Minutes Human Rights 2 13 06
CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
February 13, 2006
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:16 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2006, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Anthony Allen
Mary Gassman
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Dave Loney
Bill Ross
Marcos Rubinstein
Vince Vanden Huevel
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Carol Spinoso
Hate Crimes Video
David Leo, a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin Platteville, gave a presentation on
hate and provided suggestions for protective GLBT policy and school safety. David is willing to
share his presentation with area educators, high schools students, or any group that is interested.
AoDroval of Minutes
Commissioner Jarrard moved and Commissioner Anthony seconded to approve the meeting
minutes of January 9, 2006 as submitted. All in favor.
Caseload ReDort
Carol summarized the January Caseload Report. There were forty-four inquires, six cases under
active investigation, eight cases in backlog, two cases in mediation, two cases in administrative
review, one case with an administrative law judge, there were two cases closed, and five cases
were fonnally filed. The case synopsis involves allegations of disability discrimination in the area of
employment.
ChairDerson's ReDort
Judy commented that the state-wide ICN meeting that the League of Iowa Civil Rights Agencies
sponsored on January 31 was a great experience and opportunity for infonnation sharing with
other local commissions. Kelly added that the League will meet to discuss the possibility of future
ICN conferences.
Director's ReDort
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Subcommittee ReDorts:
1) Faces & Voices - Judy, Marcos, Bill
Commissioner Giesen reported that the Faces & Voices group meets monthly on
the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. at Clarke College. They are currently
promoting "My Soul Is a Witness," a play retelling events of the civil rights
movement at The Grand, February 28th at 8:00 p.m., and BB King on March 11. F
& V representatives will staff a booth at the February 21st Chamber Business PM
from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Julien Inn. They are talking about a human rights
banquet in the fall, a city wide diversity conference in 2007, and a website soon will
be up and running.
2) Sexual Orientation - Bill, Vince
Commissioner Ross reported that the committee met January 17 to refine the goals.
The committee is currently working to developing a public educational program. Bill
will work with staff to purchase some resource materials.
3) Multicultural Committee - Marcos
Commissioner Rubinstein stated that a meeting is scheduled for February 21 at 5:00
p.m. at the Library to refine the goals and establish meeting dates and times.
3) Accessibilitv - Jim
Commissioner Jarrard reported that they are redeveloping the survey teams and
that they are working on establishing a set meeting time. Training for the survey
teams is scheduled for February 21 at the Library. Jim commented that other cities
have shown an interest in the assessment tool that the teams are using.
Commissioner Giesen stated that Frank Strong from the Central Iowa Center for
Independent Living will provide training and resources on March 10 from 1 :00 - 4:00
at the Library. CIL is working toward establishing an independent living center here
in Dubuque.
Select a DCAP Alternate ReDresentative
Commissioner Rubinstein moved to appoint Commissioner Vanden Huevel as the Commission's
altemate representative to the Dubuque Community Advisory Panel. Commissioner Ross
seconded. All in favor.
New Business
No new business.
Adjournment
Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner Jarrard seconded to adjoum the meeting. All in
favor. The meeting adjoumed at 5:50 p.m.
The next meeting is March 13,2006.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Q,4~
t7
Minutes approved as corrected: