Minutes_Human Rights Commission 11 14 16 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
November 14, 2016
Commissioner Allen called the meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to order at
4:37 p.m. on Monday, November 14, 2016, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street, Conference
Room II, Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Miquel Jackson, Vice-Chair
Fred Davis Adrienne Scott
Kathrin Parks Shirley Templeton Vaughn
Absent: Jeff Lenhart Jay Schiesl
Sarah Fisher
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Taj Suleyman
Approval of Minutes:
Commissioner Parks moved to approve the meeting minutes of October 10, 2016 as submitted.
Commissioner Scott seconded. All in favor of approving the minutes as submitted.
Reports:
Caseload Report
The October 2016 Caseload Report was received and filed.
Chairperson Report
Commissioner Allen presented a written report detailing various activities. He provided
highlights on the following:
BMC (Black Men Coalition): Continues work on the Mentoring and Manhood Programs.
DCPRC (Dubuque Community-Police Relations Committee): Continuing to work on a
marketing plan, and membership will begin working with Taj in an effort to bridge some of
the cultural gaps.
IDNIC (Inclusive DBQ Network Impact Council): Working to solidify the committee's
structure and purpose, and are looking at Inclusive Dubuque membership.
IDNI — Inclusive Dubuque Network Impact Incident Response Team: Received some
concerns relating to the election result.
NAACP: Met with Wendy Lyons, Elm Street Residential Facility Director, to begin designing
sensitivity training, and workforce development. Attended the meeting between the Friends
of Fair Housing Committee and Alvin Nash, Housing Director.
Steeple Square Board: Working on revitalizing the building to provide affordable housing.
SOI — Source of Income: The SOI committee will present material gathered during the last
24 months to the City Council at a November 28th work session. The Council will act on
this issue at the December 19th Council meeting. Staff will forward the reports that were
compiled following the dialogue sessions and surveys results.
On Sunday, November 20th, various groups are planning a march affirming that Black Live
Matter, which begins at East Mill Bakeshop on S. Grandview at 2:00 p.m.
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Commissioner Parks stated that Operation New View is holding a poverty simulation at
Loras College this Friday. They are seeking participants and volunteers. Kate mentioned
that her husband, a Legal Aid Attorney, is traveling to Washington DC the end of the
month to attend a conference on fair housing.
Director's Report
Reports are submitted quarterly.
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.
Commissioner Schiesl had provided notes from the October 31 subcommittee meeting.
Dean Boles, a subcommittee member, presented data concerning the increase in poverty
in Dubuque relating it to the decline in reading scores. The group felt it was necessary to
also review relevant existing data from Inclusive Dubuque, the Human Rights Commission
and Housing. This information could provide them with a better understanding of how to
proceed with a potential job description for an equity coordinator position. Jay
recommended that the Commission invite Dean Boles to a meeting to discuss his findings.
Commissioner Allen will forward Mr. Bole's data to commissioners, and will invite Mr. Boles
to the January 2017 meeting.
Goal 2: Continue to improve communication within and among community groups to
improve human rights initiatives.
Anthony will contact Tonya Engling from the Riverview Center to invite her to the December
12th meeting to provide information on the Riverview Center, and discuss possible
partnership opportunities.
Commissioner Templeton Vaughn reported that she updated the commissioner information
in the PowerPoint, and added a few things from the Website. She stated that she is waiting
to hear back from some organizations as to their interest in having an open house. She
wanted commitment from Commissioners to participate and be involved in these events.
Commissioner Scott volunteered to serve on this subcommittee, and Commissioner Allen
stated he would attend meetings. She will get a subcommittee meeting scheduled.
Commissioner liaison reports:
Commissioner Allen reported the following:
BMC— Looking at ways to increase membership. The Mentorship program,
Road to Success, and Manhood Projects are underway.
LULAC — Will try to get updates as LULAC's meeting time conflicts with another
group he is involved in.
DCPRC — The Committee is currently reviewing a complaint.
BBQ in DBQ - The committee would like to have more organizations involved in the
planning, and hoped to get commission members involved again.
Commissioner Davis reported:
Circles is moving ahead, and they have started a Passport Program for participants.
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He will attend Thursday's Transit Advisory Board meeting and report back in
December.
Commissioner Templeton Vaughn reported:
Met with Pauline Chilton from 4 the People. The group does not meet regularly, but
Pauline will let her know of any upcoming activities.
faces & voices continues planning for the MLK breakfast.
Commissioner Scott reported:
She is involved in the Dubuque Jaycees, a nonprofit community service group,
which is sponsoring a salt sale with home delivery targeting the elderly.
Adjournment:
Commissioner Parks moved to adjourn. Commissioner Templeton Vaughn seconded. The
commission adjourned at 5:52 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, December,
12, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as submitted:
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