Minutes Human Rights Comm. 7 11 05
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
July 11, 2005
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:17 p.m. on Monday, July 11,2005, 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
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ehlinger moved to approve the meeting minutes of June 13, 2005 as submitted.
Commissioner Foster seconded. All in favor.
Review Plan of Action for Established Goals
1) Disability Awareness/Education - Penny, Jim
Commissioner Ehlinger reported that she and Bob Lehnhardt presented a Disability
segment during the Diversity Conference. That PowerPoint presentation will be used as a
training tool. At this point they are spending a lot of time on public education, and will
proceed with surveying in the fall. On behalf of the DHRC, Commissioner Giesen will
forward a letter of appreciation to Bob Lehnhardt for his participation in the Faces & Voices
Conference.
2) Human Rights in the Schools - Evelyn, Lou, Patricia
Commissioner Jackson reported that she had talked to Kris Hall and he indicated that he
would welcome any comments from the committee. They will meet at a later date.
Commissioner Oswald distributed information on the history of The Middle Passage, and
provided statistics showing the composition of the city's workforce.
3) Welcoming New Residents - Judy, Jim
No report given.
Director's Suaaestions of Human Riahts Needs in DubUQue
In preparing for goal setting, Kelly indicated the following opportunities and possible partnerships
could be considered.
Kelly stated that there remains concern in the community about welcoming, retaining, and getting
people into employment in Dubuque, and that there are several groups that are dealing with those
same issues.
The NAACP established a committee specifically dealing with issues of employment, in addition to
their committees on Education, Unity, and Police Relations.
The current focus of the Immigrant Right Network is advocating for some federal legislation that
would improve the ability of immigrants to work in the U.S.
The Multicultural Center is getting started and recently hired Chris Doyle as director. The director
will be working closely with the NAACP and the Immigrant Rights Network, and will be forming an
advisory council to promote the Center.
Sarah Davidson has been in conversations with Central Iowa Center for Independent Living
(CICIL) out of Des Moines. CICIL is coming to Dubuque in September to hold a town hall meeting
to gauge community interest in establishing an independent living center in Dubuque.
Sexual orientation continues to be an issue, and there is a lot of education that can be done in
terms of creating more welcoming work environments. Educational activities can be done even
absent an ordinance change in attempts to promote better intergroup relations.
Faces & Voices -The expectation is that the diversity conference would be an annual event, but
this group is in need of a new chairperson.
As one of their duties, Commissioners can investigate the root causes of discrimination.
There continues to be a need for efforts to grow leadership and capacity amongst communities of
color in Dubuque, so that they are actively part of the community.
Decision About Possible Goal Settinq Session
Commissioner Oswald moved to reschedule the September 12 DHRC meeting to September 19.
Commissioner Ross seconded. All in favor. Commissioners agreed to hold their goal setting at
that time.
Commissioners suggested Corine Murray and Hazel Simonnette as possible facilitators.
Commissioner Ehlinger suggested contacting Nancy Van Milligen for suggestions. Commissioner
Ehlinger will contact Nancy, Commissioner Oswald will contact Corine, and Commissioner Foster
will contact Hazel. Staff will explore a location.
Director to Recommend DHRC #4115 Proceed to Public HearinQ
Kelly recommended that DHRC #4115 proceed to a public hearing. The case involves disability
discrimination and retaliation in the area of housing and employment. Commissioner Oswald
moved to approve the Director's recommendation that DHRC #4115 proceed to public hearing.
Commissioner Ehlinger seconded. All in favor.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the June Case load Report. There were fifty-nine intakes, ten cases in active
investigation, four cases in backlog, three cases in mediation, one case in administrative law judge
review, one case was closed, and five cases were filed. The case synopsis involves allegations of
age discrimination in the area of employment.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Giesen reported that the deadline for commission applications is July 25, and that
there is currently one HRC application on file. The City Council will appoint a new commissioner at
their August 15 meeting.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
DDRC Video
The video was not available for viewing. Staff will follow-up with Doug.
New Business
Commissioner Oswald requested that staff check into the possibility of getting business cards for
Commissioners. Kelly will look into this request.
Adiournment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Vanden Huevel seconded to adjourn the meeting.
All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:38 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: