Minutes_Human Rights Commission 9 8 14CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
September 8, 2014
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:38 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2014, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll CaII:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Tom LoGuidice
Miguel Jackson Chris Ostwinkle
Howard Lee RRS Stewart
Jeff Lenhart Susan Stone
Absent: Ashley Melchert
Staff:
Carol Spinoso Kelly Larson
Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Stone stated that her name was misspelled in the minutes. Commissioner LoGuidice
moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 11, 2014 as corrected. Commissioner Lee
seconded. All in favor.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The August 2014 caseload report was received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported that he will be giving a presentation on intercultural competence
to a sociology class at Loras College tomorrow.
A nominating committee for the election of NAACP officers has been established and new
leadership should be in place next month. Commissioners LoGuidice, Lee and Stewart have
worked to update the By -Laws for the NAACP and should be approved at Wednesday's
meeting.
Commissioner Allen submitted names to the City Manager for approval and appointment to
the Community Police Relations Committee (CPRC).
The Black Men Coalition's annual mentoring program has begun at Hempstead and Senior.
They are hoping to begin working with seventh and eighth graders as well.
The Community Engagement subcommittee of Inclusive Dubuque will begin meeting again
this week.
Director's Report:
A written report was submitted.
Old Business:
Source of Income
Discuss Source of Income FAQ's
Commissioner Stewart presented FAQ's which were researched and written by the
University of Iowa Legal Clinic. It addresses source of income in credit transactions
when it comes to home ownership. Commissioner Stewart moved to approve the draft
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of the Frequently Asked Questions so the commission can share with the public.
Commissioner LoGuidice seconded. The Director recommended that the FAQ's be
sent to the Legal Department for review prior to public distribution. Commissioner
Stewart offered a friendly amendment to forward the document on to Legal for their
review. Commissioner LoGuidice accepted the amendment. Commissioner Stewart
asked to have Legal staff clarify specifics about the inclusion of food stamps. All in
favor.
—Discuss/modify/adopt General Rules for Public Participation
Commissioner Stewart presented a draft of the Human Rights Commission General
Rules for Public Participation. It was suggested that since #5 stated a time limit, that
they include that in #1 as well. Consensus was to change the wording in #1 to
"Speaking time will be at the discretion of the Chairperson or the Commissioner
chairing the meeting"; and #5 to "A speaker may speak on one issue per meeting as
time permits at the discretion of the Chairperson or the Commissioner chairing the
meeting." Commissioner Stewart moved to approve as corrected. Commissioner
LoGuidice seconded. Al I in favor.
—Public Forum Planning
The date for the public forum for community discussion on the source of income
proposed amendments was tentatively set for Thursday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. Staff
will see if the Auditorium is available for the forum. Commissioners Stewart and Allen
will contact the Housing Commission and the Residents Advisory Board to let them
know about the forum, and they will prepare a media release.
New Business:
ADA Service Animal Species Restrictions (Stewart)
Commissioner Stewart distributed copies of an article that lays out the species restrictions
that are now being implemented in relations to the American with Disabilities Act.
Standing Items:
Review and Discuss Goals
Goal #1 & 2:
Sub. Goal #1: Strengthen DHRC relationships as well as relationships between the community
Members met to design a Human Rights Commission informational display. Commissioner
Ostwinkle asked for feedback. They have arranged to have the display at the Library in
October, the Multicultural Family Center in November, and the Roshek Building in December.
They will be meeting again September 17`h at 4:00 to finalize the display.
Sub. Goal #2: Ensure DHRC feel their roles are meaningful &productive by improving
effectiveness and quality of meetings.
Commissioner Allen summarized results of the evaluation of last month's meeting:
Goal #3: Discuss Criminal Justice procedures as they relate to racial disparities
Racial Disparities Forum Planning Subcommittee Update
Commissioner LoGuidice reported that they are making revisions to the plan for sustainable
change. They will be meeting with panel members on October 15 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the
plan and possible changes. They will also be meeting on January 28, 2015 with the panelist
to discuss how they are interpreting the data in the plan and discuss what they feel the
implications of the data are for public policy in Dubuque. One week later there will be a public
meeting at Prescott School. As a result of those two meetings, the subcommittee will move
items onto the agenda for commission action.
Commissioners asked that the charts contained in the plan that were received form Chief
Dalsing be updated to include more current data. Kelly explained that in August 2014 they
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began using new software that more easily tracks the data they are interested in.
Commissioners requested data be forwarded to them quarterly. Commissioners questioned
how the Police Department decides on the locations of additional stations. Kelly stated that
the Police use Territory Accountability Design to look at statistics and analyze calls for service
by area to see where the need is. They requested that Chief Da!sing attend the October 13th
meeting to explain territorial accountability design.
Goal #4: Education and communication regarding Housing
Goal #5: Participate in Inclusive Dubuque process
DBQ BBQ Subcommittee Update
Subcommittee members reported that planning for the September 20th BBQ is
complete. Commissioner Jackson will be meeting with Kate Zanger at Clarke to go
over set-up and food.
Inclusive Dubuque
Commissioners want to invite Jessica Rose to the November meeting so she can
provide an update on Inclusive Dubuque.
Appoint Liaisons to CPRC and DDRC
Commissioner Stewart was appointed primary and Commissioner Ostwinkle alternate
to the Community Police Relations Committee (CPRC).
Commissioner LoGuidice volunteered to serve as the altemate liaison to the Dubuque
Dispute Resolution Center (DDRC).
Consent Items:
Proclamation
Commissioner Stewart presented a proclamation for National Disability Employment
Awareness Month and a press release to be presented to the City Council next month.
Public Input:
Local landlords were present to voice concerns about the proposed source of income
amendment to the Fair Housing Ordinance. Specifically, they had concerns related to
damages recovery and the inspection process for Section 8 vouchers. The Landlord
Association would like to keep working with the Commission and looks forward to the
discussion on October 16.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Jackson, second by Commissioner Stewart. All in favor. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
Commissioner Jackson will lead the next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2014 at
4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected*
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