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Minutes 12-01-99 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Dan DeCarlo, City Liaison Beth Miller, Vice Chairperson Nicholas Igwe, Assistant City Attorney Hansome Jones Brenda Lee Williams Joy Currier, Voting Alternate ABSENT John Critchett Stephanie Mingo-McKoy Brett Sherman I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Chairman Washam asked Mr. Jones to lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag to be 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 A. Presentation by Assistant City Attorney Nicholas Igwe Chairman Washam noted that Assistant City Attorney Igwe was present tonight to give a presentation on the Sunshine Law and how it pertains to this Board. Attorney Igwe presented every Board member with a handout entitled the Legal Obligations of Municipal Boards. Sunshine Law What this means is that Florida is an open government state which provides that the public has a right of access to all governmental procedures. All such proceedings shall be in the open so that people may ascertain the basis for decisions. The Sunshine Law applies to any gathering of two or more members MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 1, 1999 of the same board to discuss any matter that may conceivably come before the board for action. Three basic requirements for the Sunshine Law are: ? Meeting must be open to the public; ? Reasonable notice of such meetings must be given; ? Minutes of the meetings must be taken; and ? Sunshine Law does not prohibit socializing. There is a narrow exemption to the Law, but that does not apply to this Board. Consequences for Violation of Sunshine Law Anyone who knowingly violates the Sunshine Law can face any of the following sanctions: ? Second degree misdemeanor prosecution; ? Possible removal from office by the Governor upon conviction; ? A non-criminal infraction of $500; ? If convicted, the board member may be liable for the prosecuting attorney’s fees; ? Action taken in violation of the Sunshine Law is invalid, void ab inito. Public Records open to inspection Attorney Igwe stated under the Statute the definition of public records could include “all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other materials, regardless of the physical form, characteristic, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with transaction of official business by any agency”. Examples of public records open to public inspection ? Any document or paper generated by this Board while transacting business; ? Every document received by the board; ? The City Clerk is custodian of public records and shall respond to public record's requests within a reasonable time. Voting Conflict All members must vote on every item on the agenda that comes before the Board. The only exception would be if a Board member’s participation would result in a special gain or loss to the member, or his or her relatives or business. Attorney Igwe pointed out that this might not be applicable to this board, but more to the Code Compliance Board and the Planning and Development Board. If this 2 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 1, 1999 did occur, the Board member must declare a voting conflict and abstain from voting and within 15 days must file a written memorandum of conflict with the City Clerk. Prohibition against solicitation or acceptance of gifts The law prohibits solicitation or acceptance of gifts. A gift is defined as anything of value to the recipient including a loan, reward, or promise of future employment, favor or service based upon any understanding that the vote, official action, or judgment of a board member would be influenced thereby. A question and answer period took place among the Board members, guests and Attorney Igwe. Attorney Igwe said that the responsibility of enforcing the Sunshine Law is within the jurisdiction of the State Attorney’s Office and they have a specific division that deals with Sunshine violations. Chairman Washam thanked Assistant City Attorney Igwe for his informative presentation. Attorney Igwe said his office is in City Hall and he would be glad to answer any questions that any members may have. Chairman Washam welcomed the Board’s new liaison, Mr. Dan DeCarlo. Mr. DeCarlo said he looked forward to working with the Board. IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Vice Chair Miller requested the addition of Old Business to discuss Thanksgiving, the health center and other issues that had been discussed at the previous Board meeting. Motion Ms. Williams moved to approve the Agenda, as amended. Motion seconded by Ms. Currier, which carried unanimously. V. MINUTES APPROVAL - October 21, 1999 special forum meeting November 3, 1999 regular meeting Motion Vice Chair Miller moved to approve both sets of minutes as submitted. Motion seconded by Ms. Williams, which carried unanimously. 3 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 1, 1999 VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairman Washam announced that at the Lantana Elementary School on Saturday, December 4, the Kiwanis Club will host a Breakfast with Santa Clause from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Chairman Washam announced that the Boynton Beach Parade is scheduled for Sunday, December 5th at 3:00 p.m. Chairman Washam asked for an update on Megan Keller? Vice Chair Miller said the child was transferred to the Boca West Hospital and is doing better. Mr. Keller is planning to hand out green ribbons at the parade, and the Youth Council will also be participating in the parade on behalf of Megan Keller. th Ms. Currier announced that on Saturday, December 18 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Officers Andy Rosenberg and Paul Sheridan, together with Jennifer Ross from Radio Station 104.3, will be in front of City Hall distributing Toys for Tots. Vice Chair Miller announced that the Lord’s Place will be holding their Holiday th Party on Saturday, December 18 from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. Santa will be there and anyone wanting to help would be welcomed. Ms. Williams announced that the St. John Missionary Baptist Church is sponsoring Angel Trees for children whose parents are incarcerated. This involves adopting a child for Christmas for gift giving purposes Chairman Washam announced that the annual Angel Tree for Royal Palm School would be held at Cracker Barrel to benefit mentally and developmentally handicapped students. This will be the third year of holding the event at Cracker Barrel. Chairman Washam announced that the Key Club at Santaluces would be holding a car wash at the corner of Lantana Road and Congress Avenue on December th 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The funds are designated for some students who have recently lost family members. Vice Chair Miller announced that the Lord’s Place adopts families out to businesses and organizations and there are a few families that need to be adopted. Vice Chair Miller announced that the TNT Concert would be held on Friday, th December 10, which is the annual holiday extravaganza. Ms. Currier requested that letters be sent to the contributors for their contributions to the Thanksgiving meals. Ms. Currier said that Channel 12 donated 27 turkeys and she would like a thank you letter sent to them. 4 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 1, 1999 VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Mr. Charlie Fisher informed the members of the Board that the Advisory Board on Children and Youth is scheduling planning sessions for next year and said that if any member had any suggestions for another beautification project, they would be welcomed. Vice Chair Miller said that a great deal of work is necessary at the Lord’s Place and Mr. Fisher suggested she attend the next Advisory Board Meeting on Children and Youth to officially make this request to the Board. Mr. th Fisher said their next Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 16. Also, Mr. Fisher said that if this Board has a project, which they would like assistance with, please let his Board know. NEW BUSINESS VIII. Vice Chair Miller noted at the last Board meeting it was decided to hold the January 5, 2000 Town Meeting at the Woman’s Club. However, Ms. Melody Green informed her that the Club was not available on that date. There will be one meeting permitted for each Board over the next year; therefore consideration should be given to holding the Town Meeting at Fire Station #3 again, or the Civic Center or the Madsen Center. Vice Chair Miller said once the place is determined she will have flyers furnished to Mr. DeCarlo for printing and would speak with Susan Berman to get press releases into the papers. Vice Chair Miller also asked if the Town Meeting could be listed on the marquee in front of City Hall. Mr. DeCarlo said he would follow through on this. IX. OLD BUSINESS Ms. Currier said that for Thanksgiving at least 797 meals were prepared when she left and meals were still being prepared after that. Vice Chair Miller requested that a letter be sent to Channel 12 as soon as possible for the 27 turkeys they donated in order that Channel 12 would consider giving more turkeys for Christmas meals. Vice Chair Miller said the meals were fantastic and contained a tremendous variety of foods. Chairman Washam said the individual Board members should be credited for doing a wonderful job for Thanksgiving and other holidays, especially Ms. Currier and Vice Chair Miller. Vice Chair Miller said that there needs to be better planning on getting the meals distributed and Board members had to distribute some of the food before the police officers showed up. Ms. Currier also would like the City to distribute a list of places where people could go to receive a Thanksgiving meal. Vice Chair Miller pointed out that most people in need of these meals do not read newspapers and many do not speak 5 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 1, 1999 English. There needs to be some means of letting these people know where they can get a meal. Chairman Washam said that there are great many organizations that feed people and people who participate in this should be commended because it is a monumental task. He said that this is something that should be done throughout the year and not just on holidays because there will always be homeless and hungry people out there. OLD BUSINESS X. Vice Chair Miller said that at the last meeting discussion took place about opening a health clinic on Martin Luther King Boulevard. She said that the County has deeded over a very large lot on MLK Boulevard to the City and the City now owns this property outright. Vice Chair Miller thinks this would be a perfect place for the health clinic. The property is within walking distance of Federal Highway and Seacrest from the bus stops. Chairman Washam said he spoke with Congressman Hastings’ Office and told them about the project. His Legislative Assistant, Mr. Lipman, who has worked with this Board on many projects, said once the Board could get the project all together, the Board should bring it to the local legislators and present it. After that, their office would help on both the State and Federal levels once all the plans are formalized. Vice Chair Miller suggested inviting them to the Town Meeting and Chairman Washam said he would follow through on this. Chairman Washam said before the Board gets this far, a workshop should be held to formulate what we want to see happen and what services would be offered at the clinic, which might also include social services. Chairman Washam said that when the workshop is held, he wants to make sure that Ms. Girtman can attend. Mr. Fisher suggested that the City’s Chamber of Commerce might be able to help with this also and could involve the local business community in the project. Ms. Currier said this should be the main project for this Board for the new Millennium. Chairman Washam said he would like to see another large grocery store in this area for the residents. XI. ADJOURNMENT 6 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 1, 1999 Motion Ms. Williams moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Mr. Jones. The meeting properly adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) 7