Minutes_Human Rights Commission 3/11/13CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
March 11, 2013
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:34 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2013, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room!!
Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Howard Lee III
Andrea Helgager Jeff Lenhart
Miguel Jackson RRS Stewart, Vice -Chair
Absent: Andrea Beacham Mike Elliott
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Approval of Minutes
The Human Rights Commission meeting minutes of February 11, 2013 were approved by unanimous
consent after motion by Commissioner Stewart, second by Commissioner Helgager.
Reports
Caseload Report
The written report for February 2013 was submitted.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioners congratulated Commissioner Allen on him being presented the Dubuque 365 Impact
Award for Government.
Commissioner Allen reported that the Dubuque Independent Football League (DIFL) is looking at
funding sources to lend support to the BBQ in DBQ and Better Together events again this fall. He
stated that the series of "Power of the Word" panel discussions that Commissioners Lee and Jackson
collaborated on for Black History Month went well, adding that the panelists were fantastic.
Organizers are looking into continuing this type of discussion series.
Director's Report
Kelly reported that the budget process has been completed. She stated that the City Life pilot
program will kick -off soon. They will be recruiting for the Human Relations Specialist position, as well
as a VISTA position that is being vacated by Trisha Federspiel in June. Staff is spending a
significant amount of time working on trying to figure out a way to have our measures and indicators
align better across each of the positions, so that we are showing more impact of the work we're doing
in our Department. Upcoming events: Saturday is Taste of the World, City Expo will be shifted from
April to September, and information is out on the Community Days of Caring in April.
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.
Commissioner Stewart reported that she attended the Conference on African American
Children and Families at the University of Northern Iowa. She distributed handouts from
sessions. Commissioner Lenhart reported that the Complaint Free World program went well,
and they raised approximately $3,500 for the Rescue Mission. He is working on bringing
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John Kralik, the author of "A Simple Act of Gratitude" to Dubuque in June, and he has agreed
to donate a box of books for book discussions.
Goal #2: Commission business/improve HRC quality:
Miguel, Howard, Anthony, Andrea B., Mike, Jeff
Rule of the Month: Title 8, Chapter 3: Unfair and Discriminatory Practices
Discussion will take place at next month's meeting.
Goal #3: Community dialogue and education on bullying and violence:
Miguel, Howard, Andrea B., Jeff, RRS
Commissioner Stewart stated that both the Better Together Dubuque and BBQ in DBQ
planning committees probably won't start meeting until this summer.
Goal #4: Increase collaborations /partnerships to further the mission of the DHRC:
Howard, Miguel, Andrea H., RRS, Mike
Commissioner Stewart submitted information that outlined activities of the Cedar Rapids Civil
Rights Commission which prompted the proclamation anniversary event. She read the
FMLA, Women's Suffrage, and Fair Housing Act Proclamations that will be presented at the
March 18 City Council meeting. A few corrections to the proclamations were made.
Commissioner Stewart moved and Commissioner Helgager seconded to approve the FMLA
proclamation as revised. All in favor. Commissioner Stewart moved to approve the Women's
Suffrage proclamation as revised, Commissioner Lenhart seconded. All in favor.
Commissioner Stewart moved to approve the Fair Housing proclamation as revised,
Commissioner Lee seconded. All in favor.
She stated that Joyce Connor will read the Women's Suffrage proclamation during the March
20th proclamation social at 5:00 p.m. at the Library in the Program Room. She asked for
volunteers to talk about the Commission, someone to talk about the Department, and
someone to read the other two proclamations. Commissioners Helgager and Lee will read the
Fair Housing Proclamation and Commissioner Lenhart the FMLA. Commissioners Stewart
and Allen will do introductions and talk about the duties of the Commission, and Kelly will
provide information on the Department. Commissioner Stewart will send an email reminder
and task list out to Commissioners.
New Business
Letter to DCSD Regarding Equity Operations Position
Commissioner Allen gave some background information on the Dubuque Community School District
Equity Operations position. Chrissy Johnson has recently been appointed into that position. It was
suggested to rewrite the previous letter that was initially sent to Stan and Claudette regarding that
position, directing it to Ms. Johnson, and asking her to attend a DHRC meeting. Commissioner Lee
moved to approve sending the revised letter to Ms. Johnson. Commissioner Jackson seconded. All
in favor.
Adjournment
Motion to adjoum by Commissioner Stewart, second by Commissioner Jackson. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled/for; Mo)day, April 8, 2013.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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