Minutes Human Rights C 2 14 05
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
FEBRUARY 14, 2005
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:15 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2005, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Penny Ehlinger
Patricia Foster
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Gary McAlpine
Lou Oswald
Bill Ross
Vince Vanden Huevel
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ross moved to approve the meeting minutes of January 10, 2005 as submitted.
Commissioner Jarrard seconded. All in favor.
Review Plan of Action for Established Goals
1) Welcoming New Residents - Patricia, Judy, Jim
The group will be meeting at noon on February 22 at the Lantern Center. Commissioner
Foster stated that she plans to contact cities with similar demographics in an attempt to
learn what they are doing to welcome new residents into their communities.
2) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou, Gary
Commissioner Jackson reported that parents have been reporting various incidents to her.
The subcommittee will meet to identify strategies in dealing with school administration
regarding incidents of bullying and behavioral problems that are race related.
3) Sexual Orientation - Bill, Judy, Vince
Commissioner Ross expressed the subcommittee's disappointment on the recent defeat of
the proposed sexual orientation ordinance. The consensus of the subcommittee is that
their work as a Human Rights subcommittee is done, and that they desire to become a
committee of interested citizens for gay and lesbian rights independent of the Human
Rights Commission. The citizen group will continue to keep this issue in front of the citizens
of Dubuque.
Commissioner Ross moved that the Human Rights Commission discontinue the sexual
orientation goal and disband the ad hoc subcommittee. Commissioner Vanden Huevel
seconded. Several commissioners expressed concern that eliminating the goal would send
a message to the community that they are no longer in support of the ordinance change.
Roll call:
Ehlinger
Foster
Giesen
Jackson
Jarrard
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
McAlpine No
Oswald No
Ross Yes
Vanden Huevel No
Motion failed 6-3.
,
Commissioner Ross moved that the Human Rights subcommittee on sexual orientation be
officially disbanded at this time. Commissioner Oswald seconded. Roll call:
Ehlinger
Foster
Giesen
Jackson
Jarrard
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
McAlpine
Oswald
Ross
Vanden Huevel
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Motion carried.
4) Disability AwarenesslEducation - Penny, Lou, Jim
Commissioner Ehlinger reported that the committee met on January 28th. They agreed to
continue to conduct the business surveys utilizing the tool designed by Bob Lehnhardt.
There are currently three survey teams, with each team surveying two establishments per
month. Bob Nesler has agreed to contact new businesses to see if they would like
assistance with accessibility issues while constructing their buildings.
Revisit September 2004 Goals
This agenda item is deferred to next month's meeting. Commissioner Giesen asked that
Commissioners review the goals prior to the March meeting.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the January Case load Report. There were fifty-five intakes, three cases in
backlog, six cases in active investigation, five cases in mediation, one case in administrative
review, three cases in administrative law judge review, five new cases were filed, and four cases
were closed. The case synopsis involves a housing complaint in which the Complainant alleged
she was denied an apartment because of her race.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Giesen provided a written report. She encouraged Commissioners to attend Kelly's
budget presentation to the City Council at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 15 at the Library.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Additionally, Kelly reported that she is working with U.S. Bank and a planning committee in an
effort to provide financial and homeownership education in underserved areas in Dubuque. The
bus will arrive in Dubuque March 11.
Kelly will be attending a legislative breakfast in Des Moines on February 24, which is sponsored by
the League of Iowa Human Rights Agencies. There is room for one commissioner to attend.
Commissioner Ross voiced an interest in attending, he will confirm later in the week.
Faces & Voices Update
Commissioner Ehlinger reported that Faces & Voices (F&V) agreed to collaborate with the Human
Rights Commission in awarding a CommUNITY Award for diversity initiatives. This award would
replace the Shining Moment Award that was previously presented during the Human Rights
Banquet The Banquet would be held in conjunction with the Diversity Conference that is
scheduled for June 14, 2005. There was consensus among commissioners to proceed with the
proposal of the F & V committee. Bill, Lou, Vince and Penny agreed to serve on this planning
committee. The next meeting of F & V is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 at 4:00 p.m. at
Keystone.
New Business
No new business to report.
Adiournment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Ehlinger seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted: M ~
Minutes approved as corrected: