Minutes 03-25-99
MINUTES OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH MEETING
HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING
CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
ON THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT STAFF
Shanna St. John, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Director
Bob Borovy, Vice Chairman
Amy DeVries, Student
Charles Fisher
Marie Lengert
Hattie Miller
Mary Morera
ABSENT
Dorothy Davis, Alternate
Steven Kuehn, Student
Stephen Waldman
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson St. John called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
II. MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson St. John called for a moment of silent prayer and requested that Vice Chair
Borovy lead the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairperson St. John asked for a motion to approve the Agenda.
Motion
Ms. DeVries moved that the Agenda as presented be approved. Motion seconded by
Mr. Fisher.
Chairperson St. John requested that the following items be added to the Agenda under
Item V, “Announcements”:
MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
?
South Technical High School Pledge of Responsibility
?
Coalition for Black Student Achievement
?
Education Times
?
Palm Beach County School District Catalogue
?
Senior Advisory Board Minutes
?
Community Relations Advisory Board Minutes
Chairperson St. John requested the removal of Item I under Old Business, “G.A.L.A.
table-sign up sheet”.
Under New Business, add Item “C”, “Set New April Meeting Date”.
Chairperson St. John asked if any member had any additional items they wished to add
to the agenda. There were none
Motion
Vice Chair Borovy moved to accept the Agenda, as amended. Motion seconded by Mr.
Fisher. Motion unanimously carried.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ms. DeVries moved that the minutes of the February 25, 1999 meeting be approved.
Motion seconded by Ms. Lengert. Motion unanimously carried.
V. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. New Commission Members
Chairperson St. John announced that there were three new commission members:
Commissioner William Sherman, Commissioner Ronald Weiland and Mayor Gerald
Broening.
B. CDF Updates
Chairperson St. John stated that the agenda packets contained the new Children’s
Defense Fund updates. Chairperson St. John noted that there are budget cuts that will
affect children and requested that members write and E-mail their Congressmen and
Senators expressing opposition to the cuts in these programs.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
C. Green Market – Saturday, April 8, 1999, 8:00 A.M.
Chairperson St. John announced that the Green Market would take place on Saturday,
April 8, 1999 at 8:00 a.m.
D. South Technical High School Pledge of Responsibility
Chairperson St. John announced that South Technical will becoming a High School and
will no longer be an adult vocational school. Chairperson St. John stated presently
three programs for high school students are being offered, but the school will be turned
into a full service high school. Chairperson St. John further stated that the adult
vocational programs would be moved to Palm Beach Community College. Chairperson
St. John noted that currently there are carpentry, automotive and nursing programs. It
was noted that all three technical schools in the County would become High Schools.
Chairperson St. John said that English, math and social studies would also be taught.
Chairperson St. John said that they are looking for SAC members and she has
information for anyone who might be interested in joining their SAC.
Mr. Fisher inquired if the Advisory Board Brochures could be dispersed at the Green
Market. Ms. Green said that this request could be accommodated.
Chairperson St. John welcomed Beverly who was a guest as a result of attending the
G.A.L.A. and stopping at the Advisory Board’s booth. The guest said she had a child
with special needs who seems to be eliminated from all the programs that the City has
to offer.
Ms. Green said that her department operates with an inclusion philosophy and their staff
has been trained in inclusion philosophy. Ms. Green said it is important that parents
are honest with staff and inform them of the problems their children may have so that
the child can be accommodated. Ms. Green said routinely a professional would assess
the child with the parent present. Ms. Green said that children with special needs are
already participating in City programs. Ms. Green said the assessment is critical in
order to ensure the success and enjoyment of the child.
Ms. Green briefed the Board on inclusion philosophy, which aids in breaking down
barriers with the other children in the class. Ms. Green said that at times staff has to
draw the line if a particular child presents a safety problem. The parent would be
informed that the program is not suitable for their child. Ms. Green stressed it is
important that recreation experience is a positive for all parties. Ms. Green said that
usually this can be determined by doing the assessment and that adaptation to the
program can be made based on the needs of the child. Ms. Green said it is always
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ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
possible that an instructor would be hired for these few children who share the same
challenge or special needs. Also, Ms. Green said that parental involvement is
encouraged.
Ms. Evelyn Gathers also joined the meeting and said she was present this evening after
obtaining information at the Board’s booth at the G.A.L.A. Ms. Gathers said she resides
north of Miner Road in the City and was hoping to obtain some information that could be
brought back to her area and said a better-equipped park is needed for this part of the
City. Ms. Gathers said there is a pocket park, which she thinks is a combination of the
School Department and the City and is a big open field. Ms. Gathers said the racket
ball court is in need of paint and there is graffiti on the wall. Also, Ms. Gathers said the
equipment is old and needs to be improved.
Ms. Green asked for the exact location of the park and Ms. Gathers said it was right
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behind the Rolling Green School on 26 Street. Also, Ms. Gathers said there is no
equipment for young children under five. Ms. Gathers said if she wanted to take her
daughter to a better park, they had to walk over a mile to the Hester Center. Also, Ms.
Gathers said that some of the park should be paved. Currently the entire park is grass
and sand and there are no trails for walking and recreation.
Chairperson St. John said that a few years ago this Board viewed all the City parks for
assessment purposes and thinks it might be a good idea to do this again.
Mr. Fisher suggested that a great many Boy Scout Troops are looking for an Eagle
Scout project and maybe a Boy Scout Troop would like to adopt a park. Chairperson St.
John suggested that the Boy Scouts could participate in the Beautiful Palm Beaches
Day and create a project with them. Ms. Green said she would refer the issue to John
Wildner, Parks Superintendent. Chairperson St. John said she would contact Mr.
Ackermann.
Chairperson St. John said she had available a copy of the Mentor Center which is a
magazine on the various mentoring programs that are available in the County and
distributed a copy of a poem from the brochure to the members.
Chairperson St. John said she had a copy of the Coalition for Black Student
Achievement in Palm Beach County. This is a joint action plan and if anyone would like
a copy, Chairperson St. John would provide one. Also available for review was a copy
of the Education Times and the Palm Beach County School District Catalogue.
Chairperson St. John also had available for members review copies of the minutes from
the Senior Advisory Board and the Community Relations Advisory Board meetings.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Youth Expo – Workshop – Thursday, April 8, 1999 @ the Library
Chairperson St. John said that another workshop on the Youth Expo would take place
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on Thursday, April 8 in the Library. Mr. Fisher said that his wife would be attending the
workshop to assist the Board in the preparation of a professional mailer
B. Youth Volunteer Bank – Workshop, April 8 @ the Library
This workshop is in conjunction with the Youth Expo Workshop.
Chairperson St. John explained to the guests how the Youth Volunteer Bank works and
that each May an awards banquet takes place with food and music for dancing. Also
certificates and savings bonds are awarded. Chairperson St. John said that the winner
last year had over 600 hours.
Saturday,
Chairperson St. John said that the date of the banquet has been set for
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May 15 at the Civic Center.
Chairperson St. John said that the same DJ from
last year is donating his services again.
Vice Chair Borovy is in charge of the food and said he should know by Thursday, April
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8 if the food is going to be donated or if the Board will have to buy the food.
Chairperson St. John said it was discussed that pasta, salad and bread would be
served, along with a variety of desserts.
Chairperson St. John said that she would like to approach the City to donate funds for
the banquet, since this Board has raised thousands of dollars for its programs.
Chairperson St. John noted that the City gives staff time, postage, paper, etc. However,
Chairperson St. John said she did not want to spend sponsorship funds that were
earmarked for awards for the children to go towards the cost of the food. Last year the
Board awarded over $2,400 in savings bonds.
Chairperson St. John requested that the Board authorize her to prepare a letter to the
Commission asking them for funds, and explaining to the Commission how much
money this Board has raised, how many children are involved and the success of the
program. Ms. Lengert said that if this Board solicits money, all the other Boards would
solicit money from the Commission.
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ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
Chairperson St. John said that the Board addressed this issue when Ms. Willis was City
Manager and was informed that even though the Board does not have a budget, the
City Commission has been known to give money for specific projects.
Ms. Green said that the proper approach would be not to send the request directly to
the City Commission, but to make the request to Ms. Green. Ms. Green said as City
Liaison she would try to find a way to secure the requested funds for the Board and if
she could not, she would forward the request onto the City Manager’s Office.
Chairperson St. John said she would use this approach.
The next matter under discussion was the amount of the request. Mr. Fisher inquired
how many children attended the banquet. Chairperson St. John said this year there are
an additional 100 children that have signed up, but is uncertain how many are active
and will get their hours in. Ms. Miller inquired how much money was spent on last
year’s banquet. Chairperson St. John said that about $900 in total expenses was spent
last year. This included food, paper products, drinks, and decorations. Ms. Lengert
said there was too much food last year and the Board had to donate the food to the
homeless. Vice Chair Borovy stated it is difficult to estimate how much food would
actually be needed and it is better to have more than not enough.
Chairperson St. John would like to have two pasta dishes—baked ziti and spaghetti.
Someone suggested that meatballs or sausages or a meat sauce should also be
served. Further discussion on the food took place.
Chairperson St. John stated that the Board should request $1,000 to cover all the costs
involved. Chairperson St. John said she did not want to spend the sponsor’s money on
the cost of the banquet. Chairperson St. John noted that this Board has in its account
$2,864.45 and there were times when there was over $4,000 in the account.
Chairperson St. John said that all this money is sponsorship money and none of these
funds are City money. Ms. Green thought this approach would be satisfactory. Ms.
Green inquired what the total cost of the entire program was and Chairperson St. John
said she would have to determine this. Chairperson St. John said that last year $1,250
was spent on bonds, plus approximately $900 for the food and other items. Mr. Fisher
said this shows that the Board spent $2,150 last year and is asking the City to match
the $1,000 with an additional $1,000 that is needed for the event this year.
Motion
Vice Chair Borovy moved that this Board ask the City for matching funds in the amount
of $1,000 and that the Chairperson be authorized to prepare a letter to Ms. Melody
Green for handling. Motion seconded by Ms. DeVries.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
Ms. Lengert asked how many sponsors the Board currently has. Chairperson St. John
said that Publix Supermarkets has donated $1,000 for the second time and Vice Chair
Borovy has $200 from VFW Post 5335, which is double last year’s donation. Expicare
Nursing donated $100 and there are also some in-kind donations. Ms. Lengert did not
feel that $800 would be necessary to provide baked ziti, bread and salad. Mr. Fisher
said that even if all the money were not expended on this one event, it would leave
extra money for other events so that the Board doesn’t have to constantly seek funds.
Mr. Fisher felt that it was not inappropriate to ask the City for help in sponsoring
successful events. Ms. Miller did not think the cost for pasta would be as much as the
cost for chicken. Also, Ms. Lengert felt it should be determined how many children
would be attending before additional funding is sought.
Chairperson St. John said the Board is approaching restaurants for assistance. Ms.
Miller did not think the Board should seek assistance from the City. Chairperson St.
John pointed out that not all the money in the account was raised specifically for this
program. Chairperson St. John said if the City does not assist with funding, all the
funding would come from the Board’s account, but noted it is called the City of Boynton
Beach Volunteer Bank, not the Advisory Board on Children and Youth Volunteer Bank.
Chairperson St. John said the intent of the program was to showcase the City and the
children of the City.
Vice Chair Borovy asked the Recording Secretary to read the motion that was on the
floor.
Motion
Vice Chair Borovy moved that this Board ask the City for matching funds in the amount
of $1,000 and that the Chairperson be authorized to prepare a letter to Ms. Melody
Green for handling. Motion seconded by Ms. DeVries.
Motion carried 6-1.
(Ms. Miller dissenting)
Chairperson St. John said that at the last workshop she was requested to prepare a list
of all volunteer hours that were performed last year and the actual projects that were
done. The projects have been separated by organizations, places, events,
miscellaneous and a preliminary list for 1998/99. Discussion about the list ensued and
Ms. Lengert asked how many actual hours were volunteered last year. Chairperson St.
John said this had been discussed at the workshop and each project was discussed
individually. It was determined at the workshop that all these projects were viable,
volunteer projects.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
Chairperson St. John said the Board does not create projects. The Board acts as a
facilitator to locate and promote projects. Chairperson St. John pointed out that only 10
volunteers received savings bonds and the remainder of the volunteers received a pin
and a certificate. The party is to reward everyone and the savings bonds are an extra
incentive for the children who are working the hardest. Members discussed the various
types of projects that would be considered volunteering. Mr. Fisher pointed out the
whole purpose of the program is to keep the spirit of volunteerism going. Just because
the project doesn’t seem important to one person, does not mean that it doesn’t have
significance to another person. Ms. Miller did not feel that volunteering in the home
should count. Vice Chair Borovy pointed out that the list does not contain any
volunteering in the home.
Motion
Vice Chair Borovy moved that the volunteer categories presented to the Board this
evening be accepted as viable volunteer projects. Mr. Fisher seconded the motion.
Motion unanimously carried.
C. Butterfly Garden – Workshop – Library
Ms. Miller requested that the Butterfly Garden be placed at the Hester Center. Vice
Chair Borovy said this year the Butterfly Garden has been committed for the American
Legion Circle, but it could be done next year at the Hester Center. It was noted that the
location had already been discussed at previous meetings. Ms. Miller said she would
like to see a Butterfly Garden where children go to play and Chairperson St. John said
there is already a Butterfly Garden at the Art Center. It was noted that the Boynton
Beach Garden Club maintains the Butterfly Garden at the Art Center.
Also, Chairperson St. John stated that the Garden Club has purchased the signs for
each plant. The signs are in both English and Latin and should be installed shortly. Ms.
Miller inquired if the Butterfly Garden was planted wherever the organization that
contributed to it preferred to have it placed. Vice Chairperson said this was not the
case. The Art Center was chosen because the Board asked the City if it had some
property that could be used for a Butterfly Garden and this location was mentioned.
Chairperson St. John said the American Legion Circle was chosen this year because it
is City owned and is in need of some improvement. Also, Chairperson St. John said the
American Legion would be contributing some funds towards the project. Chairperson
St. John said that when this location was discussed, there were no other locations
suggested.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
Chairperson St. John said next year the Board can ask the City if a Butterfly Garden
could be placed in the north part of town, perhaps in the Rolling Green Park previously
discussed. Ms. Miller said that the Hester Center is frequented daily by hundreds of
children. Chairperson St. John said the Board could apply for a grant for neighborhood
beautification for the next Butterfly Garden. Mr. Fisher said that he felt people who
donate funds for the Butterfly Garden aren’t that concerned on where it is placed and
money was not the motivation for the planting of the Butterfly Garden. Chairperson St.
John said she would check her records to determine the date that had been chosen for
the Butterfly Garden Workshop and get back to the members.
Chairperson St. John said the planting would take place in July and noted that the
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Bowling Tournament had been set for July 25. Chairperson St. John suggested that
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the planting could take place two weekends before July 25, since it takes two
weekends to prepare the garden, one for digging and one for planting.
D. Youth Council
The matter was postponed since Mr. Waldman was not present this evening. Vice
Chair Borovy said he was disappointed at the G.A.L.A. that none of the youth that
stopped by the booth had any interest in a Youth Council. Chairperson St. John
suggested that youth from the Teen Club could be approached to determine if anyone
would like to become involved in the Youth Council.
E. Teen Center
Ms. Green said the City is in the process of setting up a Teen Club at the Civic Center.
This is not to be considered a Teen Center, which would be much larger and offer
additional program space. The Teen Club is a short-term solution to help with the youth
at the Library. The Teen Center is not intended to chase the children out of the Library,
but the Teen Club will offer a professional recreation staff to supervise and facilitate the
program, but the youth will be involved in setting the rules. At today’s meeting, a
decision was made on how to deal with teens that get suspended. Also, the youth
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planned their first field trip to Grand Prix on April 2. The youth are at the Club for
activities everyday, and every Thursday they hold a meeting. Ms. Green also discussed
with the Board the other business that was conducted at the meeting tonight.
Ms. Green commended staff members Carolyn Sims and Steven Lulkin for being able to
obtain within three days a professional quality pool table, ping pong table, fooze ball
table, bumper pool table and a variety of games. Chairperson St. John suggested that
rules be posted and Ms. Green stated that is already being done. Ms. Green said the
rules would be posted in several places and the youth will be given the rules and will be
asked to sign them. Also, Ms. Green said the teens would be given an identification
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
card in the future. Ms. Green said that today's meeting was attended by 37 teens and
felt this was a very good turnout.
Ms. Green said staff is in the process of purchasing portable basketball goals for
outdoor use which can be brought in at night. Chairperson St. John said she was very
impressed on how the youth conducted themselves.
Chairperson St. John said that a Teen Center is still needed and she has spoken to Mr.
Henehan at the Library who said he would help research grants and suggested the best
route would be to explore grants being offered by private foundations. Mr. Fisher said
at the City Commission meeting two weeks ago Commissioner Titcomb brought up the
Teen Center issue and asked if it was on the City’s agenda. Ms. Green said that
Commissioner Titcomb that evening was addressing the challenge of the youth at the
Library. Ms. Green said talks are still taking place on how to come up with a new two
story Civic Center that could be used for a Teen Center with a separate entrance. Also,
Ms. Green said from a staffing point, it makes more sense to have staff in the same
building that could be rotated.
Mr. Fisher asked Ms. Green how the Senior Center was originally included in the
budget. Ms. Green said that the Visions 20/20 plan called for a new Senior Center to be
built. Estimated cost for a new Senior Center was $2 million. However, when Lucille
and Otley’s went out of business and closed, Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz brought it to the
attention of the Commission that the building was available and felt it could be
renovated for a Senior Center. Ms. Green said there was a certain amount of money in
the City that could be used for Phase 1 renovations. Mr. Fisher asked how to get an
item included in the budget. Ms. Green said the budget is being prepared now and will
her Department has asked to revise their request for capital improvements. Ms. Green
said that for three years she has included a request for a new Civic Center and the
inclusion of a separate entrance for a Teen Center is a new addition. Ms. Green said it
can be submitted with the budget for future funding.
Ms. Green noted a new Civic Center would cost several million dollars and would not be
available in the fund balance and a great deal of planning would have to take place.
Ms. Green also said that this could be accomplished through a bond referendum if the
City chose to go that route. Chairperson St. John noted that when the Children and
Youth Board was originally formed in 1981 one of the visions of the Board was to create
a place for teens. Vice Chair Borovy inquired if the Madsen Center could be utilized.
Ms. Green pointed out that the Madsen Center is used every day by a large group of
seniors who play cards and shuffleboard. Ms. Lengert also noted that the Hester
Center is very busy with activities for children.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
F. Child Safety Programs
Chairperson St. John said that no date has been set for the next meeting. Ms. DeVries
said she sent a letter to Forest Park Elementary School asking the Principal if the Board
could hold a Child Safety Forum, but has not received a reply. Ms. DeVries said she
would follow up by sending a letter to the PTA.
G. Web site –
http://www.ci.boynton-beach.fl.us
Mr. Fisher said that on the City’s official web site, the Advisory Board on Children and
Youth has a page on the City web site. Mr. Fisher said that the Board now has two
additional pages. Mr. Fisher said the two additional pages are for the Youth Volunteer
Bank. Mr. Fisher said that the forms for the Youth Volunteer Bank could be printed from
the Internet. Also, the instructions for completing the forms are included.
Ms. Miller inquired where the forms were to be turned in. Mr. Fisher said the
instructions state City Hall or City Hall in the Mall. Also, a youth could call and someone
would pick them up. Chairperson St. John requested that the sponsors be listed on the
web site.
H. Open Forum
Chairperson St. John said that the date has not been set and will probably not take
place until sometime in May. Chairperson St. John said that the host Board for the
Forum is the Education Advisory Board. Chairperson St. John said originally it was
suggested that the Open Forum take place during the Commission orientation, but
Chairperson St. John did not feel the Open Forum should take place with a Commission
orientation since there would be no time for communication among the Boards.
Chairperson St. John said that the Education Advisory Board would be selecting a date
for the Forum at their next meeting.
I. G.A.L.A.
Chairperson St. John thanked everyone for their hard work and staying on for extra
shifts. There was a consensus that the G.A.L.A. was very successful and the Board
liked the new location, which made the event much more enjoyable.
Vice Chairman Borovy pointed out that the first time the topic of the Teen Club came up
was at the Open Forum meeting where the concerns of the Library staff were
discussed. Vice Chair Borovy felt that it was through the Open Forum that this whole
concept came to realization.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
Chairperson St. John requested that next time when a Board member selects a certain
time to work at the booth to please be on time and please stay for your entire shift.
There were a couple of occasions where the table was unmanned, or was only being
manned by student volunteers. Chairperson St. John said that an adult was supposed
to be present at all times.
Chairperson St. John said that there were two Boards that didn’t have their tables
manned at all times, and also they did not have sufficient material available for the
public. Chairperson St. John said the Senior Advisory Board was well manned.
Chairperson St. John mentioned at one time the Children and Youth Board and Senior
Advisory Board were almost eliminated in the City and were going to be combined with
the Education Advisory Board and the Community Relations Board. Chairperson St.
John said that this Board and the Senior Board worked the hardest and is proud of this
Board’s members for their devotion and commitment, as well as the Senior Advisory
Board. Also, Chairperson St. John thought the banners were very effective.
Chairperson St. John said that the butterfly plants were very effective and people were
impressed that there were live butterflies at the table. Chairperson St. John suggested
that the plants could be considered for future fundraising and the Board could prepare a
pamphlet on how to plant a butterfly garden. This would be an excellent fundraiser.
Also, Chairperson St. John suggested that the Board could raise funds by offering
babysitting services at the G.A.L.A. Chairperson St. John suggested that Motorola
could be approached to donate beepers. It was suggested that parents could drop their
children off for an hour or two and could be equipped with a beeper.
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J. Charter Revision – Workshop, Saturday, June 5 @ 9:00 a.m.
Chairperson St. John said that the Education Advisory Board prepared By-laws and this
might be something this Board may wish to consider at the charter revision meeting.
K. Bowling Tournament – Sunday, July 25, 1999
Vice Chair Borovy inquired if the date has been confirmed with the bowling alley and
was informed that it has. Chairperson St. John informed members that Mr. Waldman
and Vice Chair Borovy are in charge of the tournament.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
A. CDF Conference
Chairperson St. John informed the Board that information on the CDF Annual National
Conference was included in their agenda packet. Chairperson St. John said the
Conference will be held in Houston, Texas and she will be attending. Chairperson St.
John said there would be four days of workshops on children’s issues that this Board
discusses. Chairperson St. John said that as a member of a City Advisory Board, and
not as Chairperson, she is going to ask the City Commission for financial assistance to
attend the Conference. Chairperson St. John said that she has the letter prepared. Ms.
Miller asked about the dates of the Conference and Chairperson St. John said the
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conference is being held between April 28 and May 2. Chairperson St. John said
she is offering to attend the Conference as a representative of the City and is asking the
members of the Board to approve her attendance at the Conference on behalf of the
Children and Youth Advisory Board.
Motion
Mr. Fisher moved that Shanna St. John represent the Advisory Board on Children and
Youth at the CDF Conference. Motion seconded by Vice Chair Borovy.
Motion unanimously carried.
Ms. Miller asked if Chairperson St. John would be attending the Conference even if the
City did not offer any assistance and Chairperson St. John said she was attending in
any event.
Ms. Green said that it would be appropriate for Chairperson St. John to send this
request through her as this Board’s Liaison. Also, Ms. Green said Chairperson St. John
should include all pertinent information on the Conference including the dates, times
and costs.
B. Commission Orientation- Set workshop date
Chairperson St. John referred members to the letter in their packet from Interim City
Manager Hawkins. Mr. Fisher said that at the last City Forum it was agreed that he,
David Fellows and Mr. Hawkins would get together and come up with a format that
would be included in the orientation for all the new Commissioners and Mayor.
Chairperson St. John said that the date has not been set, but the City would like all the
information seven days before the Orientation.
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
Chairperson St. John reviewed the proposed format of the Commission orientation
meeting. Chairperson St. John said it is necessary that this Board prepare seven
information packets that would include the following –
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History and organization of the Boards,
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Specific Board accomplishments, and
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Future focus or goals of the Board
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Ms. Green noted that the City’s Orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31 in
the morning. Chairperson St. John said she would need help in preparing the packets
and asked if a workshop could be scheduled for this purpose. After discussion, it was
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determined to set a workshop for Monday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. Chairperson St. John
will determine the location of the workshop and will contact all members. After
discussion, it was decided that the workshop would be held either in the Library
Program Room or at City Hall in the Mall.
C. April Meeting Date
Chairperson St. John informed members that a new date needs to be set for the April
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meeting, because there is no Recording Secretary available on April 22. Also, it was
nd
noted that April 22 is Youth In Government Day.
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The Recording Secretary stated that Thursday, April 15 or Monday, April 19 in
Conference C would be available. After discussion, it was determined that the April
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Monday, April 19 in the West Wing, Conference
meeting will take place on
Room C at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Fisher inquired if the City gives grants for the summer camp programs. Ms. Green
said that notices were sent to every child who applied for a scholarship last year. The
Community Action Council provides 100% scholarships for children whose families
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meet low-income standards. The deadline application date is March 26 and the
notices went out last week. Ms. Green said about $21,000 in scholarships is given each
year. The City scholarships are 50% scholarships, and the Community Action Council’s
scholarships are 100%. The Community Action Council applications are available at the
HeadStart Office.
Ms. Green stated that the applications for the 50% scholarships that the City awards are
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due May 17. Ms. Green said that the City gave 132 scholarships last year.
VIII. PUBLIC AUDIENCE
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MEETING MINUTES
ADVISORY BOARD ON CHILDREN & YOUTH
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 25, 1999
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(two tapes)
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