Minutes_Human Rights Commission 11 8 10Absent: Pam Sharrad
Staff:
Forum Updates
Motion carried.
Kelly Larson
Molly Menster
Caseload Report
A written report for October 2010 was submitted.
CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
November 8, 2010
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:20
p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2010, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair R.R.S. Stewart
Lori Apel Lynn Sutton, Vice Chair
Marcos Rubinstein Frederick Davis
Colin Scott
Carol Spinoso
Commissioner Alien turned the meeting over to Commissioner Sutton.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Allen moved to approve the October 11, 2010 meeting minutes. Commissioner Scott
seconded. All in favor of approving the meeting minutes as submitted.
Fair Housing Forum:
Commissioner Allen suggested moving this item on future agendas to Old Business as there
won't be anything to report on until they receive the testing report from the ICRC in the spring
and /or until they meet with the Housing Commission.
ADA Forum:
Commissioner Stewart reported that the ADA Report is now on the website and that she will
prepare a press release about that report. She encouraged Commissioners to review the
report and send her suggestions on specific items they would like to address.
Review and Discuss Proposed Changes to the Administrative Rules
Commissioner Rubinstein moved to approve the proposed changes to the Administrative Rules.
Commissioner Allen seconded. Kelly relayed that the Administrative Rules are now more detailed
and mimic the ICRC rules, and that most of the procedural things added are based on court cases or
legal standards. Roll call:
Allen Yes Apel Yes
Davis Yes Rubinstein Yes
Scott Yes Stewart Yes
Sutton Yes
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that he had attended the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet along with Kelly, Fred,
R.R.S., Marcos, Lynn, and Robert. He also has been attending The Black Men's Coalition meetings that Andre
Lessears facilitates. The group is seeking speakers on various issues. He reminded Commissioners that the
next Police- Community Dialogue on Race meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 9 at 6:30 at the MFC.
Lastly, in working with the Up Town Recreation Program he is planning on conducting mini training sessions on
conflict resolution, diversity, and mediation to staff.
Director's Report
A written report was submitted.
Proudly Accessible Dubuque Report
No report given. Kelly advised Commissioners that Commissioner Wilberding submitted her
resignation. Commissioner Allen had talked with Katrina and she stated that due to health concerns
she had to step down, but she is willing to support the Commission in any way possible.
Review and Discuss Goals
Commissioner Allen asked that commissioners volunteer for any tasks that they are interested in.
Commissioner Davis volunteered to work on Goal #3, the disability subcommittee. Commissioner
Stewart discussed the issue of the buses not operating after 6:00 p.m., and the need to address that
issue by obtaining data to show the need for public transportation after 6:00 p.m. She will research
DuRide and Commissioner Davis will take a look at the recent analysis of the transit system and they
will report back at next month's meeting.
Commissioner Rubinstein will begin to put together a contact list for the diversity /equity groups in the
community under goal #2. Commissioner Allen suggested adding the Chamber to the list for inviting
liaisons. Commissioner Allen moved to accept the 2011 goals and initiatives. Commissioner Scott
seconded. Roll call:
Allen Yes Apel Yes
Davis Yes Rubinstein Yes
Scott Yes Stewart Yes
Sutton Yes
Motion carries. Commissioner Allen stated that the individual subcommittees should begin
scheduling meetings to discuss initiatives and timelines. Commissioners Stewart and Allen will get
together tomorrow during the work session to draft the thank you letter to the Police- Community
Dialogue on Race panelists.
Old Business
Action on communication from Dr. Godinez. Commissioner Stewart moved to remove this agenda
item from the table for discussion. Commissioner Rubinstein seconded. All in favor. Commissioner
Rubinstein would like to have communication with the school district to know if they will remain an
ally to the Human Rights Commission, but he isn't sure who they should invite. Commissioner Allen
suggested listing the various projects that they have worked on together in the past with Dr. Hall, and
ask how we can continue those efforts under the new reorganization. Commissioner Stewart
suggested sending a letter to all three, Dr. Godinez, Mr. Rheingans, and Ms. Bees, also saying that
we would appreciate if one of them could take some time to talk with us at a meeting. Commissioner
Apel concurred with Commissioner Allen's suggestion of an inquiry. Commissioner Stewart moved
that she and Commissioner Allen coauthor a letter to Godinez, Rheingans and Bees at Tuesday's
work session, email to commissioners for feedback and send on to parties prior to the next scheduled
meeting. Commissioner Allen seconded. Roll call:
Motion carries.
Allen Yes Apel Yes
Davis Yes Rubinstein Abstained
Scott Yes Stewart Yes
Sutton Yes
New Business
Commissioner Allen reminded those commissioners whose terms are expiring to get their
applications into the City Clerk.
Commissioner Scott asked commissioners if they wanted to have a special session to review the
Seals decision, and decide whether they want the attorneys to present oral arguments. Kelly stated
that Commissioners must read the entire transcript and exhibits in addition to the decision prior to
deliberations taking place.
Commissioner Stewart moved that, after reviewing the entire Seals record, if anyone wants to
request that attorneys be present, that they contact Kelly by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 12. Kelly
will then contact Commissioner Allen to call a special meeting. Commissioner Rubinstein seconded.
All in favor. It was decided that the Chair will call a special meeting on December 9, at 3:00 p.m. to
decide the Seals case, with the regular meeting remaining on December 13. Kelly stated that staff
will send letters out to the attorneys advising them of the date of deliberations. Commissioner
Stewart moved that the future regular monthly meeting time run from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Seconded by Commissioner Sutton. All in favor.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Allen. Second by Commissioner Sutton. All in favor. Meeting
adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
A special meeting for case deliberations will be held December 9, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be December 13, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted•
Minutes approved as corrected.