Minutes for October 17, 2021

7:00 pm – Zoom Conference

 

Meeting Attendees

Members: Mike Hugo, Robert Case, Beverly Hugo, Barbara LeDuc, Parwez Wahid, Larry Stoodt, Cesar Stewart-Morales, Adam Steiner, Mel Warshaw, Norma Shulman, Chris Lorant, Rosamond Hooper-Hamersley, Kurt Fusaris, Margareth Shepard, Kathie McCarthy, Tracey Bryant, Jack Patrick Lewis, Christopher Broyles, Jim Stockless, Cindy Rubin, Jeanne Bullock, Mary Kate Feeney, Jim Hansen, Cheryl Tully Stoll

 

Associate Members: Cheryl Gordon, Mayor Dr. Yvonne Spicer, Isabella Petroni, Priscilla Sousa, Audrey Hall

 

Guests: William LaBarge, Erica Mash, David Mash, Susan Petroni, Diane Markowitz, Melvin Markowitz, Gail Verway, J. Anthony Lloyd, Sharon Stout, Angela Pitter, Christine McLennan, Richard Gill, Anette Grams, Tim MacDonald, Tiffanie Maskell, Joyce Finley-Stamps, Nadia Ulman, Danielle Gregoire, Charlie Sisitsky, Dan Zackin, Leora Mallach, James Thrasher

 

Welcome, Announcements, and Updates – Chair Mike Hugo

  • The chair reviewed the agenda and called the meeting to order at 7:02pm.

Treasurer’s Report – Larry Stoodt 

  • Request Authorization to spend $93.48 for the FDC webpage.
    • Motion to approve the authorization made by Rosamond Hooper-Hamersley; seconded by Mary Kate Feeney.
      • Motion Approved unanimously
    • We added $0.17 in interest and that leaves us with an ending balance of $4,088.98
    • Motion to accept the report by Norma Shulman; seconded by Mary Kate Feeney.
      • Motion approved unanimously.

Secretary’s Report – Minutes of July 18, 2021, Business Meeting – Robert Case, Secretary

  • Motion to accept the minutes by Rosamond Hooper-Hamersley; seconded by Cesar Stewart-Morales.
    • There was no discussion; motion approved unanimously.

Reports from City Council, School Committee and Mayor

  • City Council
    • Adam Steiner
      • Council meeting this coming Tuesday with several important items.
      • Discussion of redistricting and the challenges that surround the process.
      • Off season Capital requests.
      • Looking at outdoor dining regulations.
    • School Committee
      • Adam Freudberg –
        • The new Fuller Middle School had a wonderful ribbon cutting.
        • Continue to focus meetings on COVID 19 impacts.
        • Continue to discuss the social emotional needs of students.
        • Reviewing the new conduct of character and how that is being rolled out across the district.
        • Sent our capital plans for next year to the Mayor.
        • Continue to review multiple audits such as Financial, Title IX, and Equity Audit.
        • Will be inviting new SC members that are elected will be invited to November and December meeting to prepare for their transition.
      • Mayor Dr. Yvonne Spicer
        • Will be passing a joint proclamation with Mayor’s Office, City Council, and School Committee for a Week of Kindness Oct 20th – 27th in honor of Devin Suau.
        • Major shout out to the SIFOC as we continue the discussion for ARPA funds that we are receiving.
        • The 2020 Annual Report is up on the city’s website, and everyone is encouraged to review the report.

Report from our House Delegation, – Rep. Jack P. Lewis, Rep. Maria Robinson, Rep. Carmine Gentile, Sen. Pres. Karen Spilka  

  • Jack Patrick Lewis –
    • The draft state redistricting maps came out, final maps should come on Tuesday, and the House will vote on Thursday.
    • Due to the delay in receiving the census data, the State had to move in parallel or ahead of municipalities in setting new districts.
    • Framingham has finally reached the threshold to host a Minority-Majority District. Any district that can have a Minority-Majority District in the state will be hosting one.
    • Framingham will go from 3 to 4 State Reps.
    • Danielle Gregoire has been in the legislature for many years. She has great seniority and is excited to be representing Framingham. Danielle has been a long-time member of our MetroWest delegation and will be an active rep for Framingham.
    • ARPA funds have been received by the Legislature and if you have ideas, please let Jack know your suggestions on how to spend the funds.
    • Danielle Gregoire will also be the House lead on collecting data and coordinating with the US Senate on the infrastructure bill on which they are working.

Introductions of Democratic City Council Candidates

  • Each Democratic candidate present responded to a unique question put to that candidate as part of their introduction.
  • A time limit of 2 minutes per candidate was permitted.
  • Candidates present included: Cesar Stewart-Morales, Mary Kate Feeney, Adam Steiner, Cheryl Gordon, Tracey Bryant

Introductions and Q & A for the Mayoral Candidates by the FDC Chair

  • Each Democratic Mayoral candidate present was permitted a two-minute introduction and responded to the same question as their opponent.
  • A time limit of 3 minutes per candidate was permitted.
  • Candidates present included: Mayor Dr. Yvonne Spicer and Charlie Sisitsky

New Business, member announcements, general announcements for the good of the order

  • The chair reminded members of our requirement to work on Democratic campaigns and encouraged members to reach out to the Democratic municipal candidates.
  • Canvassing/phone banking opportunity announcements were made by the candidates.

Adjourn

  • Motion to adjourn by Kathie McCarthy; seconded by Mel Warshaw.
    • Motion approved unanimously.
  • The meeting adjourned at 8:43pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted.
Robert Case
FDC, Secretary

 

Special Note: If you or a loved one are experiencing any issues that we can help with during this extraordinary time please contact the Chair or any Officer and we will do all we can to get services or meet any needs that we can for that person. Our Committee has many well-placed members who are always happy to answer the call to action, and we would be honored to render discreet aid to anyone in need, to the best of our abilities.

Next FDC Meeting Date: November 21, 2021 at 7:00 PM