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Minutes 11-20-97 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20,1997, AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Shanna St. John, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Bob Borovy, Vice Chairperson Superintendent Marie Lengert Denise Panton Steven Kuehn, Student ABSENT Angela Girtman Rita Leidner Hattie Miller Harold Izard Jeffrey Davis, Student Amy Williams, Student I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER A moment of silent prayer was observed. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Lengert moved to approve the agenda as presented. Vice Chairperson Borovy seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of the October 23, 1997 meeting were deferred until next month. V. PRESENTATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Welcome new board liaison – Melody Green Chairperson St. John welcomed and introduced Ms. Green. MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 20, 1997 B. Board Certificates Chairperson St. John distributed to the members of the board Certificates of Appreciation and pins from the City for their invaluable board service. C. Summary of Special Session Chairperson St. John distributed a Summary of the Special Session on School Construction. She advised that House Bill 2121 authorizes pilot public/private partnerships in Dade, Bay and Palm Beach Counties for new school construction; however, no funding is provided for infrastructure startup. New House Bill 17A provides $1 million for each County. Chairperson St. John felt this money should go to the Boynton Beach High School because the City already has a partnership with Motorola. This is additional money to help with incentives, such as extra computers. She suggested that this board send a letter to the City Commission recommending that they try to get this money for the Boynton Beach High School. Motion Ms. Lengert moved to send such a letter to the City Commission. Vice Chairperson Borovy seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Vice Chairperson Borovy heard that consideration is being given to transferring the students from the technical school to Palm Beach Community College and making the technical school a high school. He feared that if this is done, a high school will not be built in Boynton Beach. Chairperson St. John advised that it was mentioned at the School Board meeting yesterday that a letter has been drafted regarding this. She will obtain a copy of that letter. D. Palm Beach Post Article Chairperson St. John stated that Heidi De Vries wrote a letter to the editor and it was printed it in the November 5, 1997 Palm Beach Post. She distributed copies of this article. 2 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 20, 1997 E. Green Market – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Chairperson St. John announced that the Green Market is held every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Veterans’ Park. Vice Chairperson Borovy did not think people were taking full advantage of the Green Market. Chairperson St. John felt they do not have enough vendors and, therefore, prices are high because there is no competition. Ms. Green advised that Ginny Shea of the Recreation Department and Judy Barie of the Ocean Avenue Merchants are working on expanding the Green Market and getting additional vendors. She stated that because it is brand new, vendors are waiting to see what kind of crowd it draws before committing themselves for several months. Chairperson St. John suggested giving vendors one weekend for free to encourage them to try it out. Ms. Green felt this was a good idea and will pass it on. F. Puppetry Arts Center Chairperson St. John announced that the Puppetry Arts Center will be in their nd new building effective November 22. G. Article on Disabilities Chairperson St. John distributed an article regarding Ruth Shuman, who uses dolls and stuffed animals to teach children about people with disabilities. H. Dialogue Handout Chairperson St. John distributed a flyer titled “A Comparison of Dialogue and Debate” from the Study Circles Resource Center which was handed out at a round table breakfast on ethics in government. I. CDF Updates Chairperson St. John distributed the Children’s Defense Fund Update dated November 10, 1997 and pointed out the following issues: 3 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 20, 1997 Advocates are being encouraged to visit Members of Congress during the ? winter recess, follow-up with local press who covered the White House Child Care Conference, and invite Members and reporters into local programs. Florida has received $270 million for fiscal year 1998. Additional funds will be ? available every year for the next 10 years. Organizations are being asked to support the principles for expanding children’s health insurance coverage in Florida and urge the State of Florida to act quickly to take advantage of the $270 million available this year to provide health insurance for the over 600,000 children in Florida who are currently uninsured. (At the next meeting, the board will decide whether or not to support this issue.) J. City Calendar Chairperson St. John distributed the City calendar for the month of December and encouraged the members of the board to attend other City board meetings. th She advised that Rep. Bill Andrews will be at the December 4 Education Advisory Board meeting. K. Galaxy Elementary School Advisory Council Ms. Lengert advised that the Galaxy School Advisory Council would appreciate representation from this board at their meetings. She is going to attend their next meeting. Chairperson St. John pointed out that a member of the Education Advisory Board attends their meetings. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Multicultural Development Chairperson St. John distributed an article and advised that Paula Allen, the Director of Multicultural Development of the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, is going to evaluate multicultural and children’s activities in Palm Beach County, measure the need for additional community centers, and identify facilities for these sites. Chairperson St. John stated that the Palm Beach County Cultural Council has money put aside for buildings where children’s cultural activities will be held. She suggested lobbying them to get some of this money to turn the old high school 4 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 20, 1997 into a cultural civic center. She pointed out that the Palm Beach County Cultural Council has Federal grants that can be tacked onto their grants. Ms. Green advised that the City Commission will be holding a workshop on Capital Improvement Projects in January. During that workshop, it would be appropriate for members of this board to share their thoughts regarding the civic center and the old school. B. December meeting date Due to the holidays, the next meeting was scheduled for Friday, December 12, 1997, at 6:00 p.m. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Skate Park Chairperson St. John distributed an article from the Sun-Sentinel with regard to Boynton Beach building a park for teen skateboarding. Vice Chairperson Borovy advised that members are being sought for a steering committee to make recommendations to the City Commission. Locations being considered for this rd park are 23 west of I-95, and Congress Avenue, south of the tennis courts. Also, the County offered to tear out their old tennis courts for a skate park. Chairperson St. John stated that the Youth Council and the City of Delray Beach expressed interest in working on joint projects. Ms. Green suggested that when the steering committee selects a location, they solicit the support of the Recreation and Park Board and send a letter of recommendation to the City Manager and City Commission. It would then be up to the City Manager to contact the City Manager of Delray Beach. B. Community Boards Open Forum Chairperson St. John advised that she received a thank you card from the Education Advisory Board, the Community Relations Board, and the Senior Advisory Board. Chairperson St. John summarized the following issues that were discussed at the forum: All the boards man a table together at the G.A.L.A. ? 5 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 20, 1997 Motion Vice Chairperson Borovy moved to participate in the G.A.L.A. by manning a table with the other City advisory boards. Ms. Panton seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Mr. Borovy mentioned that a leader for the Youth Orchestra is still needed. The Senior Advisory Board was interested in holding a ? grandparents/mentoring day. Wilfred Hawkins suggested we ask the Commission to give us specific ? assignments and projects to work on. Ms. Green offered to draft a letter to the Commission for the board’s signature. Chairperson St. John suggested asking the City to donate a section of property so that the Garden Club and the youth volunteers can work together on a garden. She found a $500 grant for community gardens on the Internet and would like to apply for it. Ms. Green will check with Kevin Hallahan, the City Forester, about a location. Chairperson St. John will contact the Garden Club to see if they are interested. A youth golf clinic and tournament was discussed at the forum. ? Chairperson St. John suggested contacting the Recreation Department and the Golf Course Advisory Committee about this. She felt this would be a good way to team up retired people with youth. Ms. Green felt the Golf Director, Joe Sciortino, would be willing to help. The Advisory Board on Children and Youth agreed to help with Youth in ? Government Day and the Multicultural Festival. C. Youth Volunteer Bank Chairperson St. John distributed a list of sponsors. Ms. Lengert advised that Burger King agreed to be a sponsor, and Publix agreed to provide refreshments. 6 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 20, 1997 Motion Ms. Panton moved to hold the Youth Volunteer Bank Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 7, 1998, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Vice Chairperson Borovy seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Ms. Green will check on the availability of City recreational facilities to hold this ceremony. Chairperson St. John reminded the members of the board to contact their sponsors. D. Youth Council Chairperson St. John distributed copies of the Greater Delray Beach Youth Council’s mission statement. She stated that the City Attorney will advise whether or not a resolution is needed. In addition, Robin Butler Matchett volunteered to become a mentor when this program is implemented. E. Budget Chairperson St. John stated that at the last meeting, there was discussion regarding how to access an operating budget. She received a letter from the City Manager stating that there has never been a budget. Chairperson St. John suggested tabling this matter until Ms. Girtman is present because she had some concerns and wanted to discuss them. Chairperson St. John urged the members of the board to find sponsors so that the board can have a budget. She presented a receipt for two printer cartridges, which she incurred on behalf of the board and requested reimbursement. Motion Ms. Lengert moved to reimburse Chairperson St. John for two printer cartridges from the board’s account. Vice Chairman Borovy seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. F. Youth Leadership Program Chairperson St. John advised that Virginia Farace, the Library Director, would like this board to represent the Youth Volunteer Bank on Volunteer Day (Friday, April 4, 1998). 7 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 20, 1997 VIII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Eve Eubanks Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 8