11/25/1997 (2)
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CRB
. Community Relations Board Minutes
Date
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Present:
Absent::
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 25, 1997
Jonathan Wade
Johnny Long
Wayne Meissner
Thomas Fry
Vacant Seat
Vacant Seat
Eleanor Breland
Sally Ruby
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Brenda Moses
Member
Member
Member (arrived 5:37 p.m.)
Member (arrived 5:37 p.m.)
Human Relations Director
Human Relations Manager
Assistant City Attorney
Board Reporter
Herbert Freitag
Susan Diner
Naomi Williams
James Murray, Jr.
Jill Perrino
Jeffrey Jones
Milton Rooks
Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
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1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. at City HaU, third fJoor
conference room, Clearwater. 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 - Seotember 27. 1 997
Due to the lack of a quorum, the minutes were not voted upon.
3. OLD BUSINESS
A. Report from Civil Rights Conference
A member reported the conference was not as well attended as it should
have been. Many agencies have traveled extensively this past year which may have
affected attendance. Most of the Florida agencies were represented. The main
topic was the importance of the wording in the new civil rights initiative. School
challenges and other issues were discussed. It was remarked the workshops ran
relatively smoothly.
B.
Groups
Report from 10/7/97 Meeting with City Manager and Community
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Human Relations Manager Sally Ruby distributed the minutes from meetings
with the City Manager and community groups. The follow-up meeting of the North
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Greenwood Association is at 7:00 p.m. tonight. Human Relations Director Eleanor
Breland said the City Manager had asked to be informed of any meetings City
Department Directors attend. He is interested in attending those meetings
whenever possible. A member expressed concern the newspaper's account of the
meetings were not very positive. Their account of downtown did not include the
North Greenwood community. In response to a request, Ms. Breland said she will
extend an invitation to the City Manager to attend the January ADA (Americans
with Disabilities) meeting.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Proposed Legislation - Johnny Long
.
Member Long said a universal problem exists for the handicapped population
regarding provisions for pumping of gasoline. He explained the various reasons why
it is illegal for the handicapped to pump gas. A bill is being proposed to the State
legislature to address this problem with service stations that offer both self-service
and full-service operations. The bill would: 1) make it illegal for a service station
not to pump gas for the handicapped and 2) mandate service stations providing
handicapped services display handicapped placards on the property which can seen
from the street. The proposed legislation includes anyone classified as disabled,
regardless of their affliction. Mr. Long asked members to review the proposed
legislation and make suggestions, improvements, and write letters of support. It
was noted this issue may not be a matter for the board. A comment was made the
Mayor frequently writes letters in support or opposition of various proposed bills
before the Legislature.
B. Chairman's Report
None.
C. Members' Reports on Community Involvement
None.
D. Staff Report
Ms. Ruby said the Florida Commission on Human Relations has expressed
interest in Clearwater's mediation process. The Florida Commission is now
attempting to perform mediation via telephone, and hopes are to set up groups
throughout the State of Florida. It was noted mediation results in reduced legal
costs and prevents burdening the legal process.
A member noted AMC theaters have agreed to place handicapped decals on
seats. Should a non-handicapped patron select a seat next to a handicapped seat
and is asked to move to accommodate the handicapped person/ s companion, the
person will receive a free movie pass to another movie.
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E.
Other New Business
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Discussion ensued regarding the frequency of CRB (Community Relations
Board) meetings. It was requested members endeavor to attend all scheduled
meetings. It was suggested the board discuss an agenda and mission statement f~r
1998. This board was originally appointed for community involvement purposes.
Recently, the board has reviewed housing and employment discrimination cases. A
member noted a police community relations forum is being planned for North
Greenwood to facilitate a dialog between the Police Department and residents. A
question was asked whether or not the CRB can assist with dollars to facilitate
meetings. Member Meissner asked Member Wade to supply information regarding
the forum, and he will speak to Chief Klein regarding funds.
A member expressed concern regarding the CRB's mission. He felt the CRB
is not very well known to residents. Measures should be taken to educate the
public about the CRB's efforts and role as liaison between local government and the
community.
A member expressed his disdain with the process experienced 4 years ago
regarding the formation of a women's softball team in North Greenwood. He said
he followed all City guidelines, obtained funds for a coach, staff, and uniforms, and
afterward was told there were no openings in any leagues. He felt the process does
not work for local residents and noted the league is still full.
.::)
Discussion ensued regarding a small business mechanism. It was remarked
there are various groups in other areas that are not connected to Greenwood, and
this issue requires the CRB's attention.
5. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
Chair
Community Relations Board
Attest:
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