HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-06-03 Human Relations Advisory Committee MinutesMASS.
HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE k`
MINUTES 2 01
June 3, 2004 at Police Station First Floor Community Room
Present: Margaret Soli, Chair, C. McDonald, E. Toland and P. Kelley, Chief R. Silva members.
Discussion commenced at 7:40 pm. The Chair reported on a suggestion from Wilma
Fraser that in any future lottery for affordable housing METCO parents or families should be
included as eligible as for preference among residents. Minutes for February 5 and March 4 were
accepted as filed on motion duly made and adopted.
The Chair noted that at a recent meeting of the Massachusetts Association of Human
Rights and Relation Committee the Anytown summer camp for teenagers was recommended. The
current deadline for applications is June 1. It is sponsored by the National Conference for
Community Justice. Martha from Stoneham knew children who attended and who were very
pleased. A fee is involved. Paul Kelley noted that children from Reading were interested a year
ago and suggested that we follow it up with the high school advisor and consider assisting in
promoting it next year. Margaret also noted that United for a Fair economy of 37 Temple Place
2d floor, Boston MA 02111 can pit on a program relating to economic issues and we might
consider doing this next year. Its web site is www.FaireconoLny.org.
The committee discussed what it might do next year. C. McDonald discussed a video on
astronomy of interest with a lecturer and a possible relationship and obtaining a lecturer on
diversity for a video which might also be shown in other towns on their public access stations.
Police Chief Silva discussed a state profiling study based on information which they were
required to record and its impact on police chiefs of small towns. The records reported by them
are sometimes skewed because due to a town's location on the highway near to a metropolitan
center with a more diverse population the number of stops of minorities can be disproportionate
to the number of minorities within the town. Reading's record in part because of its location in
the report is good but some towns unfairly appear to have a poor record of disproportionate stops
of minorities which is due primarily on to their location. Reading's record is good because of its
recruitment, supervision, training and geographical location.
Following discussion the Chief showed some training film, COPS, excerpts shown to
recruits which illustrated good and bad methods of approach in situations involving minorities.
He also noted that DARE had been suspended because the State gave up on funding it.
He has submitted a grant application for a school relations officer; the Police Citizens Academy is
a good opportunity to learn about what the police do; a TV crew is coming next Tuesday; the
department has implemented a reverse 911 system at a cost of $34,000 (all through a grant) by
which all in town can be alerted of an emergency by pushing a button. The town meeting action
on civil service for the chief of police was discussed. Margaret suggested the program The
Growing Divide. It will be looked into. It is likely that Sumi Sinatamby will resign for personal
reasons.
It was decided to adjourn for the summer and next meet in September 2.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul A. Kelley