2016-05-05 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes

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oruG 0 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes O Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Human Relations Advisory Committee ` - .2 A & 09 Date: 2016 -05 -05 Time: 7 pm Building: Reading Police Station Location: Community Room Address: 15 Union Street Purpose: Meeting Session: Attendees: Members - Present: Lori Hodin, David Clark (came in at 8:50), Linda Snow - Dockser, Lynn Dominic, Kyung Yu, Seema Lynch, Heather McLean Members - Not Present: Others Present: Jessica Squires, Christine Hansen, Holly Humphrey, 2 members of Wakefield Human Rights Commission (Bill and Bob), 2 members from Arlington Human Rights Commission (Sheri Baron and Christine Carney) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Lynn Dornink Topics of Discussion: Heather, as new chair, called the meeting to order asking if there was any news anyone would like to share. After a brief discussion, Heather then explained that HRAC is seeking to redefine its framework in order to improve visibility as well as its ability to do outreach, education, and mediation. Seema had invited members from Arlington's Human Rights Commission (AHRC) for help in finding a model that would move HRAC toward a more autonomous body with a well - defined role within the town. (Something that AHRC seems to have accomplished). Heather noted survey of Reading townspeople that supports need /desire for HRAC. Sheri explained AHRC's history. They were formed during a "20/20" visioning session which asked Arlington to define future goals for several decades. She stated that the committee was voted into existence by a narrow margin as many people in the town did not think a Human Rights committee was necessary. She noted that AHRC did not get "subpoena power" when dealing with mediation issues— meaning that they cannot compel respondents to come to mediation with the complainant, but can only request their presence. ARHC works closely with their town counsel. They also have always had at least one certified mediator on the commission since its inception. Christine distributed AHRC by -laws and discussed examples of how they work with the town. She noted that AHRC works closely with the Chief of Police and that he informs AHRC of hate crimes so that they can reach out to complainants. She described how AHRC responded to a recent spate of vandalism of "Black Lives Matter" signs. They wrote a press release, which did not have to be approved by the town, and they helped co- ordinate a candlelight vigil, both of which expressed their stand against the vandalism. Christine also noted that AHRC often partners with other human rights focused committees, such as the Commission on Disabilities. There was then a discussion on how HRAC might go about passing by -laws in order to become more clearly focused on human rights and to achieve a greater level of autonomy. Sheri suggested that two things must happen. First, that we need a by -law that Page 1 1