Anti-Racism Task Force
Regular MeetingMiddletown, CT · August 12, 2024
Minutes
Anti-Racism Task Force –Regular Scheduled Meeting.
August 12th, 2024
Attendance
o Kirk Hart
o Co. Chair Darnell Ford
o Michelle Clay
o Brian Gartner
o Linda Salafia
o Co-Chair Sacha Armstrong Crockett
o Dr. Lee Morgan
Absent-
Pat Alston
Reverend Anderson
Josh Cotton
Colleen Alleyne
Sam Rival
Ahmad Daniels.
Quorum: Yes__No _X___ Start Time: 6:35 Stop Time: 8.30
Call to Order: Co-Chair Darnell Ford called the meeting to order at: 6:20 pm
As there was not a quorum present, voting on approval of the minutes of the June 10th,
2024meeting minutes was tabled.
Co. Chair Ford asked General Council-Attorney Brig Smith if he would like to present the two
Human Resource positions that are listed on the Agenda for discussion. Attorney Smith asked if
the Task Force will grant him the time during the meeting to discuss the need to redefine the
two HR positions.
Co-Chair Ford explained the HR Specialist position needs to be redefined to better capture the
outreach and recruitment responsibilities.
Attorney Smith explained the two positions to the Task Force. He explained how both positions
are important for effective outreach and recruitment to make the City workforce more diverse.
The changes includes upgrading the position’s salary and expanding responsibilities to include
community outreach. Attorney Smith explained that the current job descriptions do not
adequately reflect the work that is currently being done. The positions are crucial for effective
recruitment, diversity and accountability within the Taskforce. He said the goal is to ensure that
the HR department move towards diversity, inclusivity, and equity. Attorney Smith said the HR
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specialist is currently in an acting status and he said to have the position permanent filled the
new job descriptions needs to be approved.
Attorney Smith paused to answer questions from the members.
Co. Chair Ford reiterate that it is not an official meeting.
Co. Chair Ford asked if the Job descriptions were created and read according to the goals the
jobs intended to be and do. Attorney Smith said yes. Co. Chair Armstrong Crocket asked if the
sole responsibility of recruiting will be on Maria. (HR Specialist) Attorney Smith said the position
needs to be re-class and if it is not re-class then the sole responsibility will be on the HR
specialist. And recruitment will suffer as there is not enough time during the week for one
person to do the duties of the two positions.
Attorney Smith said the Council has approved a 4th clerical position for the department. He said
the job description has not been created as yet.
Co. Chair Armstrong Crockett asked if the Task Force needs to support both positions. Attorney
Smith said the Task Force may choose to support both or just one.
Member Brian Gartner said, he believes Maria has done a great job. He said he sees the needs to
Michelle positon to be reclassified.
Co. Chair Ford said there will not be a formal vote as there it is not an official meeting. He
emphasis the need to support the jobs and he believes that the City does need a more solid HR
office. He said the Task Force should share their ideas and any questions to the Office of General
council.
Attorney said the member should email or call him with any questions.
There will be a special meeting on 8/27/24
No votes were made.
Meeting adjourn.
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Agenda
Municipal Building
245 deKoven Drive
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE
Agenda
SCHEDULED MEETING
Hybrid Meeting.
August 12th, 2024
6:00 P.M.
MEETING TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 12th, 2024 BEGINNING AT 6:00 PM. THE MEETING WILL BE IN PERSON
ROOM 208 AND VIA WEBEX.
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Host PIN: 1013
If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the ADA Coordinator at (860) 638-4540, (voice) or (860) 638-4812 (TDD/TTY),
or the Town Clerk’s Office at (860) 638-4910 at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting.
Agenda
A. Call meeting to order
B. Approval of Minutes: April 8th 2024 minutes.
C. Public comments
D. Correspondence and Announcements
E. Work Groups Reports.
1. Labor Equity
A. Review and discuss current policy and procedures for goal candidate selection
2. Criminal Justice
3. Information Equity
A. Discussion ARTF Community Information HUB
Who are the collaborating entities?
Next Steps once entities are identified.
4. Housing Segregation
A. Fair Rent Commission Report
B. Housing needs assessment next steps.
5. Education Equity
A. Discussion plan with BOE how can we be of assists and where
6. Community Building
A: Fundraisers/Events
B: Where does the ARTF recommend, create, collaborate and support events
C: Next steps to connecting and engaging with the community.
7. Overall Racial Climate
A. Finalize where how this data is collected, analyzed and its utilization towards
action/recommendations
Next Steps once identified.
F. Old Business
A. Membership
1: Term expirations
2: Vacancies
a: Letter of interest submission to the ARTF
B: Q Williams Scholarship Award
If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the ADA Coordinator at (860) 638-4540, (voice) or (860) 638-4812 (TDD/TTY),
or the Town Clerk’s Office at (860) 638-4910 at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting.
G. New Business
1. New Job Description Human Resources Positions
A: Atty: Kori Wisneski Presentation
1: Discussion and vote on job descriptions
2: Community Calendar events
A: Create a community focus group
1: Community engagement and participation
B: Review current established events
ex: Schools, Churches, Youth groups, Advocacy groups. … etc
C: Focus group to plan/create event participation 6 months or more in advance following
ARTF approval
H. Adjournment
* THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING IS WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE *
If you require special accommodations for any meeting, please call the ADA Coordinator at (860) 638-4540, (voice) or (860) 638-4812 (TDD/TTY),
or the Town Clerk’s Office at (860) 638-4910 at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting.
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