Human Rights Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Sep 26 2022 8:58 am Public Meeting Human Rights Commission DRAFT Meeting Minutes Fitchburg, Ma 01420 Date: 9/21/22 Time: 5:30pm Location: City Hall 3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Street, Fitchburg, Ma 01420 In attendance were: Commissioners: H.Asfa, J.Darcangelo, M.Knight, C.Maguy-Stewart, B.Nealon, D.Roth, S.Sandrelli Excused Absences: M. Ashraf, K. Ford-Rhodes Absent: M.Pridgen Guest: Jacquelyn Wehtje, Resident  Meeting called to order at 5:30pm  Welcoming and Introductions {attendance}  Review of previous meeting minutes May, June, {no meetings held in July & Aug} minutes accepted 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. Resident speaking on # Racial & Justice Initiatives-Specific to “We have an all-white Board of Health, the majority of whose members do not even live in Fitchburg, who have come into the City and issued mandates that go against community sentiment, including on public school students, three quarters of whom are people of color. This is wrong and I’ve asked the Mayor to fix it but he won’t, so I’m coming here to see if you can help by either lobbying the Mayor or the City Council.” {Jacquelyn submitted her full presentation to be attached to these minutes} Commissioners agreed to look into this matter further and would keep her abreast of our findings and report back on this matter next month.  New Business- o In person meetings effective 9/21/22 in the 3rd floor conference room Membership wished to thank the Clerk’s office for assisting us with scheduling the meeting at City Hall. o The Open Meeting Law Update was reviewed: Guidance Update – July 18, 2022 https://www.mass.gov/the-open-meeting-law https://www.mass.gov/service-details/updated-guidance-on-holding-meetings- pursuant-to-the-act-extending-certain-covid-19-measures Commissioners agreed unanimously they would prefer to keep the meetings in person even with the waiver for other options provided through March 2023 however, Commissioner option via Zoom or phone calls in to attend meetings if on vacation and still want to participate. Chair agreed to follow up with the City Clerk on process and report back to the Commission. Reinforcing in person meetings is our preference. o Membership and attendance Commitment to attend meetings is essential and when someone is unable to make a meeting advanced notice prior to the meeting is expected. We have used the 3 unexcused absence rule in the past and will bring those cases forward for removal in the future. Commissioners agreed unanimously to this process. Reappointments are needed for the following members: H.Asfa, M.Ashraf, J.Darcangelo, K.Ford-Rhodes, C.Maguy-Stewart all but K. Ford-Rhodes acknowledge wish for reappointment. Chair will follow up with Krista post meeting re: reappointment and will notify the Mayor’s Administrative Assistant. o Old Business- o Other items-future meeting topics , outreach & educational efforts etc. Commissioners discussed asking the City Council to invite us out to one of their Ward meetings to provide information on the Human Rights Commission within the City. Chair agreed to submit a request to the City Council. October 20th Community Resource Fair sponsored by the City 4pm-7pm-membership identified they’d like to attend and provide a booth. Chair will register the HRC for a table. Stand Against Racism event in April. Recommendation to provide a poster, essay contest with students of all ages. Adjournment: 6:15pm Meeting minutes submitted by Barbara Nealon