Human Rights Commission

CITY OF FITCHBURG PUBLIC MEETING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Date: 12.10.19 Time: 5:30pm Location: Fitchburg Public Library Community Ethnic Conference Room In attendance were: Commissioner’s Jamie Darcangelo, B.Nealon, A.Ford, D.Roth, Hafsa Asfa, Mike Lee, Cheryl Maguy-Stewart, Meeting call to order at 5:30pm • Welcoming and Introductions conducted • Review of previous meeting minutes November 12, 2019-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. -none • Old Business o Affirmative Action Plan Update-no report o Nominations Update- all positions for Commissioners filled 9 seats. Still in need of one more Youth representative for the Associate position[s] to be filled. Commissioners and guests were invited to encourage other Fitchburg Youth including High School and College aged students to apply-ideally, looking for a Hispanic/Latino Youth to help round our Ethnic/Diversity representation within the commission. o Election of Chairperson needs to be completed annually and will do so next month. City of Fitchburg, MA / The Code / Part I, Administrative Legislation / Administration Article XXVIIIHuman Rights Commission [Adopted 9-3-1974 by Ord. No. 280-74] https://ecode360.com/10429846 § 3-238Appointment of Chair. [Amended 6-3-2014 by Ord. No. 100-2014] o Follow Up to request specific too allow Muslim ‘s to go to prayer on Fridays in schools Hafsa reported the Superintendent Jokela facilitated a meeting with school officials and herself. The School Department is working on establishing this time for student participation in prayer, Commissioners noted job well done Superintendent Jokela and his staff. o Meeting Minutes and Agendas & City Website Update Website membership and meeting schedule, agenda’s and meeting minutes updated  o Other items: Adrian invited participants to attend Three Pyramids Inc’s Annual Board Meeting on December 16th, 2019 at Heywood Hospital in the Board Room. As they begin their 50th year in service. Membership questioned status of Cannabis Industry and the Social Equity Programming within the City 19 businesses established and recommended an update from the City and/or Cannabis Commission. To be followed up on. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 6:30pm. Meeting minutes submitted by, Barbara Nealon