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Minutes 03-28-85MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, MARCH 28, 1985 PRESENT Carl Zimmerman, Mayor Nick Cassandra, Councilman James R. Warnke, Councilman Samuel L. Wright, Councilman Peter L. Cheney, City Manager Betty S. Boroni, City Clerk James W. Vance, City Attorney Mayor Zimmerman called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M. He announced the Invocation tonight will be given by Pastor Charles Brannon, First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Councilman Samuel Lamar Wright. AGENDA APPROVAL Councilman Cassandra moved to accept the agenda as presented, seconded by Councilman Wright. Motion carried 4-0. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Zimmerman announced that a Public Reception will be held at the Civic Center following this meeting and everyone is in- vited. Mayor Zimmerman announced the next Regular City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 1985. Mayor Zimmerman read a Proclamation proclaiming the week of May 5th through May 12th, 1985, as Family Foundations Week and Sunday, May 5th, 1985, as Family Foundations Sunday. Mayor Zimmerman recognized the presence in the audience of former Mayor Marty Trauger and also Mr. Ted Blum, a long time volunteer who served on the Board of Adjustment. He added that we are glad they are here tonight. Mr. Cheney reminded everyone that the beach dedication is tomorrow-afternoon. There will be a ceremony at 2:00. There will be music and food and a lifeguard demonstration at 3:30. He hopes everyone will come. MINUTES Regular City Council Meeting MinUtes of March 19, 1985 Councilman Warnke moved to accept, seconded by Councilman Cassandra. Motion carried 4-0. PUBLIC AUDIENCE There was no response when the Mayor asked if anyone wished to address the Council. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 28, 1985 RESOLUTION Proposed ResolUtion No. 85-0 - Re: Opposing the State decision to close the Landmark Learning Center Mr. Vance read proposed Resolution No. 85-0 by title: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, URGING THE STATE OF FLORIDA NOT TO CLOSE THE LANDMARK LEARNING CENTER AT 20,000 N.W. 47TH AVENUE, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33055 Councilman Cassandra moved to accept Resolution No. 85-0, sec~ondedby Councilman Wright. Under discussion, Councilman Warnke referred to this seeming to be very good on the surface, but we have only heard from one side of the question. We do not know why the state decided to close this center. There may be other facilities or services to duplicate it. He-can- not support' it with ~the limited information we have received. Councilman Wright replied that he thinks Mrs. Norfus made it clear that the recommendation was to put these severely re- tarded children in foster homes, but they need medical service which makes it almost impossible. There is concern to keep this facility open. Councilman Warnke replied that he under- stood that, but he has only heard one side.of the story and cannot vote on it intelligently. Mayor Zimmerman told about another state placing patien%s into smaller homes fa%her than large institutions and how it was successful. However, he does not know what is in the minds of our state officials. Councilman Wright'referred to the state promoting de-institu- tionalism, but explained how these are severely retarded children needingmedical attention around the clock. .These are children of people who have to work for a living and need help from the state to have these kids cared for. Mrs. Norfus came forward and advised the children at Landmark Learning Center are actually adults, but operate like infants in diapers with intravenous feedings. Foster homes cannot provide their care. She told about her daughter's condition and how care could not be provided by a foster home nor by the parents. She told about Children being placed in foster homes and how they had been badly abused, raped, etc. She explained how these children could not even fit into rehabilitation cen- ters. They do want what is best for their children, but they require 24 hour care in an institution. She requests the Council to sign this resolution like other cities have done. - 2 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL ~{EETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 28, 1985 Mrs. Norfus continued that the children do need this care which they can only receive in an instituion. ~lso, certain areas in the city are not even zoned for foster homes and they would probably wind up in crime ridden areas. These are severely retarded and handicapped children. Councilman CaSsandra commented that we have seen the state fathers do things without investigating thoroughly. This resolution just says that we are concerned about this. He sees no harm in honoring this resolution. Councilman Wright agreed and clarified that it is just asking them to consider keeping this center open. Motion carried 4--0. ADMINISTRATIVE Consider Use of Jaycee Park by First Baptist Church on May 5, 1985 Mr. Cheney referred to the First Baptist Church and Pastor Brannon having a. Mother's Day Family Foundation Celebration at Sunshine Square Shopping Center in the past and informed the Council they are asking for permission to relocate this event this year to Jaycee Park on Sunday evening. He has reviewed this ~and discussed with the Police Department and they think they can handle the parking problems. Pastor Brannon talkedl to some of the neighboring condominium resi- dents and appalrently there are no o~jections. He sees no problem with this request and recommendS permission be granted. Councilman Warnke moved that the First Baptist Church be given permission to use Jaycee Park on May 5, seconded by Councilman Wright. No discussion. Motion carried 4-0. PRESENTATIONS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF SERVICE TO MAYOR, VICE MA¥OR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS Mayor Zimmerman presented a plaque to the past year's vice Mayor, Bob Ferrell. The Mayor presented a plaque to Council- man James Warnke in appreciation for his service this past year. The May6r presented ~ plaque to the four year g~aduated Councilman Sam Wright in appreciation for his serVice to Boynton Beach. The Mayor presented a plaque 'to Councilman Nick Cassandra in appreciation for his two years as Council- man. Councilman Cassandra then presented a plqaue to Mayor Zimmerman. - 3 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 28, 1985 Farewell Remarks Councilman Wright introduced the members of his family and special friends present in the audience. He told about the support given by them and expressed his appreciation. He read various quotations and referred to when he was spirited to run for City Council on December 2, 1980 and stated after serving for two years and realizing~his work was not com- plete,"he sought re-election in 1983.. He has worked to repre- sent not only his constituents in Boynton BeaCh, but as a representative of all blacks in Palm Beach County. Councilman Wright then referred to his campaign platform and stated he made several promises when he was elected to bring dignity, unity and leadership to this City Council and he has done his best to live up to this. He feels comfortable evaluating his performance-when looking back in retrospect on the election and campaigns. He read from his campaign brochure and stated he is not certain he has lived up to the one commitment of fiscal 'responsibility and explained how he had to give support for replacements of antiquated equipment at city hall and increase in wages for the Fire and Police Departments. He was also concerned aboUt improving housing and neighborhood conditions and has worked to improve various recreation facilities. Councilman Wright continued that in terms of what he would like to leave to his fell,ow Councilmembers, he wants Mayor Nick Cassandra to fight against those whO want to kill our concept regarding-the revitalization of our downtown. 100% cooperation of the City Council is needed to revitalize the downtown area and we must work together for that. A commun- ity center is still needed for the children in the area. He would like to see black profesSionals hired in Boynton Beach. He would like the Council to remain a peaceful body. He thinks we have done a lot to enhance the image of the overall community. He would like this Council to Work for a high school in Boynton Beach. He would like to see the continuation of the culture program started under Mayor Harmenlng,~ the Black Awareness Program. He would also like to see what Mayor deLong started with helping the elderly continue and do something to enhance the child care center. The citizens hays been great, but must stay behind the City CounCil with giving input and feedback on issues and attending City Council meetings. He told the other members of the City Council to hang in there and the members of the staff to continue doing a good job. He added tha~ the City Manager should also hang in there. He then extended thanks to Betty Boroni and Sue Kr.use for their support and presented flowers to them. - 4 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 28, 1985 Mayor Zimmerman stated he would like to voice his gratitude to Councilman Wright for his years of untiring service to the city. He wished him success~in his upcoming ventures. He extended thanks to him from everyone ~n Boynton Beach. Mayor Zimmerman then thanked our previous Vice Mayor Ferrell for filling in for him in the Mayor's duties when he was out of town several times. He thanked Councilman Warnke for his help and memos which he has offered. He congratulated Coun- cilman Cassandra on-attaining the~high office of Mayor and warned him that he will be busy the next two years. Mayor Zimmerman referred to the experience of being Vice Mayor and Mayor and stated the time has gone quickly.- He expressed appreciation to the staff and~ all the office employees and especially to the~citizens of'BoyntOn Beach for ths courtes~ and respect they have shown. Actually the job is only half done and as Councilman. for another term, he will give it his best. ADMINISTRATION OF OATHS ©F OFFICE Mrs. Boroni administered the oath of office as Mayor to Mr. Cassandra. She then administered the oaths of office as Councilmen to Mr. Ferrell and Mr. Zimmerman. SELECTION OF VICE MAYOR Councilman Warnke nominated Mr. Bob Ferrell as the new Vice Mayor, seconded by Councilman Zimmerman. Nomination carried unanimously.. Mrs. Boroni then administered the oath of office as Vice Mayor to Mr. Ferrell. NEW BUSINESS Remarks by Mayor Nick Cassandra Mayor ~assandra thanked all the people who helped him in the last e~ection. He also thanked the Councilmembers for their endorsement. He thanked Sam .Wright for calling him his friend and for allowing him to be his friend. He is pleased to have a former Mayor and Vice Mayor on one side of him and the Vice Mayor close for co family Mayor electi There out of the ta: )n the other side. He thanked Mr. Ted Blum, a very ~riend and former member of the Board of Adjustment, ning tonight. He then introduced the members of his present. ~assandra stated his biggest concern following the )n which he must address is the apathy of the citizens. cere six questions on the ballot and only 5,000 people 23,000 registered voters voted. This minority decided rate and the city's look. He hopes to'educate the - 5 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 28, 1985 citizens of Boynton Beach. We may send out quarterly infor- mation flyers about Boynton Beach to the households of Boynton Beach. We have a beautiful city and can make it more beautiful. He enumerated the different projects taking place. He concluded that before starting something new, we must com- plete what has been started. He will strive for those end results in his two years. Remarks by Vice Mayor Robert Ferrell Vice Mayor Ferrell thanked the members of the City Council for their trust in him and appointing him to the Vice Mayor'-s posi- tion for another year. He introduced the members of his family present in the audience. He stated it has been an honor serv- ing the past yea~. He commended Sam Wriqht for the outstanding job he has done during the past few year~. He expressed satis- faction for the ~great job being done by the city staff. He referred to taking a more active part during the past year in the Florida League of Cities and explained how it was helpful to have some input into the development of legislation. He referred to comments having been.made about the capital im- provements and thanked the voters for giving him the opportunity to take part. He hopes he can continue to serve to the people's satisfaction. Remarks by Councilman James Warnke Councilman Warnke commented that he thinks it is the first time in the history of Boynton Beach are two former that there Mayors and vice Mayor on the CoUncil at the san extended congratulations and condolences to Ma~ He is sure COuncilman Zimmerman has a sense of relief and regret. He commented that Vice May¢ been a big help with his lar.ge and expansive id mended Sam Wright for serving with distinction introduced his wife present in the audience. that we have had a wonderful Council during the years and is looking forward to working with th final year. Remarks by Councilman Carl Zimmerman ~e time. He or Cassandra. emotion of r FerrelI has ess. He com- and honor. He e concluded past few em in his Councilman Zimmerman introduced his wife and stated that he is ready for business. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Cassandra welcomed everyone to attend the reception at the Civic Center and then declared the meeting adjourned at 8:30 P. M. - 6 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 28, 1985 CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ~J ~~-~- ~ Mayor jj v - - Councilm.~D~ Councilman ATTEST: Councilman City Clerk Recording Secretary (One Tape) - 7 -