HCMI Board Meeting May 19, 2021

Present:

• Scott MacPherson, ED
• Jennifer Myszkowski (President)
• Mike Hines
• Carey Baker (Vice-President)
• Denis Luzuriaga (Clerk)

Not Present:

• Al Williams (Treasurer)
• Patty Norris Lubold

Call to order: 6:35 p.m.

Agenda — May 19, 2021

Acceptance of prior meeting minutes – April 21, 2021

• Motion to accept minutes: Carey
• Second: Mike
• Vote: Unanimous

Director’s Report

Profit and Loss

Balance Sheet

• E.D. says our attorney recommends that we not take the lead on translation services for City proceedings. She recommends that the City should take the lead. Also that the City should be paying the bill for these services and we then reimburse them.
• E.D. has expressed frustration in general relations with the City Council. The board feels that we need to make every effort possible to inform them that our intentions are in line with theirs. We discussed some ideas as to how to proceed.
• Pay Equity Philosophy
• Building Update – Work is expected to begin in July or August 2021
• Topic of discussion not on Agenda:
  • The group talked extensively about hosting Mayoral debates. HCM will likely cover the debates which will be hosted by The Taxpayer’s Association. We will entertain the idea of hosting City Council ward debates. It is hoped that in 2021, HCM will be able to host and sponsor all political candidate debates in Holyoke.

Social Media Policy for Board Members

• Denis makes a motion to accept Social Media Policy for Board Members
• Carey seconds
• Vote unanimous. Motion carries

Old business

• Diversity of thought on the board – tabled
• Pay equity policy – discussed at this meeting. Will likely vote at next meeting
• Standing items for discussion:
  • COVID response
    • E.D. asked the board what we thought about allowing flexibility for staff members to work from home. This is in the interest of allowing staff to work productively and comfortable rather than for a financial concern.
      • The board is amenable.

• How do we combat systemic racism within our org and the wider community?
  • Ongoing. E.D will reach out to DEI consultant.
• Membership check-in.
  • E.D. is continuing to sign people up.
• See-Click-Fix audit.
  • No news. E.D. will bring it up with Acting Mayor at Annual hearing.
• Annual hearing
• Personnel check-in.
  • Everyone is doing well.

 New business

• Schedule next meeting – Wed., June 16,  at 6:30 p.m.
  • This meeting may need to be rescheduled due to potential anticipated conflict

Adjournment

• Carey motions to adjourn
• Denis seconds
• Vote unanimous

Adjourn at 7:59 p.m.