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:
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