Meeting Minutes
Meeting of Human Rights and Fair Housing Commission,
Malden City Hall/Virtual Meeting
Malden, MA. 02148
May 13, 2026
Committee Members in Attendance/Absent
- √ Paul Weston — Chairperson, Local Nat'l Assoc Realtor Rep.
- √ Elaine Shwartz — Elder Services Rep.
- Steve Finn — Malden Housing Authority Rep.
- √ Dawn Macklin — Resident Member
- Cindy Cohen — Resident Member
- √ Madelein McCormick — Resident Member
- √ Taylor Shutt — Vice Chair, Attorney Member
- √ Maria Luise — Ex-Officio, ADA Officer
- Chukwuka Ezewuzie — Ex-Officio, Chair of Disabilities Commission
Meeting started at 5:52 PM
Approval Of Previous Meeting Minutes: Paul led the group in reviewing and approving the minutes from the previous meeting, with Madelein and Dawn participating in the motion and vote, and Elaine confirming approval.
Review And Approval Process: Paul asked the group if there were any questions, concerns, or changes regarding the previous meeting's minutes, and upon receiving no objections, requested a motion to approve. Madelein initiated the motion, Dawn seconded, and the group voted in favor, confirming the minutes were approved.
Brochure Printing And Translation Plans: Paul, Maria, Dawn, Elaine, and Madelein discussed moving forward with printing the commission's brochure, including plans for translation into dominant languages and determining print quantities for upcoming events.
Printing Approval And Timeline: Paul confirmed with Maria that the group would proceed with printing the brochure, and Maria stated that as long as there were no corrections, she could have the English version ready within a few days.
Translation Into Dominant Languages: Dawn raised the question of translating the brochure, and Maria agreed to handle translations into the city's dominant languages, noting that this would take longer but the English version would be ready quickly.
Determining Print Quantities: Maria recalled that previous print runs were 200 or 250 brochures and explained that larger orders are more cost-effective. Elaine and Dawn discussed the number needed per event, estimating between 15 and 75, with Maria agreeing to look into ordering at least 250 and to consider quantity discounts.
Contingency Printing Options: Maria mentioned that if more brochures are needed urgently, they can use a colored printer for additional copies, though the paper quality would be lower, providing a backup option for event needs.
Planning For Juneteenth And Pride Events: Paul, Dawn, Elaine, Madelein, and Maria coordinated plans to staff tables at the upcoming Juneteenth and Pride events, discussed event dates, and confirmed participant availability.
Event Dates And Scheduling: Dawn clarified that Juneteenth is on June 19th, which falls on a Friday, and Pride is likely the last Saturday in June, with the group referencing previous years' schedules and Maria confirming she will share details once received.
Tabling Commitments: Dawn volunteered to table at both events and encouraged others to consider their availability. Elaine and Madelein confirmed they could staff at least one event, with Madelein open to both.
Event Logistics And Location: Paul and Maria discussed the event locations, noting that the Pride event is likely at a venue with shade trees, and Dawn recalled previous experiences with attendance and weather.
Fair Housing Plan Development: Paul and Maria discussed the need to develop a fair housing plan for the city, referencing examples from Somerville and Chelsea, and Maria agreed to consult with Alex Pratt for templates and city resources.
Review Of External Examples: Paul shared that Somerville's fair housing plan is simpler and available online, while Chelsea's is much more comprehensive, involving MAPC and covering both fair and affordable housing.
Preferred Format And Accessibility: Paul expressed a preference for a concise, downloadable PDF 'cheat sheet' for the city's website, rather than a lengthy document, to make the information more accessible.
City Collaboration and Next Steps: Maria agreed to reach out to Alex Pratt to see if there are existing templates or resources, possibly from HUD, that could be adapted for the city's fair housing plan and committed to updating the group on progress.
Follow-up tasks
- Brochure Printing and Translation: Order at least 250 English brochures and investigate translation into the city's dominant languages for upcoming events, factoring in potential quantity discounts. (Maria)
- Fair Housing Plan Development: Contact Alex Pratt to inquire about available templates or resources for the city's fair housing plan and report findings to the commission. (Maria)
- Event Tabling Availability: Confirm availability to table at Juneteenth and Pride events and communicate any updates as event details are received. (Madelein, Elaine, Maria)
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 PM