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Minutes 01-03-01MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2001 @ 7:00 P.M. Present Ron Washam, Chairman Beth Miller, Vice Chairperson Anne Centi Joy Currier Blanche Girtman Hansome Jones, Alternate David Katz, Alternate Eddie Mitchell Absent Brenda Lee Williams Dan DeCarlo, Neighborhood Specialist I. OPENING, Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and asked David Katz to lead the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. I1. ROLL CALL - Regular Members and Alternates The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was declared present. II1. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS None IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Mr. Katz requested the addition under Paragraph VI of discussion regarding a letter he had printed in the Community News regarding PATCH. Motion Ms. Girtman moved to accept the agenda, as amended. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Miller and unanimously carried. Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL January 3, 2001 V. MINUTES APPROVAL (a) December 6, 2000 Board Meeting Motion Mr. Katz moved to accept the minutes. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Miller, which carried unanimously. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Currier thanked everyone for their assistance during the Christmas season. Gifts and toys were delivered at Hester Park and the Cherry Hill Section of the City by the City's police officers. Christmas was provided for two families, which included food, clothing, and gifts. Ms. Currier also thanked the Boynton Beach Police Department, Vice Chair Miller and the Lord's Place, and Sister Ryan for their kindness. Chairman Washam thanked all the people that assisted with the toy drive that took place not only in the Boynton Schools, but in Lantana as well. Many toys and refurbished bicycles were distributed. Ms. Centi announced that the schools are undertaking "adopt a class" program and some of the groups that she is connected with are working with the Forest Park School. The cost to adopt a class is $100 per year. Ms. Centi noted that teachers are in need of supplies and the children need homework boxes, which should include dictionaries, pens, pencils, paper, etc. Ms. Centi announced that a clothing drive would take place later this month. Discussion of letter (David Katz) Mr. Katz distributed to the members a copy of a letter that was printed in the December 20, 2000 edition of the Boynton Beach Community News (a copy of which is included with the original minutes). The letter was also printed in the Sun-SentineL Mr. Katz stated that initially he had some questions concerning PATCH. However, at the last meeting he realized the significance of PATCH and that it would be a benefit to the City and its residents. Because there hadn't been much publicity and members were still needed from certain segments of the community, Mr. Katz wrote the letter. However, Mr. DeCarlo received some negative feedback regarding the letter, which was never Mr. Katz's intent. Mr. Katz requested that the members read the letter and give their opinion as to the intent of the letter. If any Board members so wished, Mr. Katz said he would write another letter apologizing for the letter. Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL January3,2001 Mr. DeCado responded that he had not seen the letter originally and after finally reading the letter, he saw nothing negative about the letter. Chairman Washam felt the letter was excellent, as well as necessary to get the word out about PATCH. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Community Garden Update Mr. DeCarlo reported that the Community Garden is progressing very well. The fence has been put up and it should be painted this week. The mulch will also be put in this week and there are plans to add a shed. Additional properties on Seacrest Boulevard are being looked at for gardens and/or for beautification projects. Some of the properties can be leased through the County's Extension Service, which allows the City to make improvements to the property. There are approximately 18 garden people involved, including the Brownies from Poinciana School and children from the Treasure Chest. Vice Chair Miller stated the garden was wonderful and she would like to see more throughout the City. Vice Chair Miller suggested that the Board do some public relations by incorporating an "adopt a garden" project. Mr. DeCarlo stated that that a lot more publicity is anticipated and that the County would also be approving a $5,000 grant to support the Community Garden. Also, the City will be undergoing a $30 million stormwater project and will be focusing north of the C-16 Canal to the City limit, which will encompass the entire north end of the City. That entire area will be undergoing many improvements including new swales. Ms. Girtman stated that she too has received many compliments on the Community Garden. Ms. Girtman stated that Mr. DeCarlo deserves a great deal of credit in bringing this to fruition and noted everything looks beautiful. B. MLK Boulevard, Revitalization & Planing Grant Update Mr. DeCarlo reported that the RFP is being prepared and should be submitted in late January. This study will be very critical to the area's revitalization and will be included in updating the City's CRA plan. The City would like to get as many people involved as possible, as well as the churches. Mr. DeCarlo noted that the City Manager would like people from the cOmmunity to serve on the committee that selected the consultant and inquired if there were any members of the Board that might be interested in serving. Vice Chair Miller inquired about the media event that had been anticipated at the Community Garden? Mr. DeCarlo stated that the Sun-Sentinel is planning a 3 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL Jan uary 3, 2001 large article on the Garden and he is waiting for everything to come together with the MLK activities being planned over the next few months. Mr. Katz asked if the City was looking for community input for formulating the RFP or approving the consultant? Mr. DeCarlo thought that it meant that the City would like to have community input on the selection of the consultant and that a Committee would be formed for this purpose. Mr. Katz stated that he would like to be involved in the process. Ms. Girtman also said she would like to participate. Ms. Girtman raised concerns regarding the Boynton Terrace Project and she did not feel that the parking spaces should be reduced to allow for additional apartments, which would probably increase parking congestion. Mr. Katz said he was under the impression that they were not adding additional apartments, but would be putting in more amenities. Ms. Girtman said that she received notice from the City because she is an adjacent property owner and it stated that more apartments were going to be added. Chairman Washam was not sure if this was an issue that this Board should become involved in and requested that the remainder of the agenda items be discussed. C. MLK sponsored "Art in the City" Program Mr. DeCarlo reported that the City received a grant for Art in the City Program for after school activities located at the Hester Center, the City's Art Center, Treasure Chest and a School located in the north end of the City. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. PATCH Meeting held December 20th Officers were elected as follows: Angela Girtman, Chairperson Ralph Conca, Vice Chair Brian Edwards, Secretary It is anticipated that two or three more people would be added to the Committee to include a representative from the Police Department and the Assistant City Attorney, Nicholas Igwe. After the additional people have been nominated, Mr. Bressner requested that the list be added to the City's consent agenda for final approval. A meeting date has been set for the third Wednesday of each month. It is anticipated that Mr. Bob Broadway would also be attending the meetings. Chairman Washam commended the Board members for their hard work in getting this project off the ground. 4 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL January 3, 2001 City Sponsored Annual Board Dinner scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2001 at Benvenuto's Chairman Washam announced that the Annual Board Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2001 at Benvenuto's. RSVPs are due by January 17th to the City Manager's Office. Ms. Girtman requested that a table be reserved for their Board. Chairman Washam thanked the City Commission for allowing their Board to again meet in the Chambers. Vice Chair Miller pointed out that there are two open seats on the Board and requested that everyone try to get the seats filled as soon as possible. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording SeCretary (one tape) 5