Human Rights Commission

Feb 12 2021 11:47 am CITY OF FITCHBURG PUBLIC MEETING HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Date: March 10, 2020 Time: 5:30pm Location: Fitchburg Public Library Community Ethnic Conference Room In attendance were: Commissioners: Barbara Nealon, David Roth, Cheryl Maguy-Stewart, Adrian Ford, Hafsa Asfa, Jamie Darcangelo, and Maryam Ashraf Guest[s]: Maritza Knight PhD {seeking nomination to the HRC} Meeting call to order at 5:30pm  Welcoming and Introductions conducted  Review of previous meeting minutes for February 11, 2020 -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-Maritza noted she is interested in serving as a member of the HRC and was invited to attend the meeting first by Barbara Nealon New Business  Performance Improvement Policy with AA Plan & EOE specific measurements No report or follow up provided and with the absence again from S.Davis as liaison to the Mayor’s office, Barbara will follow up directly with the Mayor .  Attendance of membership Barbara reported sending out email out to Adam Stone Wed 2/12/20 with no response back as of this date. Maritza Knight agreed to forward her resume to Barbara to submit to the Mayor’s office for consideration for appointment. The commissioners unanimously voted to implement a limit for unexcused absences [3] meetings. At the 2nd absence the mayor’s office will be notified. Old Business  Maryam Ashraf was officially presented to the City Council and took the oath as our 2nd Associate {Youth} member.  Cannabis and social equity initiatives Mr. Ford proposed to create an improved program to help those whose lives were affected by cannabis and requests aid from committee members in doing so a vote to support was taken and - unanimously approved by committee members  Stand against racism event (11:30 to 1:30) The HCR will be hosting a table during this event and Martiza has signed up to volunteer  Matters regarding the effects the recent COVID-19 virus may have on the HCR meetings was discussed along with the precautionary measures that should be taken to prevent the virus from spreading.   Mr. Roth discussed the possibility of acquiring interpreter phones to help communicate clearly with voters since people have been unable to find interpreters for them for voting. He will follow up with the City Clerk as well.  Ms. Maguy-Stweart requests the HCR to hold a monthly children's event in the library around noon in May. The circulation of a peace pole through schools was also discussed and Ms. Nealon agreed to reach out to Monty Tech to acquire them.  There will be a school committee meeting on April 16th in which parts of the 7 year Student Opportunity Act will be discussed-informational  Municipal Action Guide - bring back ideas in regard to how to improve the racial conditions in one of DPW, Police Department, or Fire Department-was distributed in advance of our meeting for membership to review. Informational  Discussion as to other community representatives to be invited to update the commission on various projects such as Community Development, Abolitionist Park, Access & Voting /Clerk’s Office etc..Barbara will follow up on scheduling people as presenters moving forward. Meeting adjourned at 6:46 pm Meeting minutes submitted by, Maryam Ashraf & Barbara Nealon