04/9/2019 MASHPEE INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

consensus for the statement"I can embrace diversity in Mashpee by . . " A different activity would be considered for children that would define diversity and Ms. Doyle suggested"I can include everyone by . . ." Ms. Nadeau suggested meeting as a subcommittee to consider the matter further and report back at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS Seek Student Representative for Next Two Years-The Chair suggested reaching out to current sophomores to fill the position of Student Representative. Mr. Gonsalves suggested that his last meeting would likely be July or August. Ms. DeBoer and Mr. Gonsalves would recruit a new student and bring the new student to the June meeting. Decision on Safe Community Proposal Town Meeting-The Chair stated that the proposal was separate from MIDC, but that she had been an individual who signed the petition and was invited to join the group as someone with an immigrant experience. The group had already met with the Police Chief who supported the effort, and would be meeting with other stakeholders. The Chair inquired whether the MIDC wished to make a comment about the proposal. The Chair confirmed that the proposal was different from sanctuary cities, adding that other towns had already supported similar proposals starting in 2016 on the Cape, as well as on the State level. Ms. Wilson inquired whether the MIDC had taken a voted to be referenced in the proposal and the Chair confirmed that they had not and that someone else had made reference to the Committee. It was noted that the Board of Selectmen had not taken a stand on the matter. Ms. DeBoer inquired whether the proposal was a warrant article and Ms. Waterman stated that it was a petition article. Ms. Nadeau and Ms. Doyle suggested that the people bringing the petition forward drafted it in such a way to appear that the MIDC supported the petition. The Chair confirmed that the petition appeared as Article 33, confirming that the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee took no position. Ms. Waterman referenced the Tufts University document discussing safe communities, for further reference to the matter, referencing strong feelings both pros and con. The Chair confirmed that State legislation was being proposed. Members felt that it was not appropriate to endorse a petition that implied Committee involvement and impacted law enforcement. The Chair inquired whether the Committee wished to offer a decision, especially if approached, adding that she would likely respond as a citizen. Ms. Waterman suggested that, in the way that it was written, it was likely that someone would inquire about the opinion of the MIDC. Ms. Doyle suggested that the MIDC had no position and the matter was outside of the scope of the Committee. Ms. DeBoer suggested, as Chair, it would need to be made clear that the Committee was not involved in the drafting of the Article. Ms. Waterman stated that the Article implied endorsement and the MIDC had a responsibility to ensure that the public know that the Committee was not involved in the drafting of the Article. There was consensus that the Chair should make a statement to the public prior to action being taken on the Article. The Chair inquired whether she could let the group sponsoring the Article know about the MIDC's decision and a conflict of interest was noted and it was suggested that a statement be made at Town Meeting. MOTION: Ms.Waterman made a motion that the MIDC was not consulted in the drafting of this Petition and as such,the Chair, at Town Meeting, make a statement that the MIDC takes no position, Ms. DeBoer seconded the motion. S ,yes, I abstain. Oktoberfest-The Chair inquired who would be following up regarding fundraising, stating that she would send an email to Town Manager to inquire further. ADDITIONAL TOPICS The Chair announced that Ms. Dovle was accepted to the Women's Campaign School at Yale to prepare for public service. 3