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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-08-05 ad Hoc - Human Rights Committee Minutes r � Town of Reading ED Meeting Minutes TOWNR (, c1V E OWN CLERK REMIWG, MA. Board - committee - commission - council: 2111AUG 21 AM II: 31 Ad Hoc Human Rights Committee Date: 2019-08-05 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Conference Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Sherilla Lestrade, Bob LeL.acheur, Andy Friedmann, Linda Snow Dockser, Christine Kelley, Gina McCormick, Kyung Yu, Elaine Webb, Anne Landry Members - Not Present: Russell Graham, Josh Goldlust, David Clark, Andrew Grimes Others Present: Monique Pillow Gnanaratnam, Angela Mason Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: Ms. Landry called the meeting to order at 7:08pm. Minutes The Committee reviewed and discussed the minutes from March 25, 2019, lune 3, 2019, and June 17, 2019. On a motion by Ms. Webb, seconded by Mr. Friedmann, the Committee voted 8-0-0 to amend the Minutes of March 25, 2019: . Add that the Committee would review the results of the brainstorming at a subsequent meeting; . Add that members would share Individual stories of why they feel there needs to be a Human Rights Committee; . Remove"presenting" from Mr. Grimes & Dr. Snow Dockser's tasks. On a motion by Ms. Webb, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, the Committee voted 8- 0-0 to approve the minutes of March 25, 2019 as amended. On a motion by Mr. Friedmann, seconded by Ms. Webb, the Committee voted 8-0-0 to amend the minutes of June 3, 2019: . Remove Kyung Yu from assignments On a motion by Mr. Friedmann, seconded by Ms. Webb, the Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve the minutes of June 3, 2019 as amended. On a motion by Ms. Webb, seconded by Mr. Friedmann, the Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve the minutes of June 17, 2019. Incorporation of Goals Ms. Landry asked for a volunteer to begin drafting a mission which incorporates the goals as identified at the June 17th meeting. Ms. Webb volunteered. Page 1 1 Focus Groups Ms. Lestrade felt that the ad hoc's focus is to form a Human Rights Committee, and the new committee can handle the focus groups. The group discussed reasons to incorporate focus groups to gather community feedback to help build the mission and goals. Groups such as HRAC, RCASA, and RED can be called upon to assist with these focus groups and community outreach. Ms. Landry noted that other communities with Human Rights organizations were created to address fair housing and suggested working with the Reading Housing Authority as well. Because the ad hoc sunsets in November, members expressed concern with meeting that deadline by spending time on focus groups rather than on defining the new committee's mission and goals. The November deadline was established to bring a proposal to the Select Board in time for spring Town Meeting. However, if more work needs to be done, the Select Board can extend the deadline. Ms. McCormick noted that drafting the goals and mission does not have to stop the process for collecting stakeholders'feedback. She suggested including other Independent groups in Town, because it can help to have more allies and get information for what is needed for a Human Rights Organization from those who have already addressed the need to create independent groups. School Administration and RCASA can work with students and get their feedback. The focus groups could consist of speaking with other groups and individuals In Town, and getting their input on the eight priorities established at the lune 17th meeting and collaborate with other organizations including: Library; RED; Cultural Council; Friends of Reading Metco; and representatives from Schools, Clergy, Health, and others. Ms. Lestrade left the meeting at 7:45pm. Next Stens The group discussed several options for the structure of the Human Rights Committee. While there are advantages and disadvantages for public and private organizations, the ad hoc agreed that having a Town-based organization makes the statement of the Town clear, and can help to deescalate Human Rights issues before they are the brought to the state level. Once the goals and mission are established, the group will discuss what model best supports those steps. A structure not envisioned by the Town Charter will need to be reviewed by Town Counsel. Because RCASA was formed in a similar way as a response to current events, the group decided to ask Erica McNamara, RCASA Director, to attend a subsequent meeting to discuss how RCASA operates as a Town-staffed organization not subject to Open Meeting Law. Ms. Pillow Gnanaratnam volunteered to conduct some research on the boards of Natick and Waltham. The group discussed the structural challenges of the ad hoc, and different options to Include all important stakeholders. The option on which all members present agreed is to have the only formal voting members of the group be the elected officials: Mr. Friedmann and Ms. Landry of the Select Board; Dr. Snow Dockser and Ms. Webb of the School Committee; and Mr. Grimes of the Library Trustees. Everyone else would participate in an informal advisory capacity and work together toward building a consensus. The Select Board is scheduled to discuss the ad hoc Committee at their August 27th meeting, and may recommend that the Board vote to restructure the Committee accordingly if the group Is in favor. The next scheduled ad hoc meeting Is Monday, August Sgth. However, due to the scheduling of another Public Meeting, Mr. LeLacheur and Ms. McCormick will be unable to attend. Ms. Webb suggested rescheduling to Tuesday, August 20th so that more members can be part of the ad hoc restructuring discussion prior to the August 27th Select Board meeting. Vage 1 2 If the group would like to deliver a status report or instructional motion in time for November Town Meeting, the deadline is September 1011 when the Select Board is scheduled to close the warrant. Last Minute Reminders Ms. Landry reminded the members who conducted research on other communities' organizations to submit their research to the Town Manager's Office so that it can be compiled and shared with the group. Ms. McCormick encouraged members to attend a presentation on October 2nd at the Library called "The State of Hate in Massachusetts" by the ADL regional Director. Dr. Snow Dockser announced another upcoming event by the Mass HRC"Bending the Arc" which will address Criminal Justice and Human Rights and will be scheduled for the end of October or early November. On a motion by Mr. LeLacheur, seconded by Mr. Friedmann, the Committee voted 8-0-0 to notify those members not present of the proposed restructuring of the Committee. On a motion by Ms. Webb, seconded by Mr. LeLacheur, the Committee voted 8-0-0 to adjourn at 8:48pm. Page 1 3