Minutes_Human Rights Commission 2 11 13CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
February 11, 2013
Commissioner Stewart called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:37 p.m. on Monday, February 11, 2013, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Miguel Jackson
Andrea Beacham Howard Lee III
Mike Elliott Jeff Lenhart
Andrea Helgager RRS Stewart, Vice -Chair
Absent:
Staff: Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Oath of Office
Commissioner Stewart administered the Oath of Office to Commissioner Helgager.
Approval of Minutes
The Human Rights Commission meeting minutes of January 14, 2013 were approved by unanimous
consent after motion by Commissioner Allen, second by Commissioner Lenhart.
Reports
Caseload Report
The written report for January 2013 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 will be meeting with the NAACP to revisit the Dubuque Community
Advisory Panel (DCAP) MOU. Commissioner Allen will not be able to attend the DDRC immediately
following this meeting as he is participating in a Black History Month event at Clarke. Commissioner
Stewart suggested that he discuss the tenants association, a goal from the previous year, with the
Safe Community Advisory Committee.
Director's Report
Kelly reported that February is budget month. She thanked RRS and Jeff for attending the
Department's presentation. The final budget hearing will be on February 28`h
Molly Menster has resigned from her position as Human Relations Specialist. Staff is currently
rewriting the job description and will soon be advertising for that position.
Andre has been working on recruitment efforts for the MFC director and assistant director, and the
Police Department. He is also planning orientation that includes some pieces around retention. In
addition, two of our police officers who went through the Intercultural Leadership Training have
created a communications course for new Field Training Officers to help them build stronger
supportive mentoring relationships with people in the community.
Nikola is currently planning the Citizen Academy. This 10 -week pilot program will begin April 4.
Nikola has also been working with Washington Neighborhood residents on some community
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engagement pieces; the aquatics center; and the volunteer center. He is working with a group of
non - profits that have come together and are looking for ways to collaborate on volunteer efforts in the
community. Lastly, the Sisters of St. Francis are planning an inter -faith group meeting on February
24th to do some brainstorming on community outreach around religious diversity.
Old Business
Review and Discuss Goals
Goal #1: Increase opportunities for citizen dialogue and education on human and civil rights:
Howard, Miguel, Anthony, Jeff, RRS, Andrea H.
Andrea Helgager will also serve on this subcommittee.
Goal #2: Commission business/improve HRC quality:
Miguel, Howard, Anthony, Andrea B., Mike, Jeff
Jeff Lenhart will also serve on this subcommittee.
Commissioner Allen asked that the "Rule of the Month" be addressed at next month's
meeting. He asked Commissioners to review Title 8, Chapter 3: Unfair and Discriminatory
Practices, prior to the March meeting.
Goal #3: Community dialogue and education on bullying and Violence:
Miguel, Howard, Andrea B., Jeff, RRS
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.
Commissioner Jackson announced several events taking place as part of the Black History
Month College Tour.
New Business
Commissioner Stewart distributed information on a number of anniversaries occurring this year.
January was the 150th anniversary since the Emancipation Proclamation; March will be 100 years
since the Woman's Suffrage Parade; April the 45th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act; and August
the 50th anniversary since the March for Jobs and Freedom. She suggested preparing proclamations
for the Woman's Suffrage Parade and Fair Housing Month to present to the Council at the March 18th
meeting. She also suggested holding a reception at 5:00 p.m. on March 20 at the Library in
recognition of the proclamations. She recommended issuing a press release and inviting the
Housing Commission and City Council members.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Allen, second by Commissioner Lenhart. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2013.
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Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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