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Minutes 06-25-98 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 1998 PRESENT STAFF Shanna St. John, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Director Bob Borovy, Vice Chairman Amy DeVries, Student Hattie Miller Charles Fisher Stephen Waldman, Alternate Steven Kuehn, Student ABSENT Angela Girtman Jermane Ivery, Student Marie Lengert Ida Murray, Alternate Denise Panton I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. A quorum was declared present. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Following a moment of silent prayer, Vice Chairman Bob Borovy led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Fisher requested that two items be added to the Agenda, Item VII. I, “Webb Site” and VII. J, “Community Relations’ Job Fair”. MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 MOTION Upon motion by Vice Chair Borovy and seconded by Mr. Waldman, the Agenda, as amended, was approved. Motion carried unanimously. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Mr. Waldman moved that the Minutes of May 28, 1998 meeting be approved. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Borovy. Motion carried unanimously. V. PRESENTATIONS, CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Lt. Chris Yannuzzi, Boynton Beach Police Department Topic: Sexual Offenders Chairperson St. John introduced Lt. Chris Yannuzzi of the Boynton Beach Police Department who was present to discuss sexual offenders. Chairperson St. John stated that she recently found out that there was a sexual offender living in her neighborhood and inquired at the Police Station as to the validity of this occurrence. As a result, Chairperson St. John asked Lt. Yannuzzi to speak to this Board on the subject. Lt. Yannuzzi took the podium and introduced himself to the Board Members and stated he was assigned as the Supervisor for Investigative Services (commonly known as the Detective Bureau of the Police Department). Lt. Yannuzzi said that he has been with the Police Department for 19 years next month and thanked the Board for inviting him. Lt. Yannuzzi informed the Board that in 1996 the State of Florida passed the Jimmy Rice Act which Act established two categories of sexual criminals, one being a “sexual predator” and the other being a “sexual offender”. This law also allows for the dissemination of information of those offenders, and whether they are male or female. Whenever one of these offenders is released into a community, the Sheriff’s Office will advertise in the Palm Beach Post and will notify the local agencies that these offenders are being released as well as the address to which they are being released. As provided by law, the Police Department was able to concur with Chairperson St. John that her neighbor was in fact a known sexual offender and provided her with a photograph of this person and other pertinent information. Lt. Yannuzzi informed the 2 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 Board that he has established a book on these criminals that reside in the Boynton Beach area and passed the book around to the members for their review. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has furnished the Police Department with a list of every licensed day care center in the State. By law that day care center is required to be notified of any sexual predator that lives within a one mile radius of the day care center. Lt. Yannuzzi stated he would also notify the day care center if there were sexual offenders residing in the area also. Chairperson St. Johnson asked Lt. Yannuzzi to explain the difference between a sexual offender and a sexual predator. Lt. Yannuzzi stated a sexual predator is the most serious of criminals and is associated with violence. Any person who has two convictions for crimes listed as offenders or any first offense of any sexual crime involving violence automatically becomes a predator. When a person is categorized as a sexual offender, it appears that no violence was involved and it is his first offense. There are 45 sexual predators in Palm Beach County and there are only two in close proximity of Boynton Beach. There are 38 sexual offenders in and around Boynton Beach. To be classified in either category, a person must be convicted of the crime. Lt. Yannuzzi inquired if there were any questions. Ms. Green inquired if the book prepared by Lt. Yannuzzi could be reproduced for distribution to the Parks and Recreation Department. Lt. Yannuzzi stated that all the pages in the book were obtained from the Internet web site that was established by the FDLE for this purpose and this information is available to any citizen. Lt. Yannuzzi stated he would make a copy available for Ms. Green. Anyone else can obtain this FDLE web site www.fdle.state.fl.uf. information from the Also, there is a toll free number in Florida 1-888-357-7332 for further information. Chairperson St. John inquired if the offender notification is published just one time in the Palm Beach Post and was informed that it was only one time, unless the offender moves. Chairperson St. John stated it would be worthwhile to publish this notification in the Sun Sentinel and the Boynton Times as well. Chairperson St. John further stated that she would personally contact the Boynton Times and request that they publish this information. Lt. Yannuzzi suggested that Chairperson St. John contact the Sheriff’s office directly and request that they disseminate the information to the Boynton Times. Chairperson St. John requested that On the Beat, which is published by the Police Department should include a reference on how to obtain information on sex offenders in your neighborhood. 3 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 Mr. Fisher inquired if day care workers must be fingerprinted. Lt. Yannuzzi stated that is the law. Chairperson St. John thanked Lt. Yannuzzi for his informative presentation and will update Lt. Yannuzzi next week after she speaks with the Sheriff’s Office. B. CDF UPDATES Chairperson St. John stated that the latest CDF Updates were included in their packets for their review. C. OLD HIGH SCHOOL Chairperson St. John informed members that Commissioner Titcomb has been coordinating with Florida Stage who would like to partnership with the City to refurbish th the old high school into a family theater. On June 30, the Cultural Council will request a feasibility study on funding this project and the City is taking steps to have the building declared a National Historical site. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Youth Volunteer Bank Vice Chairman Borovy stated that he met with the Manager of Fairlanes Bowling Alley rd on June 3. Also in attendance was James Hitchcock, the children and youth advisor of Fairlanes, and Steve Waldman. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss an adult/youth tournament as a fundraising means for scholarships. The date of the tournament is August 9, 1998 at 2:00 p.m. Registration will be at 1:00 p.m. The matter of the total donation was discussed and it was decided that it would be $20.00 per team, a team consisting of one adult with one child. The cost of $11.00 per team would be for food, shoe rental (for the youngster only) and three games of bowling, and $9.00 would go towards the scholarship fund. Mr. Waldman presented a sample flyer to be used for advertising prepared by Jim Hitchcock for the Board’s consideration. Mr. Waldman stated there was a discrepancy in the total cost of the contribution. The cost originally presented by Fairlanes was $22.00, not $20.00. The additional $2.00 was for the cost of the food. Also, the teams will be divided into four divisions, according to the age of the child. The bumper division would be 3 to 5 year olds. 4 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 Motion Vice Chairman Borovy made a motion that the bowling tournament be approved in accordance with the plans outlined at the previous meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Waldman. After discussion, it was determined to keep the cost at $20.00 per team to be split $11.00 for Fairlanes and $9.00 for scholarships. With regard to the trophies, Vice Chairman Borovy stated he would be in charge of obtaining the trophies. Pizza will be served at the end of the tournament. Mr. Fisher inquired as to which fund would be the recipient of the scholarship funds. Chairperson St. John stated the Children and Youth Advisory Board would use these funds for its scholarship program. There being no further discussion, the motion unanimously carried. Mr. Waldman stated that he would be in charge of getting the flyer prepared and finalized with Mr. Hitchcock. When the flyer is completed, Ms. Green suggested that it be faxed to her office and the Recreation Department will have it professionally printed. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. YOUTH VOLUNTEER BANK Chairperson St. John referred members to the newspaper article that was printed in the Boynton Beach Times on the youth volunteer banquet that was included in their packet. Chairperson St. John referenced members to the new school calendar also included in their packets. Members were informed that there was a spring vacation day on Friday, May 14, 1999 and Chairperson St. John suggested that Thursday, May 13, 1999 be reserved for the banquet, in order that the children will have the next day off from school. Motion Mr. Waldman moved that the Children and Youth Volunteer Banquet be held on Thursday, May 13, 1999. Motion seconded by Steve Kuehn. Motion unanimously carried. 5 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 Chairperson St. John referred members to the flyer in their packet that will be mailed to the volunteers. Ms. Green suggested that the telephone number on the flyer be changed to 375-6224. B. BUTTERFLY GARDEN Chairperson St. John stated that Hank Ackermann referred Eagle Scout, Mark Price to the Children and Youth Board via the Parks Department to assist with the Butterfly Garden Project. His Eagle Scout Troop will be volunteering their time and effort on July th 18 performing heavy lifting, clearing and weeding. The planting will take place on the following Saturday at 8:00 a.m. Chairperson St. John said a meeting is being arranged for this coming Monday or Tuesday among herself, Glenda Hall and Betty Baker of the Boynton Beach Garden Club and any member from this Board who may wish to attend. The purpose of the meeting is to finalize the plans for the Butterfly Garden. Vice Chairperson Borovy and Mr. Waldman said they were available for a Tuesday meeting. Ms. Green stated that the meeting could be held in the Recreation Department’s conference room. Chairperson St. John said there was $800 available for the butterfly garden and there are plants that are being donated. An archway will be constructed for vines. The garden will be located between the northwest corner of the Arts Center and the Library. Ms. Green stated that the Recreation Department will be in charge of obtaining a sign, “Funded by Boynton Beach and there will be more than one sign. One sign will read Rotary Club”. Ms. Green also suggested that the other sign could state the date the Butterfly Garden was dedicated and could contain the list of organizations that . participated Vice Chairman Borovy stated a person in Lantana wished to donate their butterfly garden. Chairperson St. John suggested he contact Ms. Baker with the phone number so that Ms. Baker can determine what plants are needed. Also, Vice Chair Borovy said he will be contacting the volunteers to determine who will be attending the planting. C. OPEN FORUM th Chairperson St. John announced that on Tuesday, June 30 an Open Forum with the four Boards would take place at the Library and inquired if a press release was issued? Ms. Green stated she was not sure, but would have a press release issued for this Friday. 6 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 D. YOUTH EXPO Chairperson St. John reminded members that a meeting was scheduled for Saturday, th June 27 at 9:00 a.m. at the Library to discuss the Youth Expo. E. SKATE PARK Vice Chairman Borovy had nothing new to report, but did state that the skate park would definitely be located at Caloosa Park. F. VISIONS, VIEWS AND CITY NEWS Chairperson St. John referred members to the article in their packet that was included in the Visions, Views and City News, which she read to the members. Also, Chairperson St. John referred to the article on the Education Advisory Board that she had prepared (since there was no Chairman of that Committee at that time). G. AMERICA’S PROMISE & YOUTH COUNCIL Chairperson St. John stated that information on America’s Promise was forwarded to the City Commissioners, which they received the day of the meeting. Although Commissioner Denahan who was informed of the Program presented the Program to the Commissioners, the other Commissioners were not given ample opportunity to study the Program in its entirety. The Program was referred to the Education Advisory Board and the Community Relations Board for their review. Chairperson St. John furnished information on America’s Promise to both Boards. Mr. Fisher asked Ms. Green if she has been in contact with United Way? Ms. Green informed the Board that the City is organizing for the All America City for the year 2,000. America’s Promise, the Youth Council and the volunteering will assist in meeting the criteria for the All America City. Chairperson St. John said it was important that the City Commission knows that America’s Promise is a community effort and all that is requested of the City is their endorsement of the Program. Chairperson St. John stated that after the other Boards make their recommendations, an official presentation could be made to the Commission for their endorsement. Chairperson St. John requested that Ms. Green follow through with the other two Boards to determine if they have had an opportunity to review the material that was furnished to them. Also, Chairperson St. John suggested that she or another member from this Board make a presentation to the other Boards in support of America’s Promise. 7 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 Mr. Fisher stated that United Way is also focusing on this type of project, as well as the Cities of Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. These people could be contacted for their assistance and Mr. Fisher indicated he would be glad to contact them if this Board wished him to do so. Chairperson St. John stated there is a minister in Riviera Beach who attended the first America’s Promise summit and she would contact him to assist in the presentation to the Commissioners. Mr. Fisher inquired if he should invite any of the contacts he makes to the next Board meeting and was encouraged to invite them. Chairperson St. John said she would include “invited guests” in the next agenda if anyone wished to speak at the next meeting. H. CHILD SAFETY Mr. Waldman informed the Board that he has contacted people to assist in putting together a child safety program, but needed assistance. Mr. Waldman stated that he contacted Assistant Fire Marshal Bob Borden, Mr. Ron Armstrong, head of student services for the School Department and Chief Jim Kelly, Chief of Police for the Palm Beach County Schools. Mr. Waldman stated he was in need of direction for the program in order to properly prepare for the presentations. Chairperson St. John said the first issue to be resolved would be when and where the program would be presented. Secondly, will it be in conjunction with a regular Board meeting or held separately? After discussion, Chairperson St. John suggested that the th program be set for the regularly scheduled August 27 Board meeting. Ms. Green said that would allow sufficient time for her department to prepare and distribute flyers. Also, Chairperson St. John suggested that the meeting could be held at the Library and could start at 6:30 p.m. and run to 8:30 p.m. Also, it was suggested that if the Library was not available the meeting could be held at the Hester Center. Other locations were discussed. Chairperson St. John suggested having some of the older volunteers baby- sit at the Library while the parents attend the safety presentation program. After discussion, it was determined that the child safety presentation will be held at the th Library on Thursday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m.to 8:30 p.m. If the Library were not available, the second choice would be in the meeting room at the Art Center, which can hold 60 people, or the Studio Room, which can hold 100 people. The next issue to be reviewed was the topic of the presentations. Safety in schools, general safety in the community, and children and guns were topics of discussion. Also, sexual predators/offenders was mentioned. Chairperson St. John suggested that several speakers be obtained for the program and that each speaker be allotted a certain amount of time to speak, perhaps five to ten minutes. It was also suggested that 8 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 the program be presented more than once in different locations so that more information could be made available. Motion Vice Chairman Borovy moved that this Board present a program on child safety in schools. Mr. Fischer seconded the motion. Motion unanimously carried. Mr. Waldman stated Virginia Farace furnished him with the telephone numbers of Ron Armstrong and Chief Kelly and he will contact them again for their assistance. Also, Chairperson St. John suggested that the Boynton Beach Police Department be contacted. Mr. Fisher stated it was important to include Assistant Fire Marshal Borden. After discussion and because of the time constraints, it was determined that two speakers will be invited to this first program. Assistant Fire Marshal Borden will be invited to a future presentation on safety in the homes as the topic. Ms. Green said she would coordinate the meeting date with Ms. Farace, as well as preparing the flyer when the speakers have actually been determined. I. WEBB SITE Mr. Fisher spoke with Ms. Farace and informed her that he would be willing to set up the web site for the inclusion of this Board on the City’s web site. Ms. Farace informed Mr. Fisher that her staff member would be inputting the information. Mr. Fisher will coordinate this with Mr. Farace. J. JOB FAIR Mr. Waldman introduced Ron Washam, Chairman of the Community Relations Board, who was in the audience and asked him to give a presentation on the job fair that his Board is scheduling. Mr. Washam took the podium and stated he resides at 112 S. Atlantic Drive, Boynton Beach, Florida. Mr. Washam stated that his Board is setting up a job fair for students who have difficulties obtaining employment, especially where transportation is lacking, and poverty and poor skills play a significant role in being unemployable. The job fair will be in two stages. First there will be a seminar with a series of workshops to assist the students in obtaining employment. The workshops will feature segments on how to dress for an interview, resume preparation, and completing applications, which will be conducted by mentors from the community. Mr. Washam further stated that his Board 9 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 must adopt the job fair at their July 9th meeting. After that date, more information will be available. The main purpose of the job fair is bringing these students together with businesses in the City. Mr. Washam expressed his appreciation for the assistance that Mr. Fisher and Mr. and Mrs. Waldman have offered and looks forward to attaining positive results from the job fair. Vice Chair Borovy inquired if the job fair was available to all businesses and Mr. Washam stated any potential employer was welcomed to participate. Mr. Washam stated that he would like to see the job fair grow each year and attract more and more businesses and students. th Mr. Washam said that the training sessions are scheduled for October 17 and the job th fair itself will be held on October 24. The times for both dates are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mr. Washam stated the whole key to the success of the workshops will be the mentoring that takes place during the first training session and the follow up through the week before the actual job fair is held to make sure the youth is ready for the job interview. K. OTHER 1. Chairperson St. John stated there is an 800 number that can be called whenever you notice a child being driven in a car that is not buckled up. The number is 1-800-699-SAFE to report the license number of the vehicle. Information will be forwarded to that household on how they can get a free infant seat. 2. With regard to the bank accounts, Chairperson St. John stated that one account is in the red ($616.85) and the other account has a balance of $1,155.43. However the account with the $1,155.43 contains the $800 for the butterfly garden. Chairperson St. John stated that the account was charged $102.73 by the City for paper, which was never received. Therefore deducting the $102.72 from the negative balance of $616.85 leaves a negative balance of $458.16. Ms. Green informed the members that the Recreation Department has budgeted $1500 for the Children’s and Youth Board, which has to be approved by the City Manager and the City Commission. 10 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 1998 3. Vice Chairman Borovy stated that there would be no flag raising this Fourth of July at Boat Ramp Park as in previous years. Vice Chairman Borovy was going to ask the Mayor and the Commissioners to come to the Park at 6:00 p.m. to present colors. Vice Chairman Borovy stated that someone would sing the Star Spangled Banner at the opening of the ceremonies at 6:00 p.m. Also Vice Chairman Borovy has 144 flags to give away and will be giving 24 flags each to child care centers so that when a child learns to recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag they will be presented with the flag. Vice Chairman asked anyone with a day care center to contact him for the free flags. IX. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson St. John reminded everyone to attend the meeting on Saturday morning 9:00 a.m. in the Library and Tuesday is the Open Forum at the Library. Next regularly scheduled meeting is July 23, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:23 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (three tapes) 11