Minutes Human Rights 12 13 04
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
DfWember 13, 2004
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:16
p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2004, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Penny Ehlinger
Patricia Foster
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Corine Murray
Lou Oswald
Bill Ross
Vince Vanden Huevel
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Carol Spinoso
Bill Blum
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ross moved to approve the meeting minutes of November 8, 2004 as submitted.
Commissioner Vanden Huevel seconded. All in favor.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments Relating to the Inclusion of Sexual Orientation
Commissioner Ross stated that after working 15 months to educate the community, the Sexual
Orientation Subcommittee recommended that the city ordinance be amended to include sexual
orientation. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Ross moved that the Human Rights Commission
recommend to the City Council at their February 7, 2005 meeting, that sexual orientation be included
in the city ordinance as a group not to be discriminated against. Areas to be included are housing,
credit, education, employment, and public accommodation. Commissioner Oswald seconded. No
further discussion. Roll call:
Penny Ehlinger
Patricia Foster
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Corine Murray
Lou Oswald
Bill Ross
Vince VandenHuevel
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Motion carries 8 - O.
Review Plan of Action for Established Goals
1) Welcoming New Residents - Corine, Patricia
The subcommittee is moving the meeting time back to noon to draw a larger group.
The Marshallese representation at these meetings has increased.
2) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou
The subcommittee met with the principals and administrators on December 1st to
discuss juvenile violence, bullying, and parental concems. Subcommittee members
encouraged staff to be more proactive.
3) Sexual Orientation - Bill, Judy, Vince
At their December 9th meeting, the subcommittee discussed sending additional
testimonials to the city council, and also the proposed religious exemption. The next
meeting is scheduled for January 3, 2005.
Commissioner Oswald recommended that the cover letter transmitting the testimonials
include contacting "any of the Commission members" for further information. Staff will
make the noted changes and forward the packets on to the City Council this week.
Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Lou
The subcommittee will reconvene after the holidays. Faces & Voices has asked the
subcommittee to give a presentation during the Diversity Conference in June.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the November Caseload Report. There were thirty-eight intakes, three cases in
backlog, seven cases in active investigation, four cases in mediation, one case in administrative
review, one new case was filed, and six cases were closed. The case synopsis involves sex
(pregnancy) discrimination in the area of employment.
Chairperson's Report
No report given
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Appoint Temporary Chair for the January 10. 2005 Meetina
Vince volunteered to chair the January 10th meeting.
Faces & Voices Update
Commissioner Giesen provided the most recent meeting minutes from Faces & Voices, and
information on the MLK Breakfast which is the first Faces & Voices sponsored event of the year.
They are seeking volunteers to serve on the various subcommittees and are planning a fund raiser for
some time in June.
New Business
Commissioner Murray announced that the Lantem Center and the Catholic Charities Immigration
Rights Network will be sponsoring a Posada, a Hispanic celebration, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lantem
Center on Friday night.
Adioumment
Commissioner Oswald moved and Commissioner Ross seconded to adjoum the meeting. All in favor.
The meeting adjoumed at 5:38 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
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Minutes approved as corrected: