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Minutes 02-10-99 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1999 AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent Maynie Boles Joy Currier, Vice Chairperson Blanche Girtman Beth Miller Brenda Lee Williams Floyd Beil, Alternate ABSENT Stephanie Mingo-McKoy I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and asked Ms. Williams to lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent prayer. II. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll and a quorum was declared present. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS Chairman Washam welcomed Mr. Ed Currier to the meeting. IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Chairman Washam asked if there were any changes or additions to the agenda. Hearing none, called for a motion to approve the agenda. Ms. Williams moved that the Agenda be approved. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Currier. Motion carried unanimously. V. MINUTES APPROVAL – Regular meeting of January 13, 1999, MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 10, 1999 Motion Ms. Williams moved that the minutes of the January 13, 1999 meeting be approved. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Currier. Motion carried unanimously. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Vice Chair Currier stated that she and her husband have been very sick and thanked everyone for all the cards and calls and is most appreciative of everyone’s good wishes. B. Ms. Miller informed members that she is working on a project to raise funds for a shelter for homeless veterans. The home has been informed that their sprinkler system is not in conformance with the new fire code and has been told that they need to bring the system into compliance or move. To date, Ms. Miller has raised $2,000 and asked if this could be a project for this Board to become involved in. Chairman Washam inquired how this Board would be involved in the project. Ms. Miller said they are in need of many items and will obtain a wish list to determine what those needs are and will bring it to the next meeting. Chairman Washam stated this could be further discussed at the next meeting and this Board can utilize a great many of our resource people to assist with the project. Ms. Miller stated the Director of the home is Ms. Chris Noelle who was a former newscaster in Vietnam. Ms. Miller stated they are also in need of computers, since the residents are lacking in computer skills. Ms. Miller said that anyone who wished to make a donation or assist with the program could contact her at 369-0230. C. Ms. Currier announced there will be a pizza party for the HeardStart th children on Friday, February 12 at 1:30 p.m., which is the Annual Valentine Day party. D. Chairman Washam announced that on April 18, 1999 the Royal Palm School is going to attempt to break the record for the most “signers”, signing a song. Ms. Lori Wilkinson, who is the teacher of the deaf at the School, is coordinating the event. Chairman Washam said they are trying to recruit as many signers as possible. It is intended that this will bring positive attention to the deaf community, as well as the School and Palm Beach County. Chairman Washam said that NBC has expressed interest 2 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 10, 1999 in the event and asked members if they knew of anyone who knew “sign” that could help, they could contact Ms. Wilkinson at 733-9770. Chairman Washam said that 325 people are needed and to date they have 75 people signed up. The song will be “A Whole New World”. Chairman Washam stated that the Guiness people are also aware of the event. Chairman Washam also noted that the event must be a paid event and probably $1.00 will be charged. Chairman Washam stated he should have more details available at the next meeting. E. Ms. Melody Green announced that there are still Black Awareness events th scheduled. The Mildred Walker luncheon is Saturday, February 13 at the Catalina Holiday Inn. Tickets are still available at $20.00 each. Ms. Green informed the Board that the Black Awareness Day events are th scheduled for Saturday, February 20 and will take place all day at the Hester Center. There will be a basketball tournament on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of that week. There will be a variety of entertainment, as well as a spelling bee for children, an art exhibit, as well as an oratorical contest and writing contests. Ms. Green said the event will be bigger than ever and a lot of community members have been working on the events. Ms. Green asked that all “people boards” try to attend some of the events. Ms. Green said that the events would be on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. F. Ms. Green announced that the City of Boynton Beach is pursuing the All America City Award for the year 2001 and is being very proactive in trying to get a large number of residents to participate. On February 24, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers there will be a meeting and approximately 100 people are expected to attend. Ms. Green also stated it would be appreciated if the “people advisory boards” showed their th support for the event. On the 24, Ms. Lula Butler, who was responsible for Delray receiving the All America City award, will be making a presentation that evening. th G. Ms. Williams announced that on February 24 through the 26th and thth Sunday, the 28 is the 40 anniversary of Pastor Lee, who is the pastor at the St. John Missionary Baptist Church. There will be activities at the Church for three evenings, plus all day Sunday. Ms. Williams said that a letter has been sent to the City Commission asking that a Proclamation be issued on his behalf. Ms. Williams informed members that they are in the process of preparing a commemorative book to present to the Pastor. Ms. Williams said that Friday night will be community night and everyone is 3 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 10, 1999 welcome to come to say a few words. There will also be a slide presentation. rd H. Ms. Miller announced that on February 23, the Bible Church of God would be holding a Community Forum. Ms. Miller stated she attended last month’s Forum and found it very impressive. The Forum was run well and the quality of the speakers was very good. Chairman Washam said it is beneficial for board members to attend these functions, as these types of functions can prove very useful to this Board in determining how effective the it can be. I Ms. Miller informed the Board that the City has a crisis hot line and that she had spoken at length with Ms. Susan Berman on the types of issues that their office handles, which are mostly short-term issues. Ms. Miller suggested that some of those problems and issues could be passed onto this Board for further handling. Ms. Miller said that she has been handing out the pamphlets that are available. VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. G.A.L.A. Chairman Washam stated that this Board would be participating in G.A.L.A. again this year and that it gives members a chance to interact with a great amount of people. Also, it provides an opportunity to inform the community what the Board does. Chairman Washam said that the booth needs to be staffed Saturday and Sunday and could be done in two-hour shifts. Chairman Washam found the event very enjoyable and met a great amount of people. Chairman Washam said he would make available at next month’s meeting a sign up sheet for members who can devote two hours at a time. Chairman Washam said they would be sharing space with the Senior Advisory Board, Children and Youth and the Education Advisory Board. Chairman Washam said that this year the G.A.L.A. has greatly expanded and in the near future would probably overshadow the Delray Affair. Vice Chair Currier asked how the G.A.L.A. would be set up because of the bridge construction. Ms. Green said that the festival would be moved to start at Seacrest Boulevard and part of Seacrest to Boynton Beach Boulevard would be closed off. Also, 4 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 10, 1999 Ocean Avenue will be closed and vendors and artists will be placed along Ocean Avenue down to the 500 Block. Ms. Green said there will not be anything on the east side of Federal Highway. Ms. Green stated that there will be activities, games, events, rides and entertainment which will be centered around the Civic Center area. Ms. Green stated that City employees will be requested to park at the retention pond location, which is a couple thth blocks away on Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19 because the parking lot at City Hall and the School will be used for G.A.L.A. events and activities. A shuttle service will be provided to employees who do not want to walk to City Hall. Ms. Green noted that the retention pond is located behind Boynton Plaza. Ms. Green said that the main stage area would be located on Seacrest. Ms. Green also said that off-site parking with shuttle service for the general public is being discussed. B. Meeting Location Chairman Washam introduced for consideration if the Board should take its meetings to the public at different locations. Chairman Washam said that in times when a particular area is having problems, it would be beneficial for this Board to go to that area. Vice Chair Currier said that Forest Park School extended a blanket invitation and anytime this Board would like to meet at the School, it would be welcomed. Ms. Williams said this was a good way of gaining visibility and demonstrating the Board’s commitment to community involvement. Chairman Washam noted the different places where this Board had held meetings in the past were very successful. Chairman Washam suggested this Board consider holding their April meeting at an outside location. It was also suggested that this Board could generate awards and present them throughout the community. Chairman Washam stated there has been discussion in the past regarding a citizen’s award in recognition of people in the community who have made a contribution. Chairman Washam suggested that a committee be formed for this purpose. Vice Chair Currier asked Ms. Green when the Senior Center would be opening. Ms. Green said that the bid award was made this last Tuesday at the City Commission meeting and actual renovations would not begin until March. The contractor has 60 calendar days from the start date to complete the construction. This should be sometime around the end of June. Ms. Green said it is anticipated that the Senior Center would be opening this summer. Vice Chair Currier stated she would like to be 5 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 10, 1999 the first person to give a party for the senior citizens and would like all Board members to be servers at the party. Dr. Beil inquired how often the Board would be meeting outside City Hall. Chairman Washam said the Board members need to decide this issue. Ms. Girtman suggested that this could be done every other month on a regular basis. Also, Ms. Girtman said this should be announced in the newspaper so that residents could be informed. Chairman Washam requested that Vice Chair Currier follow through on the offer from th Forest Park and determine if this Board’s April 14 meeting could be held at the School. Ms. Girtman pointed out that parents work all day and get off at 5:00 p.m. and it is difficult for parents today to get back out of the house at 6:00 or 7:00 to attend a night meeting. Ms. Girtman said this should be taken into consideration when planning meetings elsewhere. Ms. Williams said that advance notice would help parents to set their schedule to attend. Vice Chair Currier noted that Forest Park has a babysitting policy and if there is a meeting at night, the whole family can attend and there will be a place for the children away from the meeting. Vice Chair Currier will follow through with Forest Park. C. Advisory Board Forum Chairman Washam said the Advisory Board Forum was held at the Library on February 6, 1999 and was a success. Chairman Washam volunteered this Board to hold the summer Forum, which this Board did last year. Chairman Washam said that Vice Chair Currier worked very hard last year organizing the Forum with him and would like everyone’s assistance this year. Chairman Washam said that this could be further discussed at the April meeting to determine the format and the place where to hold the Forum. Chairman Washam said that each Board gave an overview of their programs and activities. Chairman Washam said that this Board needs to have a topic to spotlight at the summer Forum. Chairman Washam noted that it has been recent practice to hold the Forum on Saturday. Chairman Washam stated that the Forum should be scheduled not only for the Board to participate, but also for the public to be able to attend. At the Forum a great deal of time was devoted to discussing the youth that hang out at the Library and the Library has had some difficulty with these youth. Chairman Washam noted the Library is a public place. The four Boards discussed creative ideas for these youth and some constructive outflow for these children is needed. Also, the idea of a Youth Center was discussed. Also, Chairman Washam noted that the Senior Center will be a proactive senior center and will be a place for seniors to get help. This is exciting for the City at this time. Also, Chairman Washam said this Board would provide lunch for the Forum. 6 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 10, 1999 IX. YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT DAY Ms. Green said that Joyce Costello of the City Manager’s Office informed her that April nd 22 has been set as the tentative date for Youth in Government Day. Ms. Costello has contacted all the schools and is waiting for a call back from the principals. Motion Ms. Girtman moved that Thursday, April 22, 1999 be set for Youth in Government Day until further advised. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Currier and motion carried unanimously. Chairman Washam requested that Board members consider a particular school they would like to have a meeting held at and also that the Education Advisory Board and the Children and Youth Advisory Board would be assisting this Board in that area. Chairman Washam said it is important that the Boards work together and that during the past two years the Boards have worked together on quite a few projects. Dr. Beil requested that further discussion be held regarding a committee for citizen recognition. Dr. Beil felt that this Board should contribute something on Saturday, th February 20 for Black Awareness Day and that this Board should meet at a certain time at the Hester Center and participate that day as a Board. Ms. Miller suggested that members wear nametags for identification purposes. Ms. Miller suggested that this Board could hand out carnations. Chairman Washam said that particularly during this time of the year there are many things that would be said and heard in the community that at times is ill informed. Chairman Washam said that this Board has been an exceptional Board and has done wonderful things and it has been his honor to be associated with each and every member. The STAR Program and the Youth in Government alone involved a tremendous amount of work for which the Board does not get credit. Chairman Washam said this is the Board that he wants to serve on and is glad to be associated with each and every member. Dr. Beil said that the Saturday issue has not been settled. Chairman Washam asked for ideas that this Board could do on Black Awareness Day. Ms. Girtman suggested that this Board could do voter registration. Vice Chair Currier said the Board had previously held voter registration. Ms. Green said it is important that the Board attend to show their support for the event and at the same time enjoy the entertainment. This would mean a lot to the community 7 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 10, 1999 members. Ms. Green said that a lot of people work very hard to get the event put together and then question why people don’t show up offering support. Dr. Beil stated one of his goals this year was to increase the visibility of the Board. Members agreed with Dr. Beil. Ms. Miller suggested making a presentation to the people who organized the Black Awareness Day Program on Saturday afternoon at the Hester Center. Chairman Washam asked how the plaque should be prepared. After discussion, Ms. Girtman suggested that the Committee formed to arrange the events for Black Awareness Day should be presented with the plaque. Ms. Green stated there were approximately 28 people on that Committee. It was decided that after presentation of the plaque, it would be left at the Hester Center for viewing. Vice Chair Currier stated she would contact Ms. Debbie Majors to arrange the time for the presentation of the plaque. The wording on the plaque was discussed and Dr. Beil said that he would pay for the cost of the plaque. Ms. Green suggested that after Vice Chair Currier contacts Ms. Majors at 742-6241 and determines the time, she would contact the other members so that everyone can be in attendance for the presentation. X. ADJOURNMENT The Next Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 10, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 8