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Minutes Human Rights Comm. 6 13 05 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION M/NUTES OF June 13, 2005 Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, June 13,2005, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex. Roll Call: Present: Penny Ehlinger Patricia Foster Judy Giesen Evelyn Jackson Lou Oswald Bill Ross Vince Vanden Huevel Absent: Jim Jarrard Gary McAlpine Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso Reflections Chairperson Giesen read a letter of resignation received from Commissioner McAlpine. Commissioner Foster announced that the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity will be held in Chicago in May 06. Commissioners welcomed Hillary Schlueter, the Department's summer intern. Approval of Minutes Commissioner Oswald moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 9, 2005 as submitted. Commissioner Ehlinger seconded. All in favor. Review Plan of Action for Established Goals 1) Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Jim Commissioner Ehlinger reported that she has been working with Bob Lehnhardt in preparing a presentation for the Diversity Conference. She also stated that Commissioner Oswald resigned from the committee. 2) Welcoming New Residents - Judy, Jim Commissioner Foster reported that some committee members attended the May 3rd NAACP meeting to learn about their community efforts. She stated that they have formed two subcommittees and that she had been attending meetings of the Educational Excellence Committee but due to time conflicts she had to discontinue. She remains interested in the educational goals and is willing to work with Evelyn and Lou on their subcommittee. Commissioner Ehlinger announced that the funding for the Multicultural Center has been approved and currently they are seeking a coordinator for the center as well as a Vista. 3) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou, Patricia Commissioner Oswald reported that they are working on developing goals and objectives that are concrete and measurable. 4) Discussion on NAACP Reports Commissioner Giesen provided NAACP subcommittee reports which outlined goals and objectives of the Employment/Social Services and the Educational Excellence Subcommittees. Judy opened the floor for discussion on the possibility of partnering with the NAACP in addressing community efforts. Commissioner Oswald stated that he will make contact with Cammie Dean to arrange a meeting with their subcommittee to discuss the opportunity to partner with the NAACP in working on some of their educational goals. Commissioner Vanden Huevel suggested that each subcommittee reunite to evaluate current goals, and develop their own list of goals and objectives. Then each subcommittee could decide, as a goal, if they wanted to partner with the NAACP. Commissioner Giesen recommended, and commissioners agreed, to take the next couple of months to investigate current activities related to the #2 and #3 goals. She has asked Kelly to present her perspective on the needs of the community as well. Subcommittees should be prepared to report back in August Commissioner Appointment to Diversity TraininQ/Welcomina Proiect Task Force Kelly stated that she is establishing a committee to carry out the planning of diversity training for city employees, and developind a media campaign to respond to hate incidents in the community. She asked that the commission appoint a representative to serve on this task force. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at the Comisky Center. Commissioner Foster indicated that she would be willing to serve, but that she was unable to attend the first meeting. Commissioner Giesen will attend that first meeting and will serve as alternate. Caseload Report Carol summarized the May Case load Report. There were fifty-five intakes, six cases in active investigation, three cases in backlog, three cases in mediation, one case in administrative law judge review, one case in administrative review, one case was closed, and four cases were filed. The case synopsis involves a complaint of retaliation discrimination in the area of employment. Chairperson's Report With the resignation of Commissioner McAlpine, Judy encouraged contacts with anyone interested in serving on the commission. Director's Report Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. New Business Adioumment 6 Commissioner Vanden Huevel moved and Commissioner Ross seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Minutes approved as submitted: 9~ ~ Minutes approved as corrected: " .