Minutes_Human Rights Commission 9 23 16 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
September 12, 2016
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:34 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2016, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room I, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Adrienne Scott
Sarah Fisher Kathrin Parks
Jay Schiesl Shirley Templeton Vaughn
Absent: Fred Davis Miquel Jackson, Vice-Chair
Jeff Lenhart
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Taj Suleyman
Oath of Office
Chairperson Allen administered the oath of office to Commissioner Parks
Approval of July 11, 2016 Minutes:
Commissioner Templeton Vaughn moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 8, 2016 as
submitted. Commissioner Scott seconded. All in favor of approving the minutes as submitted.
Commissioner Parks abstained.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The August 2016 Caseload Report was received and filed.
Chairperson Report
Commissioner Allen reported that the Youth Sports Foundation (YSF), formerly Dubuque
Independent Food League (DIFL), has raised rates from $150 to $200 per child.
Scholarships are available, but are being affected due to the increase in costs, and
enrollment is down between 150 to 200 children, which he believes is due directly to the
increased fee.
In an effort to increase membership to the BMC, members had a BBQ and Meet and Greet
with the Young Black Women's Group, and they will also be meeting with UD's Black
Student Union.
One of the initiatives of the NAACP is to work with the City of Dubuque on possibly having
a special advisor on minority issues with the City. They met with County officials to discuss
the possibility of establishing a MOU with the County.
The Source of Income Analysis Subcommittee is holding dialogue sessions for landlord and
renters beginning September 13. He encouraged commissioner attendance.
In November, Anthony will be presenting to the North End Neighborhood Association about
the Human Rights Commission.
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Anthony stated that he has joined two new committees, the Steeple Square Board, and a
newly created twenty-five-member State commission called the Iowa Access to Justice
Commission.
Director's Report
A report will be provided quarterly. Kelly reminded Commissioners of the Source of
Income Dialogue sessions that begin this week.
Old Business:
New Business:
Standing Items: Goals
Goal 1: Research, illuminate and eliminate disparities and increase cultural competencies
in education, housing and employment. Initiatives identified.
The subcommittee has decided to put together a working committee inviting a cross section
of people in different professions. The members will be asked to provide input in an
attempt to get a better understanding of any discrepancies within the community in the
areas of education, housing and employment. The next meeting is September 21 at 5:30 at
the MFC.
Goal 2. Continue to improve communication within and among community groups in order
to improve human rights initiatives.
As part of Initiative 3 of Goals #2, Katrina Farren-Eller, the Inclusive Dubuque Coordinator,
was invited to provide information on the work of the Inclusive Dubuque network, and the
working sector groups. She encouraged commissioner involvement in the various working
groups. Meeting times are posted on the Inclusive Dubuque website.
Commissioner Fisher distributed an informational packet on transgender. Commissioners
will review and discuss at next month's meeting.
The BBQ in DBQ event is scheduled for Saturday, September 24 from 2:00— 6:00 p.m. in
Clarke's Kehl Center. Anthony encouraged commissioners to staff a table as this would be
an excellent opportunity to provide some education and outreach to the community.
Commissioners Scott and Templeton Vaughn volunteered to staff a table.
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Parks, second by Commissioner Scott. The meeting of the
Human Rights Commission adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monde October 10, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as submitted:
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