← Boards & Commissions Committee · 2026-05-21 · Boards & Commissions Committee Meeting 5.21
Appointment of Francisco Morales, 12 Patricks' Place, to the Human Rights Commission, for a three-year term, said term to expire February 2029.
Agenda original PDF
Minutes original PDF
C. (ID # 2026-1235): Appointment of Francisco Morales, 12 Patricks' Place, to the Human Rights Commission, for a three-year term, said term to expire February 2029. Motion to Recommend made by Councilor Finocchiaro Seconded by Councilor Park All were in favor and motion passed RESULTS: PASSED [UNANIMOUS] TO: City Council AYES: Cal Finocchiaro, Elizabeth Kowal, Christopher Park, Kim Vandiver, Bradley Freeman NAYS: None ABSENT: Ryan Williams Mayor Jen commented that Francisco Morales volunteered on his own, and she is thrilled that someone like this with his caliber of lived and professional experience resides in our community and wants to help make it better. Francisco stated that it's rare for there to be a commission of citizens of a community that partake in this kind of work, and it's part of his life mission to contribute. V. ADJOURNMENT 3 The City of Melrose does not discriminate based on disability and is committed to hosting accessible meetings and events. Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Melrose or to attend meetings, should contactthe City’s ADA Coordinator, Polina Latta platta@cityofmelrose.org. Motion to Adjourn made by Councilor Finocchiaro at 7:01 PM Seconded by President Freeman All were in favor and meeting was adjourned 4 Dear Council Members, I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Board of the Melrose Housing Authority. I am committed to supporting safe, affordable, and accessible housing within our community, and I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the Authority’s mission. I am particularly interested in helping strengthen policies and programs that promote housing stability, responsible stewardship of public resources, and equitable service to residents. Through my professional experience in and out of government, I have developed strong skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and thoughtful decision-making. I understand the importance of balancing strategic planning with the day-to-day needs of the individuals and families the Housing Authority serves. Having been born and raised in this great
Transcript
▶ 11:53 Kimberly Vandiver: And so we have the motion on the floor. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? So that also passes, and we'll go back with a recommendation for passage to the full council. Thank you so much for your willingness to serve and for coming before us tonight.
▶ 12:10 Speaker 6: Great. Thank you. Thanks, Mayor.
▶ 12:13 Kimberly Vandiver: The last item on our agenda is ID number 2026-1235, the appointment of Francisco Morales, 12 Patrick's Place, to the Human Rights Commission for a three-year term, said term to expire February 2029.
▶ 12:26 Jen Grigoraitis: And welcome back, Madam Mayor and Mr. Morales. Thank you, Madam Chair. There's a lot of really wonderful things about my role as the mayor, but definitely at the top of the list is getting to meet incredible new residents. And so I would put Mr. Morales in that category. Some people get voluntold to be on boards and commissions. He legitimately volunteered. And when his statement of interest and resume came across my desk, I was just so thrilled that someone like this, with his caliber of lived and professional experience, lives in our community and wants to help make it better. So I'm thrilled for his willingness to serve on the commission. That commission, which I know Counselor Kowal had the opportunity to serve on, is really at the nexus of diversity, equity, inclusion, and policy and regulation, since it's about ensuring that we're upholding civil rights within the city. So I think he's going to bring incredible experience and perspective to it, and I'm just really honored that he's willing to serve in this capacity.
▶ 13:20 Kimberly Vandiver: Thank you. Any opening comments?
▶ 13:22 Speaker 4: Thank you very much, Mayor, and it's very nice to meet you, Madam Chairman and fellow counselors. When I was looking to get involved with the Melrose community, I've lived here now for almost four years, and we're planning to be here long term, I was really excited that this commission was an opportunity. I think it's rare for there to be a commission of citizens of a community that partake in this kind of work, really important work, and I think it's been part of my life's mission and I hope to continue that type of work in the future. So I'm really excited and hopeful that I can contribute to this opportunity. So I appreciate the time.
▶ 14:03 Kimberly Vandiver: Wonderful. Thank you so much. Any questions from the other counselors?
▶ 14:11 Kimberly Vandiver: Counselor Finocchiaro?
▶ 14:13 Cal Finocchiaro: Thank you. I just want to say thank you for stepping up and volunteering your time and- Oh, sure ... looking forward to see what you do on the commission.
▶ 14:18 Speaker 4: Thank you.
▶ 14:21 Speaker 2: Counselor Park?
▶ 14:22 Speaker 3: I don't do this very often because I usually have a pointy question when I speak, but I think your CV is amazing, and we're lucky to have you on board or applying for this position.
▶ 14:37 Speaker 4: I really appreciate it, and I really hope I can contribute and hopefully work with some of you all along the way.
▶ 14:43 Speaker 3: Well, you set the bar pretty high for yourself, so I-
▶ 14:48 Kimberly Vandiver: What's the will of the committee?
▶ 14:50 Speaker 3: Motion to recommend. Second.
▶ 14:53 Kimberly Vandiver: Okay, motion to recommend, Counselor Finocchiaro, and second by Counselor Park. Anyone on discussion? All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? So that will also go back with a recommendation for passage to the full council. Thank you so much for your willingness to serve, and we're so fortunate to have such a great selection of talented people in Melrose that the mayor always seems to find and bring before us. So thank you so much. With that, I believe that's the final item on our agenda. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.