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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: