9/15/2009 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Minutes

Home Browse Search

Town of Mashpee Affirmative Action Committee Meeting Minutes September 15,2009 Present: Chair-Maryanne Wray, Kay Brown,Marilyn Farren, Deborah Vaughn Also Present: Gail Wilson, Mashpee Human Services Director CALL TO ORDER The meeting commenced at 5:41 p.m. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes of February 24,2009. All voted unanimously. AGENDA ITEMS: Committee Membership: Ms. Farren reported that there was a glitch in the re-appointments of Committee members in June, but that the Board of Selectmen had just re-appointed Paul Perry. A letter to Mr. Perry has been sent from the Board of Selectmen. Members also discussed the possible interest of a former member,Paul Peterson who has re-located to Mashpee. Ms. Farren also received an inquiry of interest from Christine Tuck, who is relocating to Mashpee, but attempts to speak with her failed because her cell phone number is no longer in service. Vacancies have been made public by the Town. Invited Guest-Gail Wilson,Mashpee Human Services Director: In addition to working as Mashpee's Human Services Director,Ms. Wilson also serves as Mashpee's Representative to the Human Rights Commission. In this role, Ms. Wilson is available to Mashpee citizens with concerns of discrimination or unfair treatment. Ms. Wilson is the first point of contact, serving as a direct connection to the Human Rights Commission and works to identify ways to address the issue, such as through mediation. Ms. Wilson attends monthly meetings and stays in close contact with the Chairperson, Jackie Fields. The Human Rights Commission also sponsors various public events such as role-playing programs. Committee members suggested that more information about the Human Rights Commission be made available to the public. Ms. Farren will contact Ms. Fields, Chair of the Commission, about providing more outreach in Mashpee. Committee members expressed interest in working cooperatively with the Human Rights Commission. Ms. Farren will invite Ms. Fields to attend the next Affirmative Action Committee meeting. Committee members will discuss the possibility of having a standing member from the Human Rights Commission at that time. Reverend Scovil: Reverend Scovil, of the newly formed Congregational Church located at 259 Shore Drive, attended tonight's meeting to offer his assistance with programs in the future. As the Church grows,he is interested in becoming more involved with issues of discrimination. Mr. and Mrs. Willard also attended tonight's meeting to learn more about the Committee's work. Committee members discussed their interest in having more involvement from other Churches. Falmouth's Affirmative Action/No Place for Hate Committee Meeting: Ms. Wray reported that she was able to have an informal discussion with Mr. Spivey regarding Falmouth's activities. Of particular success has been the Martin Luther King Breakfast. Notes from