Minutes Human Rights Com 4 11 05
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
April 11 , 2005
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:17 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2005, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Penny Ehlinger
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Lou Oswald
Gary McAlpine
Bill Ross
Absent
Vince Vanden Huevel
Patricia Foster
Jim Jarrard
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Oswald moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 14, 2005 as submitted.
Commissioner Ehlinger seconded. All in favor.
Review Plan of Action for Established Goals
1) Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Lou, Jim
Commissioner Ehlinger reported that they are continuing to survey businesses, and that
she has been invited to participate in a panel discussion hosted by Clarke's Human Rights
Committee. Commissioner Ehlinger and committee member Bob Lehnhardt wit! also
present a segment during the Diversity Conference June 14th.
2) Welcoming New Residents - Patricia, Judy, Jim
Commissioner Giesen reported that the committee met with Americorps Vista Tara Nelson
to learn about her community initiatives and the proposal for the new multicultural center.
Minutes of that meeting were provided to commissioners. Commissioner Giesen asked that
Commissioners review the information provided and give input relating to how the DHRC
could be involved with and support these endeavors. Commissioner Oswald suggested that
those initiatives be published in the NAACP Newsletter. Commissioners' Giesen and
Oswald will talk with Cammie and/or Ruby regarding the newsletter.
4) Human Rights Banquet Planning - Lou, Judy, Bill, Vince, Penny
Commissioner Oswald reported that Ako Abdul-Samad has been chosen as the keynote
speaker for the June 14th banquet at the Grand River Center from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. They
are currently working on the invitations and programs and the mailing list.
Additionally. the awards have been designed and the ticket price is $20.00 per person.
1) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou, Gary
Commissioner Jackson explained that she observed a demonstration of the Police
Department's canine unit during a meeting of the Christian Women's' Group meeting. She
stated that the dog was not allowed in the schools for purposes of drug control, and that
she arranged for Officer Roy and the dog to provide a demonstration at the May DHRC
meeting.
Commissioners discussed whether this issue was discriminatory under the confines of the
human rights ordinance. It was suggested that perhaps it should be pursued by private
citizens. It was recommended that subcommittee members come up with some objectives
for the goal to "Implement Human Rights Committee in the Jr. High and High Schools..
Dave Patton, a subcommittee member, stated that he will be addressing the School Board,
as a private citizen, regarding their reluctance in allowing the dog into the schools.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the March Caseload Report. There were fifty-six intakes, six cases in active
investigation, one case in backlog, four cases in mediation, one case in administrative law judge
review, one new case was filed, and four cases were closed. The case synopsis involves a
complainant that alleged her employer discriminated against her based on disability.
Chairperson's Re~ort
Commissioner Giesen reported that the women's' religious communities are going to make an
announcement on April 12th about their collaboration in establishing an emergency shelter for men,
women, and children in the community.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. Additionally, she reported
that there were two more hate incidents reported in the last couple of weeks. .
The Diversity Conference will be held on June 14th from 8:00 - 4:30 at a cost of $75 per person.
Eddie Moore will be the keynote speaker. There are educational funds. available for commissioner
attendance.
The Regional Executive Council on Civil Rights is sponsoring training for commissioners in Kansas
City on July 14 & 15, 2005. Commissioners should let Kelly know as soon as possible if they are
interested in attending. HUD indicated that we could use a portion of their training funds to attend.
Director Recommendina DHRC #4077 Proceed to Public Hearina
Kelly recommended that DHRC #4077, an employment complaint alleging sexual harassment and
national origin discrimination, proceed to public hearing as several months of attempting
conciliation have not resulted in a setUement. Commissioner Oswald moved that DHRC #4077
proceed to public hearing. Commissioner Ehlinger seconded. Roll call vote:
Ehlinger
Giesen
Jackson
Yes
Yes
Yes
McAlpine
Oswald
Ross
Yes
Yes
Yes
Motion carries.
Election of Officers
Due to the absence of three commissioners, Commissioner Ross moved to postpone elections
until such time as. more than six commission members are present. Commissioner Ehlinger
seconded. All in favor.
New Business
No new business to report.
Adjournment
Commissioner Ross and Commissioner Oswald seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in favor. The
meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
~.h~v-'
Minutes approved as corrected: