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Minutes 08-23-96 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 1996, AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Shanna St. John, Chairwoman Beth Bailey, Public Information Angela Girtman, Vice Chairwoman Officer Marie Lengert Denise Panton Betsy Wallshein, Alternate Whitney Tompson, Student/Regular Amy Williams, Student/Regular ABSENT Marvin Blitz Eric Davis David Helwig Hattie Miller, Alternate 1. CALL TO ORDER Chairwoman St. John called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. 2. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER A moment of silent prayer was observed. 3. AGENDA APPROVAL Additions, Corrections, Deletions Chairwoman St. John acknowledged the presence in the audience of Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz and Commissioner Bradley, and announced that they would be speaking at the meeting this evening. Under "Correspondence and Announcements", Chairwoman St. John added, "Handout from the Children's Defense Fund". This information refers to a bill signed into law today. Under "Correspondence and Announcements", Chairwoman St. John added, "Announcement About Proclamation". Under "Old Business", Chairwoman St. John added "Update on Summer Movie Program". 4. MINUTES APPROVAL - July 25, 1996 Ms. Panton moved to approve the minutes of the July 25, 1996 meeting. Ms. Lengert seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 1 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 5.CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioner Matthew Bradley Commissioner Bradley feels this board has a very important function. In reading the minutes, Commissioner Bradley alluded with pleasure to the plans for the upcoming Expo. This reminds him of Sid Rosen, who was a founding member of this board. Commissioner Bradley understands that it is difficult for the advisory boards to know their function because there is no particular charge from the Commission. Boards such as Code Enforcement and Nuisance Abatement have specific jobs that must be done. However, that offers an opportunity for the members to figure out what they would like to contribute to the City. Those ideas and recommendations can be brought to the City Commission for consideration. Commissioner Bradley recommended that the members research to learn about what might be helpful to children. He told them not to hold themselves back. Commissioner Bradley referred to last month's meeting where Commissioner Titcomb mentioned truancy. Commissioner Bradley offered to contact Officer Dan Smith to have him attend the next meeting to discuss a truancy program that involves store owners putting signs in their stores notifying the public that they are participants in the Truancy Intervention Program. This means the store owners will not do business with any children who are supposed to be in school. The store owners will not allow the children into the stores. There is a down side to this program in that some store owners want that type of business. Commissioner Bradley offered his assistance in arranging to have Officer Smith attend a future meeting. After that presentation, the Chamber of Commerce can be contacted to assist in getting businesses involved. Commissioner Bradley wished the members luck and urged them to keep up the good work. He expressed the appreciation of the Commissioners for the good work they are doing. Commissioner Bradley apologized for not being able to attend all of the board meetings. However, he pointed out that he reads the minutes of all board meetings. He promised to make an effort to attend more future meetings. Chairwoman St. John told Commissioner Bradley that she would like to see him at the opening ceremonies of the Youth Exposition. Vice Mayor Shirley Jaskiewicz Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz felt Commissioner Bradley's idea regarding the truancy situation was a wonderful idea. She pointed out that the duties and responsibilities of the different advisory boards overlap on many occasions. She feels this board should work with the Education Advisory Board on a truancy program. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz explained that there are 18 boards, and the Commissioners read all of the meeting minutes. It is almost mandatory for the Commissioners to attend the Planning and Development Board meetings because it helps when making decisions on development projects for the City. 2 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz was aware of the fact that the board had some confusion about its direction. She recommended that the members review the Ordinance under which this board was formed. That Ordinance provides an overview. However, the board members can be original. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz advised that she has been very interested in neighborhood revitalization. She sees this as an opportunity for involvement for this board. In addition, the pastor of her church "Building Communities From the Inside Out - A Path provided her with a copy of a book titled, Toward Finding and Mobilizing a Community's Assets". One of our biggest assets is the youth of the City. This book provides definite ideas on programs and ways to implement programs. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz explained that many times, there are elderly people or people without the means to fix up their property. A group of children can be organized to go out into the community to help the residents. This program was organized in Riviera Beach and was sponsored by a church. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz provided Mr. Hawkins with a copy of this article, and we plan to institute the program in this City in October. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz said she can supply the paint and grass seed. At the present time, the Code Enforcement Department is identifying residences that need attention. This is being done in an effort to change the image of Boynton Beach. One of the residents who was opposed at first to cleaning up his property, changed his point of view after having complied with the Code. That gentleman now realizes that drug dealers do not go into well- kept neighborhoods to sell drugs. This board can play a major role in this important function. The Community Relations Board and the Education Advisory Board deal with some of the issues this board addresses. At one point, the Commission was considering combining some of the boards. However, it is now believed that each board can function independently, and be an asset to the City. She suggested that the boards work in conjunction with other on some programs, and attend each other's meetings throughout the year. Rather than have Officer Smith attend two meetings and make a presentation at each one, this would be an excellent program for the two boards to work on together. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz offered the book to Chairperson St. John to read and extract ideas and information. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz further advised that if the advisory boards see any problems or discover something that must be addressed, it is their obligation to bring that issue to the attention of the Commission. The Commission is willing to work with the boards on activities. She feels this board could be very helpful to senior citizens because there are so many elderly people who would be pleased to have a young person spend an hour with them or go to a store for them. This would be a great service to the City and to another human being. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz offered to assist in any way. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz welcomed the student members and urged them to involve other teens in the projects sponsored by this board. Handout from Children's Defense Fund A. Chairwoman St. John distributed copies of a synopsis of the Welfare Bill that was signed into law today. This article was presented to the members for information purposes. Chairwoman St. John advised that she asked Ms. Bailey to put this board on the mailing list for monthly updates of what is going on in Washington. 3 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 Proclamation - "International Day of Peace" B. Chairwoman St. John advised that the City Commission issued a Proclamation at its last meeting for an "International Day of Peace" on September 17, 1996. Introduction of New Member C. Chairwoman St. John introduced Amy Williams, a new Student/Regular member of the board. Ms. Williams said she is a junior at Palm Beach County School of the Arts where she is majoring in drama and minoring in communications. She is excited to be part of this community and has been trying to become involved for a long time. 6. NEW BUSINESS At the last meeting, discussion centered around the types of programs the board wanted to investigate. Truancy was one of the items mentioned. With input from Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz, neighborhood revitalization is another idea. Chairwoman St. John asked the members for their ideas on programs to investigate. Participation in Youth in Government Day Ms. Lengert recommended that the board get involved with Youth in Government Day. Ms. Bailey advised that Youth in Government Day will be held at the end of October in conjunction with State- wide Government Week. Organization of a Youth Orchestra Vice Chairwoman Girtman suggested that the board pursue the idea of organizing a youth orchestra. She feels that if a director would volunteer time, or if the City would fund a director, the children can form a youth orchestra for the City. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz felt this was a wonderful idea. Chairwoman St. John will provide a magazine article on youth orchestras in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Child Care Chairwoman St. John advised that after-school child care is the pet project of the Palm Beach County Advocacy Board; therefore, the time is right to address this issue because there have been so many cuts and child care will be needed for all the people who have to go to work. Vice Chairwoman Girtman feels we can begin researching this issue immediately because school just started and the City's after-school Latchkey programs are already full. In the past, we identified a grant to allow funds for additional slots for Latchkey. This is something the board can investigate. 4 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 Chairwoman St. John advised that she was unable to attend the County meeting on August 21, but Ken Hall, a member of the School Board, reported that there is a program for child care on teacher work days with the principal's approval. There is also a program for spring break with the principal's approval. Any child who attends the school can sign up for child care. The parents pay for this care. There is before and after-school care. Currently, on teacher work days and spring break, there is no child care. Ms. Panton advised that at Forest Park Elementary School, the cost is $1.50 per hour per child. If a second child is enrolled in the program, the cost is an additional $1.00 per hour. The child can be dropped off at child care as early as 6:00 a.m., and can be picked up as late at 6:07 p.m. Ms. Lengert feels this program should be strictly for working parents. Ms. Panton explained that the only way the child can enroll in the program is by being a student at the school. She does not know of any non-working parent who uses the child care services. Vice Chairwoman Girtman recommends contacting the schools to see if there are waiting lists in late September or early October for these programs. She also recommended calling the Child Care Services for more information on whether additional child care services are needed. Chairwoman St. John spoke with Marlene Passel today who advised that all of the elementary schools in Palm Beach County now have child care services. Not all of the middle schools have such a program. Chairwoman St. John felt that if one school program is completely full, the overflow children could be transferred by bus to a nearby school. Vice Chairwoman Girtman explained that this would require additional services and funds. In addition. Ms. Wallshein felt there is a liability issue involved by moving the children from one school to another. This is an added expense because there will be additional insurance costs. Ms. Lengert agreed that busing the children is not a good idea. Vice Chairwoman Girtman feels that there probably is an easier way to accomplish this. If there is a need, there are probably grants available that would provide the funds to add additional slots to the Latchkey programs. This was done at Rolling Green Elementary School because they had a long waiting list. Juvenile Delinquency The issue of juvenile delinquency was raised as a possible topic of focus for the board. However, Ms. Wallshein feels this issue goes hand-in-hand with the issue of truancy. Health Clinic Vice Chairwoman Girtman advised that this is something that is being discussed in another forum. The board can address this issue at a later date, if necessary. Chairwoman St. John distributed copies of the Children's Charter, and advised that the City of Boynton Beach was the second City in Palm Beach County to adopt this Charter. She reviewed it with the members for ideas on projects for the board. 5 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 Child Abuse Chairwoman St. John asked if the board would be interested in dealing with the issue of child abuse. Ms. Wallshein does not feel this is an issue the board should get involved with because the members cannot address it properly. She feels there are already County and Social Service programs dealing with this issue. Discussion then ensued regarding when and how to formulate a priority list. In Ms. Wallshein's opinion, getting seven people to agree on a priority list will be an almost impossible task; therefore, she recommends putting each of the items on a piece of paper and picking them out of a hat. A priority list will be established and the board can focus its attention on one item at a time. The members decided to wait until next month to establish this priority list. A vote will be taken next month regardless of whether or not a full board is present. 7. OLD BUSINESS A. Youth Expo Reports Ms. Lengert presented Chairwoman St. John with the name and phone number of a Boy Scouts' Council member. He has offered to participate by taking a table at the Youth Expo. Motion Ms. Wallshein moved to discuss postponing the Youth Expo due to extenuating circumstances. Ms. Lengert seconded the motion. Vice Chairwoman Girtman asked for an explanation of the extenuating circumstances that are involved. Ms. Wallshein pointed out that there is no one to run the Art Contest. Chairwoman St. John advised that Ms. Lengert has taken on that responsibility. With regard to the Photo Contest, Ms. Wallshein advised that, after two and one-half months of trying, she received a folder from Mr. Helwig, who was originally handling this contest. The folder contained no names of people he had contacted. Mr. Helwig was supposed to have contacted Walgreen's for the donation of disposable cameras. However, when Ms. Wallshein called Walgreen's, no one had any knowledge of contact with Mr. Helwig. They told her that if she sent out a letter next week, it would take three to six months for a commitment from them. After spending hours on the telephone, Ms. Wallshein found that the only way she could get through to CEOs of companies was to mention Sid Rosen's name. No one she contacted was overly enthusiastic about helping in this effort because they had done it in the past. Ms. Wallshein reminded the members that the Expo is ten weeks away, and there is no way she can get this Photo Contest organized in such a short period of time. In addition, this Photo Contest is a memorial to Sid Rosen, and he would not appreciate a thrown-together job. Ms. Wallshein said she will not handle this project unless she can do it right. She has absolutely no commitments from anyone for anything. She spoke to Smith Brothers and they are not interested in participating this year. They asked why they were not contacted six months ago. 6 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 Vice Chairwoman Girtman said she would not support cancelling the Expo; however, if there is a problem with some of the contests, they can be cancelled. There are other types of entertainment features for which we have commitments. Chairwoman St. John asked if anyone Ms. Wallshein contacted sounded promising. Ms. Wallshein responded negatively. She pointed out that we need enlargements, cameras, development, and prizes. The only way to accomplish this is through corporate, and that will take a minimum of two months for a commitment. Ritz Camera may participate if we FAX him a letter. All of these things must be secured within the next six week, and Ms. Wallshein cannot accomplish that within that time period. Vice Chairwoman Girtman recommended postponing the Photo Contest until later in the year. She suggested sending out the letters to get the commitments, and the Contest can be held in the spring. In the meantime, we can contact the schools to ask for photos for display purposes during this Expo. Ms. Wallshein agreed to organize the Photo Contest to be held in the spring. She will begin working on this project now. Motion Ms. Wallshein moved to rescind her first motion. Motion Ms. Wallshein moved to have the Photo Contest in the spring. Ms. Lengert seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Chairwoman St. John advised that she has contacted a local author who will judge the writing contest. Vice Chairwoman Girtman has agreed to assist Mr. Davis in setting up the tables. Chairwoman St. John advised that the following organizations will have tables at the Expo: WXEL, Children's Services Council, Delteens, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts. In addition, she has contacted the City's Library to see if they would be interested in having a table and signing people up for Library cards. They will get back in touch with her. The Optimist Club has also been contacted. Chairwoman St. John spoke with Mrs. Bell, from the Mall, who advised that 15 tables are available with skirting and cloths. If D.A.R.E. participates, arrangements will have to be made to move the car into the Mall. Entry into the Mall will be permitted at 7:00 a.m. on Friday. Foam core pedestals are available. Not every table will have electricity. Chairwoman St. John has confirmed that the Girl Scouts will perform the flag ceremony for the opening ceremonies and do the Pledge of Allegiance in Sign Language. She has also confirmed the Bahia Youth Group from Miami. They will perform on Saturday and requested the noontime slot because of the distance they must travel. Chairwoman St. John contacted the Children of the Caribbean Arts Center in Lauderhill. They perform Caribbean and African dancing. They are excited 7 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 and will call us back. Mrs. Bell advised that because of the opening of the Disney Store and the release of "Toy Story" on video, she may be able to get four characters from that movie to do a "meet and greet". Chairwoman St. John has suggested that these characters participate on Sunday to ensure participation by the public. A storyteller has been in contact with Chairwoman St. John. She has a book on children's self- esteem. Chairwoman St. John circulated the book for approval of its content for the Youth Expo. Another storyteller may be interested in participating. Ms. Wallshein suggested that the storytelling be done twice each day--once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. Each storyteller can work one shift each day. Ms. Lengert requested a copy of the letter that will be sent out. Chairperson St. John will adjust the letter to eliminate the Photo Contest from the Youth Expo. Vice Chairwoman Girtman asked if the Health Department can be contacted to provide immunizations during the event. Ms. Bailey advised that "City Hall in the Mall" should be open by the time of the Expo. She suggested that the Health Department use the meeting room in "City Hall in the Mall" if they are providing immunizations. Chairwoman Girtman urged the members to get the names of anyone who would be interested in participating in this Expo. Ms. Williams advised that she takes Karate. There is a group of small children who do musical performances. She will provide the name of a contact person. Ms. Lengert questioned whether money was allocated for the Photo Contest and whether or not a camera is available that was to be awarded as a prize for the contest. Ms. Wallshein said the camera is a used camera. The board will consider a different prize, perhaps a trophy, in the future. B. Summer Movie Program Chairwoman St. John advised that she contacted a district manager for Cobb Theater who advised that decisions on these types of programs are not made until January. She will contact him at that time. He advised, however, that when Cobb first opened, they had a summer movie program. Chairwoman St. John told him that the number of children in Boynton has doubled. She offered to provide him with the number of children that would be serviced. 9. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz said she loves the idea of a Youth Orchestra. She is hopeful that some of the items to be prioritized will overlap. She suggested sending out surveys to the high schools to see if there are any students who are interested in being part of a band if it is formed. She suggested that the two student members investigate to see if there are any young people who would be interested in participating in a neighborhood group for the revitalization of the neighborhoods. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz suggested that the Chamber of Commerce be contacted to see if they could 8 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORDIA AUGUST 23, 1996 provide the names of doctors (chiropractors) or dentists who would be interested in participating in the Youth Expo. Vice Chairwoman Girtman advised that the board had identified someone who was willing to volunteer his time to work with the orchestra. However, he developed some problems. Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz offered to find someone. Ms. Lengert also advised that Ascension Lutheran Church has a clown program which can be contacted to see if they wish to participate in the Youth Expo.. Chairwoman St. John reported that flyers advertising the Youth Expo can be handed out at the Mall on Halloween. She asked the student members if they could get softball team members or any other team that would be willing to go to the Mall to hand out flyers on Halloween night. 10. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) August 23, 1996 9