Minutes_Human Rights Commission 6 13 16 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
June 13, 2016
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 13, 2016, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference Room
II, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Jeff Lenhart
Sarah Fisher Jay Schiesl
Miquel Jackson, Vice-Chair Adrienne Scott
Angela Jones Shirley Templeton Vaughn
Absent: Fred Davis
Staff: Carol Spinoso Taj Suleyman
Commissioner Allen requested to reorder the agenda to allow Chief Dalsing to address the
commission on Police Body Cameras. No objections.
Provide Police Chief Input on Police Body Cams
Chief Dalsing distributed copies of a draft policy that will provide guidelines and procedures for the
use of the body worn camera equipment. He stated that he is seeking public input on the draft
policy. Using City budget and a DOJ grant, the department has enough funds to purchase
cameras for all officers. They have tested several different models and have selected a camera
that is made by the same manufacturer as the car cameras so it will be a fully integrated system.
The cameras will be used to collect evidence for use in prosecuting crimes and as a training tool.
The recordings are considered investigative material and exempt from disclosure under state law,
but may be provided to the public at the discretion of the police chief or city attorney.
Approval of May 9 and May 18, 2016 Minutes:
Commissioner Schiesl moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 9 and May 18, 2016 as
submitted. Commissioner Jackson seconded. All in favor of approving the minutes as submitted.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The May 2016 Caseload Report was received and filed.
Chairperson Report
Commissioner Allen reported that the NAACP is continuing their work on housing issues.
They are also working with the Department of Justice in planning a dialog on race for some
time in September.
The Black Men's Coalition will be meeting tonight to discuss a possible restructuring to see
how they can provide themselves with more resources and to build membership. They will
look at becoming a 501(c) 3 organization within the next five years.
The Source of Income Subcommittees continue to meet and are planning another City
Council work session. At their September 7'h meeting they will review survey results and
prepare for upcoming community dialogue sessions with landlords and tenants.
The NAACP continues discussions on "Ban the Box" on employment application forms. The
City has already removed the box on their application forms.
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Members of the Dubuque Community-Police Relations Committee (DCPRC) are very close
to completing the By-Laws and marketing strategy. The Addendum, which allows citizens
to file complaints against any city department, will need to be approved prior to the final
approval of the By-Laws.
Old Business:
To complete the goal setting processes, Taj recommended a continuation for team building. The
session will be held on Saturday, July 9'h from 9:00 to 3:00 p.m. with the location TBD.
DHRC #4381, Simon vs. Stapleton
Copies of the ruling on judicial review in the Simon vs. Stapleton case were distributed. The
Respondent has 30 days from the date of the decision to file an appeal.
Review DH RC Mission Statement
The current statement reads, 'The Human Rights Commission shall work to eliminate
discrimination and promote the quality of life for every resident in the city of Dubuque."
Commissioner Templeton Vaughn moved to create a new mission statement during the July 9'h
retreat. Seconded by Commissioner Jones. All in favor.
Discussion ensued as to the elimination of the school districts Equity Coordinator Position. It was
suggested they invite the Superintendent to the August meeting to discuss specific concerns
related to the elimination of that position. Strategy will be discussed during the commission retreat.
Standing Items: Goals
Goal 1: Research, illuminate and eliminate disparities and increase cultural competencies
in education, housing and employment. Initiatives identified: 1) Research Every Student
Succeeds Act and DCSD promotion and retention policy; and 2) Evaluate the homeless
issues and lack of affordable housing.
Goal 2: Continue to improve communication within and among community groups in order
to improve human rights initiatives. Initiatives identified: 1) Educate the community on
transgender rights and begin with education of the Human Rights Commission; 2) Continue
basic human rights education in the community using prepared presentation; and 3)
Support the Inclusive Dubuque working groups.
Commissioner Templeton Vaughn moved to accept the goals, initiatives as action items as
amended. Commissioner Jones seconded. Roll call:
Anthony Allen Yes Jeff Lenhart Yes
Miquel Jackson Yes Jay Schiesl Yes
Angela Jones Yes Adrienne Scott Yes
Shirley Templeton Vaughn Yes
Motion carried. Action items will be identified once subcommittees begin to meet.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Jackson, second by Commissioner Templeton Vaughn. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday J, nl,6 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
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