Minutes_Human Rights Commission 1 14 13CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
January 14, 2013
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:36 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2014, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room
II Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present:
Anthony Allen, Chair
Andrea Beacham
Mike Elliott
Miguel Jackson
Howard Lee III
Jeff Lenhart
RRS Stewart, Vice -Chair
Absent: Andrea Helgager
Staff: Carol Spinoso
Oath of Office
Commissioner Helgager was not present for Oath of Office.
Approval of Minutes
The Human Rights Commission meeting minutes of December 10, 2012 were approved by
unanimous consent after motion by Commissioner Elliott, second by Commissioner Lenhart.
Reports
Caseload Report
The written report for December 2012 was submitted.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that the Safe Community Advisory Committee will have a work session
with the City Council on February 18`h to review the progress of the 60 recommendations from the
Safe Community Task Force. He announced that there is a vacancy on the Safe Community
Advisory Committee as well as the Human Rights Commission.
Director's Report
No report
Old Business
Review and discuss goals from January 5, 2013 qoal setting
Commissioner Stewart moved to carry over some of the initiatives from last year's goals #1 and 2 to
this year's goals. Second by Commissioner Elliott. All in favor. Commissioner Stewart will meet with
staff to discuss which initiatives should be carried over.
Goal #1: Increase opportunities for citizen dialogue and education on human and civil rights:
Howard, Miguel, Anthony, Jeff, RRS
♦ Advocacy /awareness of the commission
♦ Educate people on individual rights and where those arise under the law — educational
module called "Hidden Rules of Human Rights"
♦ Sponsor a meal
♦ Move from Make a Difference Day to Make A Difference Week
♦ Have an educational booth at the Library once a month
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Goal #2: Commission business /improve HRC quality:
Miguel, Howard, Anthony, Andrea B., Mike
♦ Increase visibility
♦ Improve organization of meeting
♦ Increase attendance
♦ Improve camaraderie amongst commissioners
♦ Orientation on goals for new commissioners
♦ Continuing education — "Rule of the Month"
Commissioner Allen asked to reinstate the "Rule of the Month." He asked staff to provide pieces of
information from either Title 8 or the commissioner binder for a review at monthly meetings beginning
with the protected classes.
Goal #3: Community dialogue and education on bullying and Violence:
Miguel, Howard, Andrea B., Jeff, RRS
It was decided to move the already established events under the previous goal #4 to goal #3.
♦ Community bonding
♦ Interaction between various races /nationalities
♦ Foster neighborhood mediation working with DDRC
♦ Better Together Dubuque II
♦ Day of Peace Festival
♦ Speak Your Peace
♦ BBQ in DBQ
Goal #4: Increase collaborations /partnerships to further the mission of the DHRC:
Howard, Miguel, Andrea H., RRS, Mike
It was decided to this goal would focus on new collaborations and partnerships.
♦ Educating on the ADA
♦ Work with other commissions
♦ Calendar of activities
♦ Black History Month College Tour
♦ Reconnect with commission spin -off organizations: Speakers Bureau, PAD, DDRC,
faces & voices
♦ Inventory of what organizations we have relationships with and where we'd like to take
those relationships
♦ Consider program focusing on disproportionate impact of poverty on women and
people of color
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the four main goals for 2013. Commissioner Lenhart
seconded. Roll call:
Allen Yes Lee Yes
Beacham Yes Lenhart Yes
Elliott Yes Stewart Yes
Jackson Yes
Motion carried.
Commissioners were encouraged to be involved in subcommittee work and support and attend
commission related activities to increase visibility.
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New Business
Commissioner Allen stated that Dr. Eddie Moore contacted him sharing information on a national
campaign for MLK Day, asking businesses, schools, families, and everyone else, to have a moment
of silence, and to then play the "I Have a Dream" speech, followed by discussion /reflection.
Commissioners Stewart and Beacham met with Eric Dregne to discuss the possibility of bringing
Charles Barker to Dubuque to facilitate a mediation /negotiation event. Eric conveyed to them that
before bringing him to Dubuque they want a follow -up plan in place as a way for people to keep
developing skills. It was suggested that the DDRC possibly join with the Community Foundation or
community leaders to do a mediation institute that is broader than just dispute resolution. They will
continue discussions.
Carol reported that the Department's FY2012 annual report will be presented to the Council at their
January 22 meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Beacham, second by Commissioner Elliott. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:38 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Februaryl 1, 2013.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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