Minutes Human Rights 9 10 07CITY OF DUBUQUE
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
September 10, 2007
Commissioner Oswald called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:16 p.m. on Monday, September 10, 2007, in Conference Room 2 at the City Hall Annex.
Roll Call:
Present:
Anthony Allen
Mary Coan
Patricia Foster
Shane Oswald, Chair
Bill Ross
Vince Vanden Heuvel, Vice-Chair
Katrina Wilberding
Gretel Winterwood
Absent: Marcos Rubinstein
Staff: Kelly Larson
Carol Spinoso
Molly Menster
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Wilberding moved and Commissioner Ross seconded to approve the August 10,
2007 goal setting meeting minutes as submitted. Roll call:
Allen Yes Ross Yes
Coan Yes Vanden Heuvel Yes
Foster Yes Wilberding Yes
Oswald Yes Winterwood Yes
Motion carries. The minutes were approved as submitted.
Commissioner Coan moved and Commissioner Wilberding seconded to approve the August 13,
2007 goal setting meeting minutes as submitted. Roll call:
Allen Yes Ross Yes
Coan Yes Vanden Heuvel Yes
Foster Yes Wilberding Yes
Oswald Yes Winterwood Yes
Motion carries. The minutes were approved as submitted.
Caseload Report
Carol summarized the August Caseload Report. There were fifty intakes, six new cases were filed,
7 cases under active investigation, 3 cases in mediation, 5 cases closed, 1 case in administrative
review, and there were no cases in backlog. The case summary details allegations of
employment discrimination on the bases of national origin and retaliation.
Chairperson's Report
No report.
Director's Report
Kelly provided a written report highlighting past and future initiatives.
Subcommittee Reports
Accessibility -Katrina, Bill, Shane
Commissioners viewed the Proudly Accessibly Dubuque video produced by Hickie Smith
Productions. The PAD unveiling is September 19"', which will take place in conjunction with
the Chamber's quarterly meeting to be held at Bricktown. The website is also up and
running www.proudlyaccessibledubugue.com. Commissioner Wilberding encouraged
Commissioners to get the word out.
Education and Outreach -Anthony. Bill. Vince, Gretel
Commissioner Allen stated that he attended a recent NAACP meeting, in which there was a
lot of interest in having neighborhood forums. He has volunteered to work on the planning
committee. It was suggested that he contact Jerelyn O'Connor, the city's Neighborhood
Specialist, to get information on current neighborhood groups.
Commissioner Vanden Heuvel reported that the National Origin group met on September
4~'. Lynn Devaney has been in contact with Craig Schaefer from Loras College about the
possibility of producing a video entitled, "Where Is Diversity in Dubuque?" They have
established an outline for the national origin presentation, and they have approximately six
people interested in being speakers. The next meeting is scheduled for October 2"d
Commissioner Ross reported that he and Gretel met on August 20~'. They have speakers
lined up from various organizations, but are still seeking persons with disabilities to tell their
stories.
Finalize Goals:
Commissioner Oswald prepared and distributed a draft copy of the goal and success indicators
related to increasing visibility in the community that was discussed at goal setting. Discussion
ensued regarding the educational portion of their goals. The main goal is to educate the
community on the elements, purpose, and functions of the Human Rights Commission.
Commissioner Coan suggested educating the community: 1) about the Human Rights
Commission by giving speeches and increasing visibility, and 2) by speaking on specific topics (i.e.
race, national origin, etc.). Vince suggested that the goal read that the Dubuque Human Rights
Commission will build awareness of races, national origin, sexual orientation, and disability. As
indicators for success: 1) The Commission will present no less than 12 speaking presentations to
local groups on race, national origin, sexual orientation, and disability, 2) will increase intakes for
the DHRC (a % to be determined), 3) will create and distribute educational program packets with
regards to the speakers' bureau, and 4) the speakers' bureau will develop an exit strategy to
provide ownership to the community. Commission Oswald will prepare a draft and email to
commission members. The finalized goals will be voted on at next month's meeting.
New Business•
Commissioner Allen moved and Commissioner Coan seconded to bring the previous housing goal
from 2006 to the table for discussion. All in favor. Commissioner Allen feels strongly about
addressing the issues of fair housing in Dubuque. It was recommended to add the topic of fair
housing to the education goal.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Allen moved to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Ross seconded. Motion passed by acclamation. Meeting was
adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting is September 10, 2007.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected: