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Minutes 11-09-95 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1995, AT 7:30 P.M. PRESENT Ron Washam, Chairman Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the City Fawn Bradley Manager Joy Currier Sgt. Frank Ranzi, Police Department Blanche Girtman Patti Hammer Michael Lyons (Arrived Late) Wayne Patrick Dee Zibelli Belky Cruz, Alternate Marie Lengert, Alternate ABSENT Elizabeth Jenkins, Vice Chairwoman I. OPENING, PLEDGE, PRAYER Chairman Washam called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. A moment of silent prayer was observed following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Fawn Bradley. II. ROLL CALL - Regular Members - Alternates The Recording Secretary called the roll. Mrs. Jenkins and Mr. Lyons were not yet present. III. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS Chairman Washam acknowledged the presence in the audience of Mr. Cruz, Helen & Burt Barzelay, Joan Mormelo from Code Enforcement, and Sgt. Frank Ranzi. IV. AGENDA APPROVAL Mrs. Girtman moved to accept the agenda as submitted. Mrs. Currier seconded the motion which carried unanimously. V. MINUTES APPROVAL - October 11, 1995 Mrs. Girtman moved to accept the minutes as presented. Mrs. Currier seconded the motion which carried unanimously. VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 1 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 8, 1995 Mrs. Currier expressed her appreciation to Mayor Taylor and the Commission for approving P.A.L.'s contract for the carnival to be held on December 7, 8, 9, and 10. Mrs. Bradley announced the next fund-raiser for the Leather's Playground to be held on December 10, at the Old School immediately following the Holiday Parade, and before the last day of the P.A.L. Carnival. Santa Claus will be at the fund-raiser taking photos with the children. There will be games for the children and possibly a craft show. This will be the last fund-raiser since construction will take place from February 26 through March 3. Mrs. Bradley asked the members of the board to solicit volunteers for the building project. There are jobs for everyone regardless of age. Chairman Washam reported that Royal Palm School is attempting to organize a Cub Scout/Boy Scout troop. In this effort, Chairman Washam is trying to locate someone who can volunteer to work with the boys one day a week. He pointed out that a volunteer with experience working with mentally-handicapped students would be very beneficial. Please contact Chairman Washam with any leads. Chairman Washam thanked City staff for their work on Youth in Government Day. Ms. Hammer commended Mr. Hawkins for his closing speech and compliments to the children who participated. Chairman Washam agreed that this year's program was the best to date. He thanked Anne Centi, Chairwoman of the Education Advisory Board, for helping to make this program a success; Vice Mayor Bradley for bringing Decision '95 to the attention of the board; and the board members for their support and participation. VII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Burt Barzelay, 2121 NE 1 Court , expressed his concern about the appearance of the overpass at Gateway Boulevard and I-95. He said it is filthy and the grass is so high it looks like a wheat field. Glass bottles and empty cans need to be removed from the entrances and exits. In addition, Mr. Barzelay said the lack of a sidewalk outside Village Royale presents a serious hazard. Children and senior citizens have to walk through the grass and mud. He feels someone will eventually be hit by an automobile. Chairman Washam explained that the purpose of the board is to advise the City of conditions and complaints that exist. The board exists to listen to the community and attempt to respond. He thanked Mr. Barzelay for coming to the meeting. Mr. Hawkins explained that the City has addressed the issue of the medians with the Florida Department of Transportation. They are responsible for the maintenance of those areas. We are awaiting their response. The issue of sidewalks on Gateway Boulevard has been an ongoing issue that is still not resolved. 2 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 8, 1995 The City has had discussions with the County on how the road can be widened. This issue has been on the table for years. Mr. Hawkins explained that the City requested the County to take over this road and put it on their plan. In response to a question from Mrs. Zibelli relative to manpower to clean up the intersection at Gateway Boulevard and I-95, Mr. Hawkins explained that the City is authorized to use court-ordered people who must do community service. These people are utilized in different areas throughout the City. Ms. Hammer also pointed out that many cars are parked on the grass areas along Gateway Boulevard. She inquired as to whether or not this is a code enforcement issue. Mr. Hawkins said the City does not have any Ordinances in place to prohibit parking on the swales. However, this is part of the code revision issue being addressed at present. Mrs. Lengert advised that the new Commission is working on this issue, and it will be done. Mr. Cruz Every time appears before this board, his complaint is the same. He is concerned about the house on the corner of Seacrest Boulevard and Gateway Boulevard. When he returns home from work in the evening, he sees groups of men hanging out at that location. He notifies the Police of this situation. Mr. Lyons arrived for the meeting. Sgt. Frank Ranzi was present on behalf of Lt. Chris Yannuzzi who could not be present this evening. At the request of Mrs. Currier, Lt. Yannuzzi checked into the situation of the grass not being mowed at SW 4th and I-95. He contacted Code Enforcement and John Wildner and the grass was mowed on October 11th. Mrs. Currier was aware that this situation had been corrected. With regard to the house at 322 Gateway Boulevard, Sgt. Ranzi said a Notice to Demolish the house was signed by Scott Blasie on October 17, 1995, and an application has been filed. It was pointed out to Sgt. Ranzi that the house Mr. Cruz referred to is on the corner of Gateway Boulevard and Seacrest Boulevard. Mr. Hawkins explained that this house will be given to the CDC to be used as an office. The City is working on paperwork problems and as soon as that is straightened out, the house will be fixed up. The yard has been mowed, and if the wood was removed from the windows, no one would know it is vacant. CDC is a non-profit corporation which has helped the City develop 24 new homes which have gone on the tax rolls. They are one of the most successful Community Development Corporations in Palm Beach County. Chairman Washam pointed out that this is a positive endeavor and once the legalities are worked out, it will be a good operation. He recommended that telephone calls continue to be made to the Police Department when people are seen hanging out at that location. In response to a remark from Mr. Cruz that many residents of the community do not know about the Community Relations Board, Chairman Washam suggested holding the January regular meeting in the 3 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 8, 1995 north end of the City. Later in the year, meetings will be held at other locations throughout the City. An attempt will be made to use the cafeteria of the school for the January meeting. Ms. Zibelli told Sgt. Ranzi that the owner of the Qwik Stop has not been shutting off the phones in the evening. Sgt. Ranzi said Sgt. Dean has been working on this issue, and has a full report. He recommended that Ms. Zibelli speak to Sgt. Dean at the march on Saturday evening. Sgt. Ranzi reported that on November 4 and November 11, the target area for the Wrice marches is East Palm Drive. There was a very good turnout for the march on November 4. It began with 11 people, and within an hour, it developed into 64 very concerned residents of the area. On November 17, Ridgewood Hills will be the target area. Mrs. Bradley was elated to hear that 64 people marched on November 4. She urged the members of the board to participate in the Wrice marches. She explained that one of the community clergymen spoke at the City Commission meeting last night and said the marches are not working. He recommended that a different approach be taken. Mrs. Bradley said this is a misconception and the marches are working. The marches are accomplishing their goal which was to move things around. No one believed we would get rid of the drugs by marching; however, this makes the drug dealers aware that they are not welcome in the City of Boynton Beach. Mrs. Cruz suggested to Sgt. Ranzi that an officer pass the area of Gateway Boulevard and Seacrest Boulevard prior to the end of the 4 to midnight shift just to provide Police presence in the area. She is very concerned that this house will be infiltrated by drug dealers because it is becoming a hangout. Sgt. Ranzi reported that on October 26, the Police Department changed its Community Policing to a department philosophy. Each officer is now assigned a steady zone. This will add to the feeling of ownership the officers have in the community. The bike officers also have permanent zone assignments. There are only eight officers currently assigned as bike officers, but there are two additional assignments which can be filled when manpower permits. The bike patrols are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from 4 p.m. to 12 midnight. There is no urgency for bike patrols on the midnight shift. As problems are brought to the attention of the Police Department, the information will be brought back so that the bike officers and road officers will be able to target those areas. The Police Department feels it has taken steps in the right direction with Community Policing. This program will be evaluated over the coming months. Chairman Washam thanked Sgt. Ranzi for his report. Chairman Washam acknowledged the presence in the audience of Vice Mayor Bradley. Chairman Washam reminded the members of the purpose of this board. He has heard grumblings on the part of some of the members, and offered his assistance in working out any problems that a 4 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 8, 1995 member is encountering. VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Unity Day Committee Update (Verify date for event, setting up subcommittees, and discuss board member responsibilities) Before providing an update, Ms. Hammer requested clarification on who would be chairperson of this Committee. Ms. Currier advised that she would prefer to work in the background, and offered the chair to Ms. Hammer, who accepted. Ms. Hammer advised that she reviewed information which was available. She visited the Chamber of Commerce and secured a copy of their book. Her intention is to begin fund raising by sending out letters requesting that corporations in the City of Boynton Beach purchase a table at the cost of $100. Ms. Hammer explained that she has no idea how much money was spent last year, and no budget is available now. Mrs. Bradley feels that this approach is "putting the cart before the horse". In June, she raised the issue of the board having a vision, through a workshop meeting, which pointed out some of the things the board might do. Her reason for bringing this up at that time was her feeling that there was apathy on the board's behalf to get things started. When Mrs. Bradley was out of town during the month of August, a workshop meeting was held immediately following the regular meeting. Decision '95 and Unity Day were decisions which came out of the workshop meeting. Mrs. Bradley questioned exactly what the board, other than Chairman Washam, did for Decision '95 other than just show up. Mrs. Bradley said she, Joy Currier, Patti Hammer, and Marie Lengert attended the luncheon, but she questioned what the board did for the community. She is not certain the board is really participating in these functions. With regard to Unity Day, when Mrs. Currier contacted the members, she was unable to get participation for the committees. She feels this board must be unified before it can conduct a community Unity Day. She feels each member should take on a subcommittee. Unity Day cannot be expected to succeed without cooperation. Chairman Washam reiterated his thanks to the board members for their participation in Decision '95. He represented the board in that effort, and does not believe there was much that could have been done by the members other than to support the function. He feels the Community Relations Board is a unified board; however, it is an advisory board. When something is brought to the board's attention by the community, it is the board's responsibility to advise the City of the community's feelings. He believes visioning is important, and would support the board if the members want to work in that direction. However, that is not the board's purpose. If the people power is available to work on things such as Decision '95 and Unity Day, then the board should move forward. The board members need to decide whether or not they want to participate. 5 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 8, 1995 After discussion, there was a consensus of the board to be involved with Unity Day. Motion Ms. Hammer moved to have Unity Day on May 4, 1996. Mr. Lyons seconded the motion. Mrs. Bradley questioned whether or not it was necessary to decide on the date immediately since no decision has been made on where the event will take place. Mr. Lyons advised that at least 20 minutes of the workshop meeting was devoted to determining the date of the event, and there were very good reasons why that date was selected. One of the reasons for selecting May 4 was because the hotels change their rates on May 1. In addition, there are events planned in the City during the first few weeks of April, and on May 20. Matthew Bradley, 1051 Coral Drive, said that over the last few years, an evening ball was held in celebration of Unity Day. Although it was a very nice event, he suggested the board consider a barbecue-type celebration which could be held on the grounds of the Old School and could be attended by families. This would be an easier event to handle since the City already has some expertise in this area; it would be less expensive; and there would be less to do. It might have more appeal than an evening ball. Ms. Hammer said she and Ms. Currier have discussed this possibility, and she felt it was a very good idea. Chairman Washam agreed with Vice Mayor Bradley's suggestion. He feels a simplistic approach is more unifying throughout the community. He also feels that the suggested location is good because the City is working very hard to highlight this area. In addition, the playground will be constructed by the time of this celebration. Ms. Hammer wondered whether the street could be closed and a block party held in this location. Motion Ms. Hammer moved that we have Unity Day in 1996, with all members on the Community Relations Board serving as chairs of one of the categories. Mrs. Bradley seconded the motion. Chairman Washam feels this is a very broad motion, and he would not force anyone to serve if they do not want to serve. Everyone is busy, and he would prefer to trust everyone to offer assistance. Mrs. Bradley pointed out that people offer to do things, and then never show up. Chairman Washam advised that he has done things all of his life where people have offered to do things, and then did not show up. 6 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 8, 1995 The motion was amended to have Unity Day in 1996, sponsored by this board. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Hammer set the date for a workshop meeting to discuss Unity Day on Thursday, November 16, 1995, at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Hammer will contact the members to advise of the location for the meeting. During this meeting, Ms. Hammer would like to discuss all phases of the event. Ms. Zibelli suggested considering Boat Club Park so that if it rains, there will be shelter. IX. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Hawkins reported on the following two items: 1. The City requested proposals for the marina project, and received only one. A City Commission workshop meeting is scheduled for tomorrow evening to discuss that proposal. The developer brought in a proposal with two parts. The City requested a hotel, retail shops, and restaurants. The developer responded to the City's request, and has a second option which includes a 10-story hotel. These issues will be discussed. 2. The Ocean Avenue Bridge Committee is meeting on a regular basis. The schematics and renderings have been done. There will be walkways around the bridge, and landscaping and development around the bottom of the bridge. There will definitely be an access point on the north. However, concerns have been expressed by Coastal Towers relative to access points on the south. The bridge is a beautiful architecturally-developed bridge. The bridge will be 21' high, and it will be a fold- deck bridge. Overlays will be developed to show the difference in the height. A great deal of input is being received. This issue will be discussed at the workshop meeting tomorrow evening. Mr. Hawkins explained that a great deal of time is being spent at Commission meetings on development plans. The message is going out that Boynton Beach wants to attract more homes and higher-end residences. The higher-end residences are needed for economic development. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, Mrs. Cruz moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m. Mrs. Girtman seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 7 MINUTES COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA NOVEMBER 8, 1995 Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 8