Minutes 09-23-99
MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING
HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT
Shanna St. John, Chairperson
Dorothy Davis
Charles Fisher
Hattie Miller
Mary Morera
Stephen Waldman, Vice Chair
Amy DeVries, Voting Student
Amanda Hollis, Voting Student
ABSENT
Bob Borovy
Laura Henley-Shephard, Alternate
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson St. John called for a moment of silent prayer and requested that Mary
Morera lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairperson St. John requested that the following items be added to the Agenda:
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Under “Announcements/Presentations/Correspondence”, the addition of Item D,
“Letter from Juliet Vargas”.
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Under “Old Business”, the addition of Item I, “Information Forums”.
Chairperson St. John called for a motion to approve the Agenda, as amended.
Motion
Vice Chair Waldman moved to approve the Agenda, as amended. Motion seconded by
Ms. DeVries, which carried unanimously.
MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion
Vice Chair Waldman moved that the minutes of the August 26, 1999 meeting be
approved. Motion seconded by Ms. Davis, which unanimously carried.
V. ANNOUNCEMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
A. TNT Concert- September 24, 1999 from 6-9 p.m., Oceanfront Park.
Chairperson St. John noted that the Youth Council would be selling bottled
water at the Concert.
B. Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse, Inc. (AVDA)
Chairperson St. John referred members to the letter from the Secretary of
AVDA, which is included in the agenda packet.
C. CDF Updates
Included in the agenda packets for review.
D. Letter from Juliet Vargas
Chairperson St. John read into the record a letter she received from Ms.
Juliet Vargas, a copy of which has been filed with the minutes. Ms. Vargas
complimented the Board on all the fine work it is doing.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. CDF Conference Report
Chairperson St. John inquired if any member had any questions regarding the CDF
Conference Report, which was distributed last month. Vice Chair Waldman felt the
information on mentoring was very good and questioned if this Board could incorporate
some of this knowledge. He also felt the information on the Child Watch Program was
very useful.
Vice Chair Waldman suggested the matter be tabled until the next meeting to give all
members an opportunity to review the material.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
Chairperson St. John suggested that a date be selected to hold an all-day
workshop/training session for the Board to determine its goals and objectives for next
year. It was agreed to further discuss this at the next Board meeting.
B. Legion Circle Beautification – Ribbon Cutting
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October 30 12 o’clock noon
Chairperson St. John thanked the members that attended the recent workshop. Two
representatives from the American Legion also attended, as well as future Eagle Scout,
Jeff Borsos. The American Legion will be supplying the food and beverages for the
event. Chairperson St. John will prepare and distribute a flyer to all the volunteers.
Also, press releases will be prepared and sent out.
Chairperson St. John said she would work with Ms. Green and the City to obtain a
microphone and podium. Also, tables and chairs will be needed. A portion of the street
needs to be closed off also. Ms. Davis inquired if the Mayor and Commissioners
would also be invited. Flyers inviting the Mayor and Commissioners to the ribbon
cutting will be sent out. After discussion, it was determined that the Mayor and each
Commissioner would be called to personally invite them.
Fishbone Fred has been contacted to provide the entertainment. However, he is out of
town and the Board will have to wait until the end of the month to determine his
availability. Mr. Fisher will follow through with Cone law firm that is supplying the ice
cream.
Chairperson St. John inquired on the status of the bench and Mr. Fisher said he spoke
with American Recycled Plastics on Tuesday and asked for a picture of the bench to
submit to the City before it is set in place. Chairperson St. John did not think it was
necessary to furnish a picture of the bench to the City, since the City has previously
purchased benches from them.
Mr. Fisher inquired about placing the sponsors’ names on the walkway and Chairperson
St. John said the Boy Scouts informed her that the wood would rot. Also, anyone else
could carve their name into the wood and would most likely be subject to vandalism.
Ms. Green informed her that Mr. Wally Majors of the Recreation Department would be
working with her to obtain estimates for the signs. The Mangrove Park sign cost
between $500 to $800. The Kid’s Kingdom sign cost $1,200. Chairperson St. John
suggested not listing each sponsor’s name in order to cut down on the costs and that a
generic thank-you could be used.
After discussion, it was determined to use a general thank-you on a sign to all the
sponsors, partners and volunteers in order to save on the cost. Chairperson St. John
suggested that a collage of pictures could be placed on a board in City Hall for everyone
to view that would list the sponsors’ names.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
Mr. Fisher suggested that a price limit on the signs be set. Vice Chair Waldman said he
would check with Jeff Industries on the cost of a sign and Chairperson St. John would
contact ABC Signs.
It was determined to present Certificates of Appreciation to all the volunteers and that
the Certificates would have the Nickelodeon logo on it. Chairperson St. John said that
the Certificates could be mailed with the invitations.
Motion
Mr. Fisher moved that this Board spend up to $250 for one sign for the American Legion
Beautification Project. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Waldman, which carried
unanimously.
The order for the presentations and the ceremony have been tentatively set as follows –
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Flag ceremony by the American Legion;
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Heidi DeVries will introduce the Chaplain;
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Invocation will be offered by the American Legion Chaplain;
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Both Boy Scout Troops will assist in the flag ceremony;
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Mr. Fisher will introduce the dignitaries that are present;
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Speech by the Post Commander;
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Chairperson St. John will thank the sponsors.
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Thank-you’s by the Post Commander to the in-kind sponsors. (If Chairperson
St. John is not able to get the certificates prepared for mailing with the
invitations to the volunteers, she will present them during the ceremony.)
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The two Eagle Scouts will thank all the volunteers;
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Closing and thanks to everyone by Dorothy Davis; and
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Everyone will be invited to enjoy the refreshments being offered at the
American Legion Post.
Ms. Davis inquired if there would be music provided. Chairperson St. John is waiting to
determine if Fishbone Fred will be available. Chairperson St. John said that there is
money available to hire a DJ if the Board so wished. She noted that DJ Robin always
donates his services for the Youth Banquet and that if he were available, the Board
could pay him to provide the music for the ceremony. DJ Robin charges $200 to non-
profit organizations for four hours. It was felt that his services would probably only be
needed for two hours.
The records indicated that cash donations of $2,120 were received for the project and
$1,117 has been spent to date. Therefore there is a balance remaining of $1,003. Vice
Chair Waldman asked if these funds could be carried over to another project and was
informed they could.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
Ms. Morera noted that the sign would also need some type of bracket or post to be
mounted on and this could also entail additional costs. Chairperson St. John said she
would speak with Ms. Green to determine if the City would have any posts available on
which the sign could be mounted. Chairperson St. John said that it might be possible to
attach the sign to the bench.
Motion
Mr. Fisher moved that this Board spend up to $200 for entertainment at the ribbon
cutting ceremony. Motion seconded by Ms. DeVries. Motion unanimously carried.
The Board would be meeting two days prior to the ceremony; therefore last minute
items could still be addressed. Chairperson St. John said the City would be furnishing
tents for the event.
C. Youth Expo
Mr. Fisher stated he has not yet contacted the Sun Sentinel and Chairperson St. John
said it was important that they be contacted by the end of next week in order to receive
funding for the next Youth Expo. Mr. Fisher said he could not locate the letter that was
used last year. For the year 2000, the Mall has available the weekend of October 27
through the 29 or the first week in November, which is November 3 through 5.
Chairperson St. John stated that normally the Youth Expo is held in November and she
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informed the Mall to reserve November 3, 4 and 5.
Chairperson St. John requested that when the minutes are mailed that a copy of the
brochure on the Youth Expo be included so that members would have an opportunity to
review it for changes and suggestions.
D. Youth Council
Ms. Hollis requested that a banner be furnished for the Youth Council and Chairperson
St. John will check on the price with ABC Signs.
Ms. Hollis inquired if Chairperson St. John had spoken with MTV about the youth dance.
Vice Chair Waldman said that an original rap song has been composed by the Youth
Council for the dance and requested Chairperson St. John to contact her friend who is a
producer at MTV. This person indicated that MTV might be interested in covering the
dance if the Youth Council could come up with something very original.
Vice Chair Waldman said that Mr. Borovy will furnish him with the name of a person at
WXEL who might be interested in filming the dance and he will contact this person.
A theme for the Youth Expo also needs to be chosen tonight. After much discussion it
“Children Are Our Future”
was determined to use the theme .
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
Ms. Hollis announced that the dance date has been set for Saturday, January 22, 2000
at the Civic Center beginning at 6:00 p.m. The theme of the dance is “Stop the
Violence”
Vice Chair Waldman announced that the Dick Weber Center is looking for volunteers to
help with their food drive. They serve approximately 1,000 families, including 2,700
children.
The Atlanta Bread Company is donating their left over baked goods to the Youth
Council to sell at the TNT Concert on Friday night. The Manager of the Atlanta Bread
Company is Mr. John Green and a thank you letter will be sent.
Mr. Fisher said that in the past, coffee and donuts used to be sold during the
Commission meetings. He thinks this would be a good opportunity for the Youth
Council to sell coffee and donuts. Chairperson St. John said she would speak with Ms.
Green to determine if this were possible.
Ms. DeVries reported that Ms. Anne Centi expressed pride in the City’s Youth Council
and donated $20.00 towards refreshments for the dance and two door prizes (a Star
War’s collectible figure and a ring).
Mr. Fisher inquired how much money was raised at the last car wash. Vice Chair
Waldman reported it was $80, but unfortunately the car wash was rained out.
E. Charter Revision
Chairperson St. John reported that the information for the charter revision has been
submitted to the Legal Department. It is possible that the ordinance will appear on the
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October 5 Commission agenda, but she was not certain.
Chairperson St. John said she received E-mail from Ms. Green who requested that she
do a presentation with her to the City Commission on all the work this Board has
performed and how all this has benefited the community. Ms. Green suggested that
the Board point out how it raises its own funds and how it operates its fundraisers. This
would be a separate item from the charter revision ordinance. Chairperson St. John
reviewed the contents of the draft presentation with the Board members.
Mr. Fisher said he has concerns about the Board making a presentation at this time and
suggested if a presentation was made that it be limited to three to four minutes. Ms.
Davis said it is important that this Board be cognizant of what is happening in the City at
this time and felt the Commissioners might question the purpose of a presentation at
this particular time. It was felt that Ms. Green would be the person who could answer
these questions.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
F. Web Site
Mr. Fisher said he furnished the September update to the Library, but the page has not
yet been updated. Chairperson St. John requested that Mr. Fisher proceed with the
October update, which would include the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 30th.
G. The “Bob Borovy” Student Award
Vice Chair Waldman reported he is considering using the criteria used by the Eagle
Scouts as one of the bases for the award, which had been suggested by Mr. Borovy.
After he has an opportunity to review this, he would like to have a workshop on the
award. Vice Chair Waldman noted that some money needs to be raised for the award
and he is going to donate $25.00 towards the award. He also will be soliciting money
from other people. It was decided not to set a workshop until Mr. Borovy is able to
attend.
H. Youth Volunteer Bank
It was determined that a workshop would be held after the ribbon cutting ceremony to
plan for the next year.
I. Informational Forums
Vice Chair Waldman pointed out that the Board has sponsored child safety forums
previously, but has not been successful in obtaining audiences. After the last forum, the
Board discussed holding the forums during various PTA meetings at schools throughout
the City. The Board could bring in speakers that the PTA’s would like to hear.
However, Vice Chair Waldman noted that the PTA meetings don’t usually fall on a
Thursday and would the forum serve as the Board’s regular meeting? Vice Chair
Waldman requested direction from the Board on how to proceed.
After discussion, it was determined that Vice Chair Waldman will contact some of the
PTA organizations and try to arrange for forums to be held at an elementary school, a
middle school and a high school. He will report back his findings to the Board.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Set November and December Meeting Dates
It was noted that the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting for November falls on
Thanksgiving Day and needs to be changed. After discussion, it was determined to
hold the November meeting on Thursday, November 18, 1999.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
Motion
Mr. Fisher moved that the November meeting be changed to Thursday, November 18,
1999. Motion seconded by Ms. Hollis. Motion unanimously carried.
The Board’s December meeting falls on Thursday, December 23, 1999. Chairperson
St. John did not wish to change the December date and requested that the meeting
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remain on the 23. After discussion, however, members requested that the December
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date be changed to Thursday, December 16.
Motion
Vice Chair Waldman moved that the December meeting be changed to Thursday,
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December 16. Motion seconded by Ms. Davis. Motion carried 6-2 (Chairperson St.
John and Mr. Fisher dissenting.)
Chairperson St. John requested that a workshop be set for the Youth Volunteer Bank.
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Tuesday, November 23 at
After discussion it was determined to hold a workshop on
6:30 p.m. in the Library.
Vice Chair Waldman will check on the availability of the
Library for that date.
VIII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Ms. Beth Miller, Vice Chair of Community Relations Board gave an update to the Board
on the S.T.A.R. Program. Ms. Miller explained that it will now be a one-day event and
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would take place on Saturday, October 30. The place has yet to be determined, but
will either be at the Library, the Civic Center or City Hall in the Mall. The time will be
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Chairperson St. John noted this was the same date as the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at
the American Legion.
Thursday, October 21, 1999 the Community Relations
Ms. Miller announced that on
BoardOpen Community Forum-“Crises
would be sponsoring an
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Resolution/Community Relations for the 21 Century” at 6:30 p.m
. The program
will consist of an open forum where people can come and express their concerns about
the City. Also, questions could be submitted in writing and all questions will be
The place will be at Fire Station #3,
answered. The Forum will not be political.
Miner Road and Congress Avenue.
A major media release is planned to encourage
attendance.
Chairperson St. John suggested that a Recording Secretary be present at the Forum
and thinks it is important that everything that is said at the Forum be onrecord.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 23, 1999
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Next Scheduled Meeting – October 28, 1999
Motion
Vice Chair Waldman moved that the meeting adjourn. Motion seconded by Ms. Davis.
The meeting properly adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(two tapes)
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