Loading...
Minutes 02-24-11 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2011 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Steven Waldman, Chair Myra Jones Lisa Landis Loretta Wilkinson April Nobles, Alternate Dr. Tiffany North, Alternate Sherri Claude, City Liaision, Recreation and Parks ABSENT Mary Morera, Vice Chair Emily Schweitzer, Student/Reg/Voting I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Waldman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION Chair Waldman led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. A moment of silent reflection was observed. All members introduced themselves. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 27, 2011 There were no minutes to approve. It was noted the Agenda had minutes listed as 2010 instead of 2011 and was changed to reflect 2011. IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Waldman added an item under Old Business to discuss fundraising and New Business Item C, Child Project for Haiti. No other changes were made. Motion A motion to approve the agenda as amended was made by Ms. Landis, was seconded and unanimously carried. MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24,2011 V. AN NOUNCEM ENTS/ PRESENTATIONS/ CORRESPON DENCE None A. Florida Fishing Academy Richard Brochu of the Florida Fishing Academy, a local Palm Beach organization described his Academy as a fishing organization but more importantly an education and life skills program. Currently, the program has 1300 youth in Title I Schools and Youth Empowerment Centers throughout Palm Beach County. He explained the reason he was in attendance at this meeting was to inform members he was applying for several grants and the City of Boynton Beach is one of them. He was asking for support to possibly form a Steering Committee which would include all the current Board members that can help direct funds into the education field and wherever else funds are needed in the community. One grant is for a three year period from OJJ, for an anti-gang initiative, specifically targeting the Heart of Boynton Beach. However, in the grant request, he included all the Title I schools in the area, the middle school and the high school. He indicated he is also working with United Way, Palm Beach County on a second application on a program for youth ages 18-24 which will be primarily for youth services and employment. "Why the fishing industry?" he is always asked. Mr. Brochu indicated that licensed anglers outnumber golfers 2-1, and are larger than the citrus industry in the State of Florida. There are currently no educational sources teaching these kids and adults how to be an ethical angler. While we are teaching them life skills, we are also teaching them how to be responsible anglers so there needs to be resources. Mr. Brochu further stated there are many goals to reach and he was asking for support in the formation of the Steering Committee. Mr. Brochu advised he knows how important law enforcement is and has already spoken to the Chief of Police advising that they have built in $104,000 into the budget for designated patrols, not new hires, to target where problems are and if overtime is necessary. One quarter of the staffing budget in the funding request was directed for that purpose. Another portion of the request is to bring people in from the community for social services, family counseling, individual counseling, and gang counseling. He has given the complete package to Debbie Majors. This is a federal grant and the United Way grant is a Palm Beach County local grant. Chair Waldman inquired how many people are needed for the Steering Committee and Mr. Brochu indicated he did not want another committee formed but instead, utilize, this Board, to help the community. The deadline to apply for the grant is March 11, 2011 and announcements will be made in June or July. 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24,2011 Chair Waldman asked if he had been in touch with the Youth Empowerment people. Mr. Brochu indicated they have already been a service provider for them for four years and informed them what they were doing. He needs everyone on board. Almost all the Title I schools in Boynton have been done already, but he is trying to increase services to include the middle school. Typically, the program teaches 4th and 5th grade. As those students move up, new 3rd or 4th graders take their place in addition to new students. As those students move up in school, they would go into a new program. The program would concentrate more on the older youth for the job placement area. Another grant Mr. Brochu is working on is for the local United Way. That particular grant is for every YEC center in Palm Beach County and every Title I high school in PBC. Chair Waldman inquired if he had contacted various principals of the schools. Mr. Brochu indicated he has 3 MOAs signed from the local elementary schools and the middle school (Congress). Boynton High School has the information and he is currently waiting for approval. Ms. Jones asked when he works with the students? He advised he works with the elementary schools in after care and YEC takes place Thursday evening. The City Recreation and Parks and Commission, about 8 months ago, gave them the old bait shop building on N. Federal at the Boat Ramp for $1 a year. A 15 year old student donated his time and painted the building in a fishing mural scene. He indicated they are there every weekend for any resident that wants to come from 1pm-4pm. During the summer, they try to get them on the boat at Two Georges. Chair Waldman asked if he talked to Principal Oswald at the high school. He indicated he was referred to someone who handles after care. He was told it would have to be handled as a club. He cannot go into a high school like he goes into an elementary school. In an elementary school, he is an approved vendor for the school system. In a high school setting, a teacher actually has to be a sponsor. He needs to find the right teacher who is willing to act as a sponsor and get them on board. Mr. Brochu had a letter he was requesting the Board sign. He was aware it may have to go the City Attorney for review. There would be no background check on the Steering Committee because there is no direct contact with the students. If a committee member volunteered and participated in the courses, background checks would be needed. The letter would need Board approval. Ms. Majors, Grant Coordinator for the City, indicated any Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement or contract would need to be approved and written in legal form by the City Attorney's office. If the Board decided to move forward with this, the City Attorney would have it on Monday. lit would be drafted and Chair Waldman could sign it. The letter was circulated and Mr. Brochu left his contact information, 561-740-7227. Ms. Claude advised a motion to support the request would be needed. 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24,2011 Motion Motion was made by Ms. Wilkinson and seconded by Ms. Landis, that contingent upon the offer of the JJ Grant Award, the EYAB agrees to serve as the Steering Committee in support of the Florida Fishing Academy's grant funded program for the Heart of Boynton youth. Further, the Board will meet with Mr. Brochu monthly on the same date and time as the regularly scheduled EYAB meeting and provide program review and suggestions for youth programming consistent with the grant award. Motion was unanimously passed. Everyone agreed it is a wonderful program and that if everyone works together, it will be great success. Ms. Landis commented Lena Rahming passed away at 66 years old. She was the Head of The Head Start program and it is a great loss to the City. She provided funeral details. VI. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Tennis Carnival Chair Waldman indicated he received an inquiry as to when the Tennis Carnival would take place. To summarize, Hunters Run Tennis Pros have opened up the tennis courts and youth are solicited to participate. The Board provides snacks and equipment to participants. Date is not yet decided but Phyllis Stern, formerly of this Board but now serving on another Board, is coordinating this even that usually occurs in mid-April. Chair Waldman will keep everyone informed as to when this event will take place. B. Donation Request from Galaxy Elementary School Ms. Claude indicated there was a written request from the Principal of Galaxy Elementary School asking for $300 to help with transportation for field trips. She advised the request indicated that many students could not afford transportation costs. The money set aside for buses has been depleted and they have had to cancel several field trips due to cost. The PTO has been raising funds to aid the grade levels to afford the trips, but fundraising has been slow. Chair Waldman advised he could not make an 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24,2011 immediate decision and since it is not time sensitive, he requested everyone be mailed a copy of the request and it would be voted on at the next meeting. Ms. Claude questioned the wait and added that if it is on the right form, there is no reason not to vote. Chair Waldman explained that at one time the Board received a request from a student who needed two lungs due to cystic fibrosis. The family came to the meeting but the Board did not want to make a decision immediately or debate and discuss with the father present and decided to have a formal request form where it would be discussed at the following meeting. That is where the "wait" came from. Chair Waldman indicated if the Board wished to discuss it now, he would be willing to do so. Ms. Claude indicated there was no one from Galaxy present. They followed the protocol and there was no reason to delay. Ms. Jones reminded everyone that next week is March and school dismisses in May. If the funds are available and there is a quorum, there is no reason why a decision could not be made. Ms. Wilkinson commented that she has first hand experience with this as their school lost their buses. At one time they had buses that staff members drove for field trips. Now, when you have to get a bus from the school district, it is required to pay per hour for the driver and aide and also for a minimum number of hours. When she wanted to take students on a yearly trip to the South Florida Fair, it was going to cost $248 for seven students to go to the Fair, and as a result, it was cancelled. Ms. Jones added that she has witnessed some Galaxy students walking to the Children's Schoolhouse Museum because the school board was going to charge them for less than a mile. The cost would have been $140 to take them from the school to the Museum, so they opted to walk. Chair Walman asked for a motion. Motion Ms. Landis made a motion to give Galaxy $300. Ms. Jones seconded. Chair Waldman called for a vote and all were in favor. Motion passed uninanomously. Chair Waldman pointed out at the last meeting they were going to rename their Community Contributions Fund, The Harvey Oyer Jr. Community Fund upon approval of the family. The family was thrilled and Galaxy will receive a contribution from The Harvey Oyer Jr. Community Fund. C. Child Project for Haiti Chair Waldman advised he received a phone call from a friend indicating some teachers at Odyssey Middle School, including Ms. Annette Scalzo, began a project for the children of Haiti. They have started a school in Haiti in an area that is not favorable. They currently service about 50 children. They plan to put change boxes in the schools 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24,2011 called "Change for Change in Haiti" in which monies could be collected and delivered to them. They are also investigating buying a building next door for $4,000. She was not asking for money, but Chair Waldman, his wife and friends are willing to help on a personal basis. He wanted to inform everyone. He contacted Jeanne Heavilin, President of the Sister Cities, who will recommend to the City Commission that Boynton Beach have a sister city in Haiti. He asked if anyone was interested in helping. Ms. Scalzo can be reached via email atascalzo52@aol.com. Chair Waldman will be talking to the Principal at the high school and students from the Student Council and Key Club to discuss and provide this information. Chair Waldman advised that he and Ms. Scalzo know Joe Burnadol who is the CEO of Toussaint L'Overture and will discuss this with him also. An inquiry was made whether the school district had approved putting the change boxes in every school and Chair Waldman indicated he did not know. To his knowledge, Odyssey was the only one and he is unsure of what the protocol is other than each principal can approve for their own school. Chair Waldman would like to see people get involved and help. VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. YEC Update None B. Sister Cities Update Ms. Landis attended the meeting across from Boynton High School along with numerous influential community members who were radio personalities, that get their message out on the radio every day. Other well respected community leaders also attended. There was some discussion between the radio personalities and the other gentlemen and they decided on the sister city. The sister city has 400,000 people She thought it was very interesting. Ms Landis will attend the next meeting. C. Bowling Tournament (March 6, 2011) The Bowling Tournament has been scheduled. Ms. Claude confirmed they are taking registrations. This event takes place a week from Sunday; however, only four people have registered. She recommended the Board decide on a minimum number of registrants and if the minimum number of registrations is not received within a week of the event, the event should be cancelled. Usually, a few days before any class or activity, if there is not enough participation, the event is cancelled or postponed. Ms. Wilkinson advised the event "snuck up on her" but had individuals she could notify. Although it was supposed to be a fundraiser, Chair Waldman advised it has been more 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24,2011 of a social event as there has been little money made on it. Chair Waldman wants a vote on what should be done and since only four people registered, which is not enough for a team, possibly the event should be cancelled. The possibility to postpone until the summer or fall was discussed. There was agreement to postpone the event and set tentative dates for Sunday, July 17 or Sunday, July 24. It will be the option of the registrant to ask for a refund or reregister for the next date. D. Youth Volunteer Bank Ms. Claude advised she had 100 volunteers in the database. She requested some direction on recognition regarding certificates and gift cards. She suggested the students be recognized at a City Commission meeting since only a handful of students turn in hours. Chair Waldman said that if a lot of students turn in hours, a banquet should be held. Ms. Claude advised the last couple of years, there were approximately a dozen youth that turned in hours. Members were asked to keep the banquet option for the future. There are no minimum number of hours required to submit for recognition. E. Fundraising Chair Waldman was in touch with Frank McKinney, an entrepreneur, who worked with the Delray Youth Council. He spoke to him and he was very enthusiastic and encouraging when it was explained that the Discretionary Fund was non-existent and we were trying to find ways to replace $5,000 of funds. Mr. McKinney was kind enough to donate $250 through his Caring House project. The monies will be deposited into the Harvey Oyer Community Fund. Chair Waldman would like to give some of the money to Galaxy and mention it came from Frank McKinney's Caring House fund and the Harvery Oyer Community Fund. Chair Waldman will write the letter. Motion Ms. Jones moved they assign someone to prepare a thank you letter and Chair Waldman indicated he and Ms. Claude will write the letter and put it on letterhead. A motion was not necessary. Chair Waldman commented that the Children's Museum and Learning Center will hold a dinner dance on April 16th at Quail Ridge. If anyone is interested in attending, he will make sure an invitation is received. There is also a 50/50 raffle with a grand prize of approximately $1,650, depending on the number of tickets sold. The second prize is approximately $825. Raffle tickets are $10 per ticket. Chair Waldman did not have the price of the tickets for the dinner/dance. 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 24, 2011 IX. FUTURE MEETING DATES: March 24, 2011 April 28, 2011 X. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Landis moved to adjourn. Ms. Jones seconded the motion that carried unanimously. The meeting properly adjourned at 7:55 p.m. o / / (// , l/~~{j .fl/clj,'u/ Ellie Caruso Recording Secretary 03/16/11 8