Minutes Human Rights 3 13 06
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CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
March 13,2006
Commissioner Giesen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:21 p.m. on Monday, March 13,2006, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Anthony Allen
Mary Gassman
Judy Giesen
Evelyn Jackson
Jim Jarrard
Bill Ross
Marcos Rubinstein
Vince Vanden Huevel
Absent:
Dave Loney
Staff:
Kelly Larson
Bill Blum
Carol Spinoso
Molly Menster
ADoroval of Minutes
Commissioner Rubinstein moved and Commissioner Ross seconded to approve the meeting
minutes of February 13, 2006 as submitted. All in favor.
Case load Reoort
Carol summarized the February Caseload Report. There were seventy-one inquires, eight cases
under active investigation, seven cases in backlog, one case in mediation, two cases in
administrative review, four cases closed, and three cases were formally filed. The case synopsis
involves allegations of sex and age discrimination in the area of employment.
Chalroerson's Reoort
Commissioner Giesen reported that she had attended the Center for Independent Living training
session at the Library on March 10. She will share more information during the accessibility
subcommittee report.
Director's Reoort
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Subcommittee Reoorts:
1) Sexual Orientation - Bill, Vince
Commissioner Ross reported that the committee met March 7. They discussed the
following:
a) invite previous GLBT subcommittee member to participate;
b) information sharing with local commissions that have added sexual
orientation to their ordinance;
c) visit Cedar Rapids GLBT resource center; and
d) gather input from educational and religious institutions.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 17 at 4:00 p.m. at Keystone AEA, Room 3A.
2) MulticulturaLCommittee - Marcos, Anthony
Commissioner Rubinstein stated that he is attempting to schedule another meeting
for March 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the library, as he was the only in attendance at the
February 21 sl meeting.
3) Accessibility - Jim, Judy, Dave
Commissioner Jarrard reported that they held training for survey teams on February
21. They currently have three teams of three in place, and they have sent letters to
several business regarding surveys. Their goal is to have each team perform one
survey per month. Additionally, the group will be working to develop an accessibility
booklet. A local business owner has expressed interest in participating in the
subcommittee.
Commissioner Giesen stated that Frank Strong and Bob Jeppesen from the Central
Iowa Center for Independent Living presented governance training to twelve
participants who are interested in establishing a Center for Independent Living here
in Dubuque. The center will be a resource center for people with disabilities. The
next steps are to confirm community commitment and determine feasibility.
Additionally, she stated that Sarah Davidson has been instrumental in Step by Step,
establishing a home for low income females who have physical disabilities. The
home will be located at 759 Bluff Street.
4) Faces & Voices - Judy, Marcos, Bill
Kelly reported that the Faces & Voices group has offered to help the commission
plan a human rights banquet for this fall. For purposes of organization, the group
talked about separating the banquet from the diversity conference. They proposed
holding the banquet this fall, and the diversity conference in April 2007. The Grand
River Center is holding Thursday, September 14th for this event. Currently there are
five or six Faces & Voices members as well as commissioners and staff who are
willing to work on the banquet committee. Commissioner Rubinstein moved and
Commissioner Jarrard seconded to approve the September 14th Human Rights
Banquet at the Grand River Center, and empower the committee to make decisions
on behalf of the commission. All in favor. The next Faces & Voices meeting is
4:00 p.m. April 12 in the Atrium at Clarke.
Election of Officers
Commissioner Giesen opened the floor for nominations for chairperson. Commissioner Rubinstein
nominated Commissioner Giesen. Commissioner Vanden Huevel nominated Commissioner
Jarrard. Commissioner Giesen declined the nomination. Commissioner Ross moved and
Commissioner Jackson seconded to close nominations. All in favor. Commissioner Vanden
Huevel moved and Commissioner Jackson seconded to accept Commissioner Jarrard's
appointment to chairperson.
Commissioner Giesen opened the floor for nominations for vice-chairperson. Commissioner Ross
nominated Commissioner Vanden Huevel. Commissioner Ross moved and Commissioner
Jackson seconded to close nominations. All in favor. Commissioner Ross moved and
Commissioner Jarrard seconded to accept Commissioner Vandl;Jn Huevel appointment to vice-
chairperson. All in favor.
.
New Business
No new business.
Adiournment
Commissioner Jarrard moved and Commissioner Rubinstein seconded to adjoum the meeting. All
in favor. The meeting adjoumed at 5:30 p.m.
The next meeting is April 10, 2006.
Minutes approved as submitted:
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Minutes approved as corrected: