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
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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: