Minutes 11-12-97
MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING
HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1997, AT 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT
Ron Washam, Chairman Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the
Belky Cruz City Manager
Blanche Girtman
ABSENT
Jill Verderosa
Brenda Lee Williams
I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER
Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Ms. Cruz led the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent prayer.
II. ROLL CALL - Regular Members - Alternates
The City Clerk called the roll.
III. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Girtman referred to the board dinner being very nice and stated she thinks the format was
a little different and there was a large variety of foods, which was very good. Chairman
Washam added that it was a wonderful dinner and expressed appreciation to the city and staff
who put it together, as it was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.
Ms. Cruz announced that Joy Currier had called her and is requesting names for Thanksgiving
baskets and a Christmas party is being held at Hester Center. Names of needy families in the
area are needed.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
A.
Board Membership
Chairman Washam announced that the members need to contact some people to add to our
ranks. He believes if the three members present take the time to contact some folks who
would like to join us, we can start the new year with a full board. He doesn’t think the
membership waned because of lack of work or initiative, but people wanted to go into different
directions. He doesn’t look at this as a discouraging aspect, just reshaping of what we need to
do. He agrees with Ms. Girtman that we need a group who will work for the betterment of the
people in the community. There have been personalities over the years who have brought
outside agendas to the table, but we should work for the people. We do have restructuring to
do and must have active participants. He stressed that people be asked to fill out applications
before
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MEETING MINUTES
COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 12, 1997
the November 18 City Commission meeting which appointments will be on the agenda. Next
month at this time, he would like to have a full board to do things in the community. We know
what our job is, but need to get it done.
B.
Board Activities
Ms. Girtman stressed the importance of re-establishing our position with the School Board of
getting a high school in Boynton Beach. She added that this was the first board to mention
anything about a high school in Boynton Beach. Chairman Washam agreed the high school
is one of many projects and it must remain on the front burner.
Chairman Washam announced that the first round table of the Community Relations Board,
Education Advisory Board, Children & Youth Advisory Board and Senior Advisory Board came
together in October. He attended with Brenda Williams representing this board. Frank
discussions were held of where boards are going and how to avoid overlapping with
consolidating together. The Senior Advisory Board is hosting the next meeting on January 31
at 11:00 A.M. at City Hall in the Mall and we will host the meeting in April.
Chairman Washam stated that he has been contacted by Cracker Barrel and they want to do a
Christmas tree for children in the area. They will put the tree up and give us angels for names
to be put on them. The tree will go up Thanksgiving weekend and he would like this board to
spearhead getting names for these angels. Ms. Cruz agreed there are a lot of needy families.
Chairman Washam added that Lydia from Royal Palm School would also help and we need to
get names before the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Ms. Girtman added that her sorority will also be giving away baskets to needy families and they
are soliciting for that.
Agreement was expressed to work on these holiday projects and contact others.
C.
Presentation of City Certificates and Pins
Chairman Washam presented certificates and pins to the members in appreciation from the
city. Ms. Cruz questioned the idea of the pin and Mr. Hawkins replied that it was just a token
of appreciation.
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the board, Chairman Washam declared the
meeting adjourned at 7:50 P.M.
Sue Kruse
City Clerk
(One Tape)
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