HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-15-FHHR-min.pdf Minutes
Fair Housing and Human Relations Committee
3/15/00
Present: Tom Montanan, Co-Chair Florence Baturin;Michelle Ekanem;Beverly Goodridge;Jean Hibino;
Keng Nan Hsu; Steve Baran,Fair Housing Director
Absent: Margaret Coles,Co-Chair Jed Snyder;Cathy Abbott, Selectmen Liaison
Affordable Housing:Tom Montanan reviewed the previous meeting when Jennifer Van Kampen,
Executive Director of W.A.T.C.H. in Waltham came to talk about their activities. Waltham residents who
can no longer afford to live there are getting eviction notices.
It was noted further that affordable housing had not emerged in the Lexington 2020 planning discussions.It
was suggested that the focus of the Fair Housing Committee be on the connection between affordable
housing and diversity The comment was made that it is a myth that the reason there are relatively few
African Americans in Lexington is because this group can't afford market rate housing.
Affirmative Action:The Fair Housing Committee had urged the Town Manager to move on affirmative
action resulting in a committee being formed to create guidelines and report to him. The Fair Housing
Committee will want to know what changes have been instituted in hiring practices and if, indeed,the town
is hiring more minorities. Steve Baran reported on plans for four towns to carry out affirmative action
training and that the Personnel Officer had come to appreciate the importance of networking in recruiting
minorities for Town of Lexington employment. It was suggested that the Town learn from the School
Department.
No Place for Hate Campaign:Tom Montanan reported that the Selectmen were aware of the contributions
of the Fair Housing Committee in the No Place for Hate Campaign. Cities and towns participating in the
campaign must accomplish their goals by 12/31/2000.
Annual Fair Housing Award: There was some discussion as to how the Fair Housing Committee might
give an annual award. The Committee will review the approach adopted by the American Association of
University Women.
Recruitment: Two places are open on the committee;the importance of filling these places was noted since
the committee is having difficulty with forming quorums. It was suggested that an invitation be sent to Pat
Taylor to be interviewed for committee membership.Other suggestions included putting an article into the
Minuteman,having an attachment for the Fair Housing Committee on the town's web site and including
mention of the committee in the Selectmen's newsletter.
Appreciation of Ralph Clifford: Steve Baran will send a note of appreciation to Ralph Clifford for his work
as Chair of the Committee.
Carolinas: Offensive racist artifacts at the new Carolinas restaurant were discussed and what should be
done about them.
Next meeting:the date is April 27 when Marshall Derby LexHab Chair, will present. Other agenda items
will include awards, speakers, and narrative to be included in publicizing the committee.