explaining that could be used for passive recreation, such as canoeing and
picnicking, etc.
ü To provide educational information regarding the invasive species.
ü Opportunity to bring the neighborhood together to ask questions.
Councilor Brunelle noted as an example that the Community Relations
Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion worked with Parks & Recreation to
host an Informal Conversation on November 7, 2024 that was held at the
Community Center in Gales Ferry to talk about Pickleball Courts, potential
locations, etc. She stated that they had a great turnout.
Councilor Parad questioned whether these Informal Conversations would be led
by the Town Council or whether a Community Group could initiate and lead the
Informal Conversation. Councilor Brunelle replied by stating either, explaining
that usually the Informal Conversations were organized/hosted by the Community
Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, however, she stated that
it could have ties to the Town Council; or it could be suggested by the community
as well.
Councilor Parad questioned whether the Community Relations Committee for
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has put this out to the community to see if someone
with a special skill or talent would like to share it with the community. Councilor
Brunelle stated the Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity &
Inclusion has not explored that. Councilor Parad questioned whether anyone had
any thoughts on that.
Councilor Barnes explained that the Community Relations Committee for
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion operated a little differently than the other Town
Council Sub Committees explaining that Earl (Ty) Lamb attended the
Community Relations Committee for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion’s May 21,
2025 meeting and talked about bringing awareness; and to possibly do some
events for individuals with some form of disabilities. He stated that Councilor
Brunelle kept a calendar of year, explaining that they have tried to have a theme
each month, noting that they have a full calendar. He stated with regard to the
Informal Conversations in the Park that they have tried to coordinate those with
specific events such as the Pride Event that was held in June. However, he stated
that if there was anyone in the community that had a specific interest that they
wanted to sponsor, that he thought that the Community Relations Committee for
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion would welcome that.
Councilor Brunelle stated that the Community Relations Committee for
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has hosted Booths at the Farmers Market to share
information such as how to sign up to receive notices from the town, composting,
and mental health providers. She stated this year because of the longer budget
process the Committee was not able to host as many Booths at the Farmers
Market this year. She stated that they try to tie the subject matter to what was
going on in town.
Councilor Parad questioned how far out these events were planned. Councilor
Brunelle stated that the schedule was fluid, noting that there were some standing
initiatives such as: Black History Month, Woman’s History Month, Pride Month.
She stated the other initiatives were based on what the town or others wanted to
explore.
Councilor Parad stated that it appears that that there was room to pull other