HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-09-02 Human Relations Advisory Committee MinutesE D
SLERK
~MASS.
HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2005 FEB 10 A 10-- 3 S
MINUTES
September 2, 2004 at Police Station First Floor Community Room
Present: Margaret Soli, Chair, C. McDonald, P. Kelley, Nancy Najmi and Sumi Sinnatamby
Chief R. Silva members.
It was noted at the beginning that the terms of Terry Jones and Edward Toland had
expired. Ed's health was poor and he did not seek reappointment. Nancy Najmi was introduced as
a new member. It was also noted that Chief Silva was absent due to an accident at the train station
where a person was hit. The Chair also noted that the engineer, who was black, apparently was
taken away in handcuffs.
There was a general discussion on the following topics:
A change in policy concerning appointments which Carol Roberts maybe able to clarify.
Whether school redistricting will be taken into consideration in the process on which
Nancy Snow may have an interest.
How the lottery for affordable units will be employed in the projects coming on line; and
whether Metco parents would be included with Reading preferences; whether a lottery is to be
involved with the Habitat for Humanity Housing.
Some of the means available to assist people with taxes which are up due to the override
and other factors: such as reverse mortgages (Sumi explained the difficulties in these); tax
volunteers; and tax assistance to help people to be aware of the circuit breakers. Margaret
explained her husband's experience in this regard when helping seniors with their taxes.
In connection with Anytown USA which had been discussed at the last meeting Paul
mentioned that the program appeared a very good one and we should consider planning early
before the summer whether we could assist students to attend. Dr. Ryan has a group related to
Amnesty International which may be involved or interested in Anytown.
Margaret explained that she would plan for a meeting on affordable housing and issues
concerning Section 8 housing.
Sumi advised the meeting that for personal reasons she had intended to resign and had
believed she had resigned. This was the reason she had missed recent meetings and she had come
to clarify her resignation. In parting she hopes that efforts will continue to see that there is
diversity training in the town school system. She explained some past experiences of her own
which have left her with the belief that there is a big need for such training within the school
system.
The minutes for the meeting of June 3, 2004 were approved.
The members agreed that it was not necessary to meet every month and the meeting was
adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for October 7, 2004.*
Respectfully submitted,
Paul A. Kelley, Secretary
*subsequently cancelled. NOTE: Margaret had received a notice from the Library that copies of
minutes had not been filed as required. Paul said he thought Chief Silva had taken care of this. To
- ' be reviewed at next meeting.