Minutes Human Rights C 10 11 04
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
October 112004
Commissioner Murray called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:17
p.m. on Monday, October 11, 2004, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Sarah Davidson
Patricia Foster
Evelyn Jackson
Carine Murray
Penny Ehlinger
Lou Oswald
Bill Ross
Absent:
Judy Giesen
Vince Vanden Huevel
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Guests
Jim Jarard, Mary Gassman, and Dave Patton were in attendance as they are interested in serving on
the Commission.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the August 9, 2004 meeting minutes as submitted.
Commissioner Ross seconded. All in favor.
Review Plan of Action for Established Goals
1)
Welcoming New Residents - Corine, Patricia
Members have been discussing different communities, particularly the African
American community. They had planned an event in the park, but it was cancelled as
the park wasn't available at that time. The brochure has been translated into Spanish
and will be available at the Library. America's Promise contacted the subcommittee to
get participants for a panel discussion during the Faith Summit scheduled on October
23, 2004.
2)
Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou
The subcommittee will be meeting with principals on December 1st to discuss juvenile
violence and parental concerns.
3)
Sexual Orientation - Bill, Judy, Vince
Commissioner Ross, Giesen and Vanden Huevel met with Mike Van Milligen to discuss
the letter sent to the City Council in response to their concerns of the Chamber mailing,
and the need for more clarification. Bill presented a handout with key points that were
discussed.
4)
Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Lou, Sarah
Survey letters were sent to six area businesses. Managers conveyed that the letters
were friendly and were well received. Follow-up reports will be sent out citing positive
aspects of their accessibility along with non-compliance issues.
Discussion on September Goal SettinQ
Options to raise awareness:
1) go to people with disabilities and educate about the complaint process;
2) check to see what is being done nationally and statewide;
3) possible outreach through colleges/advisors/social work;
4) possibly speak on radio shows;
5) speaking engagements with focus on specific audiences such as those who may need the
services of the Commission;
6) may need to consider variety of approaches - i.e. paper does not reach all;
7) constant sensitivity to educating the public on what we do while we do what we're doing.
Commissioner Foster suggested asking someone from the state or other commission to come in and
educate the group on other initiatives.
Discussion on September 13th Memo from the Director ReQardinQ Hate Crimes
Discussed possibly using PSA's, billboards, and brochures to educate the public on hate crimes.
Commissioner Oswald moved to ask the City Council for $57,000 to be used for staff enhancement
and outreach to educate the community. Commissioner Foster seconded. It was suggested to use
the funds for billboards, brochures, and interactive sessions with the public. Commissioner Oswald
amended his motion to read $18,000 instead of $57,000. Commissioner Oswald called the question.
Roll call vote:
Davidson
Ehlinger
Jackson
Murray
No
No
Yes
No
Oswald
Ross
Foster
Yes
No
Yes
Motion lost 4 - 3.
Caseload Report
Kelly summarized the September Caseload Report. There were fifty-nine intakes, four cases in
backlog, six cases in active investigation, four cases in mediation, one case in administrative law
judge review, no new cases were filed, and seven cases were closed. The case synopsis involves
disability discrimination in the area of housing.
Chairperson's Report
No report given.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. She reminded Commissioners
Oswald, Murray and Ross that their terms were expiring and that applications are due to the City
Clerk by November 29th
-
New Business
Commissioner Foster announced that Jane Elliott will appear at the UWP campus at 7:00 p.m. in
Velsey Commons.
Adiournment
Commissioner Davidson moved and Commissioner Jackson seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: