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Minutes 04-09-97 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 1997, AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the Belky Cruz City Manager Joy Currier Chris Yannuzzi, Police Dept. Blanche Girtman Jill Verderosa Brenda Lee Williams Dee Zibelli Arthur Berman, Alternate ABSENT Ron Bair Elizabeth Jenkins, Vice Chairwoman Mary Jo McVey, Alternate I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Ms. Verderosa led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent prayer. II. ROLL CALL - Regular Members - Alternates The Recording Secretary called the roll. Chairman Washam advised that Vice Chairwoman Jenkins will be returning from out-of-town within approximately two weeks. Ms. Cruz advised that Ron Bair’s child is very ill, and he may not be present this evening. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS None IV. AGENDA APPROVAL At this point in the meeting, Mr. Hawkins had not yet arrived and, therefore, the agenda was not available. However, Chairman Washam advised that an item was to be included on the agenda dealing with the election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. Motion Ms. Girtman moved to conduct the elections this evening. Ms. Currier seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 1 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1997 V. MINUTES APPROVAL - March 12, 1997 Ms. Girtman moved to accept the minutes of the March 12, 1997 meeting as presented. Ms. Currier seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Ms. Williams arrived for the meeting. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Ms. Currier thanked everyone who participated in, and donated gifts for the Easter celebration for the children. VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: AA. Updates from Police Department In response to the board’s request last month, Lt. Yannuzzi provided the members with a listing of homeowners’ associations located within the City of Boynton Beach. Lt. Yannuzzi announced that this is the time of year when law enforcement throughout the country become involved in the torch run for the Special Olympics. Beginning next week, in conjunction with Red Lobster restaurants, there will be a program implemented known as “Tip a Cop”. There will be police officers in these establishments during lunch and dinner assisting the waiters and waitresses. They will distribute envelopes requesting donations. On May 16, 1997, between 9:20 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., the torch will come through Boynton Beach northbound on Federal Highway and connect at PGA Boulevard with the torch that will be traveling southbound, and continuing on to the Gardens Mall to arrive there at approximately 2:00 p.m. There will be a break, and at 7:30 p.m., the police will regroup and run to Dwyer High School where the games will be conducted on Saturday, May 17. The “Opening Ceremonies” of the Special Olympics will be held on Friday evening. It is anticipated that 3,000 athletes and coaches will be present on Friday evening and Saturday. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that this event is open to the public. Ms. Cruz reported that there have been a lot of break-ins at Village Royale. Recently, there was a carjacking in front of her home, and numerous bicycles have been stolen. She st requested that the Police Department increase their patrol in the area of 2100 NE 1 Court. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that the Detective Bureau is working very hard on the issue of the burglaries in this area. They have been very successful; however, many of the suspects have been juveniles. Lt. Yannuzzi promised to take this concern to the Department. Ms. Zibelli reported that the school buses travel Ocean Parkway to Miner Road on their journey to Rolling Green Elementary School. There is a 25 mph speed limit in this area, but the buses 2 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1997 are traveling at speeds of at least 45 mph. She requested assistance from the Police Department in getting this message to the School Board. Ms. Girtman is concerned about the speeding on Seacrest Boulevard. There was a recent traffic accident which resulted in the death of a young woman. In addition, Ms. Girtman is aware of one additional accident which resulted in death. There is a speed limit of 40 mph, but traffic is moving much faster than the posted limit. Ms. Girtman feels this street is becoming very dangerous. In addition, she believes Seacrest Boulevard needs to be restriped. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that Seacrest Boulevard is a County road. There is rubber tubing across Seacrest Boulevard at the location of the most recent accident. The purpose of that tubing is to count vehicles. The County is in the process of performing a survey to determine whether or not the vehicle traffic has increased to a point where changes are required. The investigation of the recent accident which killed the young woman is still underway; therefore, no report is available at this time. Ms. Zibelli pointed out that a great deal of money was spent to install the stanchion with blinking lights at the end of Ocean Parkway. That money would have been better spent on the installation of a traffic light. Lt. Yannuzzi explained that all decisions relative to traffic signals are determined by the County based on traffic flow surveys and accident reviews. As the accidents increase, the County begins to look at whether or not changes are necessary. In last month’s meeting minutes, Lt. Yannuzzi read Ms. Cruz’ remarks relative to the community being pleased that Bruce and Eric were patrolling her neighborhood. He advised that Bruce has decided to leave the Community Patrol Unit and return to General Uniform Services. Therefore, this change will take place in May. Eric will remain in the Community Patrol Unit, and another officer will be assigned to take Bruce’s place. Lt. Yannuzzi reminded the members that two years ago, he was placed in charge of the Community Affairs Division of the Police Department. As of the shift change in May, Lt. Yannuzzi will return to the road as a General Uniform Services Shift Lieutenant. He advised that it was a pleasure working with the members individually and as a board, and urged the members to contact him if he can provide service. Lt. Steve Graham will be his replacement. The board members thanked Lt. Yannuzzi for the outstanding service he has provided to the community. Chairman Washam feels the board has been more effective because of Lt. Yannuzzi’s assistance and service. A. CRB Goals for 1997-98 Chairman Washam reminded the members of the cohesiveness that was demonstrated when the board members put together the first Multi-Cultural Festival in Boynton Beach. This board has taken many positive steps in the past, and always tried to put the community first. Boards such as the Community Relations Board are made up of volunteers. In his opinion, even if this board did not exist, many of the people who currently sit on this board would be committed to 3 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1997 making this community better. All of the members have supported projects in each other’s communities. Chairman Washam recalled that when he was approached to sit on a board, the only one he would consider serving on was the Community Relations Board. After serving on this board for many years, he has not changed his opinion. He pointed out that this board has an effective voice in governing the City of Boynton Beach, and each member brings experience that is needed. Chairman Washam feels there are difficult times ahead for this City since we are in a transition period. It is important for the community to work together to meet needs in every area. He is very proud to have served on this board. In an effort to continue doing projects that will better the community, Chairman Washam announced that he was very proud of the Multi-Cultural Festival that was developed this past year. He is hopeful that this festival will grow bigger and better each year because it is a very positive endeavor. His favorite project is Youth in Government Day. This is an event that has been ongoing for approximately 30 years, and it is very effective in getting youth, teachers, City employees and parents involved. This event was moved from fall to spring to coincide with Municipal Week which is celebrated in October. Ms. Zibelli reminded the members that it will be necessary to begin thinking about dates for this year’s Multi-Cultural Festival so that there is more time to organize the event. Mr. Bair is working on grants. Ms. Zibelli is hopeful that the Multi-Cultural Festival can be held downtown this year. Chairman Washam is also supportive of taking the Community Relations Board meetings back on the road this year. He feels this will help the members learn more about the problems different neighborhoods in the City are facing. The function of this board is to advise the City Commission. Therefore, by meeting in the community, community concerns will be reflected in the minutes. He commended this board for being active participants in the community by tackling individual problems. If there is a concern in any part of the City, it should be a concern for everybody in the City. It is important to stay together and continue to be effective. Chairman Washam thanked all of the members for doing a fantastic job, and he looks forward to continuing to work with each one of them. There was a consensus of the board to take the board meetings on the road to learn more about the concerns of the different neighborhoods. It was suggested that the meetings be given more advertisement, and Ms. Williams suggested that the board select meeting dates and locations so that they can be advertised at one time. Ms. Cruz advised that she is in the process of setting up a meeting at Village Royale. She met with the association president’s wife to try to arrange a meeting with the residents. She will report back to the board. The Martin Luther King Committee is having a dedication at Heritage Park on Saturday, April th 12, at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Girtman invited everyone to attend the program that is planned. IX. NEW BUSINESS 4 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1997 A. Election of Officers Chairman Washam reminded the members that Ms. Jenkins is out of town taking care of her daughter who has been ill. Ms. Jenkins has been a very effective member of this board, and has been a sounding board relative to community problems. She will be returning to Boynton Beach in approximately two weeks and would like to be reappointed as a member of this board. She has submitted the necessary paperwork. Chairman Washam is supportive of her reappointment. In Elizabeth Jenkins’ absence, Chairman Washam moved to temporarily appoint Blanche Girtman as Vice Chairwoman of the Community Relations Board. Ms. Currier seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Chairman Washam passed the gavel to Vice Chairwoman Girtman, and requested that she open the floor for nominations of chairperson for the 1997/98 board year. Motion Ron Washam’s Ms. Currier moved to place name as Chair for 1997/98. Ms. Zibelli seconded the motion. With no other nominations for Chair, the nominations were closed, and a vote was polled. The vote was unanimous to elect Ron Washam as Chairman for the 1997/98 board year. Chairman Washam thanked this board and felt it is a privilege to be elected Chairman and to work with all of the members. He will do his utmost to keep this board moving in the right direction. Motion Elizabeth Jenkins Ms. Currier moved to nominate as Vice Chairwoman. Ms. Girtman seconded the motion which carried unanimously. B. Remarks from Wilfred Hawkins Mr. Hawkins reminded the members of the City Commission workshop meeting scheduled for Friday at 4:00 p.m., in Commission Chambers, to review City advisory boards and look at the negotiations with the planning consultant. The top-ranking company was James Duncan & Associates. It is hoped that the Commission will be able to finalize a cost factor associated with this planning project. This project will deal with how Boynton Beach will look in 10 years. He urged the board members to pay close attention to this project. nd On May 2, the City Commission, the Visions Task Force, and staff will convene to approve some first step, quick-victory projects from the Visions process. Staff has been working in task teams to review topics such as quality of life, education, neighborhood revitalization, City-wide economic development and public safety. 5 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 9, 1997 The Commission has set aside $300,000 for the visioning process. The City Manager determined that half of that money should be spent on projects dealing with the five categories. City staff divided into groups to address the categories, and developed projects that the community will be able to see. For example, one of the projects that was developed deals with giving money to neighborhood associations for projects in their communities. Another project will deal with surveys to get feedback from citizens relative to customer th service. Beginning on April 14, our Customer Service Department will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., to allow people a better opportunity to come into City Hall for golf permits, beach decals, and to pay water bills. There are many ideas, and staff is trying to develop these ideas into projects so that people can see and realize results immediately while the planner is working on the major project. The budget process will begin shortly, and many positive changes will happen in City government to help us relate better to customer service. It is important for the Community Relations Board to know what the City is trying to do. He urged the members to attend this full nd presentation at 4:00 p.m., on May 2. Mr. Hawkins was not certain of the location of the meeting, but believed it might be held at the United Way building in Quantum Park. Chairman Washam urged the members to attend both meetings. He again thanked all of the members for the outstanding work they have done. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Community Relations Board, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 6