HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-20 ad Hoc - Human Rights Committee Minutes Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Ad Hoc Human Rights Committee
Date: 2020-07-20 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Public Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Anne Landry, Carlo Bacci, Andrew Grimes, Shawn Brandt, John Parks
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Bob LeLacheur, Christine Kelley, Kerri Perry, Pat Calley, Kyung Yu, Linda
Snow Dockser, Josh Goldlust, David Clark, Angela Mason, Sherilla Lestrade
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
The meeting was held remotely via Zoom.
Anne Landry called the meeting to order at 7:33pm.
Sharing Stories:
Mr. Parks shared the Reading POC Instagram page where people of color post their
experiences of discrimination in Reading and encouraged the group to read them.
Dr. Snow Dockser shared that as a result of the social justice rally held in lune, she learned
how important it is to have difficult conversations. She hopes the Alliance will be able to
build those relationships and support those conversations.
Update on Proposal:
Following the last meeting, Ms. Landry, Mr. Bacci, and Dr. Snow Dockser met with Town
Manager Bob LeLacheur and Library Director Amy Lannon to discuss the proposal. Ms.
Lannon indicated that the proposal fits with the Library's strategic plan. The group
discussed hiring details and process. With funding still uncertain for the November Town
Meeting, the funding for the Executive Director would more likely be added to the next
budget cycle next April.
One of the anticipated roles for the Alliance to work to support and train those who work for
the Town as well as residents. The Library values the importance of educating staff and
themselves so they can educate the community.
Until the RAESJ is established, Ms. Lannon or a representative from the Library will
collaborate with the Human Relations Advisory Committee and attend their meetings.
pinna & Responding to FAOs:
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The ad hoc reviewed a list of frequently asked questions that were raised from the
community and the Board of library Trustees.
The Committee discussed additional questions including actions and goals of the prospective
Executive Director and the future advisory board. The idea of the advisory members is to
support the Executive Director in both advice and action by liaising to other organizations,
and helping put together community events.
Next Steps:
Ms. Landry will revise the draft of the FAQs to include Open Meeting Law concerns, the role
of the Executive Director, and the composition and function of the advisory board.
Kern Perry, Pat Calley, and Andrew Grimes will work together to draft a job description for
the Executive Director and present it at the next meeting.
The next meeting will be scheduled for late August when Amy Lannon is available to join.
Minutes:
A motion was made by Mr. Brandt to accept the meeting minutes of July 1, 2020, and
seconded by Mr. Grimes.
Dr. Snow Dockser requested some minor changes to the minutes.
On a motion by Mr. Bacci, and seconded by Ms. Landry, the ad hoc Human Rights
Committee voted to approve the meeting minutes of July 1, 2020 as amended by a
roll call vote of 5-0-0.
On a motion by Ms. Landry, and seconded by Mr. Parks, the ad hoc Human Rights
Committee voted to adjourn by a roll call vote of 5-0-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:31pm.
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