Minutes Human Rights C 9 8 03 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
~September 8, 2003
Judy Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15 p.m. on
Monday, September 8, 2003, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Evelyn Jackson Bill Ross
Codne Murray Judy Giesen
Vincent Vanden Huevel Penny Ehlinger
Raydora Drummer
Absent: Lou Oswald Chuck Ryan
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Bill Blum
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the August 18, 2003 meeting minutes as submitted.
Commissioner Murray seconded. All in favor.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the August Caseload Report. There were twenty-eight intakes, no cases in
backlog, seven cases in active investigation, three cases in mediation, two cases in administrative
review, one case in administrative law judge review, two cases in the public hearing process, five new
cases were filed, and one case was closed. The case synopsis involves disability discrimination in
the area of employment.
Kelly provided a brief overview of the complaint process.
Chairperson's Report
Judy reported that the HUD training conference was very worthwhile. Commissioners were provided
with an outline of the topics covered.
Director's Report
Kelly reminded Commissioners to send their "Reflection" statements for the annual report to the office
by the end of September.
Kelly advised commissioners that the Parris vs. Maro case is set for oral arguments in district court on
October 22, 2003.
Kelly reported that Bill will be pursuing action in district court to obtain compliance with a settlement
agreement that was entered into with the respondent in one of the accessibility cases.
Ordinance Review - Article IV
It was the consensus of the commission to postpone this agenda item until October's regular meeting.
Final Report on Autism
It was the consensus of the commission at the July meeting to not pursue this issue on a formal basis,
as they didn't see it as fitting under the C~ommission's mission. A letter of thanks was sent to Mary
Carter, a specialist on Autism for Keystone, for having assisted the committee in their research.
Copies of that letter were disthbuted to commissioners.
Review Plan of Action for Established Goals
1)
Welcoming New Residents - Raydora, Corine, Vince
Raydora reported that the committee will be meeting to discuss shortening the goal
statement, and to clarify objectives.
2) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou
Evelyn reported that she has been meeting with junior high and high school educators
and that they have provided her with some names to contact. She will provide a goal
statement and objectives.
3) Sexual Orientation - Bill, Judy, Vince
Bill stated that the committee will be meeting to establish a timeline for this goal. He
also stated that he, as a representative of PFAG, will be giving a presentation to
DACU.
4)
Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Lou
Penny reported that the committee is scheduled to meet on September 19. At this
point, it is Penny's main objective to recruit new committee members.
New Business
No new business.
Adjournment
Commissioner Murray moved and Commissioner Ross seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 5:$8 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: