Minutes_Human Rights Commission 7 13 15 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
July 13, 2015
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:37 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2015, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Tom LoGuidice
Fred Davis Susan Stone
Tanya Engling
Miquel Jackson
Absent: Shirley Templeton Vaughn Ashley Melchert
Staff: Carol Spinoso
Oath of Office
The Chair administered the oath of office to Tanya Engling.
Approval of June 2 and June 8, 2015 Minutes:
Commissioner LoGuidice moved to approve the Human Rights Commission meeting minutes of
June 2 and June 8, 2015, and Commissioner Jackson seconded. All in favor of approving the
meeting minutes as submitted.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The June 2015 Caseload Report was received and filed. A question was raised about
the deadline for the Commission to review the proposed decision in the Reinhardt vs.
Alpine Park Community case. Parties have 30 days to appeal, while the commission
may initiate review on its own motion within 60 days. It was suggested for future
hearings to have an alternate commissioner assigned to the hearing panel in the event
of an unexpected absence.
Chairperson's Report
Last month the NAACP executive board members and chairpersons were evaluated by
the whole committee. Results of those evaluations will be forthcoming. NAACP
members will be finishing the second dialogue session with Inclusive Dubuque staff this
week.
Anthony thanked those who staffed the DHRC table at the Juneteenth celebration. He
felt it was a success although the weather did not cooperate.
The DBQ Community BBQ planning committee has been meeting. The Dubuque
Independent Food League and the Mystique Casino have each donated $500 towards
the event.
The Dubuque Community-Police Relations Committee (DCPRC) has drafted a press
release. They are looking at making the complaint forms bilingual and having
interpreters available. Representatives from the NAACP and city staff have been
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meeting to renegotiate the MOU with the DCPRC. There have been requests from other
organizations to be involved with the MOU review.
Director's Report:
A written report was submitted.
New Business:
Appoint a DHRC Representative to DCPRC
Commissioner Allen provided a brief overview of the Dubuque Community & Police
Relations Committee process and meeting requirements. Commissioner LoGuidice
volunteered to serve as the commission's alternate representative on this committee.
Petition for Judicial Review
The Respondent in the DHRC 4381, Jermaine Stapleton vs. Simon Seeding & Sod case
has filed a petition for judicial review of agency action in Iowa District Court. No
commission action is needed at this time.
Commissioner Allen shared a communication from the International Day of Peace
Partnership Committee that invites the Commission to once again join as a partner to the
Day of Peace Festival planned for this fall. Commissioner Davis moved to continue to
sponsor and collaborate with the International Day of Peace. Commissioner Engling
seconded. All in favor.
Standing Items:
Goal 1: Research, illuminate and eliminate disparities (and increase cultural
competencies) in education, criminal justice and housing. (*Jackson, Melchert,
Stone, LoGuidice, Allen)
The subcommittee will meet on Tuesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the MFC.
Commissioner LoGuidice voiced frustration with the Source of Income Subcommittee on
Housing Choice Voucher/Landlord Policy that he is serving on stating that there hasn't
been much progress. The subcommittee met in May to lay out goals, and then met in
June to review those goals and submit questions for a questionnaire. There is a meeting
scheduled July 23 with no announced agenda. Commissioner Allen added that since the
DHRC initiated this process, that they can send a letter voicing their concerns. Tom
stated that he plans on voicing his concerns to the NAACP.
Commissioner LoGuidice was also dissatisfied with the answers from city staff about
Dubuque being number one in marijuana arrests. If they are taking 12 — 18 months
before they even start considering changing things, several more people will be arrested.
He would like to go back to the agenda that they had when this issue was a goal and do
something other than just talk about it. He suggested that Alvin Nash be invited to a
meeting to provide an update on housing issues, and also requests additional discussion
on marijuana arrests.
Goal 2: Provide input to City Council goals and priorities and support the Human
rights Commission's goals and priorities. (Full commission participation) *Allen is
Chair.
Commissioners will continue to provide input to Kelly.
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Goal 3: Continue to improve communication within and among community
groups in order to improve human rights initiatives. (Davis, *Vaughn, Lenhart,
Allen
This group is scheduled to meet on Thursday, July 16 at the Roshek Building, Cafe
Mana Java at 5:00 p.m. meeting.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Jackson, second by Commissioner Davis. The meeting of
the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday,,A gust 10, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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