Loading...
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.