HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/16/2009SOUTHOLD TOWN ANTI-BIAS TASK FORCE
MINUTES, MARCH 16, 2009
ATTENDANCE: Peter Bel, Cindy Smith, Marjorie Day, Edana Cichanowicz,
Betty Murphy, Carolyn Peabody, Rev. Nathaniel Heyward, Eleanor
Lingo, Jeanne Marie Merkcl, Merle Levine
ABSENT: ,~ean Le Pre, Val Shelby, Mike Domino
GUEST: l(arin Johnson, Member of Organizing for America's Immigration
Subcommittee and E. Outreach for Immigrants (Hampton Bays/South
Fork) and Volunteer for LI Wins
Minutes accepted with corrections: Cindy Smith was in attendance; Rev.
Hcyward's name was misspelled. He, also must make formal application to
The Town Board to be included as a member of the ABTF.
Proposal by Carolyn Peabody:
That the ABTF approve a resolution to work with the Southold Town Youth
Bureau (representation by all of the Town Agencies) to develop a plan to
"effectively deliver a message that:
Affirms human dignity of all groups living and working in the
Town of Southold;
Recognizes the importance of diversity in the Town;
Crimes of violence will not be tolerated."
This inch;des a concerted effort to include the School Districts in the
plaaning and programming of such an effort.
In addition, suggestions were made that we include: libraries,
churches, police, and Southold Town Board members, and the Erase
Racism programs.
Moved by Peter Bel, seconded by Betty Murphy, unanimously passed.
Legal Committee:
Reported by Carolyn Peabody: The US Dept of Justice offers a 20-minute
Training on bias crimes (at roll call). We will explore the details of the
Program and make recommendations to Chief Cochran and Capt. Flatley.
A Bias Crime has to have specific parameters.
Rev. Heyward recommended that the police be invited to meet with ABTF.
Immigration concerns:
Do we have a position on Hiring Hams, Peter Bel asked.
Betty Murphy offered that Sister Margaret needs money to help immigrants
with air fare who are returning to their former homes.
Karin Johnson suggested:
Putting on a program to show contributions of immigrants on
the (South) Fork.
Propose that newspapers publish profiles on immigrants, in re
their ~,~- ~,,¢fering ~nd prah!ems. Develop a positive image.
Marjorie Day offered that such information include descendants of
the early farmer workers and their mistreatment.
Betty Murphy pointed out that there is continuing concern for the
few still around who were victims of a process in the labor
camps where they were kept drunk and the overseer given
their pay.
Out of this discussion came recommendations concerning housing for
Immigrant workers on farms and vineyards:
That employers be required to provide adequate housing.
That the Building Department enforce rules that protect against
Gouging rentals and fire hazards.
Concern for the homeless, eg. Maureen's Haven.
Possibility of finding a permanent place instead of moving from
Church to church and operating only from November to March.
Need for "sobering houses," and other social services.
Meeting was adjourned 11:30 a.m.
Next meetiag of the ABTF - Monday, April 20