HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-06-LHRC-min
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.
HRC will elect a new chair by May, 2015 as Mr. Zabin, the current chair will retire from his post.
Police Dept. – No incident to report.
Due to lack of time, the committee will discuss Emergency Subcommittees’ Response Protocol
in the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 AM.
The next meeting is on Mar, 6, 2015 at 8:00AM at Selectman’s Hearing Room.