Minutes Human Rights 3 10 03DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
March lO, 2003
Judy Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15 p.m. on
Monday, March 10, 2003, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present~
Raydora Drummer
Codne Murray
Bill Ross
Chuck Ryan
Evelyn Jackson
Judy Giesen
Penny Ehlinger
Lou Oswald
Absent: Vincent Vanden Huevel
Staff: Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Commissioner Ross moved to approve the meeting minutes of January 13 and February 10, 2003.
Evelyn seconded. All in favor.
Carol summarized the February Caseload Report. There were thirty intakes, two cases in backlog,
nine cases in active investigation, eleven cases in mediation, three cases in administrative review,
one case in administrative law judge review, four cases in the public hearing process, Fifteen new
cases were filed, and fourteen cases were closed. The case synopsis involves accessibility
requirements in places of public accommodation.
Commissioner Giesen submitted a wdtten report. In addition to that report, she stated that she
drafted a letter to Mary Ann LoGuidice from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship applauding her
efforts to bdng "To Kill a Mockingbird" to the local stage. She asked Commissioners to review and
provide input.
Kelly submitted a written report summarizing her involvement with past and future initiatives.
Kelly distributed a speaker request form from the Maria House. They are looking fora speaker to talk
on the cultural backgrounds of Hispanics, Germans or Greeks. Commissioners should let Kelly know
if they, or someone they know, would be interested in speaking.
Guest Speakers on Sexual Orientation.
Kevin Menning and Dennis Runde spoke of their experiences of being gay and living in the
Dubuque community. They would like to see sexual orientation added to the city's
nondiscrimination ordinance.
Taylor vs. Farmland Foods
Commissioner Giesen reported that the Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of Taylor, and that there is
a possibility that the case could proceed to the Supreme Court.
Bill stated that he had talked to the Complainant's attomey, Dorothy O'Brien, regarding attorneys'
fees, and that she is planning on submitting a supplement to the Complainant's motion for attomeys'
fees and costs that was previously submitted. Judy moved to allow 10 days for the Complainant's
attorney to file a supplemental application for attorneys' fees, and then allow 10 days for Farmland to
file any objection to that application. Lou seconded. Evelyn offered a friendly amendment to allow 15
days. Lou and Judy both accepted that amendment. All in favor of allowing ~15 days for the
Complainant's attorney to file a supplemental application for attorneys' fees, and allow Farmland 15
days after the receipt to file any objections.
Evaluate commission Hearin.q Process
Kevin Visser, the ALJ in the Kennicker vs. Unique Balance case, offered suggestions on reviewing
recommended decisions. Mr. Visser suggests that the commission continue with having
Commissioners sit on the hearing panel. He recommends that the commissioners read the
proposed decision, any exceptions to it, listen to any oral argument, have deliberations, and then vote.
He didn't feel there was a need for commissioners to read the entire transcript, but that it would be
available if commissioners have questions.
Commissioner Murray moved to amend the Administrative Rules that requires all commission
members read the entire transcript. Commissioner Ross seconded. All in favor.
Election of Officers
Commissioner Giesen opened nominations for the office of Chairperson. Commissioner Ross
nominated Judy Giesen. Commissioner Murray moved to close nominations. Chuck seconded. All
in favor of closing nominations. Judy. will serve as Chair.
Commissioner Giesen invited norninations forVice-Chairperson. Commissioner Murray nominated
Chuck Ryan, and Commissioner Ryan nominated Corine Murray. Evelyn called to close nominations.
Raydora seconded. Vote: Chuck - 4, Corine - 3, Judy - 1. Commissioner Ryan will serve as Vice-
Chair.
Appoint Commissioner to May Hearing Panel
This case has been settled.
Plan of Action for Established Goals,
Banquet - Raydora, Evelyn
The theme for the Human Rights Banquet is '"With Liberty and Justice for All." Mike Van
Milligen has agreed to speak at the banquet scheduled for Apd124th at the Clarke College
Atrium. The cost is $20.00 per person. Invitations will be sent out shortly.
Nomination forms for the Shining Moment Award are available in the office. Nomination forms
are due in the DHRC office by Apd110th. Chuck, Lou, and Penny volunteered to help Raydora
and Evelyn review nominations..
Sexual Orientation - Bill
Commissioner Ross will meet with Kevin Menning to look at options for building community
support through education and outreach. He will keep Commissioners informed.
Bill will speak to individuals at Mada House on sexual orientation issues on Apdl 3r~.
New Business
Evelyn voiced her concern about the need to educate people in the community on predatory lending.
Lou has agreed to work with Evelyn to gather additional information on this subject and report back
next month.
Commissioner Ryan reported that he and Lou attended a presentation on the Dubuque County Jail
Diversion Program. Vadous service agencies are involved in this program that provides alternatives
to incarceration for persons with mental disabilities.
Adioumment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Oswald seconded to adjoum the meeting. All in favor.
The meeting adjoumed at 6:1§ p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted: ~ ~ /!
Minutes approved as corrected: ~,/ ~