Minutes_Human Rights Commission 12 10 12CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
December 10, 2012
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:36 p.m. on Monday, December 10, 2012, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present:
Anthony Allen, Chair
Andrea Beacham
Mike Elliott
Andrea Helgager
Staff: Carol Spinoso
Miguel Jackson
Howard Lee III
Jeff Lenhart
RRS Stewart, Vice -Chair
Kelly Larson
Oath of Office
Oath of Office was administered to newly appointed commission member Jeff Lenhart.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Elliott moved to approve the Human Rights Commission meeting minutes of
November 19, 2012 as submitted. Commissioner Beacham seconded. All in favor.
Reports
Caseload Report
The written report for November 2012 was submitted.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that the City Council will vote on the continuation of the Safe
Community Advisory Committee (SCAC) at their December 17`h meeting. Anthony, along with
Commissioners Lee and Jackson, has been working with a group planning events throughout
February as part of Black History Month. Commissioner Lee elaborated that that this is a tri- college
partnership that will hopefully be an annual event. Events include panel discussions, movie nights,
jazz night, blues night, poetry night, gospel night, soul food night, and an essay contest. At the end of
the month they will close with an Empowerment Banquet.
Director's Report
Kelly stated that they are continuing to work on creating the Volunteer Center. She will be meeting
with NICC staff to discuss the possibility of offering the Intercultural Leadership Training through
NICC through the business consortium as a way to connect with the business community. For the
next week she will be participating on the interview panel for the Multicultural Family Center (MFC)
Director. Additionally, they have just posted the opening for the Assistant MFC Director. Lastly,
Molly will be out on maternity leave for the next 12 weeks.
Old Business
Review and discuss current goals and collaborations
Goal #1: Increase citizen dialogue and education.
Commissioner Allen stated that they need to get the sponsor thank you letters approved and
sent off. Commissioner Helgager distributed copies of the letters. She requested contact
information for a few of the recipients and clarification as to who will sign the letters. She will
edit the letters and forward to Carol so she can add the Chair's signature.
Goal #2: Improve HRC quality. Commissioners Jackson, Allen.
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Commissioner biographies continue. Commissioner Lenhart will present in January.
Goal #3: Improve tenantilandlord communication. Commissioners Stewart, Helgager,
Commissioner Allen will assist.
On December 17th the City Council will decide whether or not they will extend the Safe
Community Advisory Committee (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
Mediation Initiative — Commissioner Stewart and Beacham
Commissioner Stewart reported that she and Commissioner Beacham will be meeting with
Eric Dregne of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to discuss the feasibility of
bringing Charles Barker's mediation program to Dubuque.
Collaboration with CFGD and Dav of Peace — Commissioner Stewart
Commissioner Stewart stated that the banquet for the finale of the Speak Your Peace
program was held last week. She will be attending the Day of Peace meeting at Loras on
December 11, where they will begin planning for next year's event. She also distributed
budget info for both the BBQ in DBQ and Better Together Dubuque events.
Goal #5: Help promote the NAACP. Commissioners Elliott, and Stewart
Commissioner Allen suggested that they continue with this goal by helping support the MLK
Birthday events by either judging essays and /or attending the breakfast.
New Business
Set Date for Goal Setting:
The consensus was to hold goal setting on a Saturday morning on either January 5th or 12th at 9:00
a.m. It was suggested that staff contact Art Roche, Jan Powers, or Thom Determan to see who
would be available to facilitate the session. Once the date and facilitator have been confirmed, staff
will send out notice to commissioners.
Commissioner Beacham reported that she attended the Iowa Commission of Human Rights outreach
session that was held on the 5th. She stated that there were quite a few people there from other
agencies. She thought that there were some great responses to the prepared questions, and felt it
was beneficial to hear what was happening around the City. They will be issuing a written report.
Commissioner Helgager stated that as an AmeriCorps Vista, she is required to do a service day.
This year, as part of the MLK Days of Service, they are planning a College Confidential event. This
all day event will focus on individuals in Dubuque who are thinking about going to college next year.
Breakout sessions will include finances, how to fill out FAFSA forms, how to get scholarships and
student aid, and different topics about residence life.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Beacham, second by Commissioner. All in favor. The meeting
of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:28 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Mon ay, nuary 14, 2013.
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Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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