
concerns about commissioner absenteeism. Commissioner Allan moved that:
The Human Rights Commission reaffirm commitment to operate in
accord with the ordinance; that members’ presence or absence
include meetings cancelled for lack of quorum; that members be
disqualified after missing three consecutive regularly scheduled
meetings or one-third such meetings; that absences be counted
based on calendar year, including the current year 2009; that the
department secretary inform the commission and chairperson when
either of these occur; and that the chairperson notify the city council
and recommend appointment of a replacement.”
Commissioner Wilberding seconded. Commissioner Rubinstein offered a friendly
amendment to include an opportunity for the Commissioner to submit a letter of
resignation. Commissioner Allan agreed to the friendly amendment.
Commissioner Wilberding suggested that the wording be that, “the letter is
automatically sent or the resignation is accepted. No further discussion.
Roll call: Jim Allan Yes Katrina Wilberding Yes
Anthony Allen Yes Gretel Winterwood Yes
Marcos Rubinstein Abstained
Colin Scott Yes
The motion as amended passes.
Discuss Options for Social Networking
Commissioner Wilberding asked that discussion on this agenda item be postponed until the October
meeting.
Review of Goals
Commissioner Allan will format the goals from the session and send out to commissioners by the end of
next week. Commissioner Rubinstein asked that commissioners review and prepare to vote on the goals
at the October meeting.
ADA 2010 Proclamation
th
Commissioner Wilberding announced that next year is the 20 anniversary of the ADA. The 2010 by
2010 Campaign is a move by the ADA Symposium out of Missouri, and they are proposing that every city
th
do something to mark the 20 anniversary. PAD is looking at options so that they can provide that
service for the commission and for the city. She stated that they are looking at the National
Organization on Disabilities as they have an Access America City Award which comes with a $25,000
stipend. She will let the commission know once PAD has determined what they are going to do.
New Business
Commissioner Wilberding announced that PAD presented the City of Dubuque with three certificates in
recognition that the Historic Federal Building, City Hall, and the City Hall Annex are all accessible to
persons with disabilities.
Commissioner Wilberding also stated that the Little People of America Convention will be here in
Dubuque in October at the Grand Harbor, and that the Grand Harbor contacted PAD asking for
disability/sensitivity training for their employees. The Center for Independent Living in Davenport has
agreed to provide that training. They will send out a press release making the training available for
others to attend.
Adjournment
Commissioner Winterwood moved to adjourn and Commissioner Wilberding seconded. Motion passed
by consensus. Meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
The next regular meeting is October 12, 2009.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: