Town of Newmarket

Minutes

Newmarket Anti-Black Racism Task Force

Meeting #:
Date:	Tuesday, January 05, 2021
Time:	4:00 P.m. - 6:00 P.m.
Location:	Electronic VIA ZOOM See How to Login Guide

Members Present:

• Jerisha Grant-Hall
• Nadia Hansen
• Lori-Anne Beckford
• Councillor Bisanz
• Claudius Brown
• Holly Douglass
• Gavin Gunter
• Gary Miranda
• Opiyo Oloya
• Maxine Gordon Palomino
• Kimberly Roach
• Leslie Serieux

Members Absent:

• Councillor Morrison
• Councillor Simon

Staff Present:

• Jennifer Rose, Healthy Workplace Program Specialist
• Kiran Saini, Deputy Town Clerk

---

1.

Notice

Jerisha Grant-Hall advised that all Town facilities were closed to the public, and that members of the public were encouraged to attend by joining through the ZOOM information provided with the agenda.

2.

Additions & Corrections to the Agenda

None.

3.

Conflict of Interest Declarations

None.

4.

Presentations

4.1

Fire Services

Gavin Gunter provided a presentation to the Task Force on representation in the Fire Services. He noted that information on Central York Fire Services was collected based on information that he had access to, including information on the website, and past minutes. Discussion regarding what diversity means, and representation of Black professionals in various other professions ensued. 

 

• Moved by: Holly Douglass
  Seconded by: Opiyo Oloya
  1. That the presentation provided by Gavin Gunter regarding Fire Services be received. 
  
  
  
  Carried

5.

Deputations

None.

6.

Approval of Minutes

6.1

Newmarket Anti-Black Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2020

• Moved by: Councillor Bisanz
  Seconded by: Holly Douglass
  1. That the Newmarket Anti-Black Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2020 be approved.
  
  
  
  Carried

7.

Items

7.1

Continuation of Vision Development

The Task Force continued development of the vision statement.  There was discussion regarding the purpose of the Task Force, and its mandate to make recommendations to the Town. It was decided that the discussion on the vision would be tabled until another date. 

 

7.2

Reports from Subcommittees

Gavin Gunter provided an update for subcommittee #1, and reported that they are conducting community consultations.  

Councillor Bisanz provided an update for subcommittee #2, and reported that they have been focused on getting access to demographic information to understand the community in Newmarket. 

Holly Douglass provided an update for subcommittee #3, and reported that they have been conducting research into what other organization have been doing to develop best practices. 

It was noted that all Task Force Members should document their work to inform the interim and final reports to Council. 

8.

New Business

None.

9.

Adjournment

• Moved by: Councillor Bisanz
  Seconded by: Opiyo Oloya
  1. That the meeting be adjourned at 5:02 PM.
  
  
  
  Carried