Minutes_Human Rights Commission 2 8 16 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
February 8, 2016
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:35 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Adrienne Scott
Sarah Fisher Shirley Templeton Vaughn
Miquel Jackson, Vice-Chair
Angela Jones
Absent: Ashley Melchert Fred Davis
Tanya Engling
Staff: Kelly Larson
Brynn McDonnell Taj Suleyman
Oath of Office
New Commissioners Scott and Jones, and reappointed Commissioner Fisher were officially sworn
in.
Approval of December 14, 2015 Minutes:
Commissioner Templeton Vaughn moved to approve the December 14, 2015 as submitted.
Commissioner Jackson seconded. All in favor of approving the minutes as submitted.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The January and February 2016 Caseload Reports were received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported on the following activities:
Participation in a forum where local organizations discussed issues related to low to
moderate income and minorities in hopes to build a coalition to assist community members
in obtaining basic necessities. They are still working to establishing their mission and goals.
On February 20th, the NAACP will host an event "Power of the Word" a venue for people
to share their talents from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Inspire Cafe.
NAACP membership participated in the Tri-State Food Summit this past Saturday. The
speaker from Madison focused on "banning the box," and has designed a program where
recently released felons are involved in cultivating gardens and growing produce to sell at
local farmers markets.
NAACP members traveled to Des Moines to attend "Make My Home in Iowa," an African-
American gala, along with networking with minority owned businesses.
The Black Men Coalition (BMC) will begin the 5-week Black Manhood Project the end of
the month, which concludes with the Dress for Success program.
Commissioner Allen provided some background information for new members related to
the Dubuque Community Police Relations Committee (DCPRC). Under the addendum to
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the MOU, community members will now be able to file complaints with the DCPRC against
other city departments.
- The goal setting session is scheduled for Monday, February 22, 2016 at 5:00-8:00 p.m.
at the Hotel Julien.
Directors Report:
Quarterly written reports written report was submitted.
Kelly reported as follow-up to the Voluntary Compliance Agreement with HUD, that during
the Legal Department's budget hearing, Legal staff will be proposing contracting with an
outside agency to conduct fair housing testing based on race and source of income.
Old Business:
No old business.
New Business:
No new business.
Standing Items:
Goal 1: Research, illuminate and eliminate disparities (and increase cultural
competencies) in education, criminal justice and housing. (*Jackson. Melchert.
Engling, Allen)
For the new commissioners, the Chair provided background information on the source of
income initiative.
Goal 2: Provide input to City Council goals and priorities and support the Human
Rights Commission's goals and priorities. (Full commission participation)*Allen
Anthony attended the February 1" City Council meeting where Council members received
and filed the FY 15 DHRC Annual Report.
Goal 3: Continue to improve communication within and among community groups
in order to improve human rights initiatives. (Davis. *Vaughn. Allen. Fisher)
Commissioner Vaughn reported that the 10- 15 minute presentation is ready to be
presented to any interested group.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Templeton Vaughn, second by Commissioner Fisher. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, arch 14, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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