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: