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Minutes 05-14-97 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 1997, AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant to the Elizabeth Jenkins, Vice Chairperson City Manager Ronald Bair Belky Cruz Joy Currier Blanche Girtman Brenda Lee Williams Dee Zibelli Arthur Berman, Alternate ABSENT Jill Verderosa Mary Jo McVey, Alternate I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Vice Chairperson Jenkins. A moment of silent prayer was observed. II. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. Ms. Girtman was not yet present. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS At Chairman Washam’s request, Mr. Berman introduced his wife, Libby, and Allison Porter and Sheila Grind of Boynton Leadership introduced themselves. Chairman Washam welcomed them to the meeting. At this time, Ms. Girtman arrived. MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1997 IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Ms. Zibelli added Items VI.A (Newspaper Articles), VIII.A (Multi-Cultural Festival), and IX.B (CDC House on Seacrest and Gateway Boulevards). Ms. Currier added Item VI.B (Flood Victims). Motion Ms. Zibelli moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. V. MINUTES APPROVAL No additions, deletions, or corrections were made to the minutes of the last meeting. Motion Ms. Zibelli moved to approve the minutes of the April 9, 1997 meeting. Ms. Currier seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Newspaper Articles Ms. Zibelli read a newspaper article from June 18, 1986 regarding people being unaware of the Community Relations Board and its responsibilities. The article indicated that the CRB should be used more as a referral agency from the City Commission. It went on to say that the CRB was established with the express purpose of conducting continuous investigations into the communities’ problems and making recommendations to the City Commission. The CRB is supposed to be a liaison between the people and the City Government, and the City Commission should refer more citizens to the CRB. The public does not know this board exists and they bypass it and bring their questions to the public audience section of the City Commission meetings. This is time consuming for the City Commission and they do not have time to dig into each situation and find out the cause of the problems. Ms. Zibelli felt someone in the City should get the word out about this board, and that the City Commission should make an announcement at their meetings. 2 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1997 Chairman Washam stated that this board needs input from people so that we know what is going on in the community. This is why he put Item IXA on the agenda this evening regarding holding board meetings in different areas of the communities and finding out the problems in the different communities so that we can advise the City Commission. Mr. Bair did not think this problem is unique to this board. He felt the boards in general are not well known around the community. He suggested leaving the list of boards at all City facilities. Ms. Zibelli suggested advertising the boards in the Funfare! Magazine. B. Flood Victims Ms. Currier advised that food and clothing can be dropped off at City Hall, the Civic Center, Fire Station No. 3, and the Pantry on Federal Highway. So far, 200 bundles have been collected. Poinciana Elementary School collected 300 cans of food for the flood victims. The last day to donate food and clothing is Friday. Saturday, the Marines will be delivering them to South and North Dakota. After Friday, monetary donations will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to “Flood Relief, Salvation Army”. Chairman Washam advised that the students at Royal Palm School collected a large box of food to donate to the flood victims. C. Lantana Kiwanis Golf Tournament to Benefit Royal Palm School Chairman Washam announced that the Lantana Kiwanis is sponsoring a golf tournament to benefit the Royal Palm School. It will be held at Cypress Creek this Sunday. D. American Cancer Society - “Relay For Life” Chairman Washam announced that the American Cancer Society is having a “Relay for Life” at Carver Middle School in Delray Beach from 3:00 p.m. on Friday to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. E. Jail and Bail Ms. Currier announced that the American Cancer Society is sponsoring a “Jail and Bail” at the Boynton Beach Mall from June 10 through June 13. 3 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1997 F. Hispanic Cultural Affair Ms. Cruz announced that the Puerto Rican Culture Society is holding an Hispanic th cultural affair at the theater at Palm Beach Community College on May 24 at 8:00 p.m. It will include Hispanic dancing, guitarists, and a play. G. Meeting Re: Forming Associations throughout the City Mr. Bair announced that in an attempt to respond to the City’s desire to form associations throughout the City, he is having a kick off meeting at his home on May st 21 at 7:00 p.m. Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Specialist, will be the main quest speaker. He invited everyone to attend. H. Quick Victory Projects Mr. Hawkins advised that City staff had formed committees and came up with quick victory projects. The City Commission adopted those projects and the funding for those th projects. The City will be presenting the quick victory projects to the public on June 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Civic Center. He encouraged all to attend. I. Recently Filled Department Head Positions Mr. Hawkins advised the board of the following new department heads: Fire Chief - William Bingham Public Works Director - C. Larry Roberts Director of Development - Milan Knor Neighborhood Specialist - Hank Ackermann Utility Engineer - Herbert Kelley Ms. Williams asked if there are any minority or women department heads. Mr. Hawkins told her of Diane Reese, Finance Director, and Sue Kruse, City Clerk. He also informed her of, Carel Fisher, Deputy Director of Public Works, Al Newbold, Deputy Director of Development, and Arthur Lee, Assistant Director of Human Resources. VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE No one in the audience wished to address the board. VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 4 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1997 A. Multi-Cultural Festival Ms. Zibelli advised that the Multi-Cultural Festival Committee suggested holding the Second Annual Multi-Cultural Festival downtown in November. Discussion ensued regarding where to hold the festival. Mr. Hawkins advised the board to keep in mind that Federal Highway may be under construction in November. Motion th Ms. Zibelli moved to hold the Second Annual Multi-Cultural Festival on November 15. Mr. Bair seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. The members of the board agreed to have a workshop in June with City staff to discuss location further. Chairman Washam agreed to chair the Multi-Cultural Festival Committee and sign all correspondence. Mr. Bair agreed to co-chair the committee. Ms. Zibelli and Ms. Cruz agreed to serve on the Committee. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and determination of future meeting sites to be held at various locations; also PR strategy. Chairman Washam advised that last month, the board discussed holding their meetings in different communities. He felt that if the meetings are publicized in the different areas, people will bring their problems to the board. Ms. Williams suggested holding a meeting at the Royal Palm Clubhouse. However, th she was not sure it was available on June 11. Therefore, Ms. Girtman offered to allow the board to hold its June meeting at the Treasure Chest Early Learning Center. Ms. Williams suggested engaging Hank Ackermann as a liaison between the board and the homeowner associations to schedule Community Relations Board meetings at different locations. Mr. Hawkins pointed out that wherever the board holds it meetings, it has to be advertised ahead of time, and the location has to be accessible to the public. He also advised that there are intentions of plugging Mr. Ackermann into this board. 5 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 14, 1997 Motion Ms. Currier moved to hold the June meeting at the Treasure Chest Early Learning th Center, 101 N.E. 5 Avenue, phone number 737-6067. Mr. Bair seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Ms. Cruz advised that the President of the Village Royale Homeowners Association will allow the board to hold a meeting at their location. Reorganization of City Boards At this time, Mr. Hawkins announced that at their next meeting, the City Commission will be discussing the reorganization of this board, the Senior Advisory Board, the Education Advisory Board, and the Advisory Board on Children and Youth. B. CDC House on Seacrest and Gateway Boulevards Ms. Zibelli stated that this location is unsightly, and automobile repairs on being done on this property. Ms. Cruz also expressed dismay about this property. Mr. Hawkins advised that the CDC submitted a revised bid package to the County Housing Community Development which is funding the endeavor to renovate this house. This package should be approved by the County soon. The CDC will be coming back to the City for final approval of their plans on the building. This is supposed to be done within the next 30 to 60 days. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, Ms. Girtman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m. Ms. Williams seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Eve Eubanks Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 6