Minutes_Human Rights Commission 11 19 12CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
November 19, 2012
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:30 p.m. on Monday, November 19, 2012, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Miguel Jackson
Andrea Beacham Howard Lee III
Mike Elliott RRS Stewart, Vice -Chair
Andrea Helgager
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Oath of Office
Oath of Office was administered to newly appointed commission member Howard Lee III.
Approval of Minutes,
Commissioner Beacham moved to approve the Human Rights Commission meeting minutes of
September 10, 2012 as submitted. Commissioner Elliott seconded. All in favor.
Reports
Caseload Report
The written report for September and October 2012 were submitted.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that Commissioner Root resigned from the Commission. He received
the Ruby Sutton Humanitarian Award at the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on November 16.
Director's Report
Kelly stated that local community leaders and city staff have just completed three days of Intercultural
Leadership Training. Staff will be following up with city staff to see how they might want to be
involved in efforts within the organization, and with some community members to see about next
steps in trying to connect with the business community.
Nikola has been meeting with a group who is working on creating a volunteer center in the
community.
The fourth of five sessions of Community Dialogue on Race will be held tonight at the Library.
Staff continues to revamp the Department as they meld Nikola's position into the Department looking
at job descriptions and indicators and measures.
The City is currently recruiting for a director for the Multicultural Family Center.
Old Business
Review and discuss current goals and collaborations
Joint Goal #1 & 5: Increase citizen dialogue and education.
—Dubuque Community BBQ Debriefing
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Commissioner Jackson reported that eight businesses were present and good community
attendance. Commissioner Allen stated that they received $81 to be used for scholarships.
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve that the Dubuque Independent Football League
- -- create a budget line item for the $81 to be used for NAACP scholarships. Commissioner
Elliot seconded. All in favor. Commissioner Helgager has prepared a letter to BBQ sponsors
and will forward it to the Chair for distribution. The Chair will draft a letter to Sugar Ray
acknowledging any miscommunication.
Goal #2: Improve HRC quality. Commissioners Jackson, Allen.
Goal #3: Improve tenant/landlord communication. Commissioners Stewart, Helgager, Root
Commissioner Allen will assist.
Commissioner Allen reported that Commissioner Helgager attended the September 12 Safe
Community Advisory Committee to discuss landlord /tenant communication. On December 3
the City Council will decide whether or not they will extend the SCAC for another year. If
approved, this group will continue to work with the SCAC.
Goal #4: Decrease incidents of bullying and violence. Commissioners Beacham and Stewart
Better Together Dubuque Diversity Conference — Commissioner Beacham
Commissioner Beacham was delighted to report that the conference was a big success.
There was great publicity with over 200 people attending. There were 22 speakers and the
evaluations were complimentary and appreciative. The family friendly event held following
the conference attracted 350 people.
Mediation Initiative — Commissioner Stewart and Beacham
Commissioner Stewart stated that they are making their third attempt to meet with Eric
Dregne to discuss the feasibility of bringing Charles Barker's mediation program to Dubuque.
Kelly added that the DDRC mediators met to talk about holding a visioning session in April
with partners to discuss what we need in terms of mediation services in the community.
Collaboration with CFGD and Day of Peace - Commissioner Stewart
Commissioner Stewart provided the program from the International Day of Peace. She stated
that the Speak Your Peace group continues to meet Tuesdays at 4:30 at various locations.
Contact Jessica Rose for meeting locations.
Goal #5: Help promote the NAACP. Commissioners Elliott, Root, and Stewart
New Business
David Gudenkauf, a commissioner on the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, was present to
invite commissioners to attend a community outreach session that the Iowa Department of Human
Rights will be hosting on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Family Services, A.
Y. McDonald Fellowship Hall, lower level of the Chapel, 2005 Asbury Road, Dubuque. Staff from the
Iowa Department of Human Rights will be here as well as people from our local area who serve on
the various commissions to explain State priorities and commission roles. Conversation will follow.
Adiournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Elliott, second by Commissioner Beacham. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:23 p.m. The next regular meeting is
scheduled for Monday, December 10, 2012.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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