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Minutes 08-11-10 MINUTES OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2010 AT 7 p.m. IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FL PRESENT: Regina Waterhouse, Chair Victor Norfus, Vice Chair Blanche Hearst-Girtman Brian Miller Joyce Mura Stanley Sorgman Phyllis Stern Floyd Zonenstein Doris Jackson, Alternate (arrived 7:08 a.m.) Thelma Lyons, Board Liaison ABSENT: Sanford Mayer I. Openings A. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. B. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll. A quorum was present. III. Approval of Minutes from June 9th Meeting (Previously mailed by the City Clerk's office) One correction was made reflecting Ms. Mura was present. Motion Mr. Miller moved to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Zonenstein seconded the motion. The motion passed. 1 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL August 11, 2010 IV. Announcement: A. CERT Drill, slated for Saturday, Aug 21 st Ms. Mura announced a CERT drill was scheduled for Saturday, August 21, 2010, but advised she would not be present for it so she did not have all the information. An email was issued to the CERT members and she anticipated the event would be well attended. Anyone with additional questions should contact Ms. Mura. V. Approval of Agenda A. Additions, Deletions, Corrections Mr. Miller added the Community Redevelopment Agency Trolley to New Business as Item B and the High School Football program as Item C. Ms. Stern added a discussion of the September meeting date conflicting with the Rosh Hashanah Holiday to New Business as Item D. Mr. Zonenstein added a discussion of the Community Relations Board responsibilities to New Business as Item E. B. Adoption Motion Mr. Miller moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Stern seconded the motion. The motion passed. VI. Public Audience None. VII. Old Business: A. Sidewalk Follow-up Issue Chair Waterhouse advised at the last meeting there was discussion there were no funds for the sidewalk repairs. The Board had discussed different alternatives. One alternative was to work with the School District to point out or suggest the best routes for students to walk to and from school. This would be discussed further under funding along with a suggestion she had. 2 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL August 11, 2010 B. Parking Issue There was prior discussion of valet parking and the need for additional handicap parking spaces. Ms. Lyons advised there were no rules and regulations for valet parking; only for handicap parking. Ms. Jackson arrived at 7:08 p.m. C. Board Communications Issue This item was discussed with item D. D. Strategic Planning Workshop (set layout, date and time) There had been prior Board discussion about having a strategic planning session. Ms. Mura provided Chair Waterhouse with materials from a previous Neighborhood Association Meeting. Ms Mura explained the session was not just with the Board. There were homeowners' and condominium associations present. She commented it was difficult to ascertain what their issues and concerns were and she did not believe there was any resolution to the issues raised from that meeting. She did express it was good the Board was there to interact with others on a one-to-one basis and she thought it would be a good idea to get together with the different associations regarding their concerns. Ms. Mura recently met with the President of Gulfstream Harbor who had attended the Neighborhood Association Meeting and she spoke at one of their meetings as a CERT member. She advised their meetings were also poorly attended. Citizens only came out when there was a problem. Chair Waterhouse thought it would be beneficial to put something on the calendar to develop a communication piece. At the last meeting, Mr. Mayer had suggested the members obtain business cards, or identification badges to raise consciousness of why the Board exists. Additionally, the brochure the Board uses could be updated in September to ensure the contact information was correct. Chair Waterhouse suggested when they discuss the September meeting date, they discuss calendaring some activities. E. Funding Chair Waterhouse explained her bank, when it was Sterling Bank, provided items for the Tennis Clinic at Hunters Run. She reported Iberia Bank purchased Sterling Bank and Iberia was committed to community involvement and servicing underserved populations. 3 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL August 11, 2010 She thought the bank brought a lot to the table and since Iberia Bank was new to the community, they would be looking for things to become involved with. Ms. Stern expressed her experience in obtaining donations was there were discretionary funds. The more significant community contributions were processed through the main branch about one year ahead of time. The Board would have to plan with an agenda with a focus on a scholarship or a volunteer program for the kids. Chair Waterhouse explained there were discretionary marketing budgets and officers who work with her have made inquiries about the community and activities. She also noted there will be a marketing president for the east coast who would have much marketing autonomy. Ms. Stern suggested a cultural art, literary and/or photography award judged by the Community Relations Board. The awards could be given as a special event the Community Relations Board would be sponsoring. Chair Waterhouse suggested discussing the activities at the strategic planning session and commented she thought they could underwrite the Safe Travel brochures for each school. It promoted safety, advertised the bank and the Board. Another option was Palm Beach County has a tuition based photography camp and perhaps the Board could offer scholarships for the youth to attend. The members discussed the various items and noted the Tennis Carnival was held annually and was a recognized event. It was suggested the Bank may want to be associated with that event. VIII. New Business A. Parking Availability on NE 13th Ave. Ms. Jackson explained she attended a community meeting and a resident advised parking on NE 13th Avenue was an issue. A resident tried to resolve it with the Police Department and wound up being ticketed. She commented the parking spaces were not sufficient for the apartment complex. Ms. Jackson circulated photographs of vacant areas on 13th Avenue to the Board. .She did not know who owned the property but suggested if the City, Community Redevelopment Agency or the owner could be ascertained, the land could possibly be used to allow people to "pocket park." Vice Chair Norfus had spoken with the Police Chief about a similar issue and agreed there was no parking in that area. The Chief agreed to speak with the officers about writing tickets, but emphasized the complaint calls were important. Ms. Lyons recommended identifying who owned the property and proceeding from there. B. Community Redevelopment Agency Trolley 4 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL August 11, 2010 Mr. Sorgman advised the trolley service was being discontinued or cut back and felt the service should not be discontinued and a fee should be imposed to ride the trolley. Mr. Sorgman expressed there should be some kind of opinion expressed by the Board about the matter. The trolley transported a group of people who rode the trolley to the meeting and five representatives expressed their support for the service. Village Royale on the Green comprised nine percent of the trolley's riders. The Board indicated they did not decide to eliminate it, but the trolley did not bring in any revenue. The Board would have to decide how to keep it running, or what to charge. If they charged 50 cents and riders go to the mall or Publix, Mr. Zonenstein suggested the stores purchase the tickets since the riders frequent those stores. He thought the business community had to get involved. Mr. Sorgman acknowledged the economic situation but felt services could not keep being cut back. Chair Waterhouse saw an issue with people paying cash and thought purchasing tickets would be a better solution. There were innovative ways people could pay and there could be some sort of an impact study about how much people were willing to pay for the service and how to support that method. Mr. Sorgman commented tokens could be used. Chair Waterhouse requested a member from the Board volunteer to be the liaison. There is a large ridership on the north end and at the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting, Commissioner Orlove explained they were also looking at the Shopper Hopper, the possible elimination of the trolley or a combination of both. It was suggested the Shopper Hopper interconnect with the trolley. When the riders board the trolley, they indicate their destination. As a result, those businesses could be contacted to subsidize some of the cost to operate the trolley. An impact study would need to be undertaken and it was pointed out the committee handling the impact study would have that information. Mr. Miller explained there is a cross section of individuals who use the trolley and it serves an important purpose which was the reason the CRA started it. He noted individuals and seniors do not have cars. He suggested obtaining a grant and putting a proposal together. The Community Relations Board could also express an opinion to the City Commission and CRA that they want to see the trolley continue. Ms. Hearst-Girtman agreed with the comments. She commented she had an opportunity to ride it around the community one week ago and she saw the improvement the CRA has made in certain areas. She noted the sidewalks discussed earlier have been that way for 50 to 60 years. She urged the Board to do what needed to be done, to present the problems to the City Commission and get them to see their issue so they could address it. 5 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL August 11, 2010 Ms. Hearst-Girtman suggested the Board contact the churches to advise the congregations the Community Relations Board was interested in what goes on in Boynton. Vice Chair Norfus agreed they have the ability to make a difference. He believed they could make a difference in the community and on 13th Avenue as well. Ms. Hearst-Girtman reiterated she believed the group could move the issue. C. High School Football Program Mr. Miller explained each year for the past three years he co-sponsors the season ticket program for the high school football team. This was started to try to bring the High School and the City closer together and each year it becomes more successful. They offer to residents and the elected officials the opportunity to purchase a season ticket which is a donation for the high school. Tickets were transferable but it was preferred that the buyer attend the game and support the team. The tickets were $25. He pointed out the High School was not funded by the Board of Education for athletics so they have to fundraise for all their events. It was difficult for the High School to obtain the same type of support other high schools in Boca Raton and Wellington receive. That was why they make the effort to involve the City officials and residents. Other members of the Board attend the games. The first game was September 15 against Atlantic High School. Mr. Sorgman explained when the program first started, he bought the first ticket and the donation was worth it and he enjoys it. D. Discussion of the September meeting date conflicting with the Rosh Hashanah Holiday. Ms. Stern explained the September meeting coincided with Rosh Hashanah and she requested a new date be set for the meeting. After a very brief discussion, Thursday, September 16th was tentatively agreed on. Ms. Lyons would advise the Board if there was a scheduling conflict. Chair Waterhouse suggested if there was a facilities conflict, the meeting could be held in the Library. E. Discussion of CRB responsibilities. Mr. Zonenstein read the mission of the Community Relations Board on the City's website and brought it up because it is not accurate. He advised the Board does not do half of what was listed and if the Board had the authority to do it, they were not advised of it. This has to do with "the delivery of services regarding heating and housing and provides information programs, also reviews and recommends expenditures of funds allocated for social services." 6 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL August 11, 2010 Ms. Lyons explained those tasks were established when the Board was created. The City Manager and Commission would have to change it. Chair Waterhouse requested Ms. Lyons check whether they wanted the text there. Chair Waterhouse agreed to follow-up on the issue. Ms. Stern interpreted the message differently as the Board makes the recommendation for requests for expenditures. The Board had done so but there were no funds to do it. Ms. Stern thought the language gave license to make the recommendation where they think it is necessary. B. Set September 8th meeting agenda items Chair Waterhouse summed up Ms. Lyons would advise about the September 16th date, and some of the members have tasks they would follow-up on and report back to the Board. They would also discuss planning issues at the next meeting. Chair Waterhouse advised Mr. Mayer may be out for a while due to his wife having surgery. She inquired what the Board could do to let the churches know that the Community Relations Board would like to get information from them or advise them how to do that so they could get to the basics. Ms. Stern suggested sending a letter that informed the various religious institutions Community Relations Directors what their purpose was and make suggestions how the community could help the Board. Ms. Hearst-Girtman suggested the letter be sent to the pastors. Chair Waterhouse agreed but pointed out the letter should also be sent to other community-based organizations as well. The letter should be on letterhead and the City would mail it. Vice Chair Norfus explained one item the City was doing with St. John Missionary Baptist Church was having a community picnic on August 26th. He agreed the Board should participate in those activities as well as other functions from other churches that are open to the public. Chair Waterhouse suggested using the updated brochure but a planning meeting would be needed to get it off the ground. Ms. Hearst-Girtman suggested assembling a working group for the different areas of the community. The Board would follow-up. Motion Vice Chair Norfus moved to set up a booth on the 26th. Chair Waterhouse agreed and thought all the committee members were in unison. She wanted to have a communication piece and process in place in the community. Mr. Miller seconded the motion and explained there should be plenty of time to update the literature. In the past, they had a table at the event and another meeting would be held prior to September 26, 2010. Ms Lyons requested the information to update the brochure be sent to her. Ms. Lyons would email the members and they would respond back so she can update the information. She would also advise if September 16th was a viable meeting date. 7 Meeting Minutes Community Relations Board Boynton Beach, FL August 11,2010 There was a vote on the motion. The motion passed. IX. Adjournment: Motion Ms. Stern moved to adjourn. Mr. Miller seconded the motion. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. &tUtJ)UALL (JktrJj Catherine Cherry - U Recording Secretary 081210 8