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Minutes 03-12-08 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2008 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Brian Miller, Chair Thelma Lyons, City Representative Blanche Hearst-Girtman, Vice Chair (Arrived at 7:06 p.m.) Belky Cruz Eddie Mitchell Joyce Mura Victor Norfus Stanley Sorgman Phyllis Stern Judy Immer, Alternate I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Miller called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared a quorum was present. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS None IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion A motion was made and seconded by Ms. Mura to approve the agenda as written. The motion carried unanimously. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 13, 2008 (Previously mailed by City Clerk) There was discussion that some of the members had only received their minutes on the day of the meeting. Ms. Cruz explained the City Clerk's Office was short-staffed and that was the reason for the delay. 1 Minutes Community Relations Board March 12, 2008 Chair Miller reviewed the minutes for the edification of the members who had not received the minutes. Motion Ms. Mura moved to approve the minutes. Mr. Norfus seconded the motion that carried unanimously. VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS: . Youth in Government Day - Scheduled for April 17th Ms. Lyons reported there was no additional information available at this time. The event is still in the planning stage. Only the date has been secured at this time. The same format as last year will be used this year. . Great American Clean-up - Scheduled for April 19th Ms. Lyons advised this event is also in the planning stage with respect to securing volunteers; however, the date has been confirmed. Ms. Lyons will send out flyers. VII. REPORTS/UPDATES: a. Pride in Boynton Update - Poinciana Elementary School - Brian Miller Chair Miller reported he is working regularly with the school students planting flowers. There was one minor setback approximately 2112 months ago when all of the newly- planted marigolds were eaten by snails. They have been replaced with other flowers. At the present time, the students are taking FCATs; therefore, everything is on hold until they are complete. In response to an inquiry, Chair Miller advised that this planting program is one of the board's projects. He requested more involvement in this effort especially at some of the other schools. Now that Galaxy is painted, volunteers are needed for spring plantings. b. Neighborhood Crime Watch Report - Victor Norfus Chair Miller asked Mr. Norfus for an update of his progress with this effort. Mr. Norfus said he was not successful in getting Officer Kellam out to the meeting. However, there are a number of people who are interested in setting up neighborhood associations; 2 Minutes Community Relations Board March 12, 2008 specifically, one in the area of Palm Drive and Atlantic and another in the area between 14th and 16th Avenues. No progress can be made until Officer Kellam visits the neighborhoods. Ms. Cruz reported that approximately 200 people attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting. Officer Kellam and Police Chief Immler made a presentation. Everyone really appreciated the presentation. Vice Chair Hearst-Girtman said she has attempted to organize Crime Watch in her neighborhood at least two or three times. It is difficult because the community is transient. Hers is a working neighborhood and people are gone most of the day. Crime Watch has not worked well in this area. Responding to a question from Mr. Norfus, Ms. Cruz advised the meeting was held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Village Royale on the Green. Ms. Cruz reported that both Officer Kellam and Officer Huntington are available for this purpose. Also, the Police Chief could be requested to attend. Ms. Immer, who resides in Cedar Ridge, said there was an incident in her community and Officer Huntington calmed the community. One year later, Officer Kellam visited the community again after another incident and on both occasions, he did a great job. Both of these visits were on nights during the week. Since the lighting was improved, Mr. Norfus reported the drug dealers are now moving to streets with less lighting. He will work with the residents to arrange for an evening meeting or perhaps have two meetings; one in the evening and one on Saturday. Chair Miller acknowledged he has witnessed the residents along 16th and 1ih picking up their own trash. He commended Mr. Norfus who felt that was the result of the residents becoming self-empowered. VIII. OLD BUSINESS None IX. NEW BUSINESS Crime Watch - Presentation of the American Assembly Implementation Community Relations Sub-Committee - Phyllis Stern Ms. Stern reported to the City Commission on the previous Tuesday to continue the objective of developing ideas for effectively carrying out action items given by the American Assembly. The recommendations were as follows: 3 Minutes Community Relations Board March 12, 2008 · Identify means by which citizenry and its leaders may foster a sense of community and common purpose, unite on critical issues and marshal their resources to take advantage of the City's strengths and address its weaknesses. Sub-committee Recommendation: The sub-committee agrees that in order for Community Relations to effectively begin to establish a sense of community and common purpose, it is important to get to know the communities on a more personable basis. For suggestive purposes, the sub-committee proposes that the Community Relations Team hold meetings in specific communities. By holding meetings within specific communities, it may provide a better perspective of the needs of the community by being visible and attentive to those of the community. In addition, this may give the respective communities a perspective on how their support will help mold this city into a "gem". · Identify any perceived divisions (geographically, economically, age-wise, ethnically and racially) and develop recommendations to promote greater unity. Sub-Committee Recommendation: How are we as a sub-committee effectively able to provide such information? The perceived divisions in the community are of opinionated nature. The recommended "road show" may provide a clearer objective or indicator for what needs to be established to promote greater unity. . Create spaces, events, and forums for collaboration and interaction. a. Boynton Beach is a "city of varied cultures". Develop a plan for continuing to hold and expand on events that celebrate this diversity. b. Boynton Beach has competing centers scattered around the City. Identify and develop strategies for promoting particular areas as the city center, the cultural center, library, and recreation facilities. c. Develop ideas and identify partners for a signature event that highlights the City's character and successes. Sub-Committee Recommendation: a. Community forums, events, informational galas all held in centrally located areas/places might promote interest among the respective communities. Location suggestions: Boynton Beach Mall, one of our local high schools. b. The Boynton Beach Marine Wildlife and Educational Aquatic Center. 4 Minutes Community Relations Board March 12, 2008 c. Correlates with a. and/or b. The Sub-Committee's opinion is that Boynton Beach needs an identity. There is the "affluent" in Boca Raton, the "artistic" in Delray Beach, and there is Palm Beach. The Sub-Committee suggests identifying Boynton Beach with the Boynton Beach Marine Wildlife and Educational Aquatic Center developing small aquarium educational systems for the different schools. This would be good for tourism and enhance awareness of the children and parents in a positive way. Ms. Immer expressed confusion regarding this committee. She questioned whether this sub-committee was part of the Community Relations Board or an outside committee. Ms. Lyons explained that this sub-committee was part of the American Assembly. Ms. Stern advised that the mission of the American Assembly Community Relations Sub- Committee was to address cultural diversity and race relations. Chair Miller advised the Mayor and City Commissioners charged several different groups with preparing proposals on different issues within the City. One of those items was community relations. Ms. Stern updated the Commission on the progress of that sub-committee. Ms. Lyons provided copies of Ms. Stern's report to each of the members. · On another issue, Ms. Immer discussed the City Commission agenda had been announcing an open position on the Community Relations Board as an "Alternate" position; however, it should have read "Regular" position. · Ms. Stern reported the CERT team in Hunters Run has planned an end of the year evening event that will include the Fire Chief and others from CERT. She invited other CERT members to let her know if they were interested in attending the event. · Another CERT class is beginning in April. Anyone interested should contact Ms. Immer. In addition, Chair Miller provided Jim Ness's phone number at 742-6332. · Ms. Hearst-Girtman complimented the City for what it has done to eliminate out- of-place garages and homes. Further, in the area where she lives, there is a public park that is sometimes left unsightly with trash because of the people who frequent the park. The surveillance is very good and the next day, all of the trash is removed. · Chair Miller advised that within the next two weeks, the trash receptacles that were ordered months ago will be obvious throughout the Heart of Boynton. 5 Minutes Community Relations Board March 12, 2008 · Mr. Norfus reported that Sarah Williams, who was in charge of the Community Forums, was recognized for her longstanding service to the community. She was previously a member of the Community Relations Board and has been a dynamic leader in the City for many years. x. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Next Meeting will be Wednesday, April 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Yn.~ anet M. Prainito, CMC City Clerk Transcribed from one recording 3/28/2008 12:19 PM 6