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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: