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Minutes Human Rights 5 8 06 Staff: Kelly Larson Crenna Brumwell-Sahm Carol Spinoso Molly Menster . CITY OF DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF May 8, 2006 Commissioner Jarrard called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2006, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex. Roll Call: Present: Anthony Allen Mary Gassman Judy Giesen Evelyn Jackson Jim Jarrard, Chair Dave Loney Marcos Rul1lnstein Vince Vanden Huevel, Vice-Chair Absent: Bill Ross Reflections: Commissioner Vanden Huevel commended the coordinating efforts of the Maria House and Theresa House. Commissioner Giesen suggested sending a letter to Michelle Brown, director of the Maria House and Sr. Carol, director of the Theresa House, congratulating them for their work and dedication. APDroval of Minutes Commissioner Vanden Huevel moved and Commissioner Jackson seconded to approve the meeting minutes of April 10, 2006 as submitted. All in favor. Caseload ReDort Carol summarized the April Caseload Report. There were forty-four inquires, ten cases under active investigation, seven cases in backlog, one case in mediation, three cases in administrative review, one case closed, and three cases were formally filed. The case summary details allegations of discrimination in the area of employment on the basis of disability. Chairoerson's ReDort Commissioner Jarrard reported that he has been involved with the Accessibility Subcommittee and that he will give input during that agenda item. Director's ReDort Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. She stated that the HUD conference is schedule for June 26 - 30 in Anaheim. Anthony, Jim and Dave have expressed an interest in attending. They should contact Carol by Friday to confirm. Kelly introduced Nahrwr Abdul-Wahid, lead consultant from One Ummah. Subcommittee ReDorts: 1 ) Sexual Orientation Education Subcommittee - Bill, Vince Commissioner Vanden Huevel reported that there was not a great turnout for the last meeting, but that citizens have been contacting committee members expressing interest. The subcommittee is considering presentations on spirituality and homosexuality. The next meeting is May 11th at 4:00 p.m. at Keystone. 2) Multicultural Subcommittee - Marcos, Anthony 6. Commissioner Rubinstein reported he and Cammie are planning an informal meeting to discuss ways to attract community members to the group. They will plan another subcommittee meeting in August. Anthony asked that the meeting date and time be changed as it's difficult for him to make it at the current scheduled time. 3) Accessibility - Judy, Jim, Dave Commissioner Giesen reported that the group has been very busy. Minutes of the group's April 24th meeting, and the May 5 meeting minutes with Building Services staff, as well as sample letters for businesses were provided for commissioner review. Commissioner Rubinstein recommended that the subcommittee be granted approval to send correspondence as needed on behalf of the commission. It was also suggested that the letters be signed by Jim Jarrard as chair of the commission, and Judy as chair of the Accessibility Subcommittee. The Legal Department would continue to review all correspondence prior to sending it out. Commissioners discussed whether this group's efforts should be more educational offering compliance assistance, or should they be complaint driven to enforce ADA requirements. It was suggested that the course of action begin with the educational compliance assessment, then become more assertive if no good faith effort is made toward recommended improvements, and lastly move toward enforcement. It was suggested that some sort of a check-back timeline be established prior to proceeding to enforcement measures. The group will meet to further discuss the comments and recommendation of the commission. 4) Faces & Voices - Judy, Marcos, Bill Minutes of the last meeting were distributed. They are still in the process of selecting a speaker for the September 14th banquet. Overview of Intercultural Comoetencv Trainina with One Ummah Consultant Nehrwr Abdul-Wahid, lead consultant from One Ummah, gave a brief overview of the diversity assessment process for the city organization. Goal Settina The commission's annual goal setting session was scheduled for Friday, August 18th at 1 :00 p.m. Commissioners Jarrard and Vanden Huevel will serve on the planning committee. Minutes approved as corrected: r;~~ Assistant City Attornev's ResDonse to use of Donations Crenna Brumwell provided guidance in follow up to Lou Oswald's donation to the commission. She explained that the commission can accept donations as long as the funds are used to further the human rights chapter. Once the commission decides how they want to use the funds, they will need to contact Lou to get approval from him, as well as approval from the City Council prior to spending those restricted funds. Commissioner Rubinstein moved to accept Lou Oswald's $100 donation to use for goal setting and that they ask for City Council approval to do so. Anthony seconded. Judy questioned whether this would limit the spending to just goal setting or if they could possible use the funds for other human rights activities such as the printing of the accessibility booklet.6. Commissioner Allen withdrew his second, and Commissioner Rubinstein withdrew his motion. It was decided to first contact Lou to seek approval on using the funds for human rights related activities or projects, then they will proceed to seek Council approval. Commissioner Allen will contact Lou and will report back next month. New Business Adiournment Commissioner Rubinstein moved and Commissioner Giesen seconded to adjourn the meeting. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. The next meeting is June 12, 2006. Minutes approved as submitted: