05/15/2001COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 15, 2001
Present: Robert Reece Chair
Johnny Long Vice Chair
Wayne Meisner Board Member
6 Vacant Seats
Absent: Thomas Fry Board Member
Isay Gulley Board Member
E. J. Robinson Board Member
Paul Hartigan Board Member
Also Present: Eleanor Breland Human Relations Director
Kathy Baird Staff Assistant III
Due to a lack of a quorum, no official business was transacted at the meeting. The members informally discussed the following items:
The discussion began at 5:50 p.m.
The first item discussed was the proposed amended Community Relations Ordinance. Vice-Chairman Long and Board Member Meisner stated that 5 seemed an appropriate number of members for
the Board while Chairman Reece thought 7 to be an appropriate number. All three agreed that a police representative should remain on the Board. Member Meisner suggested that since
the Police Department representative attends for the purpose of giving and receiving advice regarding community affairs, perhaps the Board might be best composed of 5 members plus one
non-voting representative from the Police Department. Regarding officers, the members suggested that there be a Chair and Vice-Chair, but no secretary.
Chairman Reece suggested that the word “handicap” be changed to “handicap/disability.”
The members suggested that language be added to the effect of “the Board shall act in an advisory capacity to the City Commission, its purposes….etc.”
Ms. Breland asked the members their opinion regarding a change of policy regarding the approval of grants. The grants are currently approved by the City Commission. The proposal is
that approval would be granted by the City Manager. The members did not have any objection to the proposal. Ms. Breland handed out information regarding community relations programs
in Tallahassee. She asked the Board to review these and assist in the development of a strategic plan.
Vice-Chair Long suggested that one function of the Board might be to receive suggestions from the community regarding ways to promote harmony in the community. He says he is often
asked what is the proper channel for making such suggestions.
Chairman Reece and Ms. Breland agreed to meet regarding formulating the initial strategic plan. A draft ordinance will be provided to members for consideration at the next meeting.
The discussion was concluded at 7:00 p.m.