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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: