Minutes_Human Rights Commission 10 12 09CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
October 12, 2009
Commissioner Rubinstein called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to-order at 4:25
p.m. on Monday, October 12, 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
Absent: Terry Driskell
Colin Scott
Staff: Kelly Larson
Molly Menster
Shane Oswald
Katrina Wilberding
Carol Spinoso
Reflections
Commissioner Rubinstein proposed that the "Reflections" agenda item be continued.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Winterwood moved and Commissioner Allen seconded to approve the minutes of
September 14, 2009. Commissioner Allan asked for clarification on the process of commissioner
appointments. Kelly stated that every December three commissioner terms expire. This year
Commissioners Oswald, Winterwood, and Eddy's terms expire. The commission can recruit throughout
the year but they need to tCeep an eye on what the gender balance is and observe that there are enough
applicants to keep that balance in check. Kelly recommended that commissioners who are reapplying
submit their application before Thanksgiving as applicants will have an opportunity to address the City
Council at their December 7tn meeting, with appointments being made at their December 21St meeting.
Kelly stated that Commissioner Oswald has submitted a letter of resignation. Commissioner Allan
requested that commission applications be forwarded to commission members. The September 14, 2009
meeting minutes were approved unanimously with Commissioner Eddy abstaining.
Caseload Report
Written report submitted. No questions or concerns regarding the September Caseload Report.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Rubinstein stated that he attended one of the first meetings of the Safe Community Task
Force. He encouraged commissioners to think about how they can help in bringing the voices/concerns
of the community to the Task Force. Marcos suggested that commissioners consider involvement in
some of the Task Force subcommittees that are currently being formed.
Marcos reminded commissioners that all communication sent via email is is considered public record.
Director's Report
Written report submitted. No questions or concerns regarding the September report.
Gender Balance Statute
Kelly distributed additional information regarding the new gender balanced boards requirements for
cities.
Commissioner Attendance
Carol announced the receipt of Commissioner Oswald's letter of resignation due to conflicts with the
meeting time. His letter was forwarded on to the City Clerk.
Carol prepared and distributed a record of attendance for each commission member. She informed the
Chairperson that Commissioner Driskell has been absent for six consecutive meetings, exceeding the
number of absences allowed by ordinance. Commissioner Rubinstein stated that within ten days from
this date, he will either obtain a letter of resignation from Commissioner Driskell, or he will notify the City
Council that there is an open seat and to proceed with appointing a replacement. Commissioner Eddy
proposed that they think about changing the meeting time.
Proposed Agenda Changes
In an attempt to make the meetings more efficient, Commissioner Allan proposed changes to the
agenda. One suggestion was to include designated beginning and ending times on the agenda.
Commissioner Winterwood moved to accept the proposed agenda changes prepared by Commissioner
Allan and Commissioner Allen seconded. Commissioner Rubinstein questioned whether or not it is legal
for them to specify an ending time especially with remaining agenda items needing to be addressed.
Commissioner Allan asked that staff get an opinion on the issues of establishing an ending time, and the
issue of existence of a quorum if a member would need to leave. Commissioner Allan made a friendly
amendment to hold off on specific beginning and ending times until we receive the advice of staff.
Commissioners Winterwood and Allen accepted the friendly amendment. Commissioner Allan called fro
the question as amended. 3 in favor, 2 opposed. Motion carries.
Adjournment
Commissioner Allan moved to adjourn and Commissioner Allen seconded. Motion passed 4 in favor, 1
opposed. Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
The next regular meeting is November 9, 2009.
Minutes a roved as sub ~~
pp mrtted:
Minutes approved as corrected: