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Minutes Human Rights 3 14 05 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES OF March 14, 2005 Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:19 p.m. on Monday, March 14, 2005, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex. Roll Call: Present: Penny Ehlinger Patricia Foster Judy Giesen Evelyn Jackson Jim Jarrard Lou Oswald Absent: Gary McAlpine Vince Vanden Huevel Bill Ross Staff: Kelly Larson Bill Blum Carol Spinoso Approval of Minutes Commissioner Ehlinger moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 14, 2005 as submitted. Commissioner Jackson seconded. All in favor. Discuss Center for Independent Living and Seek Commission Endorsement Sarah Davidson stated that she has been in contact with the Central Iowa Center for Independent Living (CICIL) and is working with them to evaluate the possibility of establishing a satellite center in Dubuque. Sarah explained that the initial step is to submit a letter of interest along with twenty signatures to the Center. CICIL will hold public meetings to determine if there is enough community interest. Ms. Davidson asked for Commission support in this endeavor. Commissioner Oswald moved that the Commission endorse the effort to look into the possibility of a CICIL office in Dubuque. Commissioner Foster seconded. All in favor. Consider Sponsorship of Workplace Eauity Program Kelly reported that Lambda Legal has contacted her and several other people in the community seeking co-sponsorship for a workplace equity program they would like to present the evening prior to the Diversity Conference. Commissioner Oswald moved to provide Commission sponsorship to the Workplace Equity Program. Commissioner Ehlingher seconded. All in favor. Review Plan of Action for Established Goals 1) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou, Gary Commissioner Jackson explained that she observed a demonstration of the Police Department's canine unit. She stated that the dog was not allowed in the schools for purposes of drug control. The committee will meet with the John Burkhart and Lynn Devaney to further discuss this issue. 2) Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Lou, Jim Commissioner Ehlinger reported that they are moving forward with surveys. They are attempting to recruit a volunteer coordinator for this project. Commissioner Oswald and committee member Bob Lehnhardt are working to develop a "Super Group". This group consists of between 6-9 volunteers which would enable them to more effectively survey a larger facility. 3) Welcoming New Residents - Patricia, Judy, Jim Commissioner Giesen provided minutes from the February 22nd meeting. They reviewed the objectives and evaluated the goal and the direction headed. She asked that Commissioners give input to refine, revise or redesign the goal. Commissioner Ehlinger mentioned that Tara Nelson was working on some of the same goals, and is currently trying to get a multicultural center established. Commissioner Foster surveyed three cities to gain information about their community efforts in welcoming new residents. She found that mainly the Chamber of Commerce is involved in welcoming newcomers. The group will meet again with Tara Nelson and report any recommended suggestions at next month's meeting. 4) Human Rights Banquet Planning - Lou, Judy, Bill, Vince, Penny Commissioner Ehlinger reported that plans are progressing for the June 14th event. Two subcommittees have been formed: 1) Awards (meets 1st & 3rd Thursday at noon); and 2) Facilities and Registration (meets 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 5:00 pm). Penny will keep Commissioners apprised of any new developments. Revisit September 2004 Goals Commissioner Giesen read the goals from the September 2004 goal setting session. Commissioners agreed that a majority of the listed rated goals are currently being addressed. Caseload Report Carol summarized the February Caseload Report. There were forty-two intakes, eight cases in active investigation, six cases in mediation, one case in administrative review, and three cases were closed. The case synopsis involves a complainant that alleged his employer subjected him to different treatment based on his race. Chairperson's Report Commissioner Giesen provided copies of the presentation she gave to UD students. Director's Report Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. Election of Officers Due to the absence of three commissioners, Commissioner Oswald moved to postpone elections until April. Commissioner Ehlinger seconded. All in favor. City Council Update Commissioner Oswald suggested the Commission communicate more frequently with the City Council. New Business No new business to report. Adjournment Commissioner Jarrard moved and Commissioner Ehlinger seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:58 p.m. Minutes approved as submitted: ~ ~ Minutes approved as corrected: