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City of Schenectady
Affirmative Action Advisory Board
MINUTES
City Hall, Room 110
February 16, 2016
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rev. Arnetta Dix, Chair
Ellie Pepper, Secretary
Damonni Farley, Public Communications Coordinator
David Chetram
Adriel Linyear
MEMBERS ABESENT: Kanema Haynes
OTHERS: Councilmember Marion Porterfield; Carl Falotico, City Corporation Council
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:15pm by Chair, Rev. Arnetta Dix
Approval of Minutes:
The January meeting minutes were reviewed. Motion to approve, Adriel Linyear, second by Damonni Farley.
Accepted by unanimous vote.
Old Business:
Vice Chair: David Chetram has decided to remain on the Board and accepted the Vice Chair nomination made by
Adriel Linyear at the January meeting. The nomination was seconded by Damonni Farley and accepted by
unanimous vote.
Board Vacancies: There are currently two vacant seats. A third seat will be open upon completion of the three
year term of Ellie Pepper. Ms. Pepper is not requesting reinstatement for another term. Councilmember
Porterfield will review applications previously submitted to determine continued interest. Rev. Dix received a
resume from an interested party that she will forward to the mayor for review and consideration. All current
board members should encourage city residents they think may be interested in becoming a board member to
submit their resume to the mayor.
Newly created position of Affirmative Action Officer: Councilmember Porterfield reported that there were 13
applicants for the position, three met the necessary qualifications will be interviewed this month. It is expected
that the position will be offered to the successful candidate with a start date by mid-March. It is anticipated that
the new hire would be able to attend the next AAAB meeting to be held on March 16th.
Public Hearing/Annual Report: Rev. Dix reached out to David Fronk to set up a meeting time with the mayor but
has not heard back regarding a date. She will reach back out to him to follow-up. It was decided that the
Annual Report could be presented to the public as part of the April Board meeting. Ellie Pepper will contact the
Phyllis Bornt Library Branch regarding meeting room availability during the month of April. This would also be a
time to introduce the newly hired Affirmative Action Officer to the public.
Committee reports: None

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New business:
Meeting with Mayor: When a meeting is finally scheduled to review the 2016 Annual Report, the board would
also like to discuss the following items with the mayor:
-Creation of an email account for Board communications
-Process for ensuring that the website is kept up to date regarding board membership and officers
Schenectady Library hiring practices: A city resident brought a concern about these hiring practices to Rev. Dix.
As the library is a county entity, this board has no jurisdiction and all complaints should be referred to Miriam
Cajuste, the Affirmative Action Officer for the county.
Addressing discrimination complaints: Until the Affirmative Action Advisory Officer is on staff, individuals can file
complaints related to city hiring and employment with the Human Resources Department. If this is not possible
or reasonable, the individual can submit their complaint with Miriam Cajuste, the Affirmative Action Officer for
the county who will continue to handle these issues until the new position is filled.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Girls Inc. and Proctors are working to get the rights to show Hidden Figures at the GE
Theater free of charge. Date remains TBD.
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting was adjourned at 7:05p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 16th @ 6:00pm.
Submitted by Ellie Pepper