Minutes_Human Rights Commission 3 8 10Absent:
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Carol Spinoso
CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
March 8, 2010
Commissioner Rubinstein called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order
at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, March 8, 2010, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Jim Allan Pam Sharrad
Anthony Allen, Vice Chair R.R.S. Stewart
Lori Apel Lynn Sutton
Marcos Rubinstein, Chair Katrina Wilberding
Colin Scott
Molly Menster
Andre Lessears
Race Relations
Jonathan Cheatham was present as a spokesperson for others in the black community who have
come to him with concerns of violent acts, and racial intimidation by law enforcement against
people of color in Dubuque. He spoke of his experiences with law enforcement in Dubuque. He
stated that if he had known that the Human Rights Commission existed he would have approached
them for help in addressing various issues. He stated that many in the black community are
expressing discontent and that people believe the behavior is getting worse. He cited the recent
pawn shop incident and a fatal stabbing where charges were not filed against the white individuals
committing the crime. He stated that many feel this trend against people of color needs to be
addressed. He suggested that the Commission look into the arrest patterns, perhaps conducting a
racial profiling study, by comparing arrests made by certain officers against people of color and
Caucasians. He suggested a forum where people can talk about their experiences of disparity in
how they are treated in the community.
Commissioners informed Mr. Cheatham that the Human Rights Commission will be hosting a
public forum at their April 12 meeting, at the Multicultural Family Center from 7:00 — 9:00 p.m.
The Commission expressed the importance of encouraging people to attend the forum to convey
their experiences in order for the Commission to have factual information to begin addressing the
issues.
Commissioner Allen asked for suggestions from Mr. Cheatham pertaining to educating the
community on the existence of the Commission, and asked how the Commission can get people to
approach them with concerns. Mr. Cheatham suggested advertising by passing out flyers, having
billboards, and posting information on the City's Website telling people about the Commission. He
conveyed that people probably won't come forward because they don't feel safe.
Commissioner Rubinstein stated that he would call a special meeting of the Dubuque Community
Advisory Panel (DCAP) to start dialogue on the possibility of performing a racial profiling study and
to get the data needed to show what is going on in the community. Commissioner Rubinstein also
voiced a concern and wanted clarification about a comment made by a City Councilmember
regarding the Commission's lack of involvement during the pawn shop incident. Commissioner
Sutton will contact Councilperson Voetberg to get a better sense of his concerns and report back.
Shirle Bolds was also present and expressed concerns about the current unease in the black
community. She explained that it is difficult for people to come to a meeting like this and try to
explain their situation because they fear backlash. She recommended that the commission get out
into the neighborhoods to educate people about the commission and their options. She stated
that the lower class community members — black, white, or any nationality - feel discriminated
against here in Dubuque. She expressed that if you have these services available but the
community doesn't know about them, then the services are not useful.
She felt that there is a real need for planned activities for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 in
the community. These kids want to distance themselves from their younger siblings, and their
interests are music, dancing, computers and video games. Commissioner Wilberding stated that
they will convey her concerns and suggestions to Leisure Services; see what kind of input they
would have and then get back to Ms. Bolds with that input.
Commissioner Stewart moved to extend the meeting ending time to 5:45 p.m. so that they can
continue the discussion. Commissioner Allen seconded. All in favor.
Ms. Bolds questioned capacity limits of the Multicultural Family Resource Center (MFC). Abi
Cahak, the AmeriCorps VISTA working at the MFC, replied that the Center can hold a lot of
children, but that it's only at capacity when special events are held. The after school programs
depends on the number of volunteers they have to help with the kids. Ms. Bolds indicated that
some of these parents are willing to volunteer their time to help oversee activities. The
Commission will contact Tara at the Multicultural Family Center (MFC) to convey the concerns and
begin the discussion on the needs for youth.
Commissioner Allan distributed a proposal to rearrange agenda items. Commissioner Stewart
moved to adopt Jim's version of the agenda. Commissioner Allan seconded. All in favor.
Election of Officers
Carol was appointed commission secretary by acclamation.
Commissioner Rubinstein opened the floor for nominations of Chairperson. Commissioner Allan
nominated Commissioner Allen. Commissioner Allen nominated Commissioner Rubinstein, and
Commissioner Sutton nominated herself. Nominations closed. Ballot vote. Commissioner Allen
elected Chair.
The floor was opened for nominations of Vice - Chairperson. Commissioner Allen nominated
Commissioner Rubinstein, Commissioner Wilberding nominated Commissioner Sutton, and
Commissioner Allan nominated Commissioner Wilberding. Commissioner Wilberding declined the
nomination. Nominations closed. Ballot vote: Commissioner Sutton elected Vice - Chairperson.
Appoint Commission Representative to DDRC
Commissioner Allan has resigned as commission representative to the Advisory Board of the
Dubuque Dispute Resolution Center. Commissioner Allen provided background information for
new commissioners. Commissioners' Scott and Stewart both volunteered to serve as
representatives. Both approved by acclamation.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Wilberding moved and Commissioner Allan seconded to approve the minutes of
February 8, 2010. The meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
April Fair Housing Forum Update
Kelly distributed a copy of a draft media release for the April 12 Fair Housing Forum. She
suggested that the Chair serve as moderator for the evening open forum and that they focus on the
three points outlined. Staff will be present to take notes. Commissioner Allen will make an
announcement to those in attendance that the commission will not take any action that night, that
it's a special meeting to create dialog with the community, and that they will publish updates and
distribute information to other groups that may be impacted by the concerns. Commissioner Allen
suggested the following preparations: that Commissioner introductions be done at the beginning of
the meeting; that language and sign interpreters be present; that we have a microphone available;
that copies of the questions be available on note cards so people can submit comments in writing;
that we arrange the MFC room in a semi - circle set -up; and there be a sign -in /contact sheet so that
reports can be distributed to those in attendance.
Caseload Report
The February Caseload Report was submitted.
Director's Report
Written report for February was submitted.
Proudly Accessible Dubuque Update
Commissioner Wilberding distributed a written report.
Adjournment
Commissioner Wilberding moved to adjourn and Commissioner Sutton seconded. Five in favor,
two opposed. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
The next meeting is April 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Multicultural Family Center where'the
Commission will be hosting a public forum on fair housing.
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Minutes approved as submitted `x 'j
Minutes approved as corrected i