Minutes Human Rights Com 5 9 05
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
May 9, 2005
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:17 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2005, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Penny Ehlinger
Gary McAlpine
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Bill Ross
Vince Vanden Huevel
Absent:
Patricia Foster
Lou Oswald
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 11 J 2005 as submitted.
Commissioner Ross seconded. All in favor.
Review Plan of Action for Established Goals
1) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou, Gary
Commissioner Jackson invited Police Chief Kim Wadding to speak on the Police
Department's canine unit. Chief Wadding explained that the unit is an extension of basic
police services. The unit has two capabilities; it is trained in narcotics detection and in
tracking lost individuals or suspects. The unit is basically a resource that is available if
there is a need. He explained that there is sometimes apprehension in using the unit as
some people are afraid of dogs.
Commissioner Giesen briefly highlighted recent activities related to the school districts
choice to not utilize the canine unit in the schools and opened the floor for discussion.
Commissioner Jackson indicated that this is no longer an issue since the school district is
not interested in using the unit. Commissioner Vanden Huevel stated that he respects the
School District's choice not to use the unit, and feels that this issue should be brought to an
end. Commissioners concurred.
Commissioner Giesen recommended that the committee establish new goals related to
discrimination in the schools.
2) Welcoming New Residents - Patricia, Judy, Jim
Commissioner Giesen reported that she and Commissioner Foster met with Ruby Sutton,
President of the local NAACP, to discuss how this particular goal could fit into the goals of
the NAACP. Ruby suggested that they attend their meetings to and observe how they
develop their goals. Judy invited commissioners to attend the next NAACP meeting that is
scheduled for May 10 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mark's.
Additionally, the funding for the Multicultural Center will be discussed at 6:30 p.m. on May
11th in Council Chambers.
3) Human Rights Banquet Planning - Lou, JUdy, Bill, Vince, Penny
Commissioner Vanden Huevel complimented Cammie Dean on her great leadership and
organizational skills in the planning of this event. Commissioner Ross stated that Ako
Abdul-Samad will be the keynote speaker at the June 14th banquet that will be held at the
Grand River Center. They have identified and contacted possible judges for the
CommUNITY Award, and are currently awaiting responses from these individuals.
4) Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Lou, Jim
Commissioner Ehlinger distributed the goals and objectives for this committee. They
continue to survey business.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the April Case load Report. There were sixty-six intakes, six cases in active
investigation, one case in backlog, three cases in mediation, one case in administrative law judge
review, two cases were closed, and one case was filed. The case synopsis involves alleged
discrimination in the area of employment on the basis of sex.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Giesen asked for comments regarding the letter she drafted to Dionte Stewart
congratulating him for being awarded the "Youth of the Year for 2005," for his outstanding
leadership and community service. Commissioner Vanden Huevel moved to circulate for signature
the letter to Mr. Stewart. Commissioner Ross seconded. All in favor.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Additionally, she reminded commissioners about the RECCR training in Kansas City July 14-15,
2005. She asked that commissioners, contact Carol by the end of the week if they are interested in
going.
Effective July 1, there are funds available to develop diversity training for all city employees, as
well as funding for a media campaign for the welcoming of new residents. At next month's meeting
she will ask that a commissioner be appointed to serve on the task force for the planning of these
two projects. .
Discuss Correspondence from Bill of Rights Defense Committee
The Bill of Rights Defense Committee has drafted.a letter to Congress asking them to abolish
torture, and is requesting support from human rights commissions and other govemment groups
through signatures. Commissioner Vanden Huevel moved to proceed with sending a letter of
support pending City Manager approval. Commissioner Ross seconded. All in favor.
Election of Officers
Commissioner Giesen called for nominations of chairperson. Commissioner Ross nominated Judy.
Commissioner Ehlinger moved to close nominations. Commissioner Vanden Huevel seconded.
All in favor.
Commissioner Giesen called for nominations of vice-chairperson. Commissioner Ross nominated
Commissioner Jarrard. Commissioner Ehlinger nominated Commissioner Vanden Huevel.
Commissioner Jackson moved to close nominations. Commissioner Ehlinger seconded. All in
favor of closing nominations. Ballot vote: Commissioner Vanden Huevel - 4; Commissioner
Jarrard - 2; and one spoiled ballot.
New Business
Commissioner McAlpine solicited information in dealing with two minority groups who are being
harassed by members of a religious congregation. Kelly suggested referral to the Dubuque
Dispute Resolution Center.
Adjournment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Ehlinger seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: