Loading...
Minutes 01-14-09 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2009, AT 7:00 P.M. IN CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Brian Miller, Chair Victor Norfus, Vice Chair Belky Cruz Blanche Hearst-Girtman Judy Immer Joyce Mura Stanley Sorgman Phyllis Stern Lloyd McCoy, Alternate Floyd Zonenstein, Alternate Thelma Lyons, Crime Prevention Unit Liaison ABSENT: Paula Melley I. Call to Order - Pledge of Allegiance Chair Miller called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Mr. Norfus led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll and determined a quorum was present. III. Recognition of Visitors Chair Miller recognized Willie Aikens, President of the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association. a. Welcome new members (Lloyd McCoy and Floyd Zonenstein) Messrs. McCoy and Zonenstein introduced themselves and spoke about their backgrounds in public works and law enforcement. IV. Approval of Agenda Chair Miller requested the addition of two items: 1 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 14, 2009 ?The Heritage Festival, February 21, 2009 ?Communications with the Sand Sifters Motion Mr. McCoy moved approval of the agenda as amended. Mr. Norfus seconded the motion that passed unanimously. The Heritage Festival, February 21, 2009 (Added Item) st Willie Aikens, 726 NE 1 Street, President of the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association, advised of the Heritage Celebration on February 21, 2009 in the Heart of Boynton. The event would be multicultural and would include a Gospel Fest, games, food and artists' displays. The Association sought the support of all communities in the City, as well as the assistance of the Board. Several schools would be participating, including Galaxy and Poinciana Elementary Schools. Parking for the event would be available at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. (Blanche Hearst-Girtman arrived at 7:15 p.m.) Mr. Norfus noted the Heritage Celebration Committee, of which he was a member, st would be sponsoring a barbecue and garage sale fundraiser on January 31 at 221 NW th 6 Avenue. Donations would be accepted and receipts would be provided for tax purposes. Chair Miller suggested the Board have a table at the Heritage Festival. Members could interact with the public and discuss beautification cleanups. Motion Ms. Stern moved that the Community Relations Board have a booth at the Heritage Celebration. Ms. Hearst-Girtman seconded the motion that passed unanimously. V. Approval of Minutes from November 12, 2008 Meeting Motion Ms. Mura moved to accept the minutes as presented. Ms. Stern seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 14, 2009 VI. Announcements: Mr. Sorgman suggested Chair Miller contact Officer John Huntington to request he make up new badges for the Board, as he had done so voluntarily in the past. Members were encouraged to wear their I.D. badges. Chair Miller noted he would request Officer Huntington attend the next meeting and take photographs of the Board members for the badges. VII. Reports/Updates: Pride in Boynton Update b) Book Program (Boynton Beach Community High School) – Phyllis Stern (Taken out of order) Ms. Stern reported Principal Oswald previously made a presentation regarding his interest in developing a library for the High School. He assured certificates would be awarded to the individuals or groups donating books. The Community Relations Board, Hunter's Run and Faith Farm had contributed significant amounts of books and should have received Certificates of Appreciation. Chair Miller would communicate this to Mr. Oswald. Mr. Norfus indicated no efforts had been made by the High School to participate in the Heritage Celebration. He requested this be conveyed to the Principal as well. Chair Miller noted the High School Band was to have participated in the Holiday Parade, but did not. While the cheerleaders and their coach did participate, greater representation from the High School was needed. Chair Miller suggested projects for next year's Holiday Parade could include a float to be made by the Art Department. Ms. Hearst- Girtman would enlist the help of her daughter, who was employed at the High School. The Board agreed to begin plans earlier for next year's event. st Cheryl Skinner, 711 NW 1 Street, noted the Heritage Awareness Celebration was a theme and the event itself was the Heritage Celebration. The event would not only serve the Heart of Boynton, but would be a community event representing all cultures and providing entertainment that would lift the spirits of everyone. The Board's endorsement and participation in the event would make a powerful statement. Flyers and banners would be available through the event's promoter and would be distributed through the schools and parents of students. The Committee would also reach out to the City's senior citizens. Mr. Aikens pointed out the event would be marketed heavily, with the intent of attracting all ages and groups. Ms. Mura noted an article appeared in today's issue of the Boynton Forum indicating the City was using online social networking media, including "Twitter." This could be used 3 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 14, 2009 by the Heritage Celebration Committee and the Board for community relations. She encouraged everyone to read the newspaper. Communications with the Sand Sifters (Added item) Chair Miller reported the Sand Sifters, a volunteer beach cleanup organization, wished to partner with the Board regarding the Heart of Boynton beautification efforts. The Sand Sifters' beach cleanup took place the first Saturday of every month. He suggested the Board and the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association participate some time after the Heritage Celebration. The booth to be manned by Board members could be used to recruit volunteers. All were in agreement. a) American Assembly CRB Subcommittee "Roadshow" (taken out of Order) Ms. Immer noted she would contact the Subcommittee members to schedule a meeting and would provide an update by the next meeting. Chair Miller suggested a kickoff "Roadshow" event could be the Board's participation at the Heritage Celebration. Mr. Norfus reported his research on Boynton Beach Black History had nearly been completed, with the help of Ms. Hearst-Girtman, and would include the businesses on Martin Luther Boulevard going back to 1918. VIII. Old Business None IX. New Business None X. Adjournment Motion Ms. Stern moved to adjourn. Mr. Norfus seconded the motion that passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m. ()-- ~ c-::k'1-/~ Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 012709 4