Minutes_Human Rights Commission 4 11 16 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
April 11, 2016
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:36 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2016, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room
II, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Adrienne Scott
Miquel Jackson, Vice-Chair Sarah Fisher
Angela Jones
Absent: Fred Davis Shirley Templeton Vaughn
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Approval of March 14, 2016 Minutes:
Commissioner Jackson moved to approve the March 14, 2016 as submitted. Commissioner Jones
seconded. All in favor of approving the minutes as submitted.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The March 2016 Caseload Report was received and filed.
Chairperson's Report
Commissioner Allen reported on the following activities:
The Black Men Coalition completed the Manhood Project as well as the Road to Success
program which were quite successful.
Members of the NAACP met with Rick Dickinson at the Greater Dubuque Development
Corporation to discuss "ban the box" and Inclusive Dubuque matters. Anthony also will be
meeting with Wendy Lyons, the director of the Correctional Facility to see how they can
collaborate on this issue.
As part of the NAACP goals of bridging relationships with minorities in the community,
representatives of the NAACP met with Dubuque County Supervisor Jay Wickham to begin
a conversation to try to facilitate a MOU with the County.
The NAACP is working with Leisure Services staff in finding ways to enhance utilization in
Jackson Park. They will meet with representatives from St. Mark, the Dream Center and
the Boys & Girls Club.
As a reminder, the Commission's goal setting session is scheduled for Thursday, April 28,
2016 from 5:30— 8:30 p.m. at the Hotel Julien.
The Housing Source of Income Surveys have been approved and will be mailed out to
landlords and tenants. They plan on evaluating those responses on May 26, and will
scheduling dialogue sessions in July.
Planning for the next BBQ in DBQ has begun. This event will be held on September 24th
from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Clarke. They are considering adding silent auctions items and a
large giveaway gift.
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Director's Report:
Kelly distributed the quarterly report. She mentioned that Inclusive Dubuque will have a
quarterly work session with the City Council on April 18th at 5:30 p.m., that the initial
planning for the 2016 fair housing training for staff, council and commissioners is underway,
and that Taj is working with Mercy and Crescent Community Health Center on increasing
access to health care for the Marshallese population. He is also working with social
services agencies to determine which benefits they do and do not qualify.
Old Business:
No old business
New Business:
Commission Input for City Council Goal Setting
Kelly stated that there have been changes made in how the city engages the public in
major council items that affect all departments such as the budget process. There is a
focus on major topics that the Council has been listing as priorities over the past few
years. Areas include transportation, human services, housing, health, economic
development and safety. Commissioners offered input for transportation, human services,
health (food program in the school system), and safety topics. Kelly also invited
commissioners to attend the "Come to the Table" public input sessions, and encouraged
them to take the on-line surveys for teach topic. The schedule and surveys can be found
on the City's website.
Goal 1: Research, illuminate and eliminate disparities (and increase cultural
competencies) in education, criminal justice and housing. (*Jackson, Allen)
No report.
Goal 2: Provide input to City Council goals and priorities and support the Human
Rights Commission's goals and priorities. (Full commission participation) *Allen
No report.
Goal 3: Continue to improve communication within and among community groups
in order to improve human rights initiatives. (Davis, *Vaughn, Allen, Fisher)
The PowerPoint presentation is being finalized. Commissioner pictures are being added.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Scott, second by Commissioner Jones. The meeting of the
Human Rights Commission adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monda May 9, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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