01/28/1997 (2)
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Community Relations Board Minutes
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Absent: :
Jeffrey Jones
Jonathan Wade
Naomi Williams
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 28, 1997
Present:
Herbert Freitag
Gabriel Cazares
Susan Diner
Wayne Meissner
James Murray, Jr.
Jill Perrino
Johnny Long
Milton Rooks
Thomas Fry
Vacant Seat
Sid Klein
Eleanor Breland
Sally Ruby
Brenda Moses
Chair
Member (departed 6:25 p.rn,)
Member
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Member (arrived 5:50 p.m.)
Police Chief (departed 6:40 p.m.)
Human Relations Director
Human Relations Manager
Board Reporter
1. Call to Order
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A.
Roll Call
The meeting was called to order by Chair Freitag at 5:30 p.m. at the Police
Headquarters Building, 645 Pierce Street, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide
continuity for research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2. Approval of Minutes - September 17. 1996 and December 17. 1996
Member Wayne Meissner moved to approve the minutes of September 17, 1996
and December 17,1996 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Old Business
A. Report - Police Chief Sid Klein
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Police Chief Sid Klein gave an overview of some efforts the Clearwater Police
Department is taking to avoid the type of situation that occurred in st. Petersburg. This
process Includes working very closely with the community to build trust and confidence.
Community policing can mean different things in different cities, and there is no right or
wrong way In which it is done. There are various levels of preparedness to prevent
problems. Communication is the first step towards finding solutions to community
issues. Other plans are in place to address Issues and restore cairn to the community,
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including a Citizen Response Team. Many community issues involve basic quality of life
issues, such as jobs and educational opportunities. It was noted the Police Department
and other City officials have been conducting meetings in North Greenwood to address
various Issues in the community. The North Greenwood Community Task Team has
been instrumental In developing an action plan which was recommended to the City.
The Police Department has implemented computer learning centers in substations in an
effort to provide educational opportunities to young people. Aggressive grant funding
opportunities at the state and federal level continues, especially for North Greenwood.
In conjunction with the Pinellas County School System and federal grants received, the
Police Department can hire teachers who already know the children in the community.
They will tutor youth at the community learning centers. A job skills training center is
being developed, operated under the Police Department in partnership with other local
community organizations. It is geared toward assisting youth in developing the
necessary skills and methods for obtaining employment. It was suggested that
members of the Community Relations Board contact a member of the NGCTT (North
Greenwood Community Task Team) and other organizations throughout the community
to attend their meetings. This may provide a more in-depth understanding of some
community issues and concerns that need to be addressed. Eleanor Breland will
contact the NGCTT regarding a member of this board attending their meeting. It was
noted personal and parental responsibility is necessary for success and change in the
community. Isolation between the races is not the answer. Government cannot solve
these problems alone. It was suggested that members contact Mr. Roy Kaplan, one of
the top human rights leaders in Florida, to schedule seminars on race relations. A
concern was raised that affirmative action is being de-emphasized and it is critical for
everyone to work together. A remark was made that lending institutions do not respond
favorably to certain areas in need of assistance in the City. A local bank branch within
the minority community would show confidence in the community. It was noted there is
no central "clearing house" or "resource" in the City to effectively review and evaluate
issues and ideas vital to obtaining grants and Implementing changes throughout the
City.
B. 1997 Meeting Schedule
A special meeting will be scheduled to discuss the general purpose and direction
of this Board.
The 1997 meeting schedule will be re-addressed at the next meeting. Some
members are late coming to meetings due to other commitments. It was noted that the
City Clerk's Department must be notified should the meeting day be changed in order to
ensure that a Board Reporter is available.
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4.
New Business
A.
Chairman's Report
No formal report was given.
B. Member Reports on Community Involvement
It was suggested that various other organizations throughout the community
be contacted regarding involvement in community issues. Some organizations
mentioned included the Sertoma, the Lion's Club, Kiwanis Clubs, and the Rotary
Club. It was agreed that this will be discussed at the Special Community Relations
Board meeting.
C. Staff Report
Human Relations Manager, Sally Ruby, noted that she has spoken to Mr. Roy
Kaplan, who has agreed to product human rights educational materials utilizing HUD
funding. He will work on this project during the next several months. Ms. Ruby has
also met with members of the Bahias from St. Petersburg. The Bahias have been
instrumental in working' with some of the task forces in St. Petersburg, and have
been working closely wi'lh Mr. Kaplan.
In response to a question, Ms. Ruby noted the housing discrimination case
which previously came before the Board (Turman v. Giss) is going to court. The
City has funded the legal expenses for the case. Had it gone the administrative
route, damages would have been severely restricted for the charging party.
Ms. Ruby noted the mediation process is proceeding favorably. Results are
outstanding.
5. Other Business
No other business was discussed.
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6.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
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