Minutes Human Rights Comm 3 12 07CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMM1SS1ON
MEETING MINUTES OF
March 12, 2007
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to
order at 4:16 p.m. on.Monday, March 12, 2007, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present: Mary Coan
Patricia Foster
Shane Oswald
Bill Ross
Absent: Anthony Allen
Staff: Kelly Larson
Molly Menster
Approval of Minutes
Marcos Rubinstein
Vince Vanden Heuvel, Vice-Chair
Katrina Wilberding
Gretel Winterwood
Crenna Brumwell-Sahm
Carol Spinoso
Commissioner Wilberding moved and Commissioner Oswald seconded to approve the January 8,
2007 meeting minutes as submitted. Roll call:
Coan Abstained Rubinstein Yes
Foster Yes Vanden Heuvel Yes
Oswald Yes Wilberding Yes
Ross Yes Winterwood Yes
Motion carried.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the January Caseload Report. There were fifty intakes, 4 new cases filed, 12
cases under active investigation, 1 case in administrative review, 2 cases were closed, and 6
remain in backlog. The case summary details allegations of discrimination in the area of
employment on the basis of disability.
The February caseload revealed 36 inquires, 3 formal cases filed, 15 cases under active
investigation, 1 case in administrative review, 2 cases were closed, and 4 remain in backlog. The
case synopsis details employment discrimination on the sex and retaliation.
Vice Chairperson's Report
No report given.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Kelly will be traveling to Des Moines to attend a legislative breakfast that is being sponsored by the
League of Iowa Human Rights Agencies. Bill, Patricia, and Marcos will accompany Kelly.
Additionally, Kelly distributed copies of a strategic plan for the Department that staff came up with
last summer. Kelly asked Commissioners to review the plan and then notify her if they are
interested in assisting with any of the initiatives listed, or if they could possibly provide resources.
Subcommittee Reports
Accessibility -Katrina. Bill
Commissioner Wilberding prepared a letter of thanks to Bob Lehnhardt for his involvement
with the subcommittee. Commissioner Rubinstein moved and Commissioner Oswald
seconded to approve the letter to Bob Lehnhardt. Roll call:
Coan Yes Rubinstein Yes
Foster Yes Vanden Heuvel Yes
Oswald Yes Wilberding Yes
Ross Yes Winterwood Yes
Motion carried.
Katrina reported that the surveys have been put on hold for now until the public relations
campaign is up and running. Funds will be available July 1. The Proudly Accessible
Dubuque (PAD) is a separate independent organization that will report to the
subcommittee. The PAD, which consists of 12 community leaders, will concentrate on the
public relations aspect.
Education and Outreach -Bill. Vince. Anthony
Commissioner Ross reported that they have 4 speakers trained for the speaker's bureau,
and that the first presentation was given to a group at McKesson. Molly states that a
second presentation is scheduled this week sometime at Loras. Bill announced that at the
next PFLAG meeting they will present Matthew Shepard: Death in the High Desert. The
meeting will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m.
Ordinance Review -Anthony. Marcos
Marcos stated that they did not meet, but that he will put together a general outline.
Appointment to the Dubuaue Dispute Resolution Center
Kelly reported that there are currently three vacancies on the DDRC advisory board.
Commissioners suggested contacting individuals from the Hope House; Washington Neighborhood
Group, and other neighbofiood groups perhaps through Jerelyn O'Connor; Sr. Jeannette
McCarthy or another individual with connections to the Hispanic community; and Corine Murray
from the Lantern Center.
ChairNice Chair Elections
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel opened the floor for nomination of chairperson.
Commissioner Wilberding nominated Commissioner Allen. Commissioner Coan nominated
Commissioner Oswald. Commissioner Rubinstein nominated Commissioner Vanden Heuvel.
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel declined. Commissioner Rubinstein nominated Commissioner
Wilberding. Commissioner Wilberding declined. Commissioner Ross moved to close nominations
and Commissioner Wilberding seconded. All in favor of closing nominations. Ballot vote:
Commissioner Oswald - 6 votes and Commissioner Allen - 1 vote. Commissioner Oswald agreed
to serve as chair.
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel opened the floor for nominations for vice-chairperson.
Commissioner Rubinstein nominated Commissioner Vanden Heuvel. Commissioner Coan moved
to close nominations. Commissioner Wilberding seconded. All in favor of closing nominations. By
acclamation, Commissioner Vanden Heuvel will serve as vice-chair.
New Business:
Patricia announced that the person who inspired the movie Hotel Rwanda will be at UWP on March
28~' at 10:00 a.m.
Mary reported that the Clarke College Human Rights Action Group will be sponsoring a panel
discussion on Exploring Myths, Prejudices and Stereotypes Surrounding Socio-Economic Status
on March 27 at 7:30 pm., and also on Human Trafficking. Mary will provide details once finalized.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Ross moved to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Wilberding seconded. Motion passed by acclamation.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:32 p.m.
The next meeting is April 9, 2007.
Minutes approved as submitted: ~ ~-~
Minutes approved as corrected: