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Minutes 09-28-95 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1995, AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Angela Girtman, Chairwoman Beth Bailey, Public Information Shanna St. John, Vice Chairwoman Officer Dr. Floyd Beil Judy Moss Denise Panton Helen Voelxen, Alternate ABSENT Dr. Edwin Cordero Jayne Fail Keturah Lee, Student I. CALL TO ORDER Chairwoman Girtman called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER A moment of silent prayer was observed. III. AGENDA APPROVAL - (Additions, Corrections, Deletions) Vice Chairwoman St. John added Item #3, "Our Community, Our Children", under IX-New Business. Motion Vice Chairwoman St. John moved to accept the agenda with the addition of "Our Community, Our Children". Ms. Moss seconded the motion which carried unanimously. IV. MINUTES APPROVAL - August 24, 1995 Vice Chairwoman St. John moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Moss seconded the motion which carried unanimously. V. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None 1 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 Beth Bailey, Public Information Officer, introduced herself to the board members and announced that she would be the staff representative to this board. VI. OLD BUSINESS Youth Expo 1. Chairwoman Girtman reported that it was not possible to have Mr. Fraker present this evening to explain his intentions relative to the Youth Expo. Ms. Bailey advised that she spoke with him by telephone, and offered the following information. Mr. Fraker is planning on holding a Youth Expo toward the end of January or beginning of February to raise funds for the "Let's Build A Playground" project. Mr. Fraker would welcome the board's participation. He has already submitted a proposal to the Boynton Beach Mall and offered to attend next month's meeting to address the board. Ms. Bailey suggested that a board member contact him by telephone prior to the next meeting. Chairwoman Girtman feels it is very important to meet with Mr. Fraker as soon as possible in order to voice the board's concerns relative to the charge for booths. If the board wants to continue with academic games, art, photo contest and school band performances, then coordination is necessary. Vice Chairwoman St. John and Ms. Panton volunteered to meet and work with Mr. Fraker. The members were in agreement that some of the booths should be informational booths for non-profits at no charge. This will be discussed with Mr. Fraker. In addition, preference will be given to the groups that participated in last year's Expo. The board would like to reserve the Community Service booth it used last year. Informational brochures from non-profits that cannot get a booth will be distributed from the Community Service booth if the organization supplies the information. Chairwoman Girtman reminded Vice Chairwoman St. John and Ms. Panton to find out whether or not a theme is planned. VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS Adopt-a-Grandparent Dr. Beil will have a report at the next meeting. 2 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 Child Abuse Ms. Moss will provide a report next month. Congressional Bills Chairwoman Girtman visited the Library to check on any new bills that might have gone before Congress. There is nothing new to report at this time. She will continue to check on this prior to every meeting. A question arose relative to whether or not the letter of support for the hiring of more social workers was sent to the County Legislative Delegation. In addition, Dr. Beil pointed out that the board requested a letter be written relative to the Wrice Process. Ms. Bailey had no knowledge of these requests. Chairwoman Girtman will check with Mr. Hawkins to see if the letters were prepared. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS None IX. NEW BUSINESS Youth Expo 1. This item was discussed under Old Business. Poinciana School 2. Chairwoman Girtman reported that the Assistant Principal at Poinciana School advised her that one street serving the school has been closed. The street where the buses park during drop-off and pickup is a very narrow two-way street which is very congested and dangerous. The school suggested that the board petition the City to make that street a one-way street at least during the hours of drop-off and pickup. Discussion ensued and it was agreed that traffic congestion will be a continuing problem at this location. Dr. Beil suggested recommending that the street become a permanent one- way street. Ms. Bailey suggested that the board forward a recommendation to the City Commissioners . 3 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 Motion Dr. Beil moved to write a letter to the City Commissioners and the Mayor so that this will be discussed as soon as possible. Ms. Bailey advised that she will report this situation to the Police Department tomorrow. Chairwoman Girtman pointed out that Rolling Green Elementary School has a similar problem. The schools have crossing guards, but they need someone to help direct traffic and to keep traffic moving. She recommended that the board members contact the Commissioners by telephone. Chairwoman Girtman feels the Education Advisory Board could also assist in this situation. Our Community, Our Children 3. Vice Chairwoman St. John reported that she contacted Marlene Passell who was unable to attend tonight's meeting. She will attend next month's meeting. She is overseeing the "Our Community, Our Children" program for the County. Vice Chairwoman St. John distributed information. Ms. Passell would like the board to assist in getting the City involved in this program by distributing the bumper stickers and disseminating information. Vice Chairwoman St. John invited Ms. Passell to participate in the Youth Expo. Giraffe Project a. Vice Chairwoman St. John also distributed a copy of a newspaper article from the Parade regarding the Giraffe Project. This is a project whereby people who have gone out of their way to do something extraordinary to help others or the environment are recognized. Vice Chairwoman St. John suggests that the board adopt a program such as this and prepare flyers in an effort to get children motivated. Ms. Panton pointed out that Sun Teen 12, sponsored by Sun Bank, is a program available for exceptional teens. This program could be adopted for children of any age. The Giraffe Project has already developed a curriculum for children from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Vice Chairwoman St. John offered to write a letter to get more information. Chairwoman Girtman feels this project might be something the board would like to adopt. Children could be recognized during a City Commission meeting or during the regular monthly board meetings. 4 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 Free Bus Service - Library b. Vice Chairwoman St. John suggested that a program be organized whereby children with Library cards could use the City buses free of charge to travel to and from the Library. While all members felt this was a wonderful suggestion, discussion proved that obstacles such as lack of supervision of children on the bus and at the Library might prevent this from occurring. Ms. Voelxen recommended trying a trial Library Day to determine whether or not there was any interest in such a program. Chairwoman Girtman pointed out that transporting minors can present problems in a society that is "sue conscious". Dr. Beil suggested that this board present a recommendation to the Library Board. Chairwoman Girtman requested that Ms. Bailey check with the City to determine the concerns. Playground Report c Ms. Panton advised that the construction of the playground is scheduled for February 26 through March 3, 1996. A "Trash to Treasures" event was held and $3,900 was raised. In addition, County Commissioners Mary McCarty and Warren Newell have donated $40,000 from the County toward this project. At present, $65,000 is still needed. Volunteers are needed for every aspect of the project. Ms. Panton urged anyone knowing corporate sponsors to solicit their monetary sponsorship for the playground. The discussion then turned to the problems that are being experienced because the fund- raisers are trying to connect this project with the Old School renovations. The corporate sponsors are being urged to pledge money over a period of up to three years. The problem that exists with this system is that the materials must be purchased by the end of December for the construction of the playground. Ms. Bailey recommended that interested members attend the meeting of the Playground Committee on Wednesday. She will be offering suggestions relative to fund raising. Chairwoman Girtman felt that perhaps the board could get involved with the project by helping to sell additional pickets. Ms. Panton said a program will be introduced at the schools whereby one free picket will be given for every ten pickets sold. Chairwoman Girtman suggested that other organizations throughout the City be offered the same incentive. Discussion ensued relative to Dr. Cordero's absence from the regular board meetings. The members were advised that Dr. Cordero would be receiving a warning letter since he 5 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 has now missed three meetings. Ms. Panton advised that a barbecue will be held on Friday evening, November 3, 1995, to help raise funds for the playground project. She was of the opinion that tickets can be purchased at City Hall, from the members of the Playground Committee or at the event that evening. Ms. Panton said she is inquiring about the possibility of raising funds by placing milk bottles in the banks next to the tellers' booths for people to deposit loose change. Dr. Beil feels it is very important for this board to become more visible at City functions. This will help to advertise the board. He recommended that the board use a banner to identify the board and a brochure which explains the board's function. Chairwoman Girtman advised that a mission statement was prepared when the board was first established. In addition, the Children's Charter was also adopted by the board following the Youth Expo last year. Vice Chairwoman St. John suggested a brochure be developed incorporating that Charter and including information regarding the board. Chairwoman Girtman also suggested reworking the flyers which contained information about the City and resources available. Dr. Beil said there were past discussions about incorporating a "hot line" for the City which will provide a source of information about what is going on in the City. Ms. Bailey explained that this would be a project requiring budget funding; therefore, it would have to be discussed with the City Manager. Dr. Beil did not feel a tape recorder and phone line would be very expensive. Chairwoman Girtman advised that the suggestion regarding the hot line was made at the last meeting. If the Commission feels this suggestion is a worthwhile project, they will find a way to fund it. Ms. Bailey will investigate. At 8:15 p.m., Chairwoman Girtman excused herself from the meeting. Vice Chairwoman St. John questioned whether or not the board openings can be advertised in the Boynton Beach Times. In addition, she inquired as to the reason why the Wrice Process marches are not advertised in the Boynton Beach Times. Ms. Panton advised that the Police Department handles the Wrice marches. At Dr. Beil's request, Vice Chairwoman St. John will invite Lt. Yannuzzi to next month's meeting. In addition, the members agreed to participate in the next march. Vice Chairwoman St. 6 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 John will find out the date and time of the next march. Dr. Beil asked Ms. Bailey to explain her position with the City. When she responded that her duties include the handling of information which goes out to the public and the news media, Dr. Beil felt the board's requests should be handled by Ms. Bailey. Ms. Bailey explained that she was not certain about the proper procedures for handling those requests since the City Manager gives her assignments and instructions relative to her job. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, Ms. Moss moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Ms. Panton seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 7