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Minutes_Human Rights Commission 4 12 10CITY OF DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF April 12, 2010 Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 6:03 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010, at the Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Avenue. Roll Call: Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Lori Apel Marcos Rubinstein Colin Scott Absent: Jim Allan Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso RPflectinn-q R.R.S. Stewart Lynn Sutton, Vice Chair Katrina Wilberding Pam Sharrad Molly Menster Commissioner Allen has been thinking of ways to become more involved and working together as a commission — perhaps a book club or media club building a library database. He also suggested he would like to sit down with each individual commissioner to get an idea of what each person is working toward. He also suggested it may be a good idea to have work sessions to go over information that is provided — perhaps something like a "rule of the month" so continually learning about the issues in the handbook. He would like to put "special meeting times" on the agenda for discussion at next meeting so people are aware how it works. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Rubinstein moved to approve; Commissioner Stewart seconded. Commissioner Wilberding had questions about planned activities for kids, which will be discussed further under new business. All in favor. None opposed. The meeting minutes were approved unanimously. Caseload Report Written report provided. Commissioner Rubinstein raised a question about the fluctuation in intakes for this March compared to last March. Kelly responded that this is not unusual and that overall our numbers are fairly consistent with last year. Chairperson's Report No report given. Director's Report Written report for March was submitted. Commissioners are invited to attend City Expo tomorrow night at Five Flags and assist at the booth. Urban Strategies is now working with the Safe Community Task Force and there will likely be additional action from that group during their meeting later this week. Marcos asked about the status of the crime /poverty study and Kelly responded that the City Council approved contracting with Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies. Kelly is working on the contract and hopefully will be meeting with them next week to begin data gathering. The study will include some housing statistics and also a community perception study. Discuss Communication from National Origin Committee Carol provided communication that was forwarded to the Commission from Sr. Corine Murray on behalf of the National Origin Committee. The committee has met twice since this letter. A letter was sent to all of the donors inviting them to contact the group for speakers. A letter and follow up contacts have also been made to all of the potential speakers to confirm whether they want to remain as a speaker. Another letter will be drafted and sent within next couple of weeks to service organizations to see if they would like a speaker. It is a very committed group of people. The next meeting with be a month from last Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. at Keystone. Follow up on Housing Testing The Iowa Civil Rights Commission is doing testing this summer in various communities. The Commission has the option of supporting the state in this if they so choose. Commissioner Stewart distributed a description of the ICRC's testing program given out at the conference in Des Moines in March. Commissioner Rubinstein asked that this be put on as an action item next month. Fair Housing Subcommittee Update Commissioner Allen asked who would like to take part on the committee. Commissioner Rubinstein will take the lead role on the committee, Commissioners Sutton and Allen will assist. New Business Commissioner Wilberding pointed out that the minutes indicate that the commission will take some action and there was no plan to follow through. Katrina asked that when minutes are drafted, if there is an indication someone will do something, staff point that out. Commissioner Stewart suggested that the minutes go out as soon as they are typed so commissioners can review them. Marcos offered to take the lead on coordinating with the Multicultural Family Center. Commissioner Apel also suggested that there be a "follow -up" category on the agenda with bullets underneath indicating what is being done and by whom. Commissioner Allen suggested that for future outreach, the commissioners each have a "territory" to market to. Commissioner Wilberding informed the group that she has had to resign as executive director of PAD, though she is still going to be involved. She asked that the Commission support the ADA anniversary by taking a proclamation to the Council, signing on as individuals. This will be an action item for next month's agenda. If Google 2010 by 2010 the website will come up. Commissioner Rubinstein moved to recess until 7:00 p.m. and second by Colin. All in favor. Commissioner Allan ended the recess and the Commission returned to session at 7:00 p.m. for a public forum to address fair housing issues. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Rubinstein. Second my Commissioner Wilberding. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. The next meeting is May 10, 2010 at 4:15 p.m. at the City Hall Annex in Conference Room II. Minutes approved as submitted: Minutes approved as corrected: