City Council - Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee — Burlington, VT
Date: 2026-02-10
Time: 17:30

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

  Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. January 2026
 Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. Councilor Updates

6. Follow Up About Twincraft and Hiring

7. ICE Resolution

8. TCV Updates

9. Town Meeting Day Education Updates
10. Adjournment
  Subject 10.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 10. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 11.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

  Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. January 2026
 Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. Councilor Updates

6. Follow Up About Twincraft and Hiring

7. ICE Resolution

8. TCV Updates

9. Town Meeting Day Education Updates


 Page 1 of 6
10. Adjournment
  Subject 10.1. Motion to adjourn
  Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


  Category 10. Adjournment

  Department Council and Board


  Type

  Recommended Action

11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Subject 11.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
  Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
  Category 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
  Department Council and Board


  Type




 Page 2 of 6
 Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E. Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt the Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. December 2025
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. TCV Updates

6. Town Meeting Day Education Updates

7. REIB/HR Collaboration

8. Adjournment
 Subject 8.1. Motion to adjourn




 Page 3 of 6
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 8. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Subject 9.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
 Meeting January 21, 2026 - REIB City Council Committee Meeting - Wednesday, January 21,
 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 9. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Department Council and Board


 Type




Minutes taken by Vicky Luciano



Attendees

Christian Berry, Communications and Community Engagement Manager REIB (in person)

Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager REIB (in person)

Vicky Luciano, Administrative and Financial Coordinator REIB (in person)

Alicia Van Dyk (in person)

Jules Wetchi (in person)

Councilor Melo Grant (in person)

Councilor Becca Brown McKnight (virtual)

Councilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh (virtual)

Mona Tolba (virtual)

Maryan Maalin (virtual)



 Page 4 of 6
Michelle Bookless (virtual)

Mary Gannon (virtual)

Emma Wall (virtual)

Lizzy Clements (virtual)



 1. Call to Order
 a. Meeting called to order at 5:34 pm.
 2. Adopt the Agenda
 a. Councilor Singh moved to adopt the agenda. Councilor McKnight seconded. Motion passed
 unanimously.
 3. Adopt Minutes
 a. Councilor McKnight moved to adopt the minutes. Councilor Singh seconded. Motion passed
 unanimously.
 4. Public Forum
 a. Michelle Bookless shared a statement about how crucial the REIB is for the community and City
 governance. Bookless expressed concern for what would happen if the office is not chartered and added
 the work the REIB has done has been undermined consistently. Refer to the video.
 i. Councilor Grant thanked Michelle Bookless for her comments and expressed her concerns for
 the upcoming Town Meeting Day vote. Councilor Grant talked about the response people have
 had in regard to the office and the City’s budgetary issues. Refer to the video.
 1. Michelle Bookless said the REIB has been undermined and cut repeatedly and could do
 more if allowed. Refer to the video.
 a. Councilor Grant agreed it has been difficult. Refer to the video.
 b. Emma Wall gave a shout out to the community members that are living in fear with ICE and expressed
 that they are on her mind. She expressed the same concerns as Michelle and echoed her comments.
 Refer to the video.
 c. Councilor McKnight echoed what Michelle Bookless and Emma Wall said. She said this work applies to
 everyone and encouraged those who believe the Charter change is irrelevant to them to rethink that.
 Refer to the video.
 d. Lizzy Clements voiced her support for having the REIB in the Charter and expressed gratitude for those
 that spoke. She shared some reasons why the office important. Refer to the video.
 e. Marry Gannon expressed disappointment in the position the City has taken in regards to racial equity,
 inclusion, and belonging. Refer to the video.
 5. TCV Updates
 a. Mona Tolba introduced herself as one of the Trusted Community Voices (TCVs). She updated everyone
 on what is going on in the community. She said people in the community feel helps and scared because
 they keep hearing about people being snatched by ICE. She talked about the process that people need
 to go through when they are taken by ICE and expressed how unjust it is and how the community in VT
 is not talking about it or helping. Refer to the video.
 i. Councilor McKnight acknowledged and Mona’s comment, thanked Mona for sharing, and
 assured her that the City Councilors are talking about this issue. Councilor McKnight apologized
 that the community is going through this.
 ii. Councilor Singh expressed appreciation for Mona sharing this. He spoke about the school
 district’s policies and assured Mona this topic is at top of mind for City Councilors.
 iii. Christian Berry said these fears are coming up in every community that the TCVs represent. She
 expressed how important it is for the administration, City Council, or the City to share


 Page 5 of 6
 information with the community on initiatives or work that is being done behind the scenes so
 people know work is being done. Refer to the video.
 iv. Councilor Grant expressed appreciation for Mona’s bravery in sharing. She shared her concerns
 about the turn the Country is taking. Refer to the video.
 b. Jules Wetchi shared people in the community are stressed and suggested organizing trainings on how to
 manage stress and manage mental health issues that may arise. Jules Wetchi said communities were
 also asking when elections for the Mayor would be. He thanked Christian Berry for the support she has
 given the TCVs.
 i. Councilor Grant updated everyone of when elections for the Mayor and Councilors would be.
 Refer to the video.
 c. Maryan Maalin echoed what everyone had already said and added people are worried about getting
 arrested by ICE and don’t know what to do.
 d. Alicia Van Dyk shared about housing issues that are going around in the community. She said when new
 refugees come to Vermont they have no support, no food stamps, and no housing. She shared a story
 about a community member who was struggling with heat at their house and how the City helped. She
 urged everyone to check on people.
 i. Councilor Grant mentioned she wanted to talk to Alicia Van Dyk. Councilor Grant shared some
 beliefs on how to help the community. Refer to the video.
 e. Christian Berry talked about a few things the TCVs talked about in their last meeting. There is a new
 Congolese community president that was elected (Emmanuel) Some TCVs were talking about businesses
 refusing to hire or retain people with green cards because the employer doesn’t want to risk having ICE
 raid their place of business.
 i. Councilor Singh said it is important to have details about the interactions people are having with
 ICE off the record or anonymous to be able to better help people and spread information.
 f. Mona Tolba added people should be good to their neighbors and suggested leaders put out a call to the
 community to be nice to each other.
 i. Christian Berry said she believes this is a tangible goal but everyone will need to be involved.
 g. Mary Gannon asked what Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak’s messaging was on what people are facing in terms
 of ICE. She encouraged people to reach out to the NAACP branches.
 i. Councilor Grant said we should have statewide presence for NAACP. Asked for Mary to send an
 email to talk about this. Refer to the video.
 h. Councilor Grant ensured everyone that their concerns are being heard. Grant expressed the importance
 of having the TCVs at the meetings to touch base. Refer to the video.
 i. Christian Berry reminded the Councilors that the REIB meets with the TCVs monthly and those who can’t
 attend come to the REIB City Council Committee meeting.
 i. Councilor Grant asked to be added to the meeting alerts. Councilor Grant will reach out to
 Mayor Mulvaney-Stanak for the BIPOC Stakeholders.
6. Town Meeting Day Education Updates
 a. Grant expressed the importance of TCVs going to the NPA meetings.
7. REIB/HR Collaboration
 a. Councilor Grant pushed agenda item REIB/HR Collaboration to the next meeting and said HR Director
 Lynn Reagan and Director Perkins should be there.
8. Adjournment
 a. Councilor Grant reminded everyone the next REIB City Council Subcommittee meeting will be on
 February 10th.
 b. Councilor Singh thanked everyone who spoke and expressed appreciation for everything that was said.
 c. Councilor Grant adjourned the meeting at 7:13 pm




 Page 6 of 6

Racial, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

  Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)

Held in the O.N.E Community Center, Third Floor
OR
via Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/96324562039
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039

Or Use Phone number: 305-224-1968
Meeting ID: 963 2456 2039




1. Call to Order

2. Adopt Agenda

3. Adopt Minutes
 Subject 3.1. January 2026
 Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 3. Adopt Minutes
 Department Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB)


 Type

4. Public Forum

5. Councilor Updates

6. Follow Up About Twincraft and Hiring

7. ICE Resolution

8. TCV Updates

9. Town Meeting Day Education Updates
10. Adjournment
 Subject 10.1. Motion to adjourn
 Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)


 Category 10. Adjournment

 Department Council and Board


 Type

 Recommended Action

11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Subject 11.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more
 information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records
 Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities
 who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged
 to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in
 advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air
 on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and
 repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will
 not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or
 religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age,
 sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status,
 disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information.
 Meeting February 10, 2026 - REIB CC Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, February 10, 2026,
 5:30 PM, Racial, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (REIB)
 Category 11. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements
 Department Council and Board


 Type




Minutes taken by Vicky Luciano

Attendees:

Kelli Perkins, Director (in person)

Christian Berry, Communications and Community Engagement Manager REIB (in person)

Katie Greene, Community and Belonging Program Manager (in person)

Councilor Melo Grant (in person)

Fabiola Myomna (in person)

Jaime Contois (in person)

Coucilor Ranjit “Buddy” Singh (Virtual)

Mona Tolba (virtual)

Jess Hyman (virtual)
Maryan Maalin (virtual)

Cristine Hughes (virtual)

Tiffanie Katsuva (virtual)

Loan Nguyen (virtual)

Ferene Paris (virtual)

Hemant Ghising (virtual)

Amer Ahmed (virtual)

Monica Allard (virtual)



 • Call To Order
 o Meeting was called to order at 5:38 pm.
 • Adopt Agenda
 o Councilor Singh moved to adopt the agenda. Councilor Grant seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
 • Adopt Minutes
 o Councilor Singh moved to adopt the minutes. Councilor Grant seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
 • Public Forum
 o No one had a comment for Public Forum
 • Councilor Updates
 o Councilor Grant informed everyone of Director Perkins’s idea to make one of the REIB City Council
 Subcommittee meetings a BIPOC Stakeholders meeting to maximize the number of people who can
 participate and ensure the REIB is involved.
 o Director Perkins added the meeting will be off site and it will still be the Mayor’s meeting and she is
 supportive of this idea and will be present. The next meeting is scheduled for March 17th.
 ▪ The people who have been on the BIPOC Stakeholders meeting will receive an updated meeting
 invite.
 o Councilor Singh updated everyone on his discussion with the school district. He said each school has
 been encouraged to create their own parent phone tree, so kids can be picked up from school and taken
 home without using public transportation. Phone tree participants are chosen on a peer-to-peer basis.
 • Follow up about Twincraft and Hiring
 o Christian Berry informed everyone that the information that was shared in the last meeting about
 Twincraft was incorrect. The information that was shared with her was a misunderstanding and
 misinformation. Christian and Michelle will work together to make it clear for everyone in the
 community.
 • ICE Resolution
 o Jaime Contois volunteered to be a person to support community safety in preparation of an escalation
 of ICE.
 ▪ Councilor Singh offered to speak with Jaime after the meeting
 o Director Perkins shared Katie Greene is working with AALV and other community organizations to
 support the immigrant, refugee, elderly and other communities who may need help getting to vote.
 Information will be coming out soon probably within the next week or so.
 o Councilor Grant shared City Council has received a draft of a resolution to be presented by the
 Burlington City Council to be clear about how the residents of Burlington will be supported. She asked
 people to look at the resolution and give feedback to have a finalized version by Tuesday’s City Council
 meeting and went line by line through the resolution.
 o Jamie Contois asked if there was any legal jurisdiction Burlington has in protecting residents from
 masked people taking them. Councilor Grant said what BPD officers do and don not wear is defined in a
 strict way due to protocol. If the criteria aren’t met it, is not BPD.
 o Monica Allard added the ACLU of VT has been in communication with some other affiliates who have
 been working with their local cities and towns in other states like Minnesota to develop some policies
 that could be helpful in responding and offered to put the City of Burlington in contact with them.
 o Jaime Contois asked what the State of Vermont might be doing with regards to people having to be
 clearly identifiable, before being allowed to take people in Vermont and if the ACLU is working with
 anyone on the state level.
 ▪ Monica Allard said there is a bill in the State House around masking and it is currently moving
 through the state legislature along with a number of other immigration-related bills (H742 and
 H745).
 o Jamie Contois asked for a clear way on how to talk to audiences who believe in the mission of ICE but
 don’t want them doing bad things. Monica Allard suggested connecting with their action team and
 visiting their website.
• TCV Update
 o Maryan Maalin updated everyone on a Somali man who was detained by ICE. The man was released but
 they took his documentation. He is working with a lawyer to find some options.
• Town Meeting Day Education Updates
 o Councilor Grant informed everyone there have been some great turnouts at some of the NPAs and they
 are almost done.
 o Director Perkins told everyone what has been happening leading up to Town Meeting Day and the plan
 for the future. Katie Greene told everyone the Vermont Language Justice Project has finished translating
 videos for education for Town meeting. She directed everyone to the newsletter, social media, and the
 elections website for education on the charter change.
• Adjournment
 o Councilor Singh motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Grant seconded. Motion passed
 unanimously. The meeting ended at 6:44 pm.