Minutes_Human Rights Commission 5 12 14CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
May 12, 2014
Commissioner Jackson called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
3:34 p.m. on Monday, May12, 2014, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room II,
Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Tom LoGuidice
Andrea Beacham Chris Ostwinkle
Miguel Jackson RRS Stewart
Jeff Lenhart
Absent: Howard Lee Andrea Helgager
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Manisha Paudel
ICMA Fellows — Manisha Paudel
Manisha introduced Angela de Jesus and Dulce Guterres, officials from the nation of Timor-Leste
who are here learning about legislative processes.
Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Beacham moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 14, 2014. Commissioner
Allen seconded. All in favor.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The April 2014 caseload report was received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that the NAACP met and that they are in the processes of
organizing committees and selecting chairpersons. Commissioner Jackson is the Membership
chair, and he has been actively seeking new members. They are trying to organize a youth
chapter, so they have a newly appointed youth committee chairperson. The BMC has been
taking youth to local colleges
The Community Police Relations Committee (CPRC) is in the process of completing the
update to the bylaws. When completed, they will meet with the Police Protective Association
and the NAACP to review and approve the changes.
Commissioners Jackson, LoGuidice and Allen are part of the Inclusive Dubuque Community
Engagement Committee, and are looking at ways to get DIFL coaches and parents involved.
Director's Report:
A written report was submitted.
Standing Items:
Goal #3: Discuss Criminal Justice procedures as they relate to racial disparities
Commissioners reviewed census demographics from 2010. The Police Department will be
purchasing new software that will hopefully include more of these racial and ethnic categories.
It was suggested to have a discussion at the local level about what other data and information
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we need to collect, what we see as the problem, and how will we proceed from there. It was
suggested that a subcommittee be formed to plan this event. This group will then present the
plan to the full commission at the July meeting. Commissioner Beacham nominated
Commissioner LoGuidice to chair this subcommittee. Commissioner Allen volunteered to
serve on the planning subcommittee. He stated that the NAACP has an interest in this topic
as well, and that he would be willing to act as a liaison to the NAACP. He will seek approval
from NAACP members at the meeting tomorrow night.
New Business:
Discuss Proposed Changes to Administrative Rules and Ordinance Section 8-4-7
After reviewing changes made by the State to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission's rules and
regulations since 2011, and the recent opinion in the Toppert v. Northwest Mechanical, Inc.
Assistant City Attorney Crenna Brumwell recommended changes to the Dubuque Ordinance
and Administrative Rules that relates to the authority to issue right -to -sue letters and an
administrative release. Local commissions are not authorized to issue right -to -sue letters;
therefore, it is necessary for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission to issue the letters.
Commissioner Stewart identified a duplicate paragraph in section 1.2(10) that could be
removed. An additional change was in the housing provisions related to advertising for older
persons. Commissioner Ostwinkle suggested perhaps defining the term executive session. It
was suggested added wording such as "...executive session in compliance with the Iowa
Open Meetings Law." Commissioner Beacham moved to approve the proposed updates to
the Administrative Rules and Ordinance and the changes discussed here at the meeting
today. Commissioner Allen seconded. All in favor.
Juneteenth
Carol distributed a volunteer sign-up sheet for the June 14th Juneteenth Celebration in
Comiskey Park. Two hour blocks of time are available from noon to 3:00 p.m.
Source of Income
Commissioner Stewart stated that 12 states currently include Source of Income as a
protected class. Discussion ensued as to what the pros and cons of adding this as a
protected class. Crenna stated that Section 8 properties are inspected more frequently —
every 11 months, and landlords feel it takes more time and money for repairs they feel are
unnecessary, although both the Housing Code and Section 8 Housing Code are considered
minimum code standards. Commissioner Stewart added that Oregon and Iowa City do not
include housing vouchers in source of income. Kelly asked if there were certain things they
would want more information on. They requested information on the percentage of rental
units that do and don't take Section 8, and any other stats that would be helpful. Along with
sample ordinances from Iowa City, Minnesota, and Wisconsin ordinances. Crenna is meeting
with the Landlord Association tomorrow morning and will mention that the commission is
considering adding this as a protection.
Homelessness — Jeff Lenhart
Commissioner Lenhart will be conducting a needs assessment survey of homeless people in
Dubuque. He recently learned that the Homeless Coalition at the state level is working on a
Homeless Bill of Rights. He will also be attending a meeting on homelessness at Drake
University in early June to gain more resources. Commissioners expressed a real need for
shelters for families and teenage males.
Old Business:
Review and Discuss Goals
Goal #1: Strengthen DHRC Relationships - Allen, Beacham, Helgager, Jackson, Lenhart
Ostwinkle
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Commissioner Beacham reminded commissioners of the May 10th free meal prep at St.
Luke's Food for the Soul on May 10. They should arrive at 4:00 p.m. and it goes to
approximately 7:00 p.m.
Goal #2: Improving Effectiveness and quality of meetings — Beacham, Helgager, Lee,
LoGuidice, Ostwinkle
Goal #4: Education and communication regarding Housing — Allen, Lee, Lenhart, Stewart
Kelly stated that they are waiting for approval of trainers from HUD. Once approval is
received, staff will contact commissioners to get registered for a training sessions.
Additionally, staff will be working to update the Analysis of Impediments.
Goal #5: Participate in Inclusive Dubuque process: Allen. Helgager. Jackson. Lenhart.
LoGuidice, Stewart
Commissioner Stewart spoke to the Downtown Neighborhood Association on April 22nd, and
she will will be speaking about the commission's powers and duties to members of the
International Speakers Bureau on May 22, at 8:30 a.m.
Senator Harkin's Report on ADA Generation — R.R.S. Stewart
In follow-up to last month's discussion, Commissioner Stewart provided census data breaking
down the disability status of the non -institutionalized population. Commissioner Stewart had
noticed that the monthly caseload reports repeatedly show an increase in disability claims, so
she suggested that perhaps for next years goals that they provide education and outreach on
disability rights to employers. Commissioner Allen suggested that they meet with PAD to see
what kind of outreach and education they provide.
Commissioner Beacham announced that the next PFLAG meetings is May 20th at 7:00 p.m. at St.
Luke Methodist Church. This meeting is the second of a two-part series on LGBTQ faith issues and
they will be viewing the film For the Bible Tells Me So.
Commissioner Beacham will review and edit the letter to the editor she prepared to send regarding
the incident at the Dog House Lounge. She is contemplating inviting the owner to a PFLAG meeting.
She will work on preparing a general statement that will be submitted on behalf of the Commission.
Consent Items:
Commissioner Stewart distributed the application form to the Diamond Jo Casino requesting a
donation for the DBQ Community BBQ event in September. It was suggested they put more
emphasis on the Human Rights BBQ and that we are working in collaboration with the International
Day of Peace. Commissioner Allen will review and provide input by the May 17th deadline.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Allen, second by Commissioner Beacham. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Commissioner Lee will lead the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2014 at 3:30
p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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