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Minutes 03-13-02MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2002, 7:00 P.M. Present Ron Washam, Chairman Beth Miller, Vice Chairperson Anne Centi Michele Costantino Joy Currier Blanche Girtman Eddie Mitchell Anna Marie Noe Brenda Williams Hansome Jones, Alternate (participated from audience) Pledge of Allegiance Chair Washman called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Ms. Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent reflection. II. Roll Call - Regular Members and Alternates Dan DeCarlo, Board Liaison Noe led the Pledge of Recognition of Visitors Minutes Approval - February 13, 2002 The minutes were duly approved in a unanimous vote. V. Agenda Approval Mr. DeCarlo asked that a PATCH Update be put on the agenda. Motion Ms. Girtman moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Ms. Williams, and unanimously carried. III. None IV. The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared that a quorum was present Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 13,2002 VI. Correspondence & Announcements Ms. Currier noted that they were doing an egg hunt for the children, About ten years ago, the Police Athletic League sponsored a "Pennies for PALS" program and they raised 120 pounds of pennies. Their penny supply is running Iow and they hope to replenish it so they will be able to add pennies to the children's baskets in lieu of candy. Ms. Currier offered to pick up any donations. Ms. Centi read a Thank You card from the Washington-based organization "No Child Left Behind" program directed at Dan DeCarlo and Joy Currier who had worked on getting the dictionaries and school supplies for the "No Child Left Behind" program. Ms. Costantino mentioned that she would be in the Muscular Dystrophy Association "LockUp" on April 4 at 11:00 a.m. at the Benvenuto Restaurant and would appreciate support from all interested parties. Chair Washam extended congratulations to everyone who worked to make the Love Happening at Wilson Park so successful. He praised the wonderful gospel music and said it had been a well,organized, uplifting experience and thought the Board should promote more events like it. Ms. Blanche Girtman expressed thanks to the members of the community and the Community Relations Board for their thoughts and prayers and for all the kindnesses shown to her and her family on the loss of her son, who was also a brother and a father. VII. Old Business 1. Youth in Government Day Mr. DeCarlo said he met with the new high school and they were looking forward to participating in this event and to helping expand it in the future. He met with the Social Studies teacher and gave assignments to the students who will be involved. Mr. DeCarlo announced that the event would be held at the Madsen Center this year and the Board was invited for lunch. Ms. Girtman asked Mr. DeCarlo if the children wanted to see the water plant this year. Mr. DeCarlo thought it was a good idea but wondered if there would be time in their busy schedule to fit it in. The mock Commission meeting has taken the place of the tours that were given in the past. While everyone thought the tours were a good idea, it did not seem that it could be included in their very busy day. Mr. DeCarlo noted that the participants tour the Police and Fire Departments at the start of the day. VIII. New Business 1) Board Dinner 2 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 13, 2002 Mr. DeCarlo verified that all Board members had received their invitations to the annual Board Dinner at Benvenuto Restaurant on April 3. 2) PATCH Update Mr. DeCarlo reported on a meeting he had with the Health Care District regarding the PATCH program in which the District decided, from a funding standpoint, not to continue to support the PATCH organizations as of September 30, 2002. This news was met with surprise and disappointment by the various PATCH organizations, some of which had been around for six to eight years. The support had been the staff efforts of Ray Adams, their liaison, the person responsible for creating and organizing the PATCH groups from inception. Mr. DeCarlo reported that the Health Care District had experienced a substantial shortfall in State revenue and were forced to take this position. The PATCH organizations have asked to be on the Health Care District's agenda in April in an effort to extend the September 30, 2002 deadline. Mr. DeCarlo will make sure that the Board members receive notice of the exact date and time of the meeting and suggested that the Board turn out in full force. The other PATCH organizations will participate also. Ms. Currier asked that credit be given to Sister Lorraine Ryan for the work she had done for the PATCH organization. The Board discUssed alternative methods of funding, its 501(c)3 status, and whether all the PATCH organizations should band together under one 501(c)3 designation. Mr. DeCarlo stated that this and many other issues were being discussed and explored at this time. Vice Chair Miller thought that it would be easier to raise funds for the combined PATCH organizations than for each group to do its own fundraising. 3) Donation of Artwork to City Ms. Costantino introduced a young artist of her acquaintance, Christina. Kramer, who wished to donate a piece she had created, inspired by the events of September 11. Ms. Kramer stated that she had decided to make something to encourage people to get beyond the worst of their hard feelings in the aftermath of September 11. The sculpture she wished to donate was a likeness of the Statue of Liberty. She wanted the people who see the sculpture to be reminded of the beginnings of this country and to look for ways to make our country greater than ever. On the sculpture she placed the words of Abraham Lincoln from the Gettysburg Address: ".... from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shal!~not perish from the earth." She hoped that her sculpture would encourage and inspire all who see it. 3 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 13, 2002 Motion Ms. Costantino moved to accept the artwork on behalf of the Commission. Vice Chair Miller seconded the motion. Chair Washam thought that the artwork should be presented to the City Commission at its next meeting. Ms. Girtman suggested that it be presented at the Mock City Commission meeting at 7:00 p.m. on April 25 where it might encourage and inspire other young people. The Board agreed that this would be very appropriate. Chair Washam asked Mr. DeCarlo to encourage all the Commissioners to attend the presentation. He noted that the media would also be present and that this would help get exposure for what he thought was an extraordinary offering by Ms. Kramer. Ms. Currier suggested that Mr, Wayne Segal attend so that pictures could be put in the quarterly City newsletter that is sent to all the homes in the City of Boynton Beach. The Board was impresSed with the artwork and expressed gratitude to Ms. Kramer for producing it and for her generosity in presenting it to the City. The motion passed unanimously. IX. Next Meeting The next meeting will be on April 10, 2002. X. Adjournment The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted Susan Collins Recording Secretary (one tape) (03/26/02) 4