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Minutes 06-12-96 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1996, AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the Elizabeth Jenkins, Vice Chairwoman City Manager Belky Cruz Lt. Chris Yannuzzi, Police Joy Currier Brenda Lee Williams Dee Zibelli ABSENT Blanche Girtman Arthur Berman, Alternate I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Ms. Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and a moment of silent prayer followed. II. ROLL CALL - Regular Member - Alternates The Recording Secretary called the roll. Mrs. Girtman and Mr. Berman were absent. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS Chairman Washam acknowledged the presence in the audience of Mr. Hawkins and Lt. Yannuzzi. IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Ms. Zibelli added "Rolling Green School Update" under VIII-C. Motion Ms. Zibelli moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Currier seconded the motion which carried unanimously. V. MINUTES APPROVAL - May 8, 1996 Vice Chairwoman Jenkins moved to accept the minutes of the May 8, 1996 meeting. Ms. 1 Lee seconded the motion which carried unanimously. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. City of Boynton Beach workshop meeting Re: High School on June 13 at Library Program Room at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Hawkins advised that the City Commission will be discussing a potential financial vehicle the City might offer to the School Board. The Commission will also attempt to set a date for a meeting with the School Board. Although the Commission does not have to accept public input during a workshop meeting, this Commission usually does allow it. He recommended that the board members attend the meeting. Chairman Washam feels this is an opportunity for the members to become more knowledgeable about what the City Commission is doing. The Community Relations Board will be involved in the high school issue, and Chairman Washam is committed to working with the Education Advisory Board for as long as it takes to get the new school in Boynton Beach. He reiterated the importance of having board representation at any future meeting that addresses this issue. Chairman Washam commended the members who participated in the rally at the June 5 School Board meeting. B. Clean Up/Fix Up Event Ms. Currier announced that Officer Rosenberg will be having a Clean Up/Fix Up event on Saturday, June 15, 1996, at 9:00 a.m., with the Juvenile First Offenders. Anyone interested in attending should meet at 416 North Federal Highway. You will then be transported to the park. C. Turn Around Boynton Beach Lt. Yannuzzi advised that the Anti-Drug Celebration is being planned in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of the Wrice process. The celebration will take place on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 13. He distributed a copy of the agenda for the Friday celebration. The City is attempting to have Dr. Wrice here to celebrate with us. Any questions regarding this event can be directed to the Wrice Facilitator, James Culver. He is the new Public Information Officer for the Police Department who comes from Maryland. His direct telephone number is 375-6124. The Unsung Heroes Breakfast, to be held at the Holiday Inn-Catalina Centre, will be on Saturday, July 13. Since reservations are required, please contact Mr. Culver. The City Commission donated $3,000 to this celebration to help defray some of the costs. Approximately 200 people are expected to attend. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that the Wrice marches continue each week. This week, the march will be on Friday night. Next week, the march will be held on Saturday night. Chairman Washam commended everyone who has been involved in the Wrice marches, and in particular, Lt. Yannuzzi for standing behind this project over the past year. He urged the members to participate whenever possible. He is very proud of the accomplishments that have been made and feels the City's image has improved 2 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 12, 1996 throughout the state during this period. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that when the first training session took place, the Police Department announced that they would be behind the residents for as long as they needed the support. There have been times when only three residents have marched, but the Police Department was there to support and protect those residents. The Police Department will continue to provide that support for as long as it takes. Lt. Yannuzzi commended Sgts. Dean, Ranzie, Briganti, and Passalaqua. Ms. Currier said she was never afraid to march because of the support and protection provided by the Police Department. Chairman Washam expressed his pride of the times in 1991 when the community sat in Ridge Hills week after week. That situation was the same as these Wrice marches. If the community is afraid to do this, the only victors will be the people who are poisoning the children. The people banning together and marching with the Police have conquered fear. The drug dealers are now the people who are afraid. The members of the Community Relations Board will continue to support the Police Department for as long as it takes. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that Myra Jones is a coordinator of the anniversary event. She can be contacted for reservations and additional information. Ms. Currier stated that she was unaware how bad the streets were until she marched with the Police Department. The Police surrounded the marchers and protected them, and Ms. Currier commended them for their support. Ms. Jenkins said she was aware of how bad the area was. She marched in Cherry Hill. Ms. Jenkins feels there is an improvement. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that on Friday, June 7, the Police Department conducted another successful narcotics reversal where officers posed as drug dealers. Fifteen people were arrested. There were thirteen felonies, four misdemeanors, two individuals had active warrants, nine grams of cocaine were seized as a result of searches, $231 in cash, and 12 vehicles were confiscated. This was an eight-hour operation. On May 20, following intense investigation and surveillance at Bell's Kitchen (aka Carters), the Police Department executed a search warrant inside the business and arrested Clifford Bell, the owner. Inside the business and from his vehicle, a firearm and 87 grams of powder cocaine were recovered. Mr. Bell was charged with armed trafficking in cocaine and manufacturing drug paraphernalia. At the Police station, Mr. Bell was interviewed, and subsequently took the Police to his house in Delray Beach where they recovered 9.5 ounces of cocaine powder, three assault rifles, and a shotgun which led to additional charges of trafficking in cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. 3 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 12, 1996 Chairman Washam commended the Police Department for the extraordinary work they have done over the last few months. Lt. Yannuzzi distributed copies of an article that appeared in today's Palm Beach Plus detailing the new Community Patrol Officers. The officers are divided into six areas of the City. They are two-officer teams. The event detailed in the newspapers resulted in a certificate from the County for the clean up effort. Lt. Yannuzzi also reminded everyone that on July 5, the Olympic torch will be coming through Boynton Beach at approximately 7:45 p.m.. The runners will travel Federal Highway. City Manager Parker is one of the runners. The Recreation Department is planning an event at Boat Club Park at approximately 6:00 p.m. Ms. Currier questioned whether or not a means exists by which the board could thank the Police Officers who have worked with the Wrice march process. Mr. Hawkins suggested that the members attend the July 13 Unsung Heroes Breakfast. This is the event that will recognize everyone who has worked on this process. Lt. Yannuzzi agreed that attendance at the Breakfast would be more than sufficient thanks. Lt. Yannuzzi advised that copies of the policy statement from the Visioning conference were available for the members. VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Multi-Cultural Festival Ms. Zibelli has been in contact with Carolyn Sims of the Recreation Department. The festival is in the planning stages, but it is important to settle on the location for the event, and whether or not ethnic foods can be served so that the program can move forward. Ms. Zibelli reported that Carolyn Sims received some requests to hold the festival at Boat Club Park rather than Hester Center. She agrees with this suggestion because she feels there will be more diversity by taking it away from Hester Center. Ms. Zibelli realizes the importance of having a successful first Multi-Cultural Festival, and feels there will be more participation if it is at Boat Club Park. Future festivals can then be arranged at Hester Center. Discussion ensued relative to the hours of operation for the event and the limited amount of parking available at Boat Club Park. The board decided that the festival should operate 4 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 12, 1996 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. With regard to the parking, Mr. Hawkins advised that when Dick Gregory appeared at Boat Club Park, the stage was set up in the parking lot. By doing that, parking spaces were eliminated. However, parking areas were set up, and people were bused by shuttle to the Park. The grassy area at the Park is sometimes used for overflow parking. However, if it rains, cars will get stuck and will tear up the field trying to get out. Mr. Hawkins pointed out that cars will be able to park along Federal Highway. Another alternative to Boat Club Park is the City's Intracoastal park site near the Bay Club. Whenever an event is planned for this location, the ground must be prepared. The City trucks in mulch. In addition, there is no electricity or shelter. Each booth would have to be self-sufficient. Vice Chairwoman Jenkins feels Hester Center would be a good place for this event. She realizes that there has been a hesitancy of people to use the facility, and believes the board should promote its use. By using the facility, people will realize that it is a good place for the community. If people are concerned about security, that issue can be addressed. Ms. Lee pointed out that a committee was formed to handle this event. That committee should make these decisions and then bring their plans back to the board. Ms. Cruz agreed with Ms. Williams' suggestion. She further advised that she also received telephone calls asking her to recommend the use of Boat Club Park rather than Hester Center for the festival. Chairman Washam agreed that the committee should make the decisions and then contact the members to let them know what they could do to help. Chairman Washam understood Ms. Jenkins' feelings about the use of Hester Center and feels this perception problem is something the board needs to work on changing. Ms. Zibelli advised that as the ethnic groups join in, she will ask that one of their members participate on the committee. Mr. Hawkins reminded her that the committee needs to carefully coordinate the event because the City is sponsoring it. The City will have to approve the groups that will be participating. With regard to food, there are Department of Health rules which must be adhered to. The committee will be responsible to ensure that each group is meeting its responsibilities. Mr. Hawkins will attend the next committee meeting. Ms. Currier believes that you cannot force people to feel comfortable at a facility. This event should be held away from Hester Center because there will be many other programs that can be conducted there. B. Attendance at June 5, 1996 Palm Beach County School Board Meeting 5 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 12, 1996 to lobby for new high school in Boynton Beach: Comments Chairman Washam reported that there was a good turnout for this meeting which provided unification that could not be dismissed. He feels this is the type of action that will be necessary to show the School Board that we want the new high school. Chairman Washam commended the organizers and feels more and more people are becoming aware of the issue. He explained that it is important for the members to be wherever they are needed to get this accomplished. He asked the members to bring in other people, and keep the noise going. Things can be accomplished by a unified group. Chairman Washam pointed out that Poinciana School is a perfect example of what unity can do. He feels the same thing can be done for the high school. Mrs. Jenkins advised that on June 11, 1996, at 10:00 a.m., the doors of the new Poinciana School opened. It is wonderful. Everyone is invited to stop by the school to see what is going on and to offer input. As soon as all offices are cleaned out on Monday, demolition of the remainder of the old school will begin. Ms. Zibelli questioned whether or not the City of Boynton Beach can be guaranteed that its children will all go to the new school when it is built. Mr. Hawkins advised that by law, children are supposed to go to the school nearest their homes. With that in mind, some Boynton Beach students would continue to go to Atlantic, and others would continue to go to Santaluces. However, the remainder of the students should be able to go to the new school. If the school gets a magnet classification or a specified program designation, the boundaries will be opened. Ms. Currier asked whether or not the curriculum is going to change at Forest Park Elementary School. Mr. Hawkins stated that he was unaware of any plans for change. Chairman Washam announced that he would like to conduct the September board meeting at Forest Park Elementary School. In addition, he would like for this board's meetings to be held at facilities other than City Hall in the future. Ms. Currier advised that Mrs. Rahming has offered the board the use of her school for a meeting. Ms. Currier questioned whether or not it would be allowable to start a petition drive to show that the City supports the construction of the new high school. Mr. Hawkins responded affirmatively. Chairman Washam reported that the Superintendent attended the graduation ceremonies at Royal Palm School. She spoke with the people who were present. It is his opinion that she is someone we will be able to work with and negotiate with. Ms. Jenkins added that 6 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 12, 1996 when Superintendent Kowal spoke at City Hall, she explained that it will take everyone working together to get this project completed. Ms. Jenkins advised that Arline Weiner, former City mayor, is asking for support in her campaign for School Board member. C. Rolling Green Elementary School Update Ms. Zibelli reported that during a meeting at Rolling Green Elementary with Dr. Voss, Charles Frederick, and Melody Green, Ms. Cruz suggested organizing and sending out a survey relative to recreation. Since Ms. Zibelli never heard anything following that meeting about the survey, she visited Sharon Golden at the Civic Center to check on the status. Ms. Golden advised her that the surveys were sent out, and 900 responses were received. Ms. Zibelli was unhappy that the Recreation took over the project entirely and left the Community Relations Board members out of the loop. The board wanted to be involved, got involved, and is now left out, and Ms. Zibelli does not know where the board stands at this point. In response to Chairman Washam's question, Ms. Zibelli stated that she would like Melody Green to address the board on this issue at the next regular meeting in July. IX. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Washam advised that because of upcoming events, the board will not take a recess during the summer. He further pointed out that in the past, there has been discussion about the possibility of having this board merge with another board. In Chairman Washam's opinion, this board does good work, and the members must continue to make themselves and the purpose of the board known. He feels it is important to continue to promote a positive image for the City, and to make the City a better place to work and live. The board needs to continue to work to advise the Commission and our fellow citizens about what is going on in the community. He commended the members for volunteering their times and doing a good job. He is proud to sit as Chairman of this board. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, Chairman Washam moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Ms. Cruz seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary 7 MEETING MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 12, 1996 (Two Tapes) June 17, 1996 8