Minutes_Human Rights Commission 1 13 14CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
January 13, 2014
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:28 p.m. on Monday, January 13, 2014, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room
II, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Howard Lee
Andrea Beacham Jeff Lenhart
Andrea Helgager Chris Ostwinkle
Miguel Jackson RRS Stewart
Absent: Tom LoGuidice
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Manisha Paudel
Oath of Office
The Chair administered the Oath of Office to Commissioners Ostwinkle and Jackson.
Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Stewart moved to approve the meeting minutes of December 9 and December 11,
2013. Commissioner Lenhart seconded. All in favor. Commissioner Ostwinkle abstained.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The November and December 2013 caseload reports were received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that Alex David, the speaker for the MLK Breakfast event, has
donated his stipend to the Black Men Coalition to purchase tickets for students to attend the
MLK breakfast event. A portion of the stipend will go towards the Black Manhood Mentoring
Program that the Black Men Coalition is sponsoring.
Members of the Dubuque Community Police Relations (DCPR), formerly the Dubuque
Community Advisory Panel (DCAP), met with the City Manager and Chief Dalsing regarding
changes to the program. They were supportive of both the name change and changes to the
process. They will begin a marketing campaign in March.
Director's Report:
A written report was submitted. Commissioners appreciated the way it was broken down into
the different categories and requested that she continue submitting monthly written reports.
New Business:
Inclusive Dubuque — Jessica Rose
Jessica was not present. Staff will contact her to arrange for next month's meeting.
Monthly Commissioner Rotation to Lead Meetings
It was suggested that commissioners take turns leading meetings. The proposed schedule is:
February 10 — Beacham June 9 - Lee
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March 10 —Allen
April 14 — Jackson
May 12 — Stewart
July 14 - Lenhart
August 11 - Helgager
September 8 - Ostwinkle
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the schedule. Commissioner Lee seconded. All in
favor. It was also suggested to add "Consent Items" to the agenda for topics that do not need
discussion.
Commissioner Beacham announced that the next PFLAG meeting is 7:00 p.m. January 21 at
St. Luke's, and that she will be singing at St. Luke's Fabulous Friday Lunchtime Concert
Series on February 7.
Old Business:
Review and Discuss Goals
Goal #1: Improve DHRC Relationships - Allen, Beacham, Helgager, Jackson, Lenhart
Commissioner Beacham stated that her Food for the Soul group will be preparing a
community meal at St. Luke's UMC on Saturday, February 1 if Commissioners are interested
in helping prepare the meal mid - afternoon and serving at 5:00. There was discussion about
sponsoring a Circles dinner later in the year. The subcommittee will meet at Jitterz on January
29 at 5:30 p.m.
Goal #2: Implement Effective Meetings — Beacham, Helgager, Lee, LoGuidice
The subcommittee will meet at Jitterz on January 28 at 5:30 p.m.
Goal #3: Research criminal iustice procedures as they relate to racial disparities — DHRC
It was decided to put this goal on the regular meeting agendas beginning in February and
initiate discussions on language use, community issues, race /nationality, criminal justice on
the issues that are out there and how they are commonly being addressed. Need direction,
education and information from staff on what is happening in the City. Kelly will check with
Chief Dalsing to see when the traffic stop data will be available. Need conversations around
appropriate language usage with different races, nationalities, the gay population, etc. Invite
Andre to give some background on his work around workforce development.
Goal #4: Education and communication regarding Housing — Allen, Lee, Lenhart, Stewart
The subcommittee will meet at 3:30 p.m. on February 10 at the City Hall Annex.
Goal #5: Participate in Inclusive Dubuque process: Allen, Helgager, Jackson, Lenhart,
LoGuidice, Stewart
Staff will contact Jessica Rose to arrange for her to present at the February meeting.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Stewart, second by Commissioner Lenhart. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjoumed at 5:45 p.m.
Commissioner Beacham will lead the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, February 10,
2014.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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