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: