HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.24.2009COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 24, 2009
5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Getty, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt.
Members absent: Hart, Greenwood.
David Meeks, Executive Director of Waterloo Commission on Human Rights, gave updates and
highlights to the council. The commission continues to fulfill its mission to eliminate
discriminatory barriers and assist to improve the quality of life for those in the community
through its work of Compliance, Outreach & Education and Partnership.
Compliance
During FY 2009, the commission fulfilled its commitment to reduce case back log to the
acceptable standard of all cases in inventory projected in less than one year case processing time.
From 2002-2006, the commission was in a backlog status of up to 3-years average process time
to reduce its inventory. There were two full time investigators during this period. The
commission, through streamlining, mediation, case resolution and inventory transfer to the ICRC
when necessary, was able during 2006-2009 to reduce its inventory from 278 cases to 94 cases.
There was one full time investigator during this period. The commission will continue to utilize
VISTA and interns for capacity building.
Outreach and Education
From 2006-2009, the commission conducted and participated in more than 40 community
forums, workshops and events. This was accomplished while not filling nor requesting the full
time Outreach Coordinator. The commission has operated with 33 percent less staff since 2006.
The commission continues to utilize VISTA, interns and staff. The commission's goal is to
reach 20 percent more each year.
Corner Stone Events
The commission participated in the Human Rights Day Awards, Summer Harmony Day, Cedar
Valley Conference on Human Rights and Young Men in Action Program. The Young Men in
Action Program is in its second year, with 245 attendees. They will be holding events at West
High, East High and the Talk Shop Cafe. Organizations that participate in the Young Men in
Action Program are retired John Deere employees, Boys & Girls Club, churches and the
Waterloo Community School District. The commission collaborates with sponsors and should
have $2,500.00 to help fund projects throughout the school year.
Partnerships
The commission currently has more than 40 partners and resources including fmancial sponsors
such as John Deere, Midwest One, Veridian, Alliant Energy, ConAgra Foods, Friends of Iowa
Civil Rights, Hy-Vee Foods, Tyson Fresh Meats and HUD. Summer Harmony Day held in
Lincoln Park was successfully added in 2006 as an annual community wide event with no
general fund monies used because o f' the increased partnerships.
The Waterloo Community Schools provided 125 high school students to attend the annual Cedar
Valley Conference at Hawkeye Community College. The commission also developed similar
partnerships with UNI, Cedar Falls Public Schools and South Hardin High School. Of the 450
participants, 180 are high school students attaining leadership skill building and awareness.
The commission has an ongoing agreement with the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)
program sponsored through the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. The commission has been
assigned three VISTA personnel with a 4th scheduled to begin in September for a one-year term.
This volunteer service is provided to the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights at no costs to
date.
Council Work Session
August 24, 2009
Page 2
The commission has an intern program which utilizes four local colleges and universities in the
community. Interns are used in a variety of ways to assist the department in delivering services.
Mr. Meeks summarized that the commission will continue to be creative in using staff,
commissioners and volunteers in delivering services to their constituents and public in order to
fulfill their mission. Their continued work in the areas of compliance, outreach and education,
and partnership will allow them to maintain a high level of quality in both service and execution.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by
Welper that the meeting be adjourned at 5:19 p.m. Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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