HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-02 Human Relations Advisory Committee Minutes Town of Reading
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2920 AUG 27 PM 3: 03
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Date: 2020-07-02 Time: 7pm
Building: Town Hall Location: Town Zoom Call
Address: Remote Session:
Purpose: Monthly Meeting Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Kyung Yu, Kern Perry, Josh Goldlust, Jordan Serpone, Lori Conway, David
Clark
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Josh Goldlust
Josh calls meeting to order at 7:13 pm
1. Introduction of new members: Lori Conway (member) and Jordan Serpone
(associate member)
2. Sharing Experiences
a. Lori commented that it feels the divide in the town is getting worse. Both
sides digging in. And it is a bit dis-heartening.
3. Police Readout:
a. Patch article from May. Chief Clark looked in the logs. There was something
about a woman getting a mailing that she didn't ask for but nothing more was
listed or filed. Businesses were asked to log any concerns but there was
nothing else in the logs.
b. Chief commented it has been a bit crazy with the rallies though everything
has been safe. Nothing truly negative.
c. Agrees the divide is getting worse-> hopeful it stays positive for change.
d. Kyung wanted to recognize the Chief stance for BLM movement. Meant a lot
4. MA human rights coordination
a. In last meeting, HRAC agreed to support hosting an upcoming MA human
rights virtual meeting along with other groups in Reading like RED. Josh
asked for a volunteer to coordinate with RED on the logistics and confirm
specific roll for HRAC
b. Jordan agreed to help coordinate with the other groups & report back to
HRAC.
5. Community Listening Event (idea)
a. Josh raised idea of having a listening event with state senator to help raise
awareness and understanding. This was based on conversations &outreach
from Sen Lewis' staff.
b. Lori suggested broadening the event to include representatives supporting
Reading to have participates across both sides of the spectrum. Kern added it
would be great to have everyone participate in the same event.
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c. Kerri agreed to reaching out to Brad Jones, Lori to Rich Haggerty, Josh to
Jason Lewis.
d. Kerr! suggested it have a theme of building bridges or listening to
understand/ not respond. Kyung seconded the idea. Chief Clark and Josh
voiced support as well.
e. Agreed to revisit at next meeting once we knew interest level for Sen/ Reps.
6. Ad Hoc meeting
a. Josh gave quick summary from last ad hoc meeting on 7/1. Kerri shared for
new HRAC members that ad hoc meetings are open to all and links are posted
on town website. She reviewed current structure, summarized latest proposal
as a human rights coalition, the definition, and how it needs to be brought to
town meeting for budget approval. Talked about how members from MA
Human Rights coalition gave real time feedback on other town structures
pros/ cons.
b. Lori raised questions on why Reading needed to consider a different structure.
Kyung commented that one reason was due to restrictions from open meeting
laws & being able to respond quickly
c. Lori raised questions about legal sticking point about inclusion of non-
residents to participate
7. HRAC community calendar- Kerri updates on what's happened in June and coming in
July
a. June items: Pride Month, Juneteenth, Stonewall Rights
b. July 4th, July 18th Nelson Mandela Day, July 26th, Disability Day for ADA, July
30th International Day of Friendship
8. Additional Items:
a. Lori shared ideas to have a monthly book or video series where residents
could review & discuss. Josh suggested syncing with the library as they have
a similar community education effort and maybe we could coordinate efforts
9. Motion to approve June minutes: Kerri moves, Josh 2nds, passes 3-0 (Kyung, Kerri,
Josh) Chief and new members abstained as they weren't at the meeting.
10. Establish date for next meeting
a. Josh asked if we could have next meeting on 2nd Thursday in Aug due to
personal conflicts. No one objected or had a conflict.
b. Confirmed it will be 8/13 @7 PM most as a Zoom meeting (dial in TBD)
11. Motion to adjourn: Kern, Kyung 2"d. Passes 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM
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