2015-02-06-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lexington Human Rights Committee Meeting Minutes Feb 6, 2105 Present : Al Zabin, Linda Vine, Bonnie Brodner, Aidan Evelyn, Fuang-Ying Huang, Melissa Buttaro, Bhumip Khasnabish, Judy Crocker, and Sean Osborne Guests: Melissa Tintocalis, Economic Development Director; Charlotte Rogers, Human Service Director; Hemali Patel, Human Service Coordinator. Meeting held in the Selectmen’s Hearing Room – Town Hall at 8:10 a.m. Human Service Dept.: For the quarter ended 12/31/14, Human Service Dept. had received 250 calls and 40 to 50 office visits from senior residents, also made 30 home visits to senior residents. There were about 80 youth related calls. Lexpress has reached its all-time high in ridership. $11,000 financial aids were given for oil, food, etc. Doubled the amount from prior year. 142 meals were delivered, 36 Toy R Us and 68 TJMaxx gift cards were given out during the holidays Received a grant from CHNO for Mental Health First Aids. The budget will cover the training for 125 staff to work with family, youth and adults. There were a few cases of domestic violence, and attempted suicide that involved young adults aged 19 to 27 years old. Forum on Marijuana – Clearing Away the Smoke: Facts and Fiction about Marijuana and youth will be held on Monday, Feb. 9 from 7 to 8:30 pm at LHS Science Lecture Hall. Economic Development Dept. reports that they work with various town departments to explore economic development opportunities in the community. They focus more on corporations than diversity training on small business. Suggestions on Diversity Training on local business: Create an incentive program for local retailers to participate in diversity training such award a gold star to show their customers of their commitment in diversity. Create a statement on diversity for local retailer to sign on. Economic Development Dept. to add a statement of supporting diversity in their communications with corporations. Educate local retailers about the demography of the town. Diversity/customer service campaign; “We Are Lexington.” Senior and middle managers of Lexington went through diversity training, and in light of one of the HRC members’ experience at town hall, there will be training on frontline staff soon.