Minutes_Human Rights Commission 4 13 20City of Dubuque
ITEM TITLE:
SUMMARY:
SUGGESTED DISPOSITION:
Copyrighted
June 1, 2020
Consent Items # 1.
Minutes and Reports Submitted
City Council proceedings of 5/18; Community
Development Advisory Commission of 5/20; Housing
Commission of 4/28; Human Rights Commission of 3/9,
4/13; Library Board of Trustees Minutes of 2/20, 3/26, and
Council Update #197 of 4/23; Proof of publication for City
Council proceedings of 5/4.
Suggested Disposition: Receive and File
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
City Council Proceedings of 5/18/20
Community Development Advisory Commission Minutes
of 5/20/20
Housing Commission Minutes of 4/28/20
Human Rigths Commission Minutes of 3/9/20
Human Rights Commission Minutes of 4/13/20
Library Board of Trustees Minutes of 2/20/20
Library Board of Trustees Minutes of 3/26/20
Library Board of Trustees Council Update #197 of
4/23/20
Proof of Publication for City Council Proceedings of
5/4/20
Type
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
April 13, 2020
Commissioner Breitfelder called the virtual meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to
order at 4:35 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen Miguel Jackson
Adrienne Breitfelder Jason Keeler
Michael Durnin Kathy McCarthy
Mallory Gardiner Gerald Hammel
Absent: Ashley Regan
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Collins Eboh Temwa Phiri
Shante Weston
Oath of Office
Approval of March 2020 Meeting Minutes
Motion by Allen second by McCarthy to approve the meeting minutes of the March 7, 2020 goal
setting session. All in favor. Motion by Durnin second by Hammel to approve the March 9, 2020
meeting minutes. All in favor.
Reports
Caseload Report
The March 2020 Caseload Report was received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen participated in a virtual meeting with staff from Emmaus Bible College
discussing race in Dubuque. He will work on arranging a presentation prior to the end of the
semester.
Director's Report
Kelly stated that the City Council has a scheduled work session on April 22nd at 6:30 for
general updates and discussion on the financial impact of the virus on funding for the
current fiscal year. On April 23rd the City Council will hold their final budget hearing for FY
21, hearing proposals from city staff in terms of how to balance the budget.
Old Business
New Business
COVID-19 Report
Kelly provided an update on how the Department's work has changed over the last month and where
their efforts are focused. She has been working with the Housing & Community Development Director,
Neighborhood Development Director, the United Way and the Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque on assessing community needs related to housing and human services support in response to
the pandemic. The Department has established an Equity Team that meets weekly working on outreach
within the community and getting feedback on various community needs. There is a central location for
people to find out about current human services available which is through the United Way at 211. Kelly
stated that individuals should be directed to 211 with any human services or brain health issues.
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The Department has been coordinating the translation of information and daily updates in both
Spanish and Marshallese and getting that information out through various social media venues.
They have been working with Housing on setting up quarantine shelters for individuals who are
homeless and the immigrant and Marshallese populations who are living in congregate settings
and are unable to isolate if they would experience symptoms of the virus.
Commissioners were invited to participate in the weekly Equity Immersion Team meetings. Staff
will forward the sign -in information for those meetings.
Standing Items: Goals
Objective 1: Race in the Heartland Conference — Jackson, Breitfelder, Allen
Commissioner Jackson reported that the Planning Committee has not received the final financial
statement from last year's conference from Josh Jasper, so they are unsure of any remaining
funds. He has a few speakers confirmed and is working with Derrick Dean from the US
Department of Justice on securing Kim Gardner as a possible speaker. He has also confirmed
speakers as it relates to employment and education. He spoke with Rose Timmons regarding the
movie "Emanuel" which is about the Charleston shooting. He is working on organizing the next
virtual planning meeting. IBM has expressed an interest in possibly sponsoring the conference.
Objective 2: Education — Durnin, Breitfelder, Gardiner
The group updated the objective adding action items, timeline dates and evidence of success. The
timelines had been discussed prior to the pandemic, so they may need to reevaluate some of the
timeline dates listed.
Objective 3: Housing — McCarthy, Keeler, Allen
They have shared documents but have been unable to collaborate at this point.
In listening to concerns about how COVID-19 is affecting the community related to housing issues, it
was suggested they create a one -page flyer which lists resources related to housing needs and issues
for purposes of getting the word out. Temwa has identified spaces where flyers could be posted.
Objective 4: Employment — Breitfelder, Hammel
The group updated the action items, timelines, and evidence of successes. The timelines listed
may also need to be adjusted due to the pandemic. Kelly added that Iowa Workforce Development
has information on their website as it relates to unemployment issues and that Legal Aid is
providing assistance on unemployment or any leave issues.
Breifelder asked that Commissioners review the objectives and come to the May meeting prepared to
discuss ideas on specific actions to take within these objectives.
Adjournment:
Commissioner Hammel motioned and Commissioner Durnin seconded to adjourn. All in favor. The
meeting ended at 5:36 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting is Monday, May 11, 2020.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected.
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