The Northampton Reparations Study Commission instructed its chairs to contact city human resources to post an administrative assistant position and opened several operational discussions on data consent, meeting law guidance and limited remaining funds.

At the meeting the commission debated how contact lists assembled for outreach should be handled after a prior incident in which a list was used without consent and a staff member (referred to as Sage) was terminated. Chair Felicia emphasized the need for formal opt‑in/opt‑out processes to prevent future misuse. "There were complaints... Sage had to... that was terminated because of that mishap," the chair said, citing prior complaints and urging new safeguards.

On staffing, commissioners discussed two paths: initiate a city posting for a permanent administrative assistant or hire a contractor for interim needs. Commissioner Marsha and others noted a contractor route may be faster for short tasks; one commissioner summarized operational options noting that, "as long as it's under $9,999, you don't have to get it approved" for smaller contracts.

The commission voted to move forward with the chairs contacting HR to have the administrative assistant job posted. Chair Felicia and co-chair Jasmine agreed to reach out and report back to the commission once the posting was live.

Budget and uses: The chair reported, "Currently, we have, $16,002.35 remaining in the budget." Commissioners asked whether that appropriation would be renewed and what expenditures (travel, scholarships, community events) would be permitted. Several members expressed concern about timelines for travel approvals; the December 3 Ryan/First Repair symposium in Evanston was raised but commissioners said short notice may make approvals impractical.

Legal guidance: Commissioners asked to bring in an attorney for an open meeting law refresher for the whole body once new members are seated to make sure everyone hears the same guidance. The commission agreed to schedule the attorney in the New Year to discuss open meeting rules and records responsibilities.

Ending: Chairs will contact HR to post the administrative assistant role, compile questions for the mayor's office and HR about budget renewals and spending constraints, and return to the commission with clarified guidance at the next meeting.