Minutes Human Rights 11 14 05
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
November 14, 2005
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:17 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2005, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Penny Ehlinger
Patricia Foster
Judy Giesen
Jim Jarrard
Bill Ross
Marcos Rubinstein
Vince Vanden Huevel
Absent:
Evelyn Jackson
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Reflections
Commissioner Foster announced that the Boys Choir of Harlem will be performing at UW Platteville
on December 1, at 8:00 p.m.
Commissioner Ross announced a PFLAG sponsored potluck at 6:30 p.m. on November 17'h at St.
John's Lutheran, to honor newly elected city council members
Commissioners applauded Kelly for being honored with the Ruby Sutton Humanitarian Award at
the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ross moved to approve the meeting minutes of October 10, 2005 and October 24,
2005 as submitted. Commissioner Rubinstein seconded. All in favor.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the October Caseload Report. There were forty-four intakes, six cases in active
investigation, three cases in backlog, one case in mediation, one case in the public hearing
process, ten cases were closed, and two cases were filed. The case synopsis involves allegations
of race and sex discrimination in the area of employment.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Giesen reported that she spoke to members of DACU on the functions and
responsibilities of the Human Rights Department.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Discuss Possible Internship with HR Department
Commissioner Jarrard initiated discussion on the possibility of utilizing a college student for an
internship with the Human Rights Commission. This intern would assist commissioners on various
subcommittees as well as providing assistance to staff. Commissioner Jarrard moved to ask the
City Council to fund an internship for the Human Rights Commission. Commissioner Ehlinger
seconded. All in favor.
Multicultural Familv Center Update
Chris Doyle, Director of the Multicultural Family Center, provided an update on various activities at
the Center. He stated that their focus is on low income families in the downtown area and that they
provide access to computerlinternet usage, help with homework, a movie night, they provide
assistance for ESL for students, and serve as an information center for newcomers into the
community. Additionally, they provide education and outreach to the community on
multiculturalism and diversity. The center is open from 1 :00 p.m. to 8:00 pm. Monday through
Friday, and11 :00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Goals and. Obiectives
Commissioners will meet in their respective goal subcommittees within the next month to define
their objectives, and then report back at the December meeting. Kelly reminded commissioners
that they need to notify Carol of meeting dates as agendas need to be sent on all subcommittee
meetings.
New Business
As a result of the ICRC sponsored Community Hearings, Commissioner Ross prepared a response
regarding Dubuque's attempts at adding sexual orientation to their ordinance. Commissioners had
no objections to Bill sending the response on to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
Adiournment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Rubinstein seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
The next meeting is December 12,2005.
Minutes approved as corrected:
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Minutes approved as submitted: