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Minutes 10-16-95 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1995, AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Angela Girtman, Chairperson Beth Bailey, Public Information Shanna St. John, Vice Chairperson Officer Dr. Floyd Beil Judy Moss Denise Panton Helen Voelxen, Alternate Keturah Lee, Student (Voting Member) ABSENT Dr. Edwin Cordero I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chairwoman St. John called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Chairwoman Girtman had not yet arrived. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER A moment of silent prayer was observed. III. AGENDA APPROVAL (Additions, Corrections, Deletions) Ms. Moss moved to approve the agenda as presented. Ms. Panton seconded the motion which carried 5-0. (Chairwoman Girtman and Dr. Beil had not yet arrived.) IV. MINUTES APPROVAL - September 28, 1995 Ms. Moss moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Ms. Panton seconded the motion which carried 5-0. (Chairwoman Girtman and Dr. Beil had not yet arrived.) V. PUBLIC AUDIENCE - Presentations Chairwoman Girtman and Dr. Beil arrived for the meeting. Lt. Chris Yannuzzi - Boynton Beach Police Department 1. 1 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 Lt. Yannuzzi distributed a booklet titled, "Eliminating Drug Trafficking in Your Community, The Wrice Process". This booklet provides an overview of the Wrice Process and its implementation in Boynton Beach. Also included is the cost to the Police Department and a breakdown of the marches through October 21, 1995. Regardless of what is printed in the newspapers, based on Mr. Wrice's activities in over 350 cities, it was known from the start that eventually there would be a core group of people who would show up for the marches on a regular basis. Boynton began with the largest contingent of marchers to date. However, during the training, Dr. Wrice indicated that this group would reduce itself to a core group. On Saturday, October 28, 1995, March #16 will be held as part of the Partnership for a Drug-Free Community's "Red Ribbon Celebration" and the Dick Webber Center's "Make a Difference Day". The "Red Ribbon Celebration" is a national week-long observance. The Dick Webber Center will be joining the march along with 15 Department of Corrections' officers. The marchers meet at the Public Works Complex at 7:00 p.m. The announcement of the marches for November will be made following the October 30th meeting. In addition, a telephone number is available which provides information relative to the meetings and the marches. The number is 375-6150. The meetings are held at Heritage Park. During the meetings, discussion centers around the events of the previous march. Ms. Moss questioned whether or not the effectiveness of the marches has been determined. Lt. Yannuzzi explained that the idea behind the marches is empowerment. One means of evaluating the effectiveness of the program is through telephone calls received from residents. The Police Department is experiencing an increase in calls which appears to mean that they are less fearful of retaliation. It is hoped that community participation will increase. In response to Ms. Moss' question regarding whether or not drug dealers return to targeted areas following the marches, Lt. Yannuzzi explained that the purpose of the marches is to deter activity while the march is ongoing. To his knowledge, no drug dealers have moved out of their homes because of the pressure being placed on them. He further explained that The Wrice Process is not a Police Department program, nor is it a City program. This is a community program in which the Police will offer assistance for as long as the community wishes to participate. The Police Department provides the security, equipment, and transportation when necessary. Dr. Wrice will be in Pompano in early November. Hopefully, he will return to help rejuvenate the community. 2 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 Chairwoman Girtman pointed out that when funding ran out, the Police substation in the Cherry Hill section of the City closed. She questioned whether the substation was more effective than the Wrice marches. Lt. Yannuzzi explained that a grant funded the bicycle program at the HUD office. This program was known as the Drug Elimination Program. The grant ended approximately 1½ years ago. The bike program continued, but it was not focussed in the Cherry Hill area. A personal connection was maintained with the HUD representatives, and the Police Department will be moving back into the office within the next month. The office space will not be occupied at all times, but it will be available for report writing by officers in the area. Chairwoman Girtman thanked Lt. Yannuzzi for his presentation. Marlene Passell - Our Community/Our Children 2. Marlene Passell is the Public Information Director for the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County. The Children's Services Council is a special taxing district in Palm Beach County, and one of only six in the State. All of the funding for this service comes from property taxes and goes back into the community in the form of programs for children and families. Three programs in Boynton Beach are funded. They include two after- school programs and one program at Hester Center. The Children's Services Council has been in existence since 1986. "Our Community/Our Children" came about after Christina Holt and A. J. Schwartz died as a result of abuse. The Council members and 150 members of the community wanted to find a way to help, and a decision was made to make this a community effort. A news conference and community meeting were held and people got involved. A year has passed, and the community is still involved. The program received its name when those involved realized that children are the responsibility of everyone in the community. The thrust of the program is a public education effort. It is impossible to reach every child abuser, but there are thousands of parents who do not know how to handle their anger. This program provides information on where the parents can turn in Palm Beach County for help. The Children's Services Council, HRS, and Healthy Start Coalition have each donated $10,000 to this program. This organization will soon become a not-for-profit and will be able to do fund-raising. All funds raised will be used to provide information and educational materials to be distributed throughout the County. Many large businesses are joining in this effort, and there will be a kick-off luncheon in January. Target is very involved in the program, and Publix will be displaying posters containing an "800" number for immediate help. 3 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 Studies have determined that most people who abuse do so because of other stresses in their lives. Most of the police departments and the Sheriff's Office have been contacted and will participate in the program. The Sheriff's Office has requested that a laminated card be provided so that deputies can have the information at their fingertips. Three cable companies have been running the service announcements for the last three months. Brochures are being printed that offer information to parents on what to do when they are angry. A laminated postcard and magnet are in the printing stage. This postcard provides hints for parents and the magnet provides "800" telephone numbers. These postcards will be sent home with all children of elementary school age. Program representatives will also contact child care centers to arrange for distribution of this information. As mentioned earlier, the community has taken the lead in this program. Kathy Forrester, a stay-at-home mother who was devastated by the death of A. J. Schwartz, has become president of this program, and The Children's Services Council has taken a back seat. Two Palm Beach County attorneys have volunteered their services after they were solicited relative to registering the program for 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Ms. Passell displayed T-shirts that are now available for purchase at a cost of $10 each. The logo was prepared by an eleven-year old child. Pins and bumper stickers are also available at a cost of $2 each. Ms. Lee questioned whether or not representatives will be visiting the high schools to make presentations. Ms. Passell pointed out that information will be distributed through the Teen Parent Programs. Attempts are being made to set up a speakers bureau. Public speaking will include presentations before the PTAs in Palm Beach County. The Sheriff's Office has offered to run a speakers bureau. Ms. Passell advised that one of the goals of the Children's Services Council is home visitor services. Instead of expecting a low-income person to get to a program in one office in West Palm Beach, programs will be funded in neighborhoods. The Healthy Start Program in Hawaii involves going into the home from the beginning, and providing help and support for a period of one year. The child abuse rate in Hawaii has decreased to below 1 percent and it appears that it is a direct result of this program. A "Warm Line" will be set up in hospitals which will be manned by an RNA or CNA. These nurses will provide answers to questions for new parents. Dr. Beil recalled a program for high-risk families which was available through the Dick Webber Center. Ms. Passell explained that the high-risk program is very successful because it goes into the home and assists the families. 4 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 In response to Vice Chairwoman St. John's question regarding how the board could assist in this effort, Ms. Passell advised that when the information is ready for dissemination, the board can help by offering guidance on the best places for distribution. She will contact the members at that time. Ms. Moss felt that hospitals and emergency rooms would be a good place for this information. Ms. Passell said information will be provided in these locations, and all new parents will receive this information upon leaving the hospitals with their newborns. Ms. Passell advised that in the very near future, dentists will be required to take a course in recognizing child abuse. The Children's Services Council will offer the course at a nominal fee. Chairwoman Girtman explained that one of the things this board did in the past was to put together a flyer which provided frequently-called telephone numbers of services available throughout the City and County. She suggested including the "Our Community/Our Children" information in the board's flyer. Ms. Passell felt this was a wonderful idea because the information will be reaching more people. Ms. Moss pointed out that there are so many places where the T-shirts can be sold and this would provide a great deal of revenue for the project. She asked for particulars on how someone might get involved in selling the merchandise. Ms. Passell explained that the Children's Services Council accepts orders for the merchandise. Ms. Moss will discuss this further with Ms. Passell. Chairwoman Girtman thanked Ms. Passell for her presentation and will contact her to secure the information to be included in the board's flyer. Sally Restivo - Mom's Club of Boynton Beach 3. Ms. Restivo reported that the Mom's Club is a national non-profit organization which provides support for moms who choose to stay at home to raise their children. The goal of the Mom's Club is to provide moral support for at-home mothers, providing a forum for topics of interest to women, giving mothers a voice in the community and performing service projects which benefit children. This weekend, the Mom's Clubs of Boca Raton and Boynton Beach will work with the Dick Webber Center to clean up and repair homes in the Cherry Hill section of Boynton Beach. This project is in conjunction with the Dick Webber "Make a Difference Day". National "Make a Difference Day" will have over 1 million volunteers working to clean up their communities and repair homes. Forty volunteers will go into the Cherry Hill section for this 5 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 purpose. In addition, these volunteers will participate in the Wrice march at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. The volunteers will meet at the Wilson Center at 10:00 a.m., and will work until 6:00 p.m. Ms. Restivo advised that the Mom's Club will seek the support of the board for next year's "Make A Difference Day". Ms. Restivo said anyone wishing to participate in this year's project can show up at the Wilson Center on Saturday morning. Chairwoman Girtman inquired as to how this community service project came about. Ms. Restivo said the suggestion came from the Mom's Club of Boca Raton. Their president serves on the board of the Dick Webber Center. The Dick Webber Center decided on this community as a target area. Vice Chairwoman St. John recommended that the Mom's Club offer suggestions regarding the items they feel the board should address in Boynton Beach. Ms. Restivo said she is considering putting together a survey for the members to fill out which details their ideas. She will then be able to respond to the board's request. Chairwoman Girtman requested that Ms. Restivo forward a copy of the Mom's Club newsletter so that the board can become involved. VI. OLD BUSINESS Youth Orchestra 1. Ms. Panton reported that she has made contact with a retired musician (Mr. Hall) who is a resident of Leisureville. He was involved with music for 30 years, and is now interested in getting involved in a program for children. He knows of other musicians who might be willing to work with him, and he may be able to locate instruments for the children. This gentleman requested more specific information relative to the age of the children to be involved, where the group would meet, and how often they will meet. Chairwoman Girtman feels the City will be very receptive to this project, and she is hopeful they will provide a place for rehearsals. Discussion ensued and a decision was made by the board that if there is sufficient interest in this project, the orchestra should consist of two groups; children with music backgrounds who would audition for a place in the orchestra, and children who are in the instruction stage in preparation for future graduation into the orchestra. Once the interest level is determined, the board can approach the City relative to a meeting place. Ms. Bailey recommended that Chairwoman Girtman contact Melody Green of the Recreation Department to apprise her of this project and request assistance. 6 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 Ms. Panton will present the board's suggestions to Mr. Hall. Poinciana School Traffic 2. Chairwoman Girtman announced that a decision has been made to make the street discussed at the last meeting a permanent one-way street. The school system must formally request that the change be made. Chairwoman Girtman has already been in contact with the principal of Poinciana School. She thanked all of the members for their telephone calls. Youth Expo 3. Vice Chairwoman St. John spoke briefly with Mr. Fraker who advised that he knows the people in the Mall, and they will allow him any time period in February for the Youth Expo. He reported that there will be 60 tables, and he intends to charge $225 per table, and $75 per table for the non-profits. Vice Chairwoman St. John advised him that the board was hopeful there would be tables available at no charge. She would like to meet with him to try to find a common meeting ground. She requested information regarding the participants in last year's expo, and questioned whether or not they were charged a fee for the use of the booths. Chairwoman Girtman advised that no one was charged for use of a booth last year, and Mr. Hawkins may have a list of those who participated. She has no objection to Vice Chairwoman St. John meeting with Mr. Fraker, but is opposed to paying a fee. If this is going to be a problem, she would prefer having a Youth Expo separate and apart from Mr. Fraker's expo. There were quite a few participants last year, and if the board decides to join in Mr. Fraker's expo where free tables are limited, some of the past participants may not be able to be involved. Vice Chairwoman St. John will propose to Mr. Fraker that the board be given 15 or 20 of the 60 booths for its own use. Chairwoman Girtman feels Mr. Fraker may not be willing to give up the revenue associated with 15 or 20 booths. There was a consensus of the board that Vice Chairwoman St. John meet with Mr. Fraker to discuss this situation. She will then return to the board, and a decision will be made about joining in with Mr. Fraker, or holding a separate Youth Expo. VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Let's Build a Playground - Denise Panton 7 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 Ms. Panton reported that tickets are now available for the barbecue to be held on Friday, November 3, 1995, at the 1913 Old Historic School. The price of an adult ticket is $10. For those who do not wish to eat outside, there will be a room available inside on the east side of the school. There will be children's activities, and food will be served from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, December 9, 1995, there will be a craft show inside the 1913 Old Historic School. Spaces 10' x 8' are available for $30. There will be outdoor activities for the children, and crafters will work with them to make Christmas ornaments. This event will be from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Ms. Panton advised that crew leaders are needed for the entire time the playground is being constructed. Picket packages are now available which include one free picket when ten are sold. Ms. Panton reminded the members that the remainder of the board's money for the picket is now due. 2. Hotline - Dr. Floyd Beil Dr. Beil requested an update on the board's recommendation regarding implementation of an information hotline. Ms. Bailey advised that the hotline should be operational within the next two weeks. A Recreation Department representative will be responsible for updating the information on a weekly basis. As soon as the number is available, she will publicize it in the newspapers. 3. Free Bus Transportation To/From Library Ms. Bailey reported that she spoke with Mr. Fisher of the Public Works Department about the board's suggestion to let children ride the buses free and unsupervised to and from the Library. Mr. Fisher expressed concern about the liability involved. In addition, the bus system is under a financial strain at the present time. The 50¢ fare for children is the lowest fare the City can offer at present. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE & ANNOUNCEMENTS Vice Chairwoman St. John distributed copies of a newspaper article titled, "Suffer the Children". This article deals with an addition to the House welfare reform bill that would end federal protection for abused and neglected children. Vice Chairwoman St. John suggested that the board send a letter to voice its concern about the fact that the children will be the losers if this legislation is passed. In addition, Vice Chairwoman St. John advised that the Foster Parents' Association of 8 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 Palm Beach County is putting together a foster angel wish list project. This project involves fulfilling the Christmas gift wishes of foster children. Vice Chairwoman St. John suggested that the board fulfill the wish list of two or three children. She volunteered to shop for the gifts. Motion Dr. Beil moved that the board contact this organization, and see what can be done to help out two or three children. Ms. Moss expressed hesitation with the board taking on this project when there are projects right here in Boynton Beach that can use assistance. Dr. Beil suggested that if the board participates in this project, we request that the foster children be selected from the Boynton Beach area. Dr. Beil withdrew his original motion. Motion Dr. Beil moved that the board call and request two foster children in the City of Boynton Beach limits. Vice Chairwoman St. John seconded the motion. Ms. Voelxen questioned the amount of money that would be involved in fulfilling these wish lists. Chairwoman Girtman felt it would be necessary for the board members to decide the amount of money they are willing to spend. In addition, the board should decide whether or not it will fulfill the entire wish list, or only a certain number of items on the list. Ms. Voelxen does not feel the board's duty is to give gifts. She believes the board should be enriching children's lives in other ways. Ms. Moss agreed with this opinion and felt the board would be more effective in helping to raise funds for projects and offering suggestions. In addition, she did not feel it was appropriate to single out this organization when there are so many worthy organizations that need assistance. She feels the board's thrust should be getting other people to donate money. She would prefer to work with the community to raise funds for such programs. Chairwoman Girtman pointed out that the Salvation Army's Angel on the Tree project is another way to go because the member could select a specific gift to purchase. There will 9 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 also be the Toys for Tots project. The motion failed 2-4. (Vice Chairwoman St. John and Dr. Beil cast the two votes in favor.) Chairwoman Girtman returned to the discussion of the proposed House cuts to the welfare reform bill. She agrees that the board should express its opposition to any cuts in the program. However, she feels it is necessary for each member, as a voter, to write a letter expressing an opinion. The responsibility of the board is to make the children's lives better. These issues must be carefully monitored and opinions must be expressed. These are the areas where the board must focus its attention. Motion Vice Chairwoman St. John moved that the board, as a whole, have a letter drawn up voicing our opinion which is that it does not agree with the new Personal Responsibility Act, and send it to our representatives in the House and the Senate. Dr. Beil seconded the motion. Chairwoman Girtman explained that even though she does not agree with all of the mandates of the Personal Responsibility Act, she feels that in order to be better informed, the board should write a letter requesting clarification of this proposal and seek information on the specifics of what is included in this Act. The board could then make a better statement once that information is received. Vice Chairwoman St. John withdrew her motion. Motion Vice Chairwoman St. John moved that the board write a letter to find out more about the Personal Responsibility Act, and find out exactly what it entails. Dr. Beil seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Chairwoman Girtman will meet with Ms. Bailey on this issue. IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Meeting Date for November The next meeting date was scheduled for Thursday, November 30, 1995. 10 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 2. Children's Clinic Chairwoman Girtman explained that at one point, the board was motivated toward establishment of a clinic for children. When this issue arose in the past, discussion centered around the fact that many people were using the emergency rooms of hospitals because doctors' offices are closed in the evenings. The City worked with HRS. They were very enthusiastic because they wanted to open a site in Boynton Beach. However, because of public outcry, no location was found for this site. In addition, attempts were made to bring in doctors from Bethesda Hospital. At first, everyone was enthusiastic, but then problems arose when doctors began to feel that this clinic would cut into their regular business. Dr. Beil recalled that it was Dr. Fischman who brought this idea to the board. He recommended that Dr. Fischman be contacted to see if he is willing to appear before the board to provide background information on how this was accomplished up north. Chairwoman Girtman explained that in order to accomplish opening a clinic, we would need to know if there is any space available, and whether or not doctors might be interested in donating time and securing equipment. Ms. Moss recommended contacting Dr. Fischman for background information, his opinion on why this project was railroaded, and what can be done to make it feasible. She feels this is a wonderful idea, and volunteered to be part of a committee to work on this project. Chairwoman Girtman will contact Dr. Fischman, and will check with Mr. Hawkins about what was done in the past. Ms. Bailey suggested that the board consider, as a first step, approaching local pediatricians to see if they would consider making house calls to children after regular hours rather than trying to start out on such a large scale with a building. Dr. Beil did not feel the past stumbling block was the building. He recommended that contact be made with the migrant workers' clinic to see how that project got off the ground. Ms. Moss and Chairwoman Girtman will work on this committee. Chairwoman Girtman explained that the committees generally meet between regular board meetings in order to gather information and bring that information back at the next regular board meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned 11 MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1995 at 9:15 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (Two Tapes 12