Minutes Human Rights 5 12 03DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
May 12, 2003
Judy Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15 p.m. on
Monday, May 12, 2003, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hail Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Lou Oswald
Codne Murray
Bill Ross
Chuck Ryan
Evelyn Jackson
Judy Giesen
Vincent Vanden Huevel
Penny Ehlinger
Absent: Raydora Drummer
Staff: Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Guest Speaker: Robert Dunn
Dr. Robert Dunn, Associate Professor of Psychology at Loras College, spoke on the science of sexual
orientation.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Oswald moved to approve the Apd114, 2002 meeting minutes as submitted.
Commissioner Murray seconded. All in favor.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the April Caseload Report. There were forty-five intakes, four cases in backlog, six
cases in active investigation, two cases in mediation, two cases in administrative review, no cases in
administrative law judge review, two cases in the public headng process, five cases were filed, and
twelve cases were closed. The case synopsis involves sexual harassment discrimination in the area
of employment.
Director's Report
Kelly submitted a wdtten report summarizing her involvement with past and futura initiatives,
Additionally, Kelly stated that she is preparing a recommendation for reducing the Department's
budget effective July 1. Commissioners will review these recommendations at the June 9= meeting.
The HUD Conference will be held the week of August 25, 2003 in San Diego. If anyone is interested
in attending, they should let Carol know.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Giesen submitted a written synopsis of her involvement with vadous activities.
Additionally, as part of the Commission's goals, staff will review Article I, I1, and III at the June 9"~
meeting.
Review Proposed Amendments to Administrative Rules 3.6(7) and 3.9(2)
Conaiiissioner Murray moved to accept the proposed amendments to the Administrative Rules section
3.6(7) and 3.9(2) as submitted. Commissioner Vanden Huevel seconded.
Penny Ehlinger Yes Judy Giesen Yes
Evelyn Jackson Yes Corine Murray Yes
Bill Ross Yes Charles Ryan Yes
V/rice Vanden Huevel Yes Lou Oswald Yes
The motion carries.
Discussion on Accessibility Project
A member of the public approached Kelly about creating a resident group to perform surveys of local
businesses and make recommendations to improve accessibility. Commissioners' Oswald, Giesen,
and Ehlinger agreed to meet with Mr. Lehnhardt to discuss project details.
Plan of Action for Established Goals
Autism Update - Corine, Chuck, Vince
Commissioner Vanden Huevel will meet with Mary Carter from the Keystone Area Education
Agency on May 21*t.
Old Business
Judy thanked the committee and everyone else involved in planning the Apdt 24* Human Rights
Banquet.
New Business
Commissioner Ross indicated that PFLAG was trying to increase their newsletter circulation, and if
Commissioners are interested, they should provide their mailing infomation to him.
Commissioner Murray stated that the social concerns committees of St. Mary's and St. Pat's are
hosting a discussion on May 15th at Foley Hall at St. Pat's in response to an article in the TH, wherein
Jonathan Narcisse voices concem about the needs and social problems of Iow income.families in
Dubuque.
Adjournment
Commissioner Murray moved and Commissioner Jackson seconded to adjoum the_L~.eeti~Q~.~. All in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:48 p.m. ~ c_
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: