Medford Human Rights/Disability Commission(s)

October 24, 2012

Present: Henry Milorin, Charlotte Swartz, Diane McLeod, Marie Cassidy, Lois Bronnenkant, David Harris, and a little later on Steve Honeycutt and Chief Leo Sacco Excused: Barry Knamm Public Participation None September Minutes Motion to accept by Marie, seconded by Henry , all in favor New Business Update on Monthly Issues Diane said she is still trying to coordinate the regional LGBT forum with HUD and Mass Transgender Political Coalition. There have been conflicts with room and speaker availability The walking routes group continue to meet and design a pilot city route We continue to meet on the elder project and will be meeting at MVES next week. Diane called EMARC representative Chenine Peloquin to have her come tonight and forgot to add it to the agenda. She will come either to our next meeting or in January. Diane met with Doug Shoop who put a design together for Nappis to submit to the AAB Diane met with a resident to review the Farmers Market area and Riverside issue. Diane walked it with Paul Gere as well. DPW is working on it. (MobiMat) Diane spoke about a Sikh and Muslim presentation that was done at the MAHRC that will go national to law enforcement people. Diane will be working with the Chief, the DOJ and the Sikh volunteer to expand this training to others Diane has been talking with several individuals about accessible rider issues during the evening. After 4:00PM there is no way for people with wheelchairs and scooters to get out to the movies, restaurants, etc. She is speaking with Cambridge and SCM Diane is still attending the Fair Housing Caucus which is developing a Fair Housing Toolkit for the region

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NAACP Collaboration Atty Neil Osborne Neil gave an overview of the NAACP activities over the past year or so. Wine Tasting Event (Saturday, December 1, 2012) Voter Registration Legislative Forum Active Website Freedom Fund Annual Breakfast Mass. Incarceration Program Living Legend Award for Anna Ekpenyong Marie asked about any family issues that Neil is aware of that she could work on. She told him a little about the MFN and would be happy to come to the NAACP and collaborate with the families. We discussed a possible collaboration on an MLK event. It is the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. We all agreed we are too busy, but thought if we designed it loosely as a Pot Luck event around lunch time with minimal speaking and some form of local talent, that it may not be too burdensome for everyone. The NAACP meets the 4th Monday of each month at 7:30PM at the WMCC. All are welcome. Old Business Commission Feedback on website Charlotte mentioned her name is spelled wrong. We need a new picture and should be adding new pictures of our events to the site on a regular basis. Diane mentioned Allison, who does the city website. The group suggested inviting her to a meeting. Marie noted also that old term dates were there, and also suggested adding the cooking matters pictures which is part of the Health Disparities Project, and the Faces of Medford. Diane will talk to Allison. Variance Requests & Updates Tufts Sailing Pavillion Tufts is leasing DCR land but building a sailing pavilion. This is full access as they are over 30%. They are adding two floors and an elevator. We did not receive notice of this project until last night and have not heard from the Architect. There was discussion. The Commission wants to weigh in, but needs all details. It is important to know if the elevator is planned to go to all floors and that even though they state full access, we are sure that it is. The Chief made a motion to allow Diane to make a determination and follow up with

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the appropriate letter after meeting with the Architect, talking to Tom at the AAB and reviewing all plans, Henry seconded, all in favor. Correspondence or Announcements Steve mentioned that Barry had a problem with the accessible voting machine during the primary. Diane was aware of that because she met with Ed Finn and was told of this. The machine was properly set up and tested in the morning. It jammed, but it was the machine, not the set up. Next Meeting Date Diane mentioned that our next meeting date is on November 28th which is the Holiday Festival and the December meeting is the day after Christmas. She suggested Wednesday, December 5th as a compromise date for both months. All agreed. Meeting adjourned at 7:00PM