Minutes Human Rights 1 19 06 (2)
DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MINUTES OF
January 9, 2006
Commissioner Jarrard called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:17 p.m. on Monday, January 9,2006, in Conference Room 2 at the. City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Anthony Allen
Mary Gassman
Judy Giesen (via telephone)
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Dave Loney
Bill Ross
Marcos Rubinstein
Vince Vanden Huevel (via telephone)
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Jackson seconded to approve the meeting minutes
of December 12, 2005 as submitted. All in favor.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the December Caseload Report. There were forty-six intakes, six cases in
active investigation, seven cases in backlog, one case in mediation, two cases in administrative
review, there were three cases closed, and four cases were formally filed. The case synopsis
involves allegations of housing discrimination on the basis of disability.
Chairperson's Report
No report given.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. She reminded
Commissioners of the upcoming Martin Luther King activities on Sunday and Monday.
Additionally, she noted that the DHRC budget hearing is scheduled for February 7th at 6:30 p.m. in
City Council chambers. If anyone is interested in attending the dinner prior to the meeting, they
should let Kelly know by Wednesday. The League of Iowa Civil Rights Agencies has scheduled an
ICN session for commissions from across the state. This will take place on January 31st from 6 - 8
p.m. in the ICN room at the Library. This will be an opportunity to share information and to get in
touch with other commissioners throughout the state. Lastly, she reminded commissioners of the
Legislative Breakfast planned for February 23 in Des Moines. Anyone interested in attending
should contact Carol as soon as possible.
Subcommittee Reports:
1) Sexual Orientation - Bill, Vince
Commissioner Ross briefly presented some background information for new
commissioners. Commissioner Ross moved that the Human Rights Commission
resubmit the sexual orientation amendment as proposed in December 2004 to the
City Council, with a recommendation to approve, and that the City Council act on
the recommendation at their February 6, 2006 meeting. Commissioner Vanden
Huevel seconded. For the record, Commissioner Rubinstein stated that he supports
the amendment, but voiced concerns about the religious exemption.
Commissioner Rubinstein moved and Commissioner Loney seconded to close
discussion. Roll call vote:
Anthony Allen
Mary Gassman
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Yes Dave Loney
Yes Bill Ross
Yes Marcos Rubinstein
Yes Vince Vanden Huevel
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
The motion carries unanimously.
Roll call vote on the main motion as stated by Commissioner Ross.
Anthony Allen
Mary Gassman
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Motion carries unanimously.
Yes Dave Loney
Yes Bill Ross
Yes Marcos Rubinstein
Yes Vince Vanden Huevel
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
~
Commissioner Ross announced that the next committee meeting is scheduled for
January 17 at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
2) Multicultural Committee - Marcos
Commissioner Rubinstein stated that he had just retumed from travel and is in the
process of scheduling a committee meeting. He stated that he continues to serve
on the Multicultural Family Center Steering Committee, and that he has been invited
to help organize the State Latino Conference.
3) Disability/Awareness Committee - Judy, Jim
Commissioner Giesen encouraged commissioners to review the subcommittee
objectives. The committee will plan on meeting sometime prior to the next
commission meeting.
4) Faces & Voices - Judy, Marcos
Kelly reported that at the last Faces & Voices meeting they discussed having a
Human Rights banquet in the fall of 2006 and a diversity conference in the fall of
2007. Within the next couple months they will be putting a subcommittee together
to plan the banquet.
Select a DCAP Alternate Representative
Kelly stated that Patricia Foster had served as the commission's alternate representative to DCAP,
and with her departure from the commission, they will need to select a new alternate.
Commissioner Allen stated that he is currently serving as a city manager appointee. He indicated
that there is a DCAP agenda item addressing a possible conflict with him now serving on the
Commission. Commissioner Rubinstein moved to table the appointment of alternate until the next
commission meeting. Commissioner Allen seconded. Roll call vote:
Anthony Allen
Mary Gassman
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Yes Dave Loney
Yes Bill Ross
Yes Marcos Rubinstein
Yes Vince Vanden Huevel
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Motion carries unanimously.
Discuss Legislative Priorities and Iowa League Breakfast
For new commissioners, Kelly briefly discussed her memo of last month regarding a couple pieces
of legislation that are pending or likely to be reintroduced at the state level this year. The
Legislative Breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. February 23, 2006.
New Business
Adiournment
Commissioner Rubinstein moved and Commissioner Ross seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:04 p.m.
~
The next meeting is February 13, 2006.
Minutes approved as submitted:
I~~~
Minutes approved as corrected: