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11/25/1997COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER November 25, 1997 Present: Jonathan Wade Member Johnny Long Member Wayne Meissner Member (arrived 5:37 p.m.) Thomas Fry Member (arrived 5:37 p.m.) Vacant Seat Vacant Seat Eleanor Breland Human Relations Director Sally Ruby Human Relations Manager Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent:: Herbert Freitag Chair Susan Diner Member Naomi Williams Member James Murray, Jr. Member Jill Perrino Member Jeffrey Jones Member Milton Rooks Member 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, third floor 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 - September 27, 1997 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. Report from 10/7/97 Meeting with City Manager and Community Groups Human Relations Manager Sally Ruby distributed the minutes from meetings with the City Manager and community groups. The follow-up meeting of the North 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. E. Other New Business 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 for 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.