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Minutes 03-26-98 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MARCH 26, 1998 PRESENT STAFF Deleted: Shanna St. John, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent Bob Borovy, Vice Chairperson Section Break (Continuous) Steven Kuehn, Student Marie Lengert Hattie Miller Denise Panton Ita Murray, Alternate ABSENT Angela Girtman I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. A quorum was declared present. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER A moment of silent prayer was observed. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Upon motion by Vice Chair Borovy and seconded by Ms. Lengert, the Agenda was approved. Motion carried unanimously IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson St. John noted that on page 2, Paragraph VI.A. stated that “Miss Denahan addressed the Board”, when in fact it was “Ms.Green who addressed the Board.” Deleted: Miss Vice Chair Borovy noted that on page 2, the first paragraph, the name “Germaine Ivory” is incorrectly spelled. It should be “Jermaine Ivory”. MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 MOTION Vice Chair Borovy moved that the Minutes of February 26, 1998 meeting be approved, as amended. Motion seconded by Marie Lengert. Motion carried unanimously. V. PRESENTATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. CDF UPDATES ? Chairperson St. John presented an update on the latest Senate Bills regarding budget amendments for childcare and funds for child care that would be made available from the tobacco reserve funds. All members are urged to contact their Senators expressing their support for these Bills. ? Also, with regard to SB10 on youth violence, the most recent update is included in your agenda packet for your review. The phone numbers for your Senators are also included. ? The Boynton High School Forum has been broken down into groups according to the available committees. Chairperson St. John expressed a desire that someone from this Board should be on each of these new Committees and also stated that there will be other meetings and anyone interested in attending should contact Virginia Farace for the dates and times B. OTHER UPDATES Ms. Lengert informed members that she attended the Congress Middle School Reading Program, and expressed deep concern that some of the students were thth unable to read. Although the students were in the 6 and 7 grades, they were th reading at 4 grade level. Ms. Lengert stated that more volunteers are needed to read to the students and anyone wishing to volunteer their time, should contact the school for available dates and times. VI. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS Vice Chair Borovy introduced the President of the Boynton Beach Garden Club, Kay Boyers, who took the podium and presented a brief speech. Ms. Boyers introduced herself as the outgoing President of the Boynton Beach Garden Club. The Club is 60 years old and is affiliated with the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs for the purpose of beautifying the Community by planting native trees, shrubs, flowers and also planting flowers that attract butterflies. Each Arbor Day the Club plants at least two trees in parks and other areas 2 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 throughout Boynton Beach. Members attend courses at Mounts Botanical Gardens and courses offered by other horticultural groups, plus attend flower arrangement shows. Members also grow plants and flowers for the annual plant sale at the Boynton Beach Gala. Vice President, Betty Baker, and other helpers of the Garden Club, have agreed to assist Vice Chair Bob Borovy to begin a butterfly garden for the youth of Boynton Beach. We look forward to this new challenge. Our Beautification Chairman, Elsie Coyne is also present. Ms. Boyers thanked the Board for inviting her this evening. VII. NEW BUSINESS NONE VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. BOYNTON BEACH GALA Chairperson St. John thanked everyone on the Board for their attendance and hard work at the Gala. It is greatly appreciated. Chairperson St. John informed the Board that they will have a better placement at the Gala next year and asked if there were any suggestions for next year. Ms. Lengert stated that the price of the food for sale at the Gala was quite high. Melody Green informed the Board that the food was provided by San Francisco Puff ‘n Stuff, which was the company that was awarded the bid for the food concession at the Gala. Puff ‘n Stuff determine their own prices, which are based on what the market will bear and is comparable to what other festivals charge. Ms. Green stated that the portions that were served had been increased and a greater variety was offered. Any comments made at this meeting, will be discussed with the concessionaire. Hopefully, some less expensive items can be offered. Ms. Lengert stated that $3.00 for a turkey frank and $2.50 for an ice pop were very high and could be a hardship for people with large families. Ms. Green noted that the Exchange Club was selling the ice cream to raise funds for their projects, and not the concessionaire. When the reports arrive indicating how much was sold by all the concessions, Ms. Green will report back to this Board. Ms. Green informed the Board that for gross sales by all concessions at the Gala was a little over $40,000. Bob Borovy stated that Ms. Green deserved a round of applause for furnishing a tent for the Advisory Board members at the Gala. 3 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 Ms. Green also asked for any other comments that members might have regarding the Gala, which will assist in its evaluation. Vice Chair Borovy stated that they did not have any children stop at their tent due to their location and hoped that next year their booth will be better located in order to attract children. Ms. Green agreed that the area in which the booth was situated had been a problem with attracting visitors. It was hoped that the entertainment would have attracted more visitors, but it did not improve the traffic flow. The crowd estimates for Gala were 45,000, which was larger than the crowds for last year. Next year the area between Federal and Ocean (next to Barnett Bank), will be utilized. This should create a great amount of space for the non-profit groups. All persons walking from the West Side of the festival crossed over through the Barnett Bank parking lot. It is anticipated that this area will be utilized a lot more next year when the Gala will be at the Civic Center location. Chairperson St. John asked if there were any more suggestions. There were pamphlets from the Education Advisory Board for distribution, but pamphlets from the Senior Advisory Board and Community Relations were never received. Ms. Lengert also suggested that a handout be distributed at the booth, which would attract more people. B. BUTTERFLY GARDEN Due to the fact that there are people in attendance on the Butterfly Garden issue, Chairperson St. John presented this item next for review. Ms. Green reported that as President of the Boynton Beach Rotary Club, she presented the issue of a Butterfly Garden to the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club. The Boynton Beach Rotary Club has contributed $800 to help fund the purchase of plants and trees for the butterfly garden. John Wildner and Kevin Hallahan of the Parks Division of the Leisure Services Department will be assisting in obtaining the trees and shrubs for the butterfly garden at a reduced cost. Vice Chairman Borovy stated he has had five calls from youths that want to volunteer with this project. Chairperson St. John asked Ms. Green about the size of the space for the butterfly garden. Ms. Green stated she did not have the exact dimensions of the space, but will have the information available for the next meeting. The area next to the Art Center is being recommended. Also, if anyone has a particular location they would prefer, Ms. Green would be open to suggestions. 4 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 Ms. Green suggested a meeting be set between Citystaff, some of the older student Deleted: her volunteers, members of this Board, and the incoming President of the Garden Club in order to review the plans for the butterfly garden. Ms. Coyne discussed other areas where the butterfly garden could be located. Chairperson St. John suggested that maybe two butterfly gardens could be planted. However, after discussion, it was determined that there was not enough money for two gardens. The Boynton Beach Garden Club volunteered to put in a butterfly garden when the old school is remodeled, but this can’t be done until the work has been completed. There is space between the playground on the right hand side, where the bikes are parked, and a butterfly garden could be planted in that space. When the children’s museum has been completed, you will be able to observe all the shrubs and trees that have been planted. Ms. Coyne informed members that Betty Baker is the incoming President of the Boynton Beach Garden Club. The Garden Club is also planting trees at the new Children’s Museum. Vice Chair Borovy stated that Helena G. Fallon, from the Palm Beach County School Board Administration, telephone number 533-6376, has a butterfly garden that she wants removed and would like to donate the plants. Vice Chair Borovy will contact Ms. Fallon and report back to Ms. Green. Ms. Green also stated that the area immediately off I-95 and Boynton Beach Boulevard, adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express, is being considered for a beautification project, although the property is owned by the DOT. Wildflowers could be considered for this project. C. YOUTH VOLUNTEER BANK Chairperson St. John informed members that there are two new sponsors; Benvenuto’s Restaurant has contributed a $40.00 gift certificate as a door prize at the banquet, and Plastridge Insurance Agency has donated $100. Vice Chair Borovy stated that the Boynton Beach/Lantana VFW Post 5235 has contributed $100 for prizes at the banquet. Ms. Lengert stated she received a $100 check from the VFW Leisureville Post 10150; a $30.00 gift certificate for dinner for two from Hunts Grille; four $5.00 gift certificates from the Olive Garden; $25.00 donation from Lund’s Bakery; and the Optimist Club will be reporting back to her with their donation tomorrow night. Zuccarelli’s and Cooker’s will be getting back to her as well. Pete Haggerty of Publix at Oakwood Square will supply cakes and breads for the banquet. 5 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 Chairperson St. John asked for a financial update. Ms. Green stated that the deposit shows $900; $800 is the Rotary check and the $100 will have to be determined. Chairperson St. John stated there are two accounts. One account has $444.80 and the other account has $1,157.23. The first account does not include the $800 from the Rotary Club or the other $100 donation, as these funds were deposited on Friday, rd March 23. The journal entries are posted only one each week by the finance department and will be posted tomorrow. With the two $100 contributions received tonight from the VFW Posts, there will be $1800 in cash in the account. There are approximately 70 youths signed up. Chairperson St. John inquired if any cards have been returned. Denise Panton stated that she has made calls, but has not received any cards back. After discussion, it was determined that the parents should be contacted to have the cards returned. Parents should also be told that there will be scholarships available totaling $3600 in savings bonds (on the maturity date) to be given out. Mr. Charles Fisher, from the audience, inquired what this program was about. He was informed that this is a volunteer program and student volunteers bank their hours. When the cards are turned in with the banked hours, the time is tracked. Every May there is an awards banquet and the scholarships are awarded in the form of savings bonds. Chairperson St. John stated that most of the students in the program are high school students who are required to do volunteer work, and it is just a matter of getting them to turn their cards in with their hours. The students must also fill out an application in order that the hours can be applied. Vice Chairman Borovy stated that when students turned in their applications at the City Hall desk in the Mall, persons attending the desk did not know what this program was about. It is important that the schools understand that this is not a scholarship program, but is in fact a volunteer banquet, and should not be confused with the recreation scholarship program. Denise Panton and Vice Chair Borovy will call the parents to have the youth’s cards turned in. Vice Chair Borovy stated that the $100 contribution from the Boynton Beach/Lantana VFW is designated for pins, and that will not be included with the other funds. Ms. Lengert stated that the $100 contribution from the Leisureville VFW could be used any way the Board determines. The matter of food to serve at the banquet was discussed. There does not appear to be enough funds to cover food for the banquet. Discussion followed on getting food donated or perhaps Board Members making food themselves. Vice Chair Borovy stated he has written to Sam’s seeking a donation. 6 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 Ms. Green stated that she had written to Bud’s approximately four weeks ago to request food donations, on behalf of Shanna St. John and Marie Lengert. When taking a count for attendance, including parents who will attend, $8.00 per person should be used, if the banquet is catered. Ms. Lengert stated that Bud’s Chicken charges only $1.50 per person, which included chicken, cole slaw and beans. Ms. Lengert said she would check with Bud’s and report back to the Board. Ms. Lengert stated that most establishments have made their commitments for the year, and now is the time for this Board to solicit donations and contributions for next year. Chairperson St. John suggested that after the banquet, a letter be sent to various establishments informing them of the success of the banquet and request they make a commitment for next year. Ms. Green also suggested that the date for next year’s banquet should be set by the next meeting in order to reserve the Civic Center. After discussion, it was determined that approximately 50 volunteers will be attending the banquet and how do the funds get divided into bonds. The donations totaling $1600 are all designated for savings bonds. Discussion ensued on how many volunteers should receive bonds and what the amounts of these bonds will be. Vice Chairman Borovy stated this should be determined at a Committee meeting after the volunteers turn in their hours. After discussion, it was determined to have a Committee meeting on Thursday, April 9, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Lengert and Ms. Murray indicated they could not attend a meeting on that date. Ms. Green will locate a place for meeting and will contact all the Board members with the exact location. D. PINS Vice Chair Borovy presented the issue of pins and informed the Board that a 5/8’s pin with the logo stating (“City of Boynton Beach, Youth Volunteer Bank”) will cost $100 for the set up and $2.26 per pin, for a minimum of 300 pins, or a total of $778. Chairperson St. John stated unofficially that there is a $300 contribution forthcoming for the pins. Also, there is the $100 from the VFW, which now makes the total of $400 towards the pins. Ms. Green also indicated that the Recreation Department would provide some of the funds for the pins. Vice Chair Borovy stated that there is actually $500 towards pins: which includes the $300 contribution that is forthcoming and the two $100 VFW contributions. Vice Chair Borovy stated that the catalog for the pins was furnished by Doris Pastl and that the set up charge of $120 will only be $100, and that Ms. Pastl will provide the packing and shipping at no additional charge. 7 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 E. OPEN FORUM Chairperson St. John stated that the Community Relations Board will hold a Forum on April 18, 1998, at City Hall in the Mall from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m., however, the time may be changed to later in the day. F. YOUTH EXPO Chairperson St. John stated that she spoke with representatives at the Mall and was given two dates: the weekend before Halloween to be held in center court, or the weekend of November 7 and 8, which will be held by J. C. Penny’s. Discussion ensued regarding which date would be preferable, as well as the location in the Mall. Chairperson St. John pointed out if the date and location of J. C. Penny’s was chosen, the stage would be available and booths could be set up down the hall of the Mall, and also the back room in the Mall would be available. Also, there would be an entire blank wall, which could be utilized for artwork. MOTION thth Vice Chair Borovy made a motion that the Youth Expo be held on November 7 and 8 at the Mall. Motion seconded by Marie Lengert, and was carried 6 to 1 in favor of holding the Youth thth Expo on November 7 and 8. (Steven Kuehn voting “no”). G. SKATE PARK Deleted: she has Ms. Green stated that City Staff (John Wildner, Parks Superintendent) has been in touch with Dennis Eshleman, the Director of Recreation and Parks for Palm Beach County and the County is building a hockey and skating rink at Caloosa Park. We are trying to use that location for the skate park that the City would like to build and it appears favorable. There are two issues that have to be resolved. One is the risk management issue and the other is additional parking. We have also requested that the County assist the City with funding. The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department offered the City of Boca Raton $300,000 to build a skate park in Boca Raton. However, Boca Raton declined the offer, as the City wanted only Boca Raton residents to use the skate park. If the County provides funding for any park or recreation facility, it has to be open to all County residents. Ms. Green informed the members that Caloosa Park is located in Commissioner Maude Ford Lee’s District, but is close to Commissioners Warren Newell and Mary McCarty’s Districts. Ms. Green stated that this matter should move forward within the next few months. Chairperson St. John brought up an issue that was not on the Agenda. Chairperson St. John stated that there is a book being prepared that will contain the minutes from 8 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 the four Community Advisory Boards. She stated that she had not received any Minutes from the Education Advisory Board or the Senior Advisory Board. Chairperson St. John suggested that this book be available at every meeting for reference. IX. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Mr. Charlie Fisher, of 8069 Stirrup Cay Court, Boynton Beach introduced himself to the Board and had two questions. First question was regarding the food concessions at the Gala and asked if other organizations were solicited. Ms. Green informed Mr. Fisher that the food concession is awarded on a bid basis because the Gala Committee receives a percentage of the profits, which this year will be between $11,000 to $15,000. These funds help pay the costs of entertainment. Non-profit groups are allowed to sell any foods that the awarded concessionaire does not sell. The second question Mr. Fisher raised was if the projects presently being handled is a typical amount of projects that this Board routinely handles. Ms. Lengert explained the purposes of the Children and Youth Advisory Board. Chairperson St. John informed Mr. Fisher that some projects are also referred to other agencies. It is also anticipated that the Youth Volunteer Bank will eventually be referred to a City Agency, perhaps the Recreation Department. Mr. Fisher was considering volunteering his time and was attending tonight’s meeting to explore the possibility of volunteering to assist with the Children and Youth Advisory Board. Chairperson St. John also pointed out that Ms. Green, the staff liaison, was a fairly new member to the Board and has been a tremendous benefit to the Board. Vice Chairman Borovy also indicated that there has been discussion on starting a youth orchestra in the City. Chairperson St. John also informed Mr. Fisher that there has been some drama introduced at the Youth Expo. Mr. Fisher indicated he had experience with drama groups and has directed children’s theater programs in various cities throughout the County. Chairperson St. John thanked Mr. Fisher for his interest and urged him to attend the next meeting or any other events he desired. Vice Chair Borovy thanked Ms. Green for supplying him with minutes in large type and informed the Board that he will re-apply for appointment to the Board. th Chairperson St. John informed the Board that on Monday, March 30 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., the Technology Committee for the new high school will be meeting at the Poinciana Elementary School and asked if someone from the Board would attend the meeting. 9 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FL MARCH 26, 1998 Ms. Lengert stated that the Galaxy School was seeking a representative from this Board. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Ms. Lengert made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Borovy, which carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________________ Barbara M. Madden, Recording Secretary (two tapes) 10