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Minutes 05-08-96 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1996, AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the City Elizabeth Jenkins, Vice Chairperson Manager Joy Currier Lt. Chris Yannuzzi, Police Dept. Belky Cruz Blanche Girtman Brenda Lee Williams Arthur Berman, Alternate ABSENT Dee Zibelli I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Mrs. Cruz, and a moment of silent prayer was observed. II. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. Vice Chairperson Jenkins was not yet present. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS There were no visitors in the audience. IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Election of Officers was added under New Business. Motion Ms. Girtman moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Berman seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. V. MINUTES APPROVAL No additions, deletions, or corrections were made to the minutes of the last meeting. MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 Motion Ms. Girtman moved to approve the minutes of the April 10, 1996 meeting. Mrs. Currier seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Comments on Vision 20/20 Chairman Washam stated that if he had not been engaged in other activities, he would have loved to have participated in Vision 20/20. He said he heard some very positive comments from some of the people who attended. He also heard some positive feedback about Mrs. Currier's participation in Vision 20/20. He asked for comments from those who attended Vision 20/20. Ms. Girtman commended the City Commission for having Vision 20/20. She said it was outstanding, very informative, inspirational, and very well carried out. She advised that the participants planned extensively for the Year 2000, and now we have to try to implement those plans. Mr. Hawkins was in possession of the final draft that was voted on and accepted by the participants of Vision 20/20. Mrs. Currier and Ms. Girtman will get a copy of this document in the mail, since they were participants. Mr. Hawkins will provide copies to the other members of the board if they desire one. Mr. Hawkins brought up a couple of items that were discussed at the Assembly and incorporated into this document. He felt these items are pertinent to this board, and that this board could take a leading role, or a very strong supporting role, in implementing them. At the Assembly, there was discussion regarding how city advisory boards should be evaluated to ensure adequate representation and effectiveness. We want our boards to be valuable to us and we want them to feel that they are contributing positively to the City. There was also discussion about board appointments being made based upon qualifications instead of being political appointments, and sunsetting some of the boards that are not effective. Discussions also included empowering board members and have them assist in City government on a volunteer basis, involving boards in the budget process so that they can make recommendations on which programs are funded, recruiting qualified people to serve on appropriate boards, encouraging more citizen attendance and 2 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 input at board meetings, reinstating Unity Day, encouraging participation in multicultural events for all communities, and promoting an international festival. Mr. Hawkins pointed out that this board is in the process of organizing a multicultural event and, therefore, is already engaged in bringing to fruition one of the recommendations that came out of Vision 20/20. He advised that the Recreation Department is very excited about having a multicultural festival; hence, this board could look forward to their support. Mr. Hawkins stated that establishing neighborhood associations was also discussed at the Assembly. He stated that the members of this board are considered community leaders. They have resided in their communities for many years and people are familiar with them. This gives them the ability to take a leadership role in helping to organize communities. The city government has to rely on people like the members of this board to help organize communities. He explained that it makes it much easier for government officials and city staff to have people like the members of this board help the people in their communities develop trust in us, speak up for us, and provide constructive criticism. Mr. Hawkins advised that the City has targeted the communities that many of the members of this board live in. Since this board is already involved and informed, it made sense to him for this board to take a leadership role in organizing those communities, and that those communities be the first ones to be organized. Also, the board could help introduce the people in those communities to the Neighborhood Specialist who is going to be hired to organize communities. In the past, this board has held its meetings at various locations. The Neighborhood Specialist could use that forum to help organize neighborhoods and help get feedback from the people to identify what they want done in their neighborhoods. This board has already set themselves in the position to be able to help us be successful in our endeavor to continue organizing neighborhood organizations. These are two projects that Mr. Hawkins felt this board could take on to help us achieve the goals that were set out in Vision 20/20. He reiterated that the board is already planning a multicultural festival to promote the diversity that is evident in the City. Also, as leaders of the community, the members of the board could take a leading role in helping us to organize their communities by holding their board meetings in those communities, and working with staff to contact and work with the people in those communities. 3 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 At this time, Vice Chairperson Jenkins arrived. Ms. Currier commented that the networking at Visions 20/20 was awesome. She advised that she invited the group that she was with to come here in 90 days to see how we progress. She suggested inviting all the other groups also. B. Attendance at June 5, 1996 Palm Beach County School Board Meeting to lobby for new high school in Boynton Beach Chairman Washam stressed that this is a very important time to show unity and to be very vocal. He said we need to take full advantage of this window of opportunity and attend the June 5th School Board meeting in full force. He stated that when we first started lobbying for the high school, Boynton Beach had a nice show of unity which attracted attention. He said we need to join forces with the Education Advisory Board and tackle this issue this upcoming year, and our attendance at the June 5th School Board meeting is needed to show our support. Ms. Girtman stated that one of the issues her group focused on at Vision 20/20 was the high school. Mrs. Currier believes all groups focused on this issue. She asked Mr. Hawkins if transportation will be provided to and from the School Board meeting. Mr. Hawkins advised that Commissioner Bradley and Nellie Denahan are working on this matter. He did not know if buses will be provided or if we will carpool. There has also been talk of getting T-shirts for everybody to wear to make a stronger visual presence. As soon as he has all the information, he will contact Chairman Washam, who will call all the members of this board. Mr. Hawkins said Ms. Denahan is going to contact the Chairpersons of every city advisory board and ask them to notify all their board members, the people in their neighborhoods, the people they work with, etc. Mrs. Currier asked how the meeting went with Dr. Kowal. Mr. Hawkins advised that 80 people attended that meeting, including Jody Gleason and Diane Heinz. Dr. Kowal was asked some very probing questions about various issues regarding the future of the School Board and her direction. Mr. Hawkins will provide copies of the minutes of that meeting to the members of this board. Mr. Hawkins advised that the School Board meeting will be held at the School Board headquarters on Forest Hill Boulevard at 5:30 p.m. 4 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 C. The Boynton Beach Police Department 18th Annual Police Memorial Service and Awards Ceremony Chairman Washam announced that this ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 1996, at 1:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at 12:30 at the Clayton Conference Center at Bethesda Hospital. He stated that this has always been a very moving service and reminds us what it is to be part of a department that protects and serves the people of a community. He commended the Boynton Beach Police Department, and said this is a day to come out to honor their fallen comrades throughout the country and the world. He urged all the members of the board to attend. Lt. Yannuzzi asked the members of the board to call Dawn Jackson at 375-6150 if they plan to attend. He said the invitations indicated that hors d'oeuvres would be served after the ceremony; however, lunch will be served instead at 12:30 p.m., before the ceremony. Both the luncheon and the ceremony will be held at the Clayton Conference Center. He advised that May 15th is National Police Memorial Day, and there will be services throughout the country on that day, and multiple services throughout the week in Washington, D.C. Chairman Washam thanked Lt. Yannuzzi for the invitation. He stated that this is a good day for remembering, for reflection, and for rejuvenation for the future. VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE No one was present in the audience. VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Multicultural Festival Mrs. Cruz advised that at a meeting on April 24th with Carolyn Sims of the Recreation and Parks Department, there was discussion about where to hold this festival. Ms. Sims would like to hold it at Hester Center to introduce Hester Center to the community. However, Mrs. Cruz and Ms. Zibelli thought it would be better to hold it at Boat Ramp Park. She asked the members of the board where they think the best place would be for the festival. 5 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 Mr. Hawkins stated that it depends on the number of people you are looking to attract, the number of activities, and the date. He said both facilities are adequate to hold a number of people. If there are going to be food and/or vendor booths, you need to take a look at each site to see if everything will fit. In selecting a site, you must also take into consideration which site is more accessible and which site people would feel more comfortable going to. Mrs. Cruz advised that we want all nationalities from the community represented. The tentative date for the festival is Saturday, November 16th. Mrs. Currier pointed out that many boats are there on a Saturday. Mr. Hawkins stated that this would reduce the number of parking spaces available. Vice Chairperson Jenkins felt it would be better to hold the festival at Hester Center if there are going to be displays and food. She pointed out that displays could be set up outside of Hester Center, whereas there is a lot of sand and traffic at Boat Ramp Park. Mrs. Cruz suggested setting up a stage for the various ethnic groups to put on shows. Mr. Hawkins advised that the City could provide a portable, covered stage. Ms. Williams agreed with Mr. Hawkins that we first have to decide on the scale of the festival. If there is going to be entertainment continuously during the day, Hester Center would be a better place to have the festival because it has more open space than Boat Ramp Park. However, if the Bulldogs are in the playoffs, there might be a football game at Hester Park that Saturday. Mrs. Cruz invited everyone to the multicultural festival meeting on June 5th at Hester Center at 3:00 p.m. Ms. Girtman pointed out that this is the same day as the School Board meeting. Mrs. Cruz will try to reschedule the festival meeting. Chairman Washam suggested planning to hold the festival at Hester Park because of the parking and open space. Also, he pointed out that we want to showcase Hester Park. He has some ideas to bring people to Hester Park and will discuss them at the festival meeting. Mr. Hawkins advised that the Recreation Department will lend the board their expertise and experience with this project. Ms. Williams suggested that we start advertising the festival to see what kind of response 6 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 we get from the community. Chairman Washam felt this festival will promote the differences of people in the community. He stated that unless we understand those differences, it is hard to live together. He thanked Mrs. Cruz and Ms. Zibelli for working on the festival. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Introduction of New Board Member At this time, Chairman Washam welcomed Ms. Williams to the board and thanked her for volunteering to serve on this board. Ms. Williams has lived in this City for 37 years. She has served on the Community Relations Board when Sam Wright was on the Commission. She has also served on the Employee Pension Board when Ezell Hester was on the Commission. B. Police Department Mrs. Cruz advised that the abandoned house at 2140 N.E. 1st Court was set on fire last Thursday at 3:00 a.m. It is open and she is afraid that somebody will set it on fire again or a child might go in there and get hurt. She has already contacted Code Enforcement about this. Lt. Yannuzzi stated that he will followup on this tomorrow morning. Chairman Washam thanked Lt. Yannuzzi for attending the Community Relations Board meetings and keeping us informed. He asked Lt. Yannuzzi to let us know if there is anything we can do to help. C. Election of Officers Chairman Washam opened the floor for nominations for Chair and Vice Chair of the board. Mrs. Cruz nominated Ron Washam as Chairman. Ms. Girtman seconded the nomination. No other nominations were made. Mr. Washam was unanimously reelected Chairman of the board. 7 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 Mrs. Currier nominated Elizabeth Jenkins as Vice Chair. Ms. Williams seconded the nomination. No other nominations were made. Ms. Jenkins was unanimously reelected Vice Chairperson of the board. D. Comments Chairman Washam has heard some talk about this board from different areas. He said he is honored to have served on this board for four years. He believes in what this board was meant to do when it was founded. This is the board that goes right to the heart and sole of the community. It is a necessary board. He said we need to go out on the road more, and we need to continue to work on projects that will bring people together. Mr. Hawkins stated that this board was started back in the 1970s. It was initially called the Human Relations Board. Because of the diversity, not only in our community, but in this country as a whole, he thinks it is very important to have a positive forum where people could come together to discuss their feelings on issues. It is this type of forum that will get a better response than formal meetings like the City Commission meetings. The City Commission had a town meeting at which every person who spoke said they felt better coming to the Commission in this type of informal meeting than they do at the regular City Commission meetings. Mr. Hawkins said this is what the Community Relations Board is all about. If people want to talk about something, or if this board identifies a situation or problem that needs to be taken care of in a neighborhood, this is a forum where those issues can be discussed in a less pretentious manner. He did not think the roots of this board have outgrown themselves. Some of the same problems that have brought this board together in the 1970s still exists. It is very important that this board be able to address those issues that we all share. There are still issues out there that this board still can deal with because they are still prevalent and relevant in today's society. Chairman Washam stated that the members of the board can address what they hear individually. They have the right to speak to the elected officials and let them know how they feel. He said the members of the board have done good work and he looked forward to working with them over the next year. Mrs. Currier stated that this board is a very active board. We do 10 to 15 different things during the year. Although the Commissioners or anybody else may not chose to come to 8 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MAY 8, 1996 our meetings, we do have them, and will continue to have them, in spite of those who say we do not. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, Ms. Girtman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Mrs. Currier seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Eve Eubanks Recording Secretary (One Tape) 9