Human Rights Commission

Feb 12 2021 11:51 am CITY OF FITCHBURG PUBLIC MEETING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Date: 11.12.19 Time: 5:30pm Location: Fitchburg Public Library Community Ethnic Conference Room In attendance were: Commissioner’s B.Nealon, A.Ford, A.Maldonado, D.Roth, Hafsa Asfa, Mike Lee and Alhana Waqar guests included: Lisa Claursen and Taylor Landry from the United Caprenter’s Union and Councilor at Large Samantha Squallia Meeting call to order at 5:30pm  Welcoming and Introductions –Welcome newly appointed members Hafa Asfa, Mike Lee and Alhana Waqar.  Review of previous meeting minutes10/8/19-Approved as written.  Public Comment Period-Opportunity for the public to speak during a Commission Meeting Chairperson or designee will ask if anyone in the audience wishes to speak on any matter appearing on the agenda. If you wish to address the commission, raise your hand, when recognized, you must stand state your name and address and the reason for your speaking.  Presentation: Mass Carpenter’s Union Diversity in Construction Lisa Clauson Strategic Partnerships New England Carpenters Labor Management Program. Two handouts were provided on Diversity in Contrucation and Fighting Racial & Gender Disparities in Construction. Question & Answer Period followed. Noted was that Boston and Springfield have added Diversity statements in their bids for proposals within their Procurement Office. Worcester has adopted goals & expectations for addressing this area. Recommendation was made for the City’s Procurement Officer look into this further as it aligns with the City’s Affirmative Action Plan.  Old Business o Affirmative Action Plan Update-pending o Nominations Update- all positions for Commissioners filled 9 seats. First time since we expanded membership that we are now full. We have 1 Associate/Youth membership seat filled now with Alhana and in need of one more Youth representative. Commissioners and guests were invited to encourage other Fitchburg Youth including High School and College aged students to apply. o Follow Up to request specific too allow Muslim ‘s to go to prayer on Fridays in schools Hafsa sent a letter earlier today to the Chair, who sent off to the Superintendent of Schools Robert Jokela re: request. o Review of Purpose and Tasks of the Human Rights Commission were distributed to membership from our City website. Barbara noted she would forward this on to the Mayor’s office to update the listing to include all new members.  o Other items: Adrian invited participants to attend Three Pyramids Inc’s Annual Board Meeting on December 3, 2019 at Heywood Hospital in the Board Room. As they begin their 50 th year in service. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:30pm. Meeting minutes submitted by, Barbara Nealon