Minutes_Human Rights Commission 9 28 11CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
September 28, 2011
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:37
p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Mitzi Krey
Kurt Hansen Regine Ronek
Mike Elliott Andrea Beacham
Absent: Megan Gloss RRS Stewart
Judie Root
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Reflections
Commissioner Allen reported that he attended the Fair Housing Training Conference in Kansas City
last month. Commissioner Beacham shared that she had attended a presentation on mediation in
Galena. She stated that the speaker co- authored "Getting to Yes." She also reported that the
Curoe's, who wrote "Are There Closets in Heaven," were guest speakers at a recent PFLAG meeting.
There were flyers available with information on a January 2012 conference to be held in Minneapolis
for teachers on dealing with bullying. She is aware that the Southern Poverty Law Center also has a
packet on teaching tolerance and thought that the commission should consider sponsoring similar
events. Commissioner Allen suggested further discussion at goal setting.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Beacham moved to approve the Dubuque Human Rights Commission, Transit and the
Housing Commission's joint meeting minutes of August 15, 2011. Commissioner Hansen seconded.
All in favor of approving the meeting minutes as submitted.
Commissioner Elliott moved to approve the August 10, 2011 meeting minutes. Commissioner
Beacham seconded. Commissioner Hansen stated that the minutes reflect that he was absent, but
he was in fact in attendance. All in favor of approving the meeting minutes as amended.
Commissioner Allen entertained a motion to change the order of the agenda as Commissioner Krey
will need to leave early. Commissioner Elliott moved and Commissioner Beacham seconded to
change the order of the agenda. All in favor.
International Speakers' Bureau Update — Mitzi Krey
Commissioner Krey reported that last year the speakers' bureau had 325 speaking engagements,
and that currently this year they have had 755 engagements. She stated that there are people from
45 different countries who currently reside in Dubuque. The group is also working with Craig
Schaeffer at Loras to update the Diverse Dubuque DVD. She will write a grant to help with the
expenses for that project.
Commissioner Krey was recently appointed Vice President of the NAACP. She stated that in an
attempt to increase membership she will be sending out a letter to the community to make people
realize that the NAACP is intended for multi - cultural, multi- ethnic and multi - religious people. She
also reported that she has been doing research on black Dubuque, before, during and after the Civil
War.
Reports
Caseload Report
A written report for August 2011 was submitted.
Chairperson's Report
As leadership on the Dubuque Community Advisory Panel (DCAP), Commissioners Allen and
Beacham are working to restructure DCAP.
Director's Report
A written report was submitted.
Old Business
Review and Discuss Goals and Collaborations:
Goal #1: Fair Housing — Joint forum with Housing/Transit Commissions
Commissioner Allen reported that this goal was completed August 15.
Goal #2: Improve Commission Performance
Commissioner Beacham suggested that the Chair send out informal reminders for upcoming
meetings.
Goal #3: Establish a Working Group to Facilitate Transportation Goals
This goal was completed August 15.
Goal #4: Establish a Tenant Association
Commissioner Allen felt that tenants were reluctant to form an association, and that the landlords are
upset with some of the recommendations of the Safe Community Advisory Committee. He
suggested further dialogue on this at goal setting
New Business
Commissioner Allen reminded everyone of the October 7 goal setting session at the Holiday Inn
beginning at 5:00 p.m. Commissioner Beacham indicated that she has a commitment and that she
will be arriving around 5:30 p.m.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Hansen and second by Commissioner Beacham. All in favor.
The meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjo .irned at 5:28 PM.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: