Minutes_Human Rights Commission 1 11 10Commissioner Rubinstein called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to
order at 4:17 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2010, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Jim Allan Colin Scott
Anthony Alien, Vice Chair Pam Sharrad
Lori Apel R.R.S. Stewart
Marcos Rubinstein, Chair Lynn Sutton
Absent: Katrina Wilberding
Oath of Office
CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
January 11, 2010
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Molly Menster
Commissioner Rubinstein administered the Oath of Office to Commissioners Apel, Sutton, and
Sharrad
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Allen moved and Commissioner Scott seconded to approve the minutes of
November 9, 2009. The meeting minutes were approiied unanimously as submitted.
Appoint Alternate to DCAP
Commissioner Allan moved to appoint Commissioner Rubinstein to serve as the Commission's
primary delegate to the Dubuque Community Advisory Panel (DCAP). Commissioner Allen
seconded. All in favor.
Review History of Housing Testing /No Testing in Dubuque
This agenda item will be tabled until Commissioner Wilberding is present to discuss.
Discuss Change to Meeting Start Time
It was the consensus of the commission that the meeting time remain at 4:15 p.m.; but allow for
an occasional change in location and time with advance notice to commissioners.
Discuss Meeting Ending Time
Commissioner Allan moved that the commission generally end meetings at 5:30 p.m. with the
understanding that anyone is free to move to extend the meeting for a period of time.
Commissioner Allen seconded. All in favor.
ADA Enforcement by ADA Inspector
Kelly stated that the City Council has authorized the ADA Inspector to issue municipal citations
to businesses that fail to comply with the ADA requirements.
Discuss Co- sponsoring Public Forum on Marriage Equality
Molly explained that One Iowa is a non - profit organization that works in support of civil marriage
for gay and lesbian couples in the state. As opposition is increasing against it, they are holding
public forums in various cities around the state. One Iowa is asking organizations to say they
are supportive of the mission of One Iowa and marriage equality. Commissioner Allen
questioned the conditions of their sponsorship and whether this is a one -time effort for
Dubuque, or would they be listed as supporters in other communities as these forums are held
across the state. Kelly will obtain clarification as to the parameters of their sponsorship.
Commissioner Allan moved that the Commission sign the letter of co- sponsorship for any
discussion sponsored by One Iowa regarding marriage equality in the event the forum is held
prior to the next Commission meeting. Commissioner Allen seconded. All in favor.
Caseload Report
Written report submitted. No questions or concerns regarding the November and December
Caseload Reports.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Rubinstein expressed concern about the current situation with the operation of
the Section 8 program and recommended that the commission look for ways to collaborate with
the Housing Commission. He suggested meeting with the Housing Commission Chair to get a
dialog started. Commissioner Allan suggested expanding that to a panel discussion and
including representatives of the landlords association. Marcos will make the contact and report
back.
Director's Report
Written reports for November and December were submitted.
Review Goals
Commissioner Allan suggested that they subdivide each goal and then each commissioner take
on an issue that they are enthusiastic about and capable of completing. He also encouraged
some sort of a celebration with the City Council when goals have been reached to gain identity
to the public.
Speakers' Bureau:
Town Hall Meetings: It was suggested that the town hall meetings be held in conjunction with
regular commission meetings at a time that works for most people. The
agenda would include a particular topic that they want public input on.
Commissioner Allen suggested that the planning for this goal begin
immediately.
"Meet the Council ":
Housing Issues:
Commissioner Allan stated that he recently spoke with Vince Vanden
Huevel, former commissioner and National Origin Subcommittee Chair,
regarding the Speakers' Bureau. He indicated that he and other
subcommittee members were willing to take on the tasks of the Speakers'
Bureau to alleviate the pressures of the staff and commission so that they
can focus on other goals. Commissioner Allan volunteered to work with
the subcommittee as the commission liaison.
Commissioners discussed whether they would meet council members at
a regular meeting or an outside venue; perhaps a breakfast event.
Commissioner Allan interjected that the commission should periodically
report their progress and activities to the City Council.
Consensus was that the housing goal would be their primary focus this
year. Commissioner Allan suggested that someone draft a mission
statement for this initiative. Commissioner Allen suggested that they
meet with the Housing Commission in March to gather more information
so they can decide on which issues they want to address.
New Business
Kelly stated that the next Legislative Day /breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday,
March 16. If commissioners are interested in attending, they should let Carol know by the end
of January.
Adjournment
Commissioner All moved to adjourn and Commissioner Scott seconded. All in favor. Meeting
was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
The next regular meeting is February 8, 2010.
Minutes approved as submitted
Minutes approved as corrected. Li,
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