Human Rights Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Jan 13 2023 8:47 am Public Meeting Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Fitchburg, Ma 01420 Date: 11.16.2022 Time: 5:30pm Location: City Hall 3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Street, Fitchburg, Ma 01420 In attendance were: Commissioners: H.Asfa, J.Darcangelo, B.Nealon, D.Roth, S.Sandrelli, M.Knight, M.Pridgen Excused Absences: M. Ashraf, C.Maguy-Stewart, K.Ford-Rhodes Guests: Jacquelyn Wehtje, Resident; S Rodriguez and S DesJesus  Call meeting to order at 5:01pm  Welcoming and Introductions {attendance}roll call.  Review of previous meeting 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. Residents shared an experience they had within the City at a community function in a church that resulted in them feeling uncomfortable and concerned enough to bring their concerns to the commission such as: discriminatory treatment experienced by both and towards the disabled participants. Participants were told they could not eat until a survey was completed. The reason for their attendance was to provide a table for an agency and was informed a table would not be available. They offered to help out with the set up and provided no direction; was under the impression this was a meal for those in need; the disabled were situated in the back of the room and were fed last and limited resources; Two Caucasian teens followed Latina teen to the bathroom banging on the door and felt she was in an unsafe environment.” Based on this information, the Commissioner’s agreed to follow up with the Church involved and Agency leading the event and inform Commission of their findings.  New Business- o Voter Access LEP {Limited English Proficient}oral and written access for voting. One commissioner is a Warden for the Polls and noted there are many items already in place to meet the needs of the visually impaired, Spanish Voting forms; but opportunity to expand access to other languages is needed. Commissioner Roth who functions as a Warden agreed to follow up with the City Clerk directly and ask if she could provide a plan to us for how she plans to move forward on providing LEP access to all of our residents in need of those services at the Voting Polls.   Old Business- o Follow up on constituent’s request from last month. Resident Jacquelyn Wehtje was provided the response submitted to the HRC from the Chair of the Historical Commission . Chair of the HRC read the report in follow up to her concerns noted in her statement submitted in October. Clear expectations as to the qualifications of the membership noted. An they continue to work on the areas of concern as a commission before submitting it to the City Council. HRC Chair informed Ms.Wehtje and Commissioners that there was a Historical Commission tomorrow at 3pm if anyone is able to attend that committee they are more than welcome. Commissioner Asfa agreed to attend. HRC Chair asked Ms Wehtje if she was satisfied with the follow up conducted and she stated “yes’. o Other items-future meeting topics , outreach & educational efforts etc Participation in Community Resource Fair participation 10/20 4pm-7pm Senior Center Went well. Commissioner’s noted need to enhanced table display and would think of ways to do so to draw people to the table. Hafsa and David agreed to work on this. Outreach with City Councilors in their Wards-David Roth reported he attended Ward 1 meeting. Stand Against Racism event planning for April 2023  Adjournment at 6:45pm Adjournment: 6:15pm Meeting minutes submitted by Barbara Nealon