Minutes_Human Rights Commission 4 11 11Absent:
Staff:
Lori Apel
R.R.S. Stewart
Kelly Larson
Reports
Caseload Report
A written report for March 2011 was submitted.
Old Business
Review and Discuss Goals and Collaborations:
CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
April 11, 2011
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:43
p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Mike Elliott
Andrea Beacham Kurt Hansen
Megan Gloss
Fred Davis
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Beacham moved to approve the Dubuque Human Rights Commission meeting
minutes of March 10, 2011. Commissioner Elliott seconded. All in favor of approving the meeting
minutes as submitted.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen apologized for the cancellation of the joint Housing Commission meeting. The Housing
Commission wanted to review the ICRC testing results and the feedback from the Fair Housing Forum prior to
meeting with the Commission. He plans to attend their April 2e meeting to establish a date and format for
that joint meeting.
Director's Report
Kelly invited Commissioners to attend City Expo that is scheduled for tomorrow night at Five Flags
from 5:00 — 8:00 p.m. A written report for March will be sent out via email.
Goal #1: Fair Housing
Commissioner Allen stated that he will be meeting with the Housing Commission on the 26 so he
will provide an update at next month's meeting. He stated that with Commissioner Sutton's
departure, they will need to appoint a committee chair. The next committee meeting is scheduled for
April 13, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room II at the City Hall Annex.
Goal #2: Improve Commission Performance
Commissioner Allen will contact Fred Davis and Lori Apel to see if they are interested in continuing
their service on the Commission.
Commissioner Beacham stated that she will attend the work session tomorrow morning so that she
and Anthony can further discuss this initiative.
Commissioner Beacham reported that she hasn't heard anything regarding faces & voices meeting
times. Kelly stated that they will be meeting at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, at the Multicultural
Center. She stated that at last month's meeting they talked about sending letters out to organizations
seeking additional members for the committee. She suggested adding the Commission as one of
those groups. They want to plan an equity conference but at this time they do not have sufficient
membership to do that. Kelly suggested that Commissioner Beacham wait until faces & voices is
clearer as to the direction they will go with that event.
Goal #3: Establish a Working Group to Facilitate Transportation Goals
Minutes from the groups March 17 meeting were discussed. Commissioner Allen liked the idea of,
"Help us Drive the Jule: Where Should We Go ?" Commissioner Gloss commented that they still
need to determine the implementation for this idea. Commissioner Hansen suggested that they use
high gas prices to encourage ridership and perhaps change the image of those that ride buses. He
recommended associating with a sister city in Europe where their transportation is flourishing and it's
a part of life for everyone.
Goal #4: Establish a Tenant Association
Commissioner Allen reported that Commissioner Sutton had been working on getting the
Neighborhood and Landlord Associations together to discuss some housing issues as it relates to
this goal, and believes that she will continue to do work on that. Their vision is to have a Tenant's
Association up and running by September or October of this year. It was suggested that they seek
leadership from both the landlord and tenant groups. It was suggested that perhaps the landlords
provide names of responsible tenants that they feel would be a good resource. There was
discussion about possibly changing the title to "Landlord and Tenant Association" as it may appear
less adversarial and more resourceful. It was suggested that they explore this idea by approaching
the Landlord Association to determine their interest. Commissioner Allen will get in touch with Lynn
Sutton for feedback due to her involvement with both the Neighborhood and Landlords Associations.
New Business
Election of Officers:
Commissioner Allen opened the floor for nominations of Chairperson. Commissioner Hansen
nominated Commissioner Allen. No other nominations. Nominations closed. Commissioner Allen
will serve as Chairperson.
The floor was opened for nominations of Vice - Chairperson. Commissioner Beacham nominated
Commissioner Stewart. No other nominations. Nominations closed. Commissioner Stewart will
serve as Vice - Chairperson.
Carol was appointed commission secretary by acclamation.
Commissioner Allen reported that the Black Men's Coalition is mentoring 7 & 8th grade students at
Jefferson Middle School, and that they are seeking donations to purchase journals for approximately
30 students. Commissioners will individually contribute to this cause.
Commissioners Allen and Beacham stated that they will be attending the ICC Training for Boards &
Commissions on April 20 & 26. Kelly stated that the training will be offered again in the fall for those
who can't attend at this time.
Discuss Rotating Meeting Leadership
There was a lack of interest in sharing this responsibility. The Chair will continue with leading
meetings.
Adiournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Beacham. Second by Commissioner Elliott. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
The next Human Rights Commission meeting will be a joint meeting with the NAACP on Monday,
May 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Multicultural Family Center.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: