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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-14 Board of Library Trustees Minutes xV r.�UF_IV ,': U Town of Reading T(� INNCL FRK Meeting Minutes F��.f' ' � � A. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Library Trustees Ad Hoc Human Rights Committee Date: 2020-09-14 Time: 7:05 PM Building: Reading Public Library Location: Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session Purpose: General Meeting - ad hoc Human Version: Final Rights Committee Presentation to the Board of Library Trustees Attendees: Members - Present: Nina Pennacchio, Chair; Monette Verner, Vice-Chair; Alice Collins, Secretary; John Brzezenski; Cherrie Dubois; Andrew Grimes Members - Not Present: Others Present: Amy Lannon, Director; Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director; John Parks, School Committee; Shawn Brandt, School Committee; Anne Landry, Select Board; Carlo Bacci, Select Board; Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager; Sherilla Lestrade, Advisor to Ad Hoc Committee and Member Friends of Reading METCO; Kern Perry, HRAC, Josh Goldlust, HRAC; David Clark, Chief of Police; Linda Snow Dockser, Advisor to Ad Hoc Committee; Pat Calley, Ad Hoc Committee; Kyung Lyul Yu, Pastor Church of the Nazarene and Ad Hoc Committee; Christine Kelley, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Alice Collins, Secretary, with edits as requested by the ad hoc Human Rights Committee by Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held remotely on Zoom and streamed live on RCTV. Public Participation was available through email at rdgadmin@noblenetorg. Comments and questions were monitored during the meeting. Call to Order 7:05 p.m. I. Ad Hoc Committee on Human Rights presentation and update Ms. Landry called the Ad Hoc Committee on Human Rights to order at 7:06 p.m. as there was a Committee's quorum. Ms. Landry asked the members of the Ad Hoc committee to introduce themselves to the Board of Trustees. Ms. Landry reviewed the history of the Ad Hoc Committee since her original presentation in March 2020. Dr. Snow Dockser reviewed the history of the Human Relations Advisory Committee(HRAC). She explained the grafffti (racial slurs and swastikas) resulted in the formation of Reading Embraces Diversity as a private group, and the current Ad Hoc Committee on Human Rights. Page 1 1 Ms. Lestrade also pointed out that at the same time as the swastikas were found in the high school, race-based death threats were made on middle school bathroom walls. Ms. Landry reviewed the Ad Hoc Committee work to date that includes: a. Research three modelssfor formation. b. Consider the value of input non-Reading residents(e.g. METCO families or a clergy member who lives out of town). c. Assess the importance of being able to seek resources confidentially. Mr. Goldlust discussed the value of an organization such as the Reading Alliance would bring to the town as it would have a broader charter and support than HRAC. Dr. Snow Dockser stated that Reading Embraces Diversity envisions themselves as working with the Alliance on programming. She felt that establishing the Alliance makes the statement that our town is invested in these values. Ms. Landry stated that they envision that the library director will appoint initial advisory committee members and hire a director for the Alliance. Ms. Perry, Ms. Calley, and Mr. Grimes put together a job description for the director. Ms. Perry said that the description is in the packet and that the individual will be an inspirational leader, working with different stakeholders. Ms. Calley stated that the position includes accountability, including benchmarks for success. Mr. Bacci reported that since March, there had been monthly meetings, and more recently, he met with Ms. Lannon, Mr. LeLacheur, and Ms. Landry to refine the role. The position will be presented for approval at the April Town Meeting. Mr. Bacci also stated that the Ad Hoc Committee is presenting this to the Trustees for consideration. Ms. Lestrade stated that Reading is a good community but that it can be a more welcoming community. Other residents have bullied people of color, and people are fearful. A group like this will make them feel like they are not alone, that there are people who will help them get through this, and that people are willing and able to fight the wrongs that are being done. Mr. Goldlust affirmed that establishing the Alliance will demonstrate the town's commitment to equity for all its residents. Ms. Landry asked Mr. LeLacheur, Ms. Lannon, and Ms. Kelley to discuss how the Reading Coalition for Prevention R Support has worked within the town. Mr. LeLacheur reported that the Coalition has succeeded because groups were working together. Ms. Kelley agreed and gave examples of how the Coalition is a community resource and partner. Ms. Lannon felt divisions like the Coalition reduce duplication of work, providing an efficient and centralized resource. Chief Clark noted that even though they are housed at the police station,the Coalition is not a police function.Working in collaboration with other departments and community groups is what makes it so successful. Mr. LeLacheur informed the Board of Trustees that the position would be added to the library budget through the accommodated costs center. It was noted that municipal departments could not engage in fundraising, but independent non-profits may do so. Ms. Dubois asked about legal responsibilities, obligations, or liabilities with adding this division to the library. Mr. LeLacheur referenced that elected boards have insurance, and he will also reach out to Town Counsel. Dr. Snow Dockser recommended that the frequently asked questions be made available to the public. Ms. Landry asked the Board of Library Trustees to consider the proposal and the possibilities in strategic planning and preparing the FY22 budget request. Page 1 2 Ms. Lannon noted the library is currently working on a strategic plan and will include the proposal in reviewing the library's focus on community and education. Ms. Collins said this is an exciting opportunity for the library and will mix well with the strategic plan. Mr. LeLacheur thanked the Board of Trustees for their support. Mr. Grimes stated that he feels comfortable having it under the library. Ms. Pennacchio thanked everyone for the work and asked about how to handle general questions from this point forward. Ms. Landry stated that the Ad Hoc Committee would answer questions regarding their work to date. Ms. Dubois indicated that she believes that questions should still go to the Ad Hoc Committee until the Trustees sign off on the new division. She did not feel that the Trustees are informed enough and that the questions should go to the Ad Hoc Committee. Ms. Lannon noted that if the position is approved at the April Town Meeting, hiring will not happen until at least September 2021. Mr. Lelacheur reviewed the budget planning timeline. Mr. Brandt stated committee members would be happy to work with the Trustees to move forward,working together and keeping the communications open. Mr. Baoci adjourned the Ad Hoc Committee at 8:40 p.m. (Brandt, Bacci) Page 1 3