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.