HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-19-FHHR-min.pdf FAIR HOUSING AND HUMAN RELATIONS COMM'''.TIE
MINUTES-Draft
1/19/99
Present: Cathy Abbott;Florence Baturin;Margaret Cole,Temporary Co-Chair;Kathryn Davis;Beverly Goodridge;
Tom Montanan,Temporary Co-Chair,Jed Snyder: Steve Baran,staff and recorder.
Absent: Michelle Ekanem;Jean Hibino;Keng Hsu
Minutes
The Minutes of 12/15/99 were accepted.
Resignation,Ralph Clifford; Replacements
Ralph Clifford's resignation as Committee Chair was noted. It was agreed that Margaret Cole and Tom Montanan would
continue as Chairs until June 30.
Affordable Housing
I'at Taylor spoke with the Committee regarding her difficulties in remaining in affordable housing while earning a living
as an executive secretary at risk of sporadic layoffs. As a single parent of three children,she was in a dilemma as to how
to maintain her subsidy were she to receive a higher income.At the same time,she was reluctant to move elsewhere
where there might be(marginally)lower rentals since her children had,in the course of 11 years,become well
established in the Lexington school system.
No Place for Hate
The Committee expressed their readiness to participate in the Mass.Municipal Association/Anti-Defamation League
`No Place for Hate' initiative and saw the opportunity for such projects as using its new brochure in relation to a
newcomer's guide or encouraging the local churches to communicate more on diversity issues.It was agreed that the
Selectmen should be so informed through Cathy Abbott.
Brochure
Steve Baran reported that the Fair Housing brochure had been revised and was now being made into a camera-ready
version for distribution.The Town Manager's office may cover printing costs thought to be minimal.
Absenteeism
The Chairs underscored the importance of attendance,particularly because of the need to establish a quorum. There was
concern about committee members who have from time to time failed to attend meetings while at the same time
overlooking notifying Steve Baran that they would be absent.
Next meeting
The next meeting will take place on February 16.