Loading...
Minutes 01-28-99 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT STAFF Shanna St. John, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Director Bob Borovy, Vice Chairman Hank Ackermann, Neighborhood Amy DeVries, Student Project Specialist Charles Fisher Marie Lengert Hattie Miller Mary Morera Stephen Waldman Dorothy Davis, Alternate ABSENT Steven Kuehn, Student ALSO PRESENT Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz Adriana Borgia, Education Advisory Board Alternate Ron Washam, Chairman, Community Relations Board Beth Miller, Community Relations Board Member Ann Centi, former Chair of Education Advisory Board I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Following a moment of silent prayer, Vice Chair Bob Borovy led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chairperson St. John requested the addition of the following items to the Agenda: ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 1. Letter from Senator Bob Graham 2. Children’s Services Council Training Calendar 3. Ordinance 099-03 4. Presentation of Award Certificates 5. Announcement by Mr. Hank Ackermann Motion Mr. Waldman moved that the Agenda with the additions be approved. Motion seconded by Marie Lengert. Ms. Davis questioned the term of her expiration date as being April 1999. Ms. Davis was informed that she would be re-appointed after that date. Motion unanimously carried. IV.APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson St. John asked for approval of the minutes of the December 10, 1998 meeting. Motion Vice Chair Borovy moved that the minutes of the December 10, 1998 meeting be approved. Motion seconded by Charlie Fisher. Ms. Amy DeVries noted that on Page 2 and twice on Page 7, she was referred to as “Heidi DeVries” and asked that her name be corrected. Motion Mr. Waldman moved that the minutes of the December 10, 1998 meeting, as corrected, be approved. Motion seconded by Charlie Fisher and carried unanimously. V. ANNOUNCEMENTS a. Introduce New Members Chairperson St. John introduced the two new members on the Board, Ms. Dorothy Davis and Ms. Mary Morera. Chairperson St. John asked each new member to introduce themselves to the Board. 2 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 Ms. Morera stated she lives in Golfview Harbor and is an officer of the Golfview Harbor Homeowner’s Association. Ms. Davis stated she is employed by the Palm Beach County Housing Authority as a Drug Grant Coordinator and is a former City Commissioner where she formerly lived and has worked with youth all of her adult life. Ms. Davis said she moved to Boynton Beach two years ago and works with the children in the Cherry Hill area of the City. B. Green Market Chairperson St. John announced that the Green Market will be held Saturday, February th 6. Ms. Green stated that the Green Market is called “the Green Market/Breakfast in Boynton” and is held at Veteran’s Park and encouraged everyone to attend. C. High School Groundbreaking Ms. Green said she had no additional information on the groundbreaking, but the groundbreaking was a tremendous success and was covered by the media. Ms. Green stated that specific mention was given to Ms. Virginia Farace for her years of effort into the project. Ms. Green thanked all the Commissioners in the City who worked diligently on behalf of a new high school. Ms. Green added that several hundred people attended the groundbreaking. D. Black Awareness Day Calendar Ms. Green handed out the calendar, which lists all the events to the Board members. Ms. Green noted that Mr. Waldman is also involved with the Black Awareness th Committee. Mr. Waldman said that many events are scheduled for February 20 . On that date there will be a spelling bee at the Hester Center, an oratorical contest and a contest called “The Black Creative Mind in American Society” and participants are from the after school program children at Rolling Green and Hester Center. Mr. Waldman said that other day care centers would be having contests as well. Mr. Waldman also said that Ms. Margaret Newton, who is African/African-American History Specialist with the School District will be doing learning sessions with other experts on African/African-American History and Culture. Mr. Waldman said there will be something for everyone. Ms. Green also stated there will be an art exhibit of photographs of African/American achievements throughout the years. The possibility exists that the exhibit could become a permanent exhibit at the Wilson Center for display. The Gospel-o-rama and the luncheon are the only events that require tickets. All other events are free. 3 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 E. All America City - Ms. Green said she is the City staff person who is the Team Leader to develop the application for Boynton Beach to apply for All America City. Mr. Green said the first major community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 24, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. At that meeting, representatives from the City of Delray Beach that has won the award will be making a presentation. It is anticipated that other presentations from other Cities that have won the award will be made at a future date. Ms. Green stated the City is applying for the award in the year 2001. Representatives will also be attending the national competition in Philadelphia this year to observe and determine what the judges look for in the winners. Ms. Green said that members of the community who are willing to commit themselves and their time into the award are needed. Ms. Green explained the different types of projects that must be included in the application. Ms. Green said everyone on the Board who wished to participate would th be welcomed and stated the February 24 meeting is open to the general public and anyone can attend. F. CDF Updates. Chairperson St. John informed members she did not have time to make copies of the Updates and requested that the Recording Secretary include copies with the minutes when they are mailed to the members. G. Letter from Senator Bob Graham Chairperson St. John referred members to the letter received from Senator Bob Graham, which was in response to this Board’s letter on the Summer Youth Job Program. Chairperson St. John said she would like to contact the person from the Workforce Development Board that had spoke to this Board on this subject previously. Mr. Waldman said he would contact Delwin Finch. F. Children’s Services Training Calendar Members were referred to the calendar, which offers various training programs. G. City Ordinance 099-03 Chairperson St. John said that this Ordinance dealt with Board absences. The Ordinances states that after a member misses three meetings, a warning letter is sent to that member. If the member misses a fourth meeting within the year, the member is removed from the Board. This pertains to all Boards except the Planning and 4 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 Development Board. Chairperson St. John said that a removed member can reapply for appointment. H. Board Certificates Chairperson St. John distributed the Certificates of Appreciation to the City to all members who were present. I. Announcement by Hank Ackermann Mr. Ackermann stated he was present this evening as the City’s Neighborhood Program Specialist and is always looking for volunteers to assist with various activities. Mr. Ackermann stated that in April, the Great Beautiful Palm Beaches Clean up is scheduled. This is a yearly event, which takes place during National Volunteer Week, and the City will have a number of different projects. Mr. Ackermann mentioned participation in the Paint your Heart out Program requires volunteers ages 16 and over. The Habitat for Humanity requires volunteers be at least 14 years of age. Mr. Ackermann said there was a great deal of young children under those ages that wished to volunteer and he has organized events for these children as well. Mr. Ackermann said he has been working with Mr. Octavia Sherrod of the City’s Community Improvement Department to assist persons who cannot maintain their property and yards to bring the property up to code. Mr. Ackermann said there are a group of youngsters at Congress Middle School, which is run by Ms. Deborah Young who teaches Career Education/ROTC class and they assisted with the Paint your Heart out Program. Mr. Ackermann said that this group has challenged the Police Department to a basketball game to raise money for the Make-a- Wish Foundation, which is scheduled for April. Mr. Waldman noted that the Kiwanis also sponsors the Builders Club and he would be willing to contact that group to assist with the Beautiful Palm Beach program. Mr. Ackermann announced that Ms. Kerry Willis, the City Manager, would be leaving to accept a position as Assistant Secretary for the Florida Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee. Mr. Ackermann said that Ms. Willis will be reporting to her new st position March 1 and that Mr. Dale Sugerman will become the Acting City Manager. Chairperson St. John asked Mr. Ackermann if he had anything to report on the neighborhood between Woolbright, Boynton Beach, Seacrest and I-95. Mr. Ackermann nd said that a meeting has been scheduled for Monday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the th Presbyterian Church on SW 6 Avenue for this entire area which is known as the Central heights Neighborhood. Mr. Ackermann said the Visions 20/20 group gave this 5 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 name to this area. Notices will be given to all residents via the City’s meter readers who will deliver the notices. The meeting will focus on planning for the needs of this st neighborhood. Also, a meeting is scheduled for March 1 for the Gateway neighborhood, which includes almost everyone north of Gateway, and Mr. Ackermann pointed out the area on the map, which was a very large area. The meeting is scheduled for the Royal Palm Clubhouse. Mr. Ackermann stated that the east side of I- 95 has been divided up into six major neighborhood areas. Mr. Ackermann said that the City Commission has set aside $500,000 to begin neighborhood planning. Mr. Ackermann stated that participation would include a representative from the City’s Planning Department, Department Heads and himself. Mr. Ackermann noted that this neighborhood is a transitional neighborhood and their concerns need to be addressed. Mr. Fisher asked if Mr. Ackermann has this information available on the City’s web site. Mr. Ackermann said they would be starting the first of the month. Mr. Ackermann announced that there is a workshop scheduled for Directors of th Volunteer Services in Ft. Lauderdale on Friday, January 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. 1998 in Review Chairperson St. John distributed the outline of the 1998 meetings to the members. Chairperson St. John reviewed the year and noted the Board held an Open Forum in January. Other projects were discussed. The Board participated in the GALA in March and this year the Youth Expo was held. The Youth Volunteer Banquet was held in May and the Board completed the Butterfly Garden Project. This Board actively pursued being included in the City’s Visions, Views and City News, the City’s Web site is up and running and America’s Promise has had several meetings and has now become a separate entity. Two safety meetings have been held and the Board participated in a Bowling Tournament. A presentation on sexual offenders was given. Ms. Green said that Lt. Yanuzzi provided copies that were distributed to all recreation facilities. Members participated in the Community Relations Job Fair. Mr. Fisher said that this Board is always willing to assist other Boards with their projects. The Youth Expo Awards Ceremony was very well attended. Chairperson St. John suggested that the new Board members familiarize themselves with what the Board does by reviewing the minutes of past meetings, which are available through the City Clerk’s Office. 6 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 Members were referred to the newest list of Board Members with the addresses and telephone numbers and asked each Board member to review it. Also, Chairperson St. John had available for members a copy of the City’s Ordinance, which originally established the Advisory Board on Children and Youth. However, after review it was discovered that the Ordinance was not complete and Chairperson St. John requested a copy of the Ordinance be included with the minutes when mailed to member. (A copy is attached to the minutes.) Mr. Fisher noted he had a new business telephone number and gave the number to the members. Also, Mr. Fisher suggested that if any member has an E-mail address it should be included on the membership list. All members who had an E-mail address furnished it. The new information will be provided to the Clerk’s Office for updating. Ms. Davis provided her business phone numbers for inclusion on the list. Ms. Morera noted thth that her address is 26 Avenue, not 16 Avenue. Chairperson St. John reviewed the duties of this Board as set forth in the Ordinance with members and thought the Board should review the goals of the Board at a workshop. Chairperson St. John noted that the child care being offered in the City of Boynton Beach is pretty good, however, in the unincorporated areas, there is a need for child care centers. However, Chairperson St. John said this Board has to focuses on the needs within the City limits. Mr. Waldman said he had some statistical information on childcare services, which he could make available. Mr. Fisher inquired if a workshop should be scheduled now. Chairperson St. John suggested waiting until all the workshops have been determined. Members were referred to the calendar listing all the meeting dates. Chairperson St. John noted that the meeting date in November would have to be changed because it falls on Thanksgiving. Vice Chair Borovy informed members that the Skateboard Park is still alive and that the County is doing a traffic study at Caloosa Park to determine if the Skateboard Park will be located at that site. B. Youth Expo Chairperson St. John said she did not get a report printed on the Youth Expo and wants to set up a committee to work on the Youth Expo for the year 2000. A planning workshop also needs to be set up for later in the year. Mr. Fisher felt a workshop should be held sooner since the Youth Expo is still fresh in everyone’s mind. Mr. workshop Waldman agreed with Mr. Fisher. After discussion, it was determined that a th to review the Youth Expo be held on Thursday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the 7 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 Library Program Room . Ms. Green will check on the availability of the Library on that date. C. Youth Volunteer Bank – Banquet May 13, 1999 th Chairperson St. John said that May 13 was chosen for the banquet date since there was no school the next day. Chairperson St. John said that the Civic Center was not available on that date. Therefore, the Board must determine if it wants another date, or to change the venue and keep the same date. Chairperson St. John said that almost 200 people attended last years banquet and there are over 200 children listed in the volunteer bank. Ms. Green noted that there was a date available in May at the Civic Center, but was not certain which date it was. Mr. Waldman suggested having the banquet on a Friday, but Ms. Green said the Civic Center is booked. Ms. Green said that last year the group scheduled for the Civic Center moved in order that the banquet could be held and were very cooperative. However, Ms. Green stated that the Gold th Coast Band was scheduled for May 13 and it is impossible to ask them to move. Mr. Fisher suggested the banquet could be held at the Galaxy School. The cost to use the school is $25.00 per hour for a maintenance person. Mr. Fisher suggested staying th with the original date of May 13. Ms. Davis also suggested that the facilities at the Poinciana School could be used and that school also has a large cafeteria. For the benefit of the new members, Chairperson St. John explained what the functions of the Youth Volunteer Bank and the purpose of the banquet, which was a reward and recognition event for the volunteers. Mr. Waldman said he would contact the schools for their availability. Ms. Green suggested the schools be open from 5:00 p.m. to mid-night. Chairperson St. John questioned if the Holiday Inn at the Catalina Center could be contacted to see if they would donate a room for the banquet. Chairperson St. John said she would prepare a letter, which Mr. Waldman could take with him to the Holiday Inn in requesting a room donation. Mr. Waldman was not certain if the Holiday Inn would permit food to be brought in from the outside. Ms. Miller said that the Civic Center should not be ruled out and it should be determined if it was available for any other date in May because the banquet has been held at the Civic Center the past year. Vice Chair Borovy said these are items that should be discussed at a workshop. Chairperson St. John said she spoke with the City Manager who said she would assist in locating someone to donate food for the banquet and that Chairperson St. John has asked Ms. Green to follow through on this. 8 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 Ms. Borgia suggested contacting Carraba’s Restaurant. Ms. Borgia said she works with many volunteers and each year her organization has a banquet to which Carraba’s donates the food. After discussion it was decided to extend the time for the Youth Expo workshop in order to include time for a workshop on the Volunteer Banquet. Therefore the workshop th Thursday, February 18 at the Library will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end scheduled for at 8:30 p.m. It was agreed that this would allow enough time to discuss both items. Chairperson St. John said that the Volunteer Bank should become a separate event from the Board and that Vice Chair Borovy has agreed to be in charge of the Volunteer Bank. Vice Chair Borovy suggested that Ms. Morera could work with him on this project. D. Butterfly Garden Chairperson St. John said she would like this Board to build another butterfly garden. Vice Chair Borovy said he has spoken to the Garden Club and they are agreeable to putting in a garden in Legion’s Circle which is in front of the American Legion Post. Vice Chair Borovy also said the Garden Club is enthusiastic about planning another butterfly garden. th Chairperson St. John said that since April 18 is National Volunteer Week and she would like to tie in a project within that week and the children could be working on different projects throughout the City. Chairperson St. John would like this Board to have a Proclamation from the City that it supports National Volunteer Week. Vice Chair Borovy suggested a workshop be held in early March to discuss the butterfly garden. Mr. Fisherasked if this could be tabled until later in the year, since it has been previously discussed not to take too many projects on at one time. Vice Chair Borovy said that the Garden Club, the American Legion and the Boy Scouts would be involved in the butterfly garden which would take place in April, before the May banquet. Vice Chair Borovy said the City maintains the circle. Chairperson St. John asked if the butterfly garden should be tied in with National Volunteer Week or to stay with the Beautiful Palm Beaches with Mr. Ackermann and do the butterfly garden later in the year. Chairperson St. John noted the butterfly garden last year was planted in July. Mr. Waldman would like to do the butterfly garden later in the year. Vice Chair Borovy suggested holding a workshop in March, at which time it can be determined when to plant the butterfly garden since there are other organizations to consider. Mr. Fisher suggested tabling the item until the next Board meeting. Chairperson St. John suggested that when a date is chosen for the Volunteer Bank workshop in March, time could be devoted at that meeting to the butterfly garden. 9 ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING MINUTES BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 28, 1999 Chairperson St. John suggested setting a date in March for a workshop. It was a consensus that the planting of the butterfly garden would be put off until later in the workshop on the Volunteer Bank year. After discussion it was determined to have a th and Butterfly Garden on Saturday, March 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon at the Library. 10