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Minutes 10-03-01 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 200'1 AT 7:00 P.M. Present Ron Washam, Chairman Beth Miller, Vice Chairperson Joy Currier Blanche Girtman Michele Costantino Brenda Lee Williams Hansome Jones, Alternate Absent Eddie Mitchell Juanita Summers Stuart Heyer I. Opening, Pledge of Allegiance , The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Members observed a moment of silent prayer in memory of the victims, their families and all the rescuers around the world. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Vice Chair Miller. I1. Roll Call - Regular Members and Alternates The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared a quorum was present. II1. Recognition of Visitors Mr. Brian Edwards and Officer Asim Brown were welcomed to the meeting. IV. Approval of Minutes - September 5, 2001 Motion Ms. Girtman moved to accept the minutes, which was seconded by Ms. Williams and unanimously carried. V. Agenda Approval Ms. Costantino requested the addition of a discussion on Rosemary Scrub Park and the use of City facilities by organizations. These items would be added as 1 and 2, respectively, under New Business. Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL October 3, 2001 Vice Chair Miller requested that a discussion on PATCH be added under Old Business. Motion Vice Chair Miller moved to approve the agenda, as amended. Motion seconded' by Vice Chair Miller and unanimously carried. VI. Correspondence and Announcements Ms. Currier announced that 1,200 people would be fed on Thanksgiving Day and contributions would be appreciated. It is anticipated that 200 more people will be served this year than last year. Ms. Girtman announced that the Treasure Chest children would be singing at Boulevard Manor on October 24th at 1:00 p.m. Chairman Washam reported that representatives of this Board were present at the official signing of the sister-city agreement between Qufu, China and Boynton Beach. On Monday, September 10th, the delegation from Qufu toured Bethesda Hospital and Sterling Bank. The official signing took place at the Woman's Club and dinner followed at the Banana Boat. Chairman Washam stated he was looking forward to the report on the trip to Qufu by Mr. DeCarlo. Presentation by Officer Asim Brown Chairman Washam asked Officer Brown to address the Board. Officer Brown distributed a handout on the program that he is involved with at the schools. He explained that he teaches a violence prevention course entitled "Aggressors, Victims and Bystanders" in the City schools, together with Officer Frank Danysh. Officer Danysh teaches the sixth grade at Congress Middle School. Officer Brown teaches at Congress and Odyssey Middle Schools. The purpose of the program is to offer alternatives to violence. All grades at Congress Middle School are participating and the only participants at Odyssey are 8th graders. Palm Beach County is the first county in the nation to teach the course. Officer Brown also acts as a mentor to the children and attends various churches and community meetings. A bullying program will be offered in the near future to children in the elementary grades. It is important that children learn not to be afraid of police officers and understand that police officers are their friends. Students must attend class one day per week for 12 weeks. A portion of the course is taught through role play, which the students enjoy. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL October 3, 2001 When the students complete the course, they receive a Certificate of Completion. Some teachers also give a grade for Participation. The program is a joint venture between the Boynton Beach Police Department and the School Board Police Department. Ms. Williams inquired why Christa McAuliffe School wasn't being covered. Officer Brown anticipated that at some time in the future he would be covering that School as well. Ms. Girtman stated that she runs an after school program, which is attended by students between the ages of 7 through 12. Many of the children are in need of help, academically and socially. Officer Brown stated that he would be pleased to stop by the Treasure Chest School to speak with the students. Ms. Girtman felt the program would be worthwhile if it started with fifth grade students since school suspensions seem to begin at this grade. Chairman Washam suggested that Officer Brown contact the Advisory Board on Children and Youth and the Education Advisory Board about the program since those Boards are also involved with youth. VII. Old Business 1. PATCH Vice Chair Miller reported that she had spoken to Police Chief Gage, who indicated that he is interested in joining with this Board and PATCH in presenting a program on violence to target children, teens and adults. Hopefully, the program can be offered sometime in January. A November program will be offered that will be entitled Hope and Healing. Vice Chair Miller invited Officer Brown to participate in these programs as well. Mr. Brian Edwards, 629 NE 9th Avenue, Boynton Beach reported that he did not attend the last PATCH meeting, but did provide information on the assessment that is necessary to assist PATCH in applying for not-for-profit status. The assessment is a combined product of the Palm Beach County Health Department, the Children's Services Council and the United Way. Ms. Currier inquired if PATCH was still seeking an attorney. She has spoken to an attorney who might agree to be a consultant. Mr. Edwards responded that they are still seeking an attorney to assist them. Chairman Washam said that he has spoken to the City Attorney regarding assistance. Vice Chair Miller reported on the PATCH immunization program that took place in August. Over 100 children were vaccinated and the surveys were very positive. Ms. CoStantino felt that another immunization program should be held 3 Meeting Minutes Community RelatiOns Board Boynton Beach, FL October 3, 2001 due to the migratory children coming back into the area. She suggested holding one after Thanksgiving. Vice Chair Miller recommended holding it at Wilson Center again. If it was necessary to provide transportation, Ms. Currier suggested utilizing one of the City vans. VIII. New Business 1. Rosemary Scrub Park Ms. Costantino noted that the gates are no longer being locked at night and the area has become a hangout. This creates a dangerous situation with cars speeding up and down Seacrest Boulevard. Chairman Washam said he has spoken to Assistant Chief Immler about performing speed watches beginning at Hester Park and going north since there are a great number of children out in the evening playing in those areas. Ms. Costantino requested that a key be provided to an officer on duty to lock the gate at night. 2. Use of City Facilities by Organizations Ms, Costantino reported that the 4H Club is considering starting a branch in the City. A meeting place for the Club will be needed and she was asked to locate a place for this purpose. Members acknowledged that there is a lack of meeting space in the City. Alternatives for meeting space for the 4H Club were discussed. Vice Chair Miller inquired if the Board would agree to help sponsor the Hope and Healing Program in November and the Board agreed to support the Program by consensus. IX. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) (October 4, 2001) 4