Minutes Human Rights 12 12 05
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
December 12,2005
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:18 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2005, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Penny Ehlinger
Judy Giesen
Bill Ross
Marcos Rubinstein
Vince Vanden Huevel
-..-.,
Absent:
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Patricia Foster
Dave Loney
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Rubinstein moved and Commissioner Ehlinger seconded to approve the meeting
minutes of November 14, 2005 as submitted. All in favor.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the November Caseload Report. There were forty-seven intakes, six cases in
active investigation, five cases in backlog, one case in mediation, one case in the public hearing
process, two cases in administrative review, there were no cases closed, and three cases were
filed. The case synopsis involves allegations of race discrimination in the area of public
accommodation.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Giesen asked commissioners to sign thank you cards that she prepared for Sid
Scott, for having facilitated the goal setting session, and Chris Doyle from the Multicultural Family
Center, for having provided an update on activities at the Center. She also thanked Commissioner
Ehlinger for her work on various subcommittes; especially her diligent efforts on the
disability/accessibility awareness project.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Subcommittee Reports:
Josh Castro from Project Concern is considering serving on a subcommittee. He requested that
agendas from the sexual orientation and disability subcommittees be sent to him.
1) Multicultural Education Committee - Marcos, Patricia
Due to travel plans for both Patricia and Marcos, Marcos will schedule a meeting in
January.
2) Disabilitv/Awareness Committee - Penny
The committee met on November 29 to brainstorm educational ideas and
opportunities. They plan to create a booklet, establish a speaker's bureau, and form
survey teams. More committee members are needed from the commission, so that
the goal is more viable and manageable. Penny is willing to continue serving on this
committee during the transition period.
3) Sexual Orientation Committee - Bill, Vince
The subcommittee discussed financial aid for materials and joining other established
groups such as Faces & Voices and PFLAG. Their main focus will be on education
and will plan to establish a presentation outline. The Commission needs to review
the proposed ordinance amendment and also ascertain when the Commission
would present the amendment to the City Council. Marcos suggested that this
discussion be continued at next month's meeting with the full Commission present.
Commissioner Rubinstein moved to change the January 9th meeting to January 16th.
Commissioner Vanden Huevel seconded. There was discussion about
commissioner absences on the 9th. It was decided to keep the meeting on January
9th to omit any confusion for newly appointed commissioners. Commissioner
Vanden Huevel withdrew his second and Commissioner Rubinstein withdrew his
main motion.
The next subcommittee meeting is scheduled for January 17th at 3:30 p.m. in
Conference Room II.
4) Faces & Voices - Penny, Marcos
Nomination forms for the CommUNITY Award for Diversity Initiatives in Business
will be forwarded to the judges this week and they will have until January 6 to select
the recipient. The award will be presented during the Martin Luther King Jr.
Breakfast on January 16.
In parting, Penny encouraged commissioners to be a working commission, not to just attend
meetings, but to take charge and stick to the issues to get things accomplished.
In January, with a full commission present, every commissioner will sign up to work on at least one
subcommittee.
Select a DCAP Reoresentative
Kelly stated that Lou Oswald had served as DCAP representative and with his departure from the
commission, will need to be replaced. Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Vanden
Huevel seconded to appoint Commissioner Rubinstein as the new DCAP representative. All in
favor. Commissioner Foster remains the altemate representative.
Discuss Leaislative Priorities and Iowa Leaaue Breakfast
Commissioners Ross and Rubinstein volunteered to attend the Legislative Breakfast on February
23, 2006. Further discussion was tabled until the January meeting.
New Business
Commissioner Ross encouraged commissioners to contact County Supervisors at 589-4441
regarding the imminent closure of the Gannon Center due to financial shortfalls.
Adiournment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Ehlinger seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:43 p.m.
The next meeting is January 9, 2006.
Minutes approved as submitted:
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Minutes approved as corrected:
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