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Minutes_Human Rights Commission 11 9 09CITY OF DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF November 9, 2009 Commissioner Rubinstein called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:22 p.m. on Monday, November 9, 2009, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex. Roll Call: Present: Anthony Allen, Vice Chair Colin Scott Char Eddy Gretel Winterwood Marcos Rubinstein, Chair Katrina Wilberding Absent: Jim Allan Terry Driskell Staff: Carol Spinoso Molly Menster Approval of Minutes Commissioner Scott moved and Commissioner Eddy seconded to approve the minutes of October 12, 2009. The meeting minutes were approved unanimously as submitted. Appoint Alternate to DCAP Commissioner Eddy nominated Commissioner Scott. Commissioner Wilberding seconded. No other nominations. Commissioner Scott was appointed the Commission's alternate to DCAP by acclamation. Chairperson's Report Commissioner Rubinstein reported that he and Anthony attended an employment/fair housing conference in Kansas City that was sponsored by the Regional Executive Council on Civil Rights (RECCR). He voiced his desire' for more Commission involvement in fair housing issues. Commissioner Allen suggested that they contact the Housing Department to see how this commission could assist them in addressing some of their housing concerns. He also voiced frustration that although housing was a goal of the commission, it has never been brought to task. Commissioner Rubinstein relayed that Commissioner Driskell has resigned from the Commission and that he will be submitting his letter of resignation next week. Proposed Agenda Changes Commissioner Rubinstein reiterated that at last month's meeting Commissioners voted to accept Commissioner Allan's agenda proposals except for establishing starting and ending times for the meeting. The Assistant City Attorney provided information stating that the Commission, as a body, can decide on an ending time for meetings. The consensus of the commission was not to establish an ending time as long as they curtail their discussion time. Commissioner Wilberding made a motion to not include an ending time for their meetings. Commissioner Allen seconded. Commissioner Allen added a friendly amendment stating that the meeting shouldn't exceed two hours. Commissioner Wilberding accepted the friendly amendment. Roll call: Allen Yes Scott No Eddy No Wilberding Yes Rubinstein Yes Winterwood No Tie vote. Commissioner Allen moved to table further discuss on this item until the December 14 meeting. Commissioner Eddy seconded. All in favor. Discuss Change to Meeting Start Time Commissioner Rubinstein stated that during past meetings there had been discussion on changing the start time for meetings due to conflicts with work and other obligations. There was discussion about meeting times beginning at either 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., and possibly meeting at the Multicultural Family Center. There was concern about the four new commissioners coming on -board in January and whether they will be able to meet at those times. Commissioner Wilberding moved to table this discussion until the new members are on board. Commissioner Allen seconded. All in favor. Options for Social Networking Commissioner Wilberding asked for help from anyone who has some knowledge of technology to assist in exploring the different options for creating a central list for persons who are interested in disability related issues, possibly by using Facebook or ListServ. Commissioner Rubinstein offered to assist with this effort. Review History of Housing Testing /No Testing in Dubuque This agenda item will be tabled until Kelly is available to give some background information on this item. Caseload Report Written report submitted. No questions or concerns regarding the October Caseload Report. Director's Report Written report submitted. No questions or concerns regarding the October report. Review Goals Commissioners received the goal synopsis prepared by Commission Allan. Commissioner Wilberding asked if they received a list of goals from the facilitator. She asked if there was a need to go back to the facilitator to ask him to finish the process. It was suggested that they extend the December 14 meeting to 7:00 p.m. so that they can complete goal setting. New Business Commissioners Eddy and Winterwood announced that they will not be reapplying to the commission. At next month's meeting Commissioner Wilberding will discuss concerns about ADA enforcement issues with the City Building Department. She is proposing that the Commission word a strong message to the City Council and City Manager to approve giving the ADA Inspector the authority to issue infractions. Katrina will draft a letter and send to commissioners for comment. Adjournment Commissioner Allen moved to adjourn and Commissioner Winterwood seconded. All in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 5:28 p.m. The next regular meeting is December 14, 2009. Minutes approved as submitted: Minutes approved as corrected.