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Minutes Human Rights 8 13 07CITY OF DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF August 13, 2007 Commissioner Oswald called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, August 13, 2007, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex. Roll Call: Present: Anthony Allen (4:20) Mary Coan (4:20) Patricia Foster Shane Oswald, Chair Bill Ross Vince Vanden Heuvel, Vice-Chair Katrina Wilberding Gretel Winterwood Absent: Marcos Rubinstein Staff: Kelly Larson Molly Menster Approval of Minutes Commissioner Wilberding moved and Commissioner Vanden Heuvel seconded to approve the July 9, 2007 meeting minutes as submitted. Roll call: Allen Ross Yes Coan Vanden Heuvel Yes Foster Yes Wilberding Yes Oswald Yes Winterwood Yes Motion carries. The minutes were approved as submitted. Caseload Report Kelly summarized the July Caseload Report. There were thirty-one intakes, two new cases filed, 5 cases under active investigation, 2 cases in mediation, 4 cases closed, 1 case in administrative review, 1 case in administrative law judge review, and 1 case remained in backlog. The case summary details allegations of employment discrimination on the basis of disability that was mediated prior to an investigation. Chairperson's Report Commissioner Oswald stated that he felt that the goal setting session was very productive. Feels it is important to remember that commissioners as individuals also can have goals and be involved in activities. Shane asked that commissioners review the notes/minutes from goal setting prior to next month's meeting and come prepared to discuss. Shane and Mary will provide definitions so there is common understanding regarding visions, goals, and objectives. Director's Report Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives. Subcommittee Reports Ordinance Review -Marcos. Shane The subcommittee did not meet. Accessibility -Katrina, Bill, Shane Katrina reported that the main focus has been Proudly Accessible Dubuque. The Committee is not really in existence except for DHRC members and Judy Giesen, as the other members have resigned. The committee will determine what they need to do next once the goals are finalized. The PAD kickoff is September 19~', which will take place in conjunction with the Chamber's quarterly meeting to be held at Bricktown. Katrina hopes to show the video at the next DHRC meeting. There is also a website that will up and running by September 1st. The website will have survey questions for businesses to help them identify major barriers. They will also need to do some work on parking issues and enforcement. Education and Outreach - Anthony. Bill, Vince, Gretel Commissioner Allen reported that the large group met with August 8~' at Keystone. They had 5 new members join the group, with only a few from the first group returning. Commissioner Vanden Heuvel reported that the Disability group members are in the process of calling various organizations to recruit speakers. This group will meet again on August 20"'. The National Origin group hopes to identify and celebrate diversity in the community. They are recommending two speakers at a presentation. One to tell their story and another to present the facts. Rachel Daack, a member of the Race subcommittee, approached the Marshallese community seeking speakers. She feels their group would be best suited for presenting to school groups and will look to corporations for speakers. The next large group meeting is November 14, 2007 at Keystone. Review and Discuss Proposed Ordinance Amendment Related to Gender Identity Commissioners reviewed proposed changes that would bring the ordinance in line with the state law. The Legal Department will forward the proposed amendment to the City Council in a couple weeks, recommending that the City Council update the ordinance to reflect state law. Commissioner Ross indicated that he spoke to Karla Braig and Ann Michalski and they both were in favor of the proposal. Commissioner Wilberding moved that the Human Rights Commission recommend to the City Council that the local ordinance be amended so that it is consistent with state law. Commissioner Allen seconded. There was discussion on whether this motion was necessary and suggestions to wait and use this option if it fails. Roll call: Allen Yes Vanden Heuvel No Coan No Foster No Oswald Abstain Wilberding Yes Ross No Winterwood No Motion fails. New Business: Commissioner Foster commented that Art Roche did a great job facilitating their goal setting session. She suggested some sort of an ice breaker prior to the next goal setting to get to know each other better. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Vanden Heuvel moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Ross seconded. Motion passed by acclamation. Meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m. The next regular meeting is September 10, 20~~07. Minutes approved as submitted: y~v`-'-~-e t~c,c~-~ Minutes approved as corrected: