Loading...
Minutes 02-25-99 MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT STAFF Shanna St. John, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Director Amy DeVries, Student Charles Fisher Marie Lengert Hattie Miller Mary Morera Stephen Waldman ABSENT Bob Borovy, Vice Chairman Amy De Vries Dorothy Davis, Alternate Steven Kuehn, Student I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson St. John called for a moment of silent prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Charlie Fisher. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Fisher requested the addition for consideration of an additional flyer for handout at the G.A.L.A. Chairperson St. John said this could be discussed under G.A.L.A. and did not need to be an addition to the Agenda. Chairperson St. John requested if any member wished to discuss the School Concurrency Program that was just presented by Leo Noble. Members felt the presentation was self-explanatory and there was no need for further discussion. MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 Motion Mr. Waldman moved that the Agenda as presented be approved. Motion seconded by Mr. Fisher. Motion unanimously carried. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Morera requested that her e-mail address be corrected. The Recording Secretary said this information was not contained in the minutes. Ms. Green stated that her office prepared the e-mail addresses and she would request Ms. Claude to correct Ms. Morera’s e-mail address. Ms. Morera gave her correct address to Ms. Green. Also, Ms. Green said if there were any other updates to please let her know and she will have it corrected. Motion Mr. Waldman moved that the Minutes of the January 28, 1999 meeting, as submitted be approved. Motion seconded by Mr. Fisher. Motion unanimously carried. V. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. CDF Updates Chairperson St. John stated she did not have available the CDF Updates and they would be copied and included with the minutes. B. Green Market Chairperson St. John announced that the Green Market would be held on Saturday, March 6, 1999 at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Waldman announced that the children in Ms. Young’s class, which is an Education/ROTC class, would be having a basketball game with the Boynton Beach rd Police Department on April 23. Tickets will be $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for students and the proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Mr. Waldman did not have the exact time. Mr. Waldman said the Miami Fusion will be doing something at half time and there will be a drill team exhibition. Mr. Waldman said they are looking for sponsorships and Mr. Waldman thinks this Board should support them in anyway possible. Mr. Waldman said he had been requested to determine if the Workforce Development Board was funded and Mr. Waldman said he was informed that they are funded through 2 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 the summer. The Workforce Development Board is making a transition to a new youth program in response to new federal legislation entitled the Workforce Investment Act. Also, they are moving and there will be a new telephone number as well. The e-mail will remain the same and Mr. Waldman wished to have the e-mail address in the record, dfinchpbcwdb.com which is VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Youth Expo Workshop – April 8, 1999 @ the Library Chairperson St. John said that another workshop has been scheduled for Monday, April th 8, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Waldman said he would double check to make sure the room is available. The following items were discussed at the last workshop. rdthththth The dates of November 3, 4 and 5 or November 10, 11th and 12 were selected and these dates will be confirmed. The next Youth Expo is scheduled for the year 2000. Chairperson St. John said that letters would be sent to the schools in May of this year. Also sponsor, in-kind letters and letters for tables will go out during May of this year. Chairperson St. John said that a second mailing would go out in May of 2000. At that time letters will go out for entertainment as well. Mr. Fisher noted that the letters that will go out will require an RSVP and would not be a general type letter. Mrs. Fisher has agreed to assist with the mailing. Chairperson St. John said it was determined to keep the four contests and add a fifth contest for science. The details have not been worked out on this as yet. Mr. Waldman said that a database would be created for the people in the schools who can be specifically contacted. Chairperson St. John said that the theme had been discussed, but nothing has been decided upon. The future and technology were two themes being considered. Chairperson St. John said that with regard to the tables a deadline would be set and if the response card is not received within a certain time, there would be a $25.00 charge. Therefore, the tables would be free to a certain date, and then the $25 fee would apply. Mr. Fisher felt the Youth Expo would be better organized this time since preparations have started two years in advance. th B. Youth Volunteer Bank – Workshop March 6 @ Library Chairperson St. John said at the same workshop for the Youth Expo, the Youth th Volunteer Bank was also discussed. Chairperson St. John said that the May 13 is not good for the banquet, because the Civic Center is not available. 3 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 Mr. Waldman checked into the availability of the schools. Mr. Waldman said that there would be certain fees involved in utilizing the schools, which would be for the kitchen facilities and custodial fees. Mr. Waldman said the insurance costs were covered because it is a City-sponsored program. Mr. Waldman said he spoke to the Principal at Poinciana and Amy DeVries was to check on Forest Park. The Galaxy School was also mentioned. Chairperson St. John said the Recreation Department advised her that the Civic Center thnd would be available for any Saturday in May. Therefore, the dates of May 15 and 22 were considered. For correction purposes, Mr. Waldman said insurance costs at Galaxy were $88 to $100 and the same would be true for Poinciana. Ms. Green stated the City has an Interlocal Agreement with the School District and did not think the insurance costs should apply. Ms. Lengert said she feels very strongly that any volunteer work should be a City- oriented project and not as in past practices, such as helping at home. Mr. Fisher said the discussion at this point is setting a date for the banquet and the discussion should be concluded before going to another subject. Motion th Mr. Fisher moved that the Youth Volunteer Banquet be set for Saturday, May 15 at the Civic Center at 6:00 p.m. Ms. Lengert inquired if the Hester Center would be larger for the event. Chairperson St. John stated it was larger, but would require that a floor be put down and this would require more staff hours. Also, because the last Banquet was held at the Civic Center, it was felt it would be best to hold the Banquet there. Motion seconded by Mr. Waldman. Motion unanimously carried. With regard to volunteer hours, Ms. Lengert feels that the hours should be for City projects and that some type of project should be selected. Ms. Lengert did not feel that volunteering at home should apply. Chairperson St. John suggested volunteering at hospitals and Ms. Lengert said that was a good project. Mr. Waldman stated that the Beautiful Palm Beach Day should also be included and Hank Ackermann runs this program. Ms. Lengert said these types of projects would be fine, but she did not think that any volunteer work should be under the auspices of a parent. 4 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 Mr. Fisher did not agree with this and felt that the age of the child should be looked at. If a child were real young, they would not be able to participate in these types of volunteering. Mr. Fisher felt that anything that promotes volunteerism is important and instills a sense of value in the children. Ms. Lengert did not agree with Mr. Fisher’s assessment of volunteerism. Chairperson St. John said that when the program was first started neighborhood revitalization was the main goal and double credit was given for those hours. Chairperson St. John said she had four youngsters assist her in handing out neighborhood flyers from Hank Ackermann’s office and felt this type of volunteering should apply. Mr. Waldman also agreed and felt the children should be awarded for handing out the flyers for the City. Chairperson St. John said this could be further discussed at the next workshop and requested Ms. Lengert prepare a list for that workshop. Ms. Miller also agreed with Ms. Lengert’s interpretation of volunteerism and did not feel anything done at home by children should count. Chairperson St. John said that by not counting volunteering in the homes, that would eliminate most children under the ages of 7 and 8. Ms. Miller said that children ages 7 and 8 could still participate in an organized volunteer program. Chairperson St. John stated that as a parent she feels it is very important that volunteerism be instilled in children and that there were not enough organized events for these young children to participate in. Chairperson St. John said she would have available at the next workshop all the information on the volunteer service that was done previously and the list could be reviewed. Also, Chairperson St. John said that the decision on the types of volunteerism should be a Board decision and will be reviewed at the next workshop. Letters were sent out to the previous sponsors and three sponsors have responded. Publix Supermarkets sent $1,000, ExpiCare sent $100 and Pete Rose sent a Gift Certificate. Mr. Waldman will contact the previous sponsors. Vice Chair Borovy said he would be checking with Joal’s Restaurant and Ellie’s Diner to determine if they would be willing to donate food or provide some kind of price list. Chairperson St. John said that approximately 200 people would attend the banquet. Chairperson St. John said she was putting together a package for the children who participated and there are an additional 80 children over last year’s participation. A letter will be sent to the children informing them that their hours need to be in by April th 30. A new verification form is being prepared and the old names will be purged. 5 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 Chairperson St. John said that she and Mr. Fisher are in the process of preparing a new flyer for the program. Mr. Fisher said that it is intended that the Volunteer Youth Bank application form would be included on the web site. C. Butterfly Garden – Workshop March 6 @ the Library Chairperson St. John said that the Butterfly Garden would also be discussed at the same workshop and Vice Chair Borovy is coordinating this. It is anticipated that it would take place sometime in July and would be planted at Veteran’s Circle. rd D. Youth Council – Delray Beach Council Meeting – March 3 Mr. Waldman said that he had spoken with Lula Butler who was the driving force behind rd the Youth Council and they are having a meeting on Wednesday, March 3 and Mr. Waldman said he would be attending the meeting. Mr. Waldman suggested that anyone else on the Board who wished to attend would be welcomed. Mr. Waldman said that rd after attending the March 3 meeting, he would have a better idea on organizing a Youth Council. Chairperson St. John read an excerpt from the minutes of the Education Advisory Board regarding that Board’s comments on the Youth Council. “Mr. Fellows said someone from the Board come to tonight’s meeting to discuss the Youth Council and explain why they want this Board to devote a portion of its time to their project.” Chairperson St. John read further from those minutes and said that Mr. Fellows stayed at the workshop after the Board Forum for approximately five minutes and left. Also, Chairperson St. John read that Ms. Farace said “if there was going to be a Teen Center or Youth Council, she would be interested from the Library’s point of view”. Continuing on from those minutes, under “America’s Promise” it stated “…that Mr. Fellows inquired if this Board feels that the Youth Council and America’s Promise are worthwhile projects and that the Children and Youth Board should be encouraged to pursue them. Ms. Farace recommended that these two projects become the sole responsibility of the Children and Youth Board.” Chairperson St. John inquired if anyone from this Board could attend the next Education th Advisory Board meeting on March 4. Mr. Waldman said that originally he was going to attend, but could not make it. Chairperson St. John said that America’s Promise has been taken off the agenda because it is now its own separate entity. Chairperson St. John said that the Youth Council was included in the Visions 20/20 Plan and was specifically spelled out. Chairperson St. John said it is important that someone from this Board attend their next Board meeting. 6 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 Mr. Waldman said if the two Boards were supposed to make a joint recommendation, then a representative from each Board must become involved. Mr. Waldman said he has no objection to the Youth Council becoming a project of this Board and he would invite interested members from the Education Advisory Board to join this Board. Mr. Waldman feels this is a better solution. Chairperson St. John said that this Board has already recommended the Youth Council and it was sent to their Board for their recommendation. Mr. Waldman inquired if the recommendation was intended to come from both Boards or individually. Ms. Green said it would be more appropriate if there were recommendations from both Boards. Ms. Green understood from those minutes that the Education Advisory Board feels that this Board should handle the Youth Council and that is their recommendation. Therefore, it would be up to this Board on how it wants to proceed and what its recommendations would be. Mr. Waldman said he feels that the Youth Council is a worthwhile project that this Board should continue to pursue starting one. Also, Chairperson St. John said that the minutes indicated “that Ms. Farace suggested waiting until after Saturday’s meeting”. Therefore, that Board would be making its recommendation at its next meeting. Chairperson St. John felt that all members of that Board hadn’t fully discussed the issue. Vice Chair Borovy had indicated he would be attending this meeting. Mr. Fisher suggested this could be further discussed at this Board’s next meeting. E. Teen Center Mr. Waldman said that he and Chairperson St. John met with Chief Gage regarding a Teen Center and that he is supportive of a Teen Center. Chief Gage said he had prior experience with a Teen Center in Miami and said that one of the major problems is how it would be staffed and who would supervise the Center. Also, it is important to determine what type of a Teen Center is desired. Also, the site must be located and the positives and negatives of the sites must be weighed. Also, Chief Gage said that the age of the children needs to be limited and that the younger teens should not be located where the older teens are. These two parts might need to be separate. Also, Chief Gage suggested that a survey be taken of both children and adults as to what they would like and then determine the need. Chairperson St. John said that the funds need to be located and that grants need to be applied for. Partnerships and sponsors have to be located as well. Mr. Fisher said that at the last candidates forum there was much discussion regarding the possibility of a Teen Center, as well as what is being offered to the teens in the community. Ms. Lengert stated that the Hester Center offers a great many activities for teens. 7 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 Ms. Green said that the teens at the Library need to be dealt with now. Ms. Virginia Farace has been working with the Recreation Department for solutions in keeping the teens interested in the Library and at the same time provide a combination of educational as well as recreational activities and using the Library Program Room when it is available. Ms. Green said that the 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. time period Monday through Friday are the times being addressed and that the east room in the Civic Center could be utilized. Ms. Green said this would be a short-term solution to deal with some of the challenges. Ms. Green said that some additional programs should begin in about two weeks. Ms. Green said she has a meeting with her staff tomorrow to deal with this issue. Ms. Green said that Interim City Manager Hawkins has made this a priority and that Mr. Hawkins has agreed to assist one night per week, as well as herself. Ms. Green said that Officer Rick Ross, who is well known in the City for his karate and self-defense classes, has volunteered to help. Mr. Fisher asked if other volunteers were being sought. Ms. Green stated that activities are being planned for Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Waldman stated that the RSVP people have an entire database of volunteers. Ms. Green said that once it has been determined what programs the teens would like, then volunteers would be sought. Ms. Green noted that Ms Carolyn Sims, a City employee, has volunteered her time in the evening to help. Mr. Fisher said he would like to help also. Ms. Green stated that the east room in Civic Center would probably be used in the evenings also. Ms. Green stated it is not intended to move the children out of the Library, but to encourage the children to use the Library with appropriate educational type activities. Mr. Waldman said he would also like to help. Chairperson St. John said that at one of the neighborhood association meetings that she attended the parents complained that once a child is 12 and older, there is nothing for those children to do in the City, except sports. It was noted that there used to be monthly teen dances at the Civic Center and Chairperson St. John asked if this could be implemented again. Ms. Green said that a number of different approaches with teen dances have been taken and they are a big challenge. Ms. Green said that years ago there used to be teen dances at the Hester Center and the first few dances went well. There was police protection and good security and everyone had to enter through a metal detector. Ms. Green said that outside in the parking lot was the biggest problem with dances, which required police involvement. Mr. Waldman informed members that the teen dance recently held in the Boynton Beach Mall went very well and there were no incidents whatsoever. Chairperson St. John said she would like to approach the teens to determine if they would be interested in the Youth Council. Chairperson St. John inquired if there was a possibility that dances could be held again. Ms. Green suggested that the immediate issue with the 8 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 teens at the Library needs to be addressed first and then those teens could be enlisted to assist with the dances. The teens must be made aware that there would be security people both inside and outside the dance. It must be stressed that if anything illegal happens, the dances would not occur anymore. Hopefully, the peer pressure might work and the teens would police themselves. F. Child Safety Forums Mr. Waldman said he went to Poinciana and Galaxy Schools and talked with them about holding a Forum or the Board could sponsor a meeting with their PTO. Mr. Waldman said that both Schools were interested and both said they would contact the PTO President and that something could be done in April. However, Mr. Waldman has had no contact with the Presidents of the PTO. Mr. Waldman said the Board could have a short business meeting and then follow up with a presentation, or the Board could hold its meeting in conjunction with the PTO meeting and this Board would secure the speaker. Mr. Waldman said he has the speakers’ network and there is a whole list of topics available, or they could come up with their own topic. Mr. Waldman stated that at the prior child safety forums the speakers were excellent. However, there was poor audience attendance. Mr. Waldman said the intent of the forums was to get an audience for the forums. Therefore, it was decided to approach the schools and have the forums held there. The various formats for the forums were discussed at length. Mr. Waldman said he would follow through on this with the Principal at Poinciana and determine if a date has been set. Mr. Waldman suggested that Galaxy be approached later in the year or next year. Mr. Waldman said that he sent thank you letters to the speakers and neglected to place them in the record. One letter was sent to Assistant Fire Marshal Borden and the other to Chief Bingham informing him that Assistant Fire Marshal Borden did an exemplary job. (attached to the minutes) G. Web Site Mr. Fisher said that the Board is now a part of the City of Boynton Beach web site and . to find the Board’s page the address is http://ci.boynton-beach.fl.usMr. Fisher said that at the bottom of the web site page there is a tag that says city boards. Click on city boards and the list of all the boards in the City will appear. The Advisory Board on Children and Youth is the top Board and click on that to go to the Board’s home page. Chairperson St. John requested that the sponsors of the various events be listed on the web page and that there would be a place to click on for official rules of the contests. Chairperson St. John said she would like to include pictures from the May banquet on the web page. 9 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 H. Youth Orchestra Chairperson St. John said that this was tabled at the last meeting. Mr. Waldman inquired if the possibility of a youth chorus were explored which might be easier to do than an orchestra. Chairperson St. John inquired if this could be done as a recreational program. Ms. Green said it is possible if someone could be located on a volunteer basis to lead the group. Mr. Waldman said that Mike Friedland indicated he would be willing to lead a chorus or a choir. Ms. Lengert noted that this had been talked about for the past couple of years and that nothing ever came to fruition. Mr. Waldman said if it was going to be done, it should be done with this Board assisting Recreation in doing it. Ms. Green said it must first be determined that there is interest in starting a choir. Mr. Waldman said that this could become part of the programs to be offered at the Library. Ms. Green suggested that someone from the Board should get a firm commitment from Mr. Friedland to determine if he is willing to do this. It could be advertised in Funfare to see if there is any interest. Mr. Waldman suggested that Vice Chair Borovy should be in charge of this program and could work with Ms. Green. Ms. Lengert suggested that the Board should send a letter to Mr. Friedland. Mr. Waldman questioned whether this Board would be the proper entity to write the letter and that maybe it should come from the Recreation Department. Ms. Green suggested that someone should speak personally with Mr. Friedland and determine if he is willing to commit to the chorus, then a letter could be sent to Mr. Friedland thanking him for agreeing to lead the youth chorus. Mr. Waldman said he would speak with Vice Chair Borovy to determine who would approach Mr. Friedland. I. Open Forum Chairperson St. John said the Open Forum was very successful and found it very enjoyable. There was a good turnout from the Boards. Chairperson St. John informed Ms. Green that there was no representative present from the Recreation and Parks Board. Ms. Green said that the Recreation Board would place the issue on the agenda for next meeting and determine which Board members would attend the next Forum. Chairperson St. John said that the Education Advisory Board would host the next Forum. Chairperson St. John said when the date for the Forum has been set she will inform everyone. J. G.A.L.A. Table – Sign up sheet Chairperson St. John said there are two 10’ x 10’ spaces with tents and requested that there be two 8’ tables, one for each tent. Mr. Fisher inquired if the location of the booths 10 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 was known and Ms. Green said she did not know at this time. Chairperson St. John said she requested that the Board be located at the end of a row. Ms. Lengert said that last year their booth was poorly attended. Chairperson St. John said that this year they are located on Ocean Avenue, close to the railroad tracks. Chairperson St. John asked members for ideas for the table. Mr. Fisher suggested a calendar that could include the Board’s web address. The cost of producing the calendar on heavier stock would be minimal and presented a sample to the members. Mr. Waldman said that the forms for the Youth Volunteer Program should be made available. Mr. Fisher inquired if the Board purchased the paper, could the City copy the calendar. Ms. Green said staff could do this. Ms. Green stated that the calendar could be printed in two colors. Chairperson St. John circulated a sign up sheet and requested that people sign up for two-hour increments and if anyone wanted to stay 4 hours or longer, it would be appreciated. Chairperson St. John said that the booth only has to be manned on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Chairperson St. John said that the table needs to be set up between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Mr. Waldman said he th would be out of town from March 16 through the end of the month and would not be able to be present during the G.A.L.A. Chairperson St. John requested that Ms. Green speak with Ms. Claude about making name tags for the new Board members. Chairperson St. John said that there must be at least one Board member present at the Board table during the entire day. K. Charter Revision – Set Workshop Date Chairperson St. John noted that a copy of this Board’s Charter was included with the last set of minutes and Chairperson St. John said that the Charter needs to be updated. Mr. Fisher suggested that a workshop could be set up after the Youth Volunteer Banquet in May. Chairperson St. John suggested a Saturday in June. Mr. Waldman th suggested Saturday, June 5 at the Library at 9:00 a.m. L. Bowling Tournament Discussion ensued when to hold the tournament. Chairperson St. John suggested the thth Sunday before school begins, which is August 8. Mr. Waldman suggested July 25, but Chairperson St. John noted that the Butterfly Garden would take place in July. th After discussion, it was decided to hold the Bowling Tournament on Sunday, July 25. 11 MEETING MINUTES ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 25, 1999 VII. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Fisher said that at the open forum the issue came up about awareness of what the Boards do. It was suggested that when the new Mayor and Commissioners are elected, that the Boards be part of the orientation. There is a meeting scheduled tomorrow with Interim City Manager Hawkins, Mr. Fellows and himself on a conference call. VIII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None IX. ADJOURNMENT Motion Mr. Waldman moved that the meeting adjourn. Motion seconded by Mr. Fisher and carried unanimously. The meeting properly adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ______________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 12