HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-08 Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Minutes
Commission on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Minutes February 8, 2022
North Andover Police Department Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER: At 7:01 pm, the meeting was called to order by Dee Casey, Deputy Town
Manager and Interim Chair.
ATTENDANCE: The following members were present: David VanArsdale (COA); Lawrence
Jay (Clergy); Vera Brockhuysen, (Clergy); Deanna Lima (Community Support Coordinator);
Marinete Henry (Minority Business Owner); Walter Mena (Resident), Vijay Vallala (Resident);
Oumayma Dakhama (Race Amity Club); Maya Chin (Senior Water Analyst) and Dee Casey
(Deputy Town Manager and Interim Chair).
ABSENT: Jennifer Bauer (Resident); E.J. Foulds (NAPD); Larry Allen (Youth & Recreation
Council); Ellen Peters (Building a Respectful Community); and Aisha Valdez (Youth &
Recreational Services)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Tina Klein and Lynn Wentzel gave a presentation regarding the
Black History Month banners around town; presentations that will take place throughout
February and discussed interactive walking tours.
IN OUR OWN WORDS: Tom Connolly gave a presentation on a free program that will take
place on November 12, 2022 at Greater Lawrence Technical School. Mr. Connolly asked that
the Commission consider partnering with his organization.
MOTION: Ms. Lima moved that the North Andover Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission
partner with the In Our Own Words project. Mr. VanArsdale seconded. Motion passed
unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: In the interest of time, approval of the minutes from December 8,
2020 and November 9, 2021 is postponed to the next meeting.
REVIEW OF VISIONS WORK: VISIONS consultant John Colon and Amy Bank went through
the slide deck. The Commission split into small groups and reviewed the tools provided, and
discussed the tool(s) we plan to use in our DEI work moving forward. Mr. Colon and Ms. Bank
led role-play exercises relative to the December 2020 meeting.
CLOSURE: The group ended the meeting by reflecting on the following items:
Appreciations; and
Regrets.
NEXT MEETINGS: The Chair will send out a meeting invitation for the next meeting.
MOTION: Ms. Lima motioned to adjourn the meeting at 9:26 PM. Ms. Henry seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.