COMMISSIONERS’ MEETING
JUNE 24, 1999

Iowa Civil Rights Commission
211 East Maple, Des Moines, Iowa
MINUTES

Present: Jack Morlan, Robert L. Smith, Jr., Mohamad Khan, Flora Lee, David Leshtz, Alicia Claypool and Rachel Scherle

Staff: Diann Wilder-Tomlinson, Ron Pothast, Tina Hayes, George Peterson, Marcia Coverdale, Mary Cowdrey and Linda Haack

Public: Michelle Davis

Items:

1. The meeting was CALLED to ORDER at 10:09 a.m.
    
2. The ROLL was CALLED, Jack Morlan, Mohamad Khan, Robert L. Smith, Jr., Alicia Claypool, David Leshtz, and Flora Lee were present. Rachel Scherle arrived moments after roll call was taken.
    
3. Mohamad Khan moved to approve the minutes, it was seconded by Flora Lee and the motion was passed.
    
4. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
   • FINANCIAL REPORT
     The report was given by Ron Pothast. The Commissioners were provided the updated financial report. The imaging grant is almost complete.
   • CASE COMPLIANCE
     The report was included. The numbers are remaining fairly constant.
   • EDUCATION REPORT
     On July 1, Diann is formalizing the educational programs at ICRC and will begin to have a more proactive program.
   • ADMINISTRATIVE RULES Tim Cook reported that the newest administrative rules involving discovery in housing cases have been reviewed by the Committee and are ready for approval by the Commissioners and for publication. Robert Smith moved to approve the Administrative Rules changes, Mohamad Khan seconded. The motion passed.
   
    
5. OLD BUSINESS
   Election of officers. Mohamad Khan moved to accept Robert Smith, Jr. as the new chair. It was seconded by Flora Lee. The motion passed. Nominations for vice chair included Mohamad Khan and Flora Lee who declined to accept the nomination. Robert Smith, Jr. moved to close the nominations and approve Mohamad Khan as the new vice chair, Flora Lee seconded the motion. The motion passed.
    
6. NEW BUSINESS
   A. The commissioners may have American Express cards for use on Commission business.
   B. Ms. Hayes has forms for the DOT for their identification cards.
   C. We have ordered business cards for the new Commissioners that should be available by the next meeting.
   D Ames Human Rights Commission has invited the Commissioners to have a meeting in Ames.
   E. A retreat was proposed for getting to know one another, setting goals and preparing a strategic plan. Diann will check on available dates with facilitators and contact the Commissioners to check schedules.
    
7. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS
   a. Jack Morlan has nothing to report.
   b. Robert L. Smith, Jr. has nothing to report.
   c. Flora Lee reports that the 4th Annual African American Women’s Conference was a success and that Diann Wilder-Tomlinson sat on one of the panels and did an excellent job.
   d. Alicia Claypool reports that there will be an Interfaith Vigil on October 7 "Stop the Hate". She is looking forward to working with ICRC on that project.
   e. David Leshtz reported that he was honored to speak to a large gathering at a successful Pride Day Celebration in Iowa City. He also appreciates the effort in creating a handbook for the Commissioners.
   f. Rachel Scherle has nothing to report.
   g. Mohamad Khan has nothing to report.
   
    
8. NEXT COMMISSIONERS MEETING
   The next meeting will be held on July 23rd beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Ames. The exact location to be determined at a later date.
    
9. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
   Michelle Green, Anita Hawkin, Mr. Kelly, Brent Isaacs and Cynthia Farrell of HUD were introduced and explained a little about the HUD contract. They answered questions.
    
10. ADJOURNMENT
    The meeting was adjourned at 10:53 a.m.
    
    
    
    
    
    ________________________________________   _____________
    Diann Wilder-Tomlinson, Executive Director                Date