Minutes_Human Rights Commission 4 14 14CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
April 14, 2014
Commissioner Jackson called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2014, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room II,
Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Jeff Lenhart
Andrea Beacham Tom LoGuidice
Andrea Helgager, Vice -Chair Chris Ostwinkle
Miguel Jackson RRS Stewart
Howard Lee
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Manisha Paudel
Reflections:
Commissioner Beacham announced that PFLAG meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at
7:00 p.m. at St. Luke Methodist Church. They will be viewing the film Fish Out of Water and
discussing LGBTQ and faith issues.
Commissioner Stewart stated that she had attended the Society of Architectural Historians
Conference in Austin, Texas. At the same time there was a conference celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act at the LBJ Library.
Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner LoGuidice moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 10, 2014. Commissioner
Lee seconded. All in favor.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The March 2014 caseload report was received and filed. Commissioner Allen reminded
commissioners to report any speaking engagements to Carol so that they can be included in
the caseload report.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that the executive board of the NAACP met and they are in the
processes of selecting chairpersons for the various subcommittees. The CPRC f/k/a DCAP, is
progressing, but they still need to meet with the Dubuque Police Protective Association
(DPPA) and NAACP to finalize the name change and by-laws. Clerical work for DCAP has
been shifted to Carol. The planning committee for the DBQ Community BBQ has been
meeting. Members of the Dubuque Dispute Resolution Center (DDRC) and various
representatives of community organizations met for a visioning session to determine which
direction that initiative will go. The Black Man's Coalition (BMC) will meet tonight. Andre and
a delegation of BMC members traveled to Washington, DC to give a presentation on the
BMC's Manhood Project. Anthony is participating in a four day Intercultural Leadership
Workshop that Human Rights staff is presenting.
Director's Report:
A written report was submitted.
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Standing Items:
Goal #3: Discuss Criminal Justice procedures as they relate to racial disparities
It was suggested that they hold a special meeting in July, inviting the Chief of Police and
experts in criminal justice issues from UD or U.W. Platteville, and others who are concerned
with this topic to see how other communities of a similar size are dealing with issues of racial
disparity. It was suggested the meeting be held in a different location and that they invite
community members. Commissioner Allen moved to move discussion on Goal #3 to the end
of the May meeting agenda for purposes of having a work session to plan for this event.
New Business:
Update on HUD's Voluntary Compliance Agreement and Request for Commissioner Assistance
Alvin Nash, Housing & Community Development Director, provided an update to the fair
housing voluntary compliance agreement that was reached between HUD and the City of
Dubuque. He stated that the agreement has been approved and that the 32 -page document
outlines the process through which the city must restructure the Section 8 housing voucher
program so that it is in compliance with federal standards. Alvin indicated that the City
Manager will recommend that he be appointed the administrator of the agreement. If
approved, he will be responsible for overseeing implementation of the agreement elements.
The plan calls for increased training and reporting requirements for city staff, an analysis of
fair housing impediments, meetings with HUD officials, developing an outreach plan.
Commissioner Allen offered commissioner assistance with the community outreach efforts.
Allen told Alvin that they will place him on the agenda for additional updates on a rotation
basis.
Senator Harkin's Report on ADA Generation — R.R.S. Stewart
Commissioner Stewart asked that this report be distributed because our monthly reports
shows that disability is a frequent basis of complaints. There was liking of the push to change
the programs that assist persons with disabilities to be able to work and still get the help they
need to have personal assistance to keep them working instead of penalizing them. The
report had only national statistics on the labor force participation rate by age and disability. It
was suggested that they obtain local data through IWD or the US Census Bureau or Proudly
Accessible Dubuque. Commissioner Stewart will get that data and have Carol forward it to
commissioners. It was asked if Inclusive Dubuque addressed this topic. Kelly explained that
Inclusive Dubuque is designed to support community efforts as they occur, and gets that
information out to the community. She thought that PAD should already be connected with
Inclusive Dubuque.
April 6, 2014 TH Letter to the Editor — Andrea Beacham
Commissioner Beacham distributed a draft letter responding to Adam Menning's TH letter to
the editor on April 6, 2014, regarding an altercation at the Dog House specifically with regard
to him being gay. She asked if they wanted to respond as the Human Rights Commission,
individually, or not at all. She stated that this will be discussed with PFLAG as well. It was
suggested that they talk to the establishment and at the same time gather data on police calls
to bars in the last five years looking at incidents involving protected bases. It was suggested
that they then identify which bars are having the most issues and decide how best to work
with that establishment in providing resources and education.
Homelessness — Andrea Helgager and Jeff Lenhart
Discussion will be held at next month's meeting.
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Old Business:
Review and Discuss Goals
Goal #1: Strengthen DHRC Relationships - Allen, Beacham, Helaaaer, Jackson, Lenhart,
Ostwinkle
Manisha distributed notes from the retreat. She requested that each commission send her a
brief bio which can include professional and educational background, membership affiliation,
social interests, hobbies, etc., and a picture to be included on the website. She asked for the
information to be submitted by Friday. Commissioner Beacham invited commissioners to help
with the preparation for the free meal at St. Luke's Food for the Soul on May 10 at 4:00 p.m.
until approximately 7:00 p.m.
Goal #2: Improving Effectiveness and quality of meetings — Beacham, Helaager, Lee,
LoGuidice, Ostwinkle
Commissioner Allen reported that the results of the doodle poll indicated that all
commissioners were available for monthly meetings starting a 3:30 p.m. on the second
Monday of the month. Commissioner LoGuidice moved to change the monthly meeting
starting time to 3:30 p.m. beginning with the May 12th meeting. Commissioner Ostwinkle
seconded. All in favor. Commissioner Stewart abstained.
Goal #4: Education and communication regarding Housing — Allen, Lee, Lenhart, Stewart
Commissioner Stewart will be speaking about the commission's powers and duties to the
Downtown Neighborhood Association on April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Mark's Youth
Enrichment Center.
Goal #5: Participate in Inclusive Dubuque process: Allen, Helaaaer, Jackson, Lenhart,
LoGuidice, Stewart
On May 2. Commissioner Stewart will also speak to individuals from the Lantern Center.
Available commissioners are invited to attend either of these speaking engagements.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Allen, second by Commissioner Beacham. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjoumed at 6:02 p.m.
Commissioner Stewart will lead the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2014 at
3:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
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Minutes approved as corrected:
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