Open & Accepting Town Committee Meeting Minutes – May 24, 2017

TOWN OF NEWFANE

Open and Accepting Town Committee

 Minutes from 2nd Meeting held at the Newfane Town Office from 5:30 – 7:00, May 24th, 2017.

All meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is scheduled for 5:30 – 7:00, June 28th, 2017 at the Newfane Town Office.

Members of the Committee are:

Ken Estey – Chair

Apple Gifford

David Harlow

Maude Polo – Recording Secretary

            Rick Rickards

All were in attendance with the exception of Apple, who had a prior commitment.

Regular Meeting:

The Committee began by reviewing the Agenda and unanimously approving the minutes from the previous meeting held 4/27/17.

Members of the Committee began an informal discussion of the Committee’s goals and objectives and realized that, as we proceed, our goals are evolving.

Time had been reserved for members of the public to attend and speak. No members of the public were in attendance.

Members then reported back on their individual research:

David Harlow discussed fair and impartial policing policies and current legal rights of immigrants and refugees. It appears that the current Windham County Sheriff’s Office follows guidelines consistent with the Vermont Attorney General, as well as state, and federal laws, and there appears to be no areas of concern at the present time.

Apple Gifford was not in attendance but submitted a report overviewing what services are offered by surrounding towns, focusing on those towns that welcome and protect the rights of refugees and immigrants. She clarified the reasons towns opt to do so, which are related to the importance of having empathy, improving neighborhood economics, and strengthening communities.

Maude Polo submitted a report overviewing what services are presently offered to refugees and immigrants in our community, including federal and local agencies as well as educational and religious supports.  She also reviewed the current refugee process as they move from their country of origin to Vermont.

Rick Rickards task was to ascertain concerns of current residents related to immigrants and refugees in our town. He stressed the divide between social and political concerns. Persons interviewed thus far are in total agreement that the rights of immigrants and refugees are to be protected. Concerns emerged that are more related to any changes that might disrupt the status quo of our community.

Ken Estey clarified the definition of immigrant and refugee as defined by the Department of Homeland Security and the UN Refugee Agency. In addition, he shared the number of worldwide refugees and camps, as well aspects of refugee protection.

 

The Committee went on to discuss ways that we may provide services to our community such as possibly organizing a community forum.

Ken asked all members to continue to explore their areas of research in more depth and think about what our recommendations will be to the Selectboard in November.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:06 PM.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted by:

Maude Polo

Recording Secretary