Human Rights Commission

FITCHBURG CITY CLERK Mar 01 2024 9:07 am Public Meeting Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Fitchburg, Ma 01420 1.22.24 City of Fitchburg’s Legislative Conference Building In attendance were: Commissioner’s H. Asfa, M.Ashraf, C.Maguy-Stewart, B. Nealon, M.Pridgen, D.Roth K.Ford-Rhodes, [called in] J.Rodriguez; excused: J.Darcangelo Absent: Commissioner[s]: M. Knight Guests: Myles Phillips-Wilcox, City of Fitchburg. Mayor’s Office , and Douglas Bushman Agenda • Meeting called to order at 5:30pm • Welcoming and Introductions were conducted. Chairperson introduced Myles Phillips-Wilcox as the Mayor’s Liaison with the Human Rights Commission. Effective next month, Myles will be completing the meeting minutes. • Review of previous meeting minutes for November were not presented-chair apologized for having the correct meeting minutes to tonight’s meeting. Will present next meeting along with tonight’s meeting minutes. • 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 • New Business- The Chairperson provided a community update from Susan Christiansen, City of Fitchburg’s Outreach & Prevention Coordinator -regarding opening a warming shelter and housed over 20 people last night. Myles introduced Douglas Bushman Esq and Executive Director of Fitchburg Housing Authority. He confirmed there has been a reopening of formerly known Elizabeth House 76 Mechanic Street as a warming center to assist our homeless population. -informational • Old Business- Membership update- Reminder 3 unexcused absences will result in removal from the Commission with that being said we have one vacancy – benefit of having a high school student  or another college student learning civic engagement would both benefit future leaders; having the student voice at the table often brings items we may not have considered. For example, Commissioner Ashraf joined us initially from Fitchburg High and now FSC. Other items-future meeting topics, outreach & educational efforts et. The Chairperson asked Myles to keep us informed of future City/Commission[s] events so we may participate as well. Next meeting scheduled for February 26th, 2024 at 5:30pm in the Legislative Conference Building Adjournment 6:00 pm Meeting minutes submitted by, Barbara Nealon