Minutes_Human Rights Commission 8 12 13CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
August 12, 2013
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:34 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 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
Mike Elliott Jeff Lenhart
Andrea Helgager RRS Stewart
Absent: Tom LoGuidice
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Manisha Paudel
Commissioner Allen changed the order of the agenda to allow the City Manager, Housing and
Community Development Director, and Multicultural Family Center Director to address the
Commission.
Discussion of HUD Civil Rights Review:
Mike Van Milligen and Alvin Nash were present to share their reaction to the HUD Report. The City
Manager spoke about the report and the results from HUD that implied the city was intentionally
discriminating against African Americans. He disagreed with the statement and stated that the goal
has always been to create a model housing assistance program. The City Manager distributed
statistics regarding the Housing Department and spoke of the added programs and participants since
2009. Alvin Nash stated that they are moving forward with the model program and are working
towards making the program better for everyone. Alvin invited Commissioners to review the
responses to the findings and provide any input they would have.
Multicultural Family Center Director
Abeni El -Amin, the new Director of the Multicultural Family Center, introduced herself to
commissioners and provided some information on the various programs offered at the Center.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Elliott moved to approve the meeting minutes of July 8, 2013. Commissioner Stewart
seconded. Commissioner Stewart noted she had given an incorrect date for the Day of Peace
proclamation. It will appear on the September 16th City Council agenda. All in favor.
Reports
Caseload Report
The written report for July 2013 was received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that the Safe Community Advisory Committee will be meeting
August 12, and that the Dubuque Community Advisory Panel (DCAP) has received two
complaints.
Director's Report:
Kelly reported that staff is preparing for a September 3`d, Council Work Session where staff
will talk about the adjustments that have been taking place in the Department over the last
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couple year with the different positions and projects. They will also be discussing
sustainability indicators and performance measures.
The City Life Program will begin September 5, and will run for nine weeks. If anyone is
interested in participating they will need to submit an application.
The Department has partnered with NICC to do our Intercultural Workshops there. A four -day
Leadership Workshop is scheduled for October, and a two hour awareness raising workshop
which will give people the basics will be offered in September. Registration and additional
information about the session is on the NICC website.
She mentioned that One Iowa has someone available who will travel around to do
intercultural competency programs around sexual orientation. Molly Menster will connect
Manisha with some of the people that she had been working with on LGBT issues.
Commissioner Beacham suggested that Manisha contact Michelle Bechen.
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 mentioned that the Iowa Civil Rights Commission is holding a
conference on October 31 and November 1, dealing with civil rights issues in Iowa. During
that time the League of Iowa Civil Rights Agencies will be holding their meeting.
Goal #2: Commission business /improve HRC quality: Miguel, Howard, Anthony, Andrea B.,
Mike, Jeff
Rule of the Month: Commissioners reviewed Title 8, Chapter 4 Enforcement of Civil Rights.
For next month's meeting Commissioners will report on the following: Allen 8 -5 -1; Beacham
8 -5 -2 (A -E); Elliott 8- 5 -2(F1 & 2); Jackson 8 -5 -2 (3); Lee 8- 5 -2(4, 5 & 6); Lenhart 8 -5 -3 (A);
Stewart 8 -5 -3 (B) and Helgager 8 -5 -3 (C).
Goal #3: Community dialogue and education on bullying and violence:
Miguel, Howard, Andrea B., Jeff, RRS
Dubuque Community BBQ
Commissioner Jackson reported that they have ordered the food and are under
budget at this point. Commissioner Allen reported that the subcommittee continues to
meet, and promotion of the event will begin soon. They currently have five vendors:
Tony Roma's, Texas Roadhouse, Courtside, Sugar Ray's, and CISCO. The event will
be held on September 21, from 2:00 — 6:00 PM, in the Kehl Center at Clarke
University.
Proclamations
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the March on Washington and Day of
Peace proclamations. Commissioner Elliott seconded. All in favor.
Goal #4: Increase collaborations /partnerships to further the mission of the DHRC:
Howard, Miguel, Andrea H., RRS, Mike
Follow -up on Title VI Compliance
Staff will contact Crenna for an update on this issue.
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New Business
Commissioner Stewart stated that the weekend of September 5 — 8 the I AM LOVE Campaign will be
preforming Corpus Christi and showing the documentary about it. There will be a panel discussion
following the showing.
In reference to the Iowa Department of Human Rights Statewide Community Outreach Assessment
Report, Commissioner Stewart noted that Corine Murray's and Andrea Beacham's names are
misspelled.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Jackson, second by Commissioner Beacham. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 14, 2013.
Minutes approved as submitted: t\ti
Minutes approved as corrected:
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