BCC Minutes 11/07/2005 W (w/Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board)
November 7,2005
TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER
COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS JOINT
WORKSHOP WITH HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
Naples, Florida, November 7, 2005
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Board of County Commissioners and
the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Workshop in and for the County of
Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 A.M. in
REGULAR SESSION in Building "F" of the Collier County Government
Center, 3301 E. Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florida, with the following members
present:
CHAIRMAN:
CHAIRMAN:
Commissioner Fred Coyle
Commissioner Frank Halas
Commissioner James Coletta
Commissioner Donna Fiala
Ernesto Labrador
Raymond Cabral
David Correa (Absent)
Renato Fernandez
Manuel Gonzalez
Maria Herrera-Rodriguez
Cosme Perez (Absent)
Anna Rodriguez
James Van Fleet
ALSO PRESENT: James Mudd, County Manager
Mike Pettit, Chief Assistant County Attorney
Colleen Greene, Assistant County Attorney
Lillian Amador, Staff
COLLIER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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JOINT WORKSHOP AGENDA
w/Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB)
November 7, 2005
9:00 a.m.
Fred W. Coyle, Chairman, District 4
Frank Halas, Vice-Chairman, District 2
Donna Fiala, Commissioner, District 1
Tom Henning, Commissioner, District 3
Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5
NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM
MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER
WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE
AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED.
COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 2004-05, AS AMENDED, REQUIRES
THAT ALL LOBBYISTS SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING
ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO
THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT.
REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON SUBJECTS WHICH ARE NOT ON
THIS AGENDA MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING WITH EXPLANATION
TO THE COUNTY MANAGER AT LEAST 13 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF
THE MEETING AND WILL BE HEARD UNDER "PUBLIC PETITIONS".
ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD
WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING THERETO,
AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD
OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE
TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.
ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS WILL RECEIVE UP TO FIVE (5)
MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN.
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November 7, 2005
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY
ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING,
YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF
CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3301 EAST
TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED
LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE A V AILABLE IN
THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE.
1. Call to Order
2. The Board of County Commissioners and the HAAB plan to discuss and explore
the HAAB's functions, powers, and duties pursuant to the County Ordinance. (Ord.
91- 37)
3. Adjourn
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November 7, 2005
November 7,2005
1. Call to Order:
The Workshop was called to order by Commissioner Fred Coyle at 9: 15 A.M.
2. County Manager Mudd stated that the purpose of the meeting was to have a dialog
between the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) and the Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) in exploring the functions, duties and powers of the Advisory
Board pursuant to the County Ordinance and to talk about their work-plan for the coming
year.
Mike Pettit; counsel for the HAAB, provided handouts of the pertinent sections of the
Ordinance. He introduced Attorney Colleen Greene who will be working with the
HAAB in future.
Chairman Ernesto Labrador read a statement on the Hispanization of Collier County/
the Growing Influence of the Hispanic Community in Collier County.
Some points of emphasis:
o Unprecedented growth in Hispanic community since HAAB created
o Concentrations in selected areas
o Comprised of both blue collar & white collar residents
o Problems of open borders and undocumented workers (abuse, cheap labor, human
trafficking, labor bondage)
o Need for business owners/employers responsibilities
o Strain on educational system (today almost 52% of Hispanic heritage)
o Burdens on County Government and Sheriff offices
o Addressing needs, interests and concerns of Hispanic community
o Integration into mainstream community-language barriers
o Facing issues of Hispanic population of 25% to 30%
He spoke on the Mission Statement and the proposed goals ofHAAB with the primary
focus on education, hiring programs, housing and assisting, supporting and working
with Hispanic social and community organizations.
He also emphasized that all actions and procedures of HAAB were noted on monthly
reports with guidance of staff liaison with County Attorney's office, and were approved.
Also, every action was motivated by community concerns.
Chairman Coyle agreed with many points brought forth and complimented HAAB
chairman Labrador on observations presented in opening statement. He stressed the
importance of Advisory Boards and their need to bring issues and recommendations to
the Board of County Commissioners without going beyond their powers. Board of
County Commissioners will take needed action if they agree with recommendations. He
explained how BCC works with other agencies to achieve positive effects.
Chairman Labrador had assumed there was screening of summaries and minutes. He
stressed the desire for closer relationship with BCC and HAAB. Suggested
representatives of each Board and the Sheriffs office attend meetings of the other, as
time permits. BCC could then better express concerns to appropriate Constitutional
Officers.
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November 7, 2005
Commissioner Donna Fiala suggested that sensitive and important issues not be buried
in reports, but instead, noted with a special alert. BCC members can also be contacted
and then respond individually. Also, ask to have important issues, which must be voted
on, put on future agenda.
Commissioner Frank Halas noted that advisory board members could lobby the BCC
members individually to see where they stand on an idea or concern to give everyone
better understanding of concerns.
Commissioner Fred Coyle spoke to the housing problem regarding the influx of
thousands of sources of cheap labor. Businesses have no incentive to raise wages with an
endless supply of cheap labor. Government can't support that great a flood of housing
needs. Looking at how Hispanic community, through HAAB, would want to address
these issues oflabor and housing. Local Government has no control over immigration
and border control.
Commissioner Jim Coletta would like to see a system to document the undocumented
who pay into Social Security, but never will collect from it. Business is dependent on
their labor; economy would collapse without them. Companies subcontract out for bid;
then those who accept the bid don't pay a decent wage. No easy solutions, but now have
opportunities to make it better with approach from multiple directions and with the goals
and enthusiasm of the Advisory Board.
Chairman Labrador spoke of the trials ofHAAB in starting up-- not much interest-
couldn't get a quorum- not any feeling of purpose or ability to communicate to the
Hispanic community. As Board evolved, Chairman asked each member to pick and work
on an assignment. They researched hiring practices, job market, housing and community
resources. Now, so not to deter energy and feeling of accomplishment, HAAB is
requesting help with funding communications; for mailings, web site, reaching faith-
based and other advocates of the Hispanic society, in order to bring HAAB's information
to the Hispanic community and through them, back to BCC.
Commissioner Donna Fiala offered information available such as County Government
Web site, with a link to HAAB containing postings of meeting minutes, Chairman
comments, helpful contacts and phone numbers. Also, newspaper press releases on
public interest items through County Public Information Office on upcoming events,
seminars, workshops, etc. This would be at no charge.
Commissioner Frank Halas added that there are also a few Public Radio stations that
could be utilized. He commented on the interesting dialog taking place and the fact that
everyone in this country is of some foreign heritage. He stressed that education, learning
the English language and being able to communicate as being the key to going forward in
fulfilling anyone's dream. Cited the many Hispanic success stories in government, as
well as many other career fields, be used as examples to instill higher hopes for future.
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November 7,2005
Commissioner Jim Coletta suggested HAAB concentrate on a few basics like housing,
which relates to everyone, by getting involved in housing workshops, in affordable
housing committee meetings, etc. Another focal point to work for is job opportunities.
HAAB could be catalyst to future job markets and in educating Hispanic population to
expanding markets such as health care industry etc. BCC would welcome reports coming
back with fresh approach to factors that would move people up. There are several
directions available to help, such as EDC. BCC staff would help in directing to others.
Chairman Labrador read HAAB's mission statement, highlighting goals:
o Educational programs that enhance closing educational gap
o Develop and enhance programs for non-English speaking, especially adults
o Links with public and private sector in promoting above issues and provide funding
o Hiring programs fostering promotion progression through the ranks
o Housing programs addressing affordability for low and medium cost shelter
o Concerns that further integrate Hispanic population
o Assist and support organizations, such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and
o Hispanic-related social clubs that focus on these concerns
Commissioner Fred Coyle pointed out-
In identifying specifics:
o Need for more central point of communication of specific needs. Immokalee has
more social services per capita than other places in the county. Copeland just as
needy but neither has center of organization to pull things together, where Everglades
City does.
o HAAB could be focal point. Contractors and employers, landlords and businesses
should take some responsibility and could be sources for communicating and
monitoring needs of Hispanic community.
o Suggested Rotation of meetings into different communities where convenient to
Hispanic population. Will publish dates and topics to gain public and media attention
o Reach out through contractors, landlords and employers to spread the word of
meetings
In communicating specifics with BCC:
1. Work-plan with number topics and projects
2. Present for approval by BCC.
3. Present periodic status reports to BCC.
4. Provide specifics of recommendations at BCC meetings
Commissioner Donna Fiala addressed the issue of Spanish speaking children, who live
in communities where no English is spoken, being hampered in gaining English language
skills. Hispanic population not equally distributed throughout the county makes
assimilation of language difficult. Gap Housing program trying to reach middle-income
housing population of workers to encourage moving into some of these areas. This will
bring diversity into Spanish speaking only neighborhoods. Encourage children to speak
English to parents at home. Job opportunities limited without English language. Prefers
to keep meetings in one place, citing confusion and that people are creatures of habit.
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November 7, 2005
Discussion followed regarding free English classes and difficulty maintaining attendance
due to work schedules, family responsibilities and some fear loss of culture and traditions.
Commissioner Halas - HAAB could shine in righting a wrong especially in Agriculture
area regarding undocumented workers, the abuse in living and working conditions.
Anna Rodriguez spoke of the Federal Government appointed Special Counsel that goes
after abusers, files for criminal charges and for return of back wages. Many people and
even other Agencies don't know about it. This information could be publicized.
As chairman of earlier Hispanic Advisory Board, sees too many differing interpretations of
Ordinance governing both Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and Black Affairs Advisory
Board (BAAB). Ordinance too general in stating what is expected of Boards. Hispanic
community has grown in 14 years since Ordinance enacted. Suggested that maybe it's time to
revise the Ordinance to what is expected from HAAB Board, as well as BAAB. Has the
guidance from BCC liaison, but Boards need to know what BCC wants them to get
information on to avoid miscommunication.
Commissioner Fred Coyle directed Attorney, Mike Pettit to come up with a draft of
modifications to existing Ordinance staffed through Advisory Board. HAAB can
bring before BCC for them to act upon.
Anna Rodriguez also mentioned her recent return from Guatemala, where she met with
many government officials, among them, the Immigration Minister. Due to the tragic
mud slides in that country immigration into Mexico has tripled and many will end up in
Florida. Florida is #2 State for immigrants crossing the border.
Maria Herrera-Rodriguez voiced concerns of housing and safety issues for non-legal
and non-English speaking immigrants who are ignorant of rights. She has contacted
churches and housing complexes about putting in church bulletins and on apartment
complex bulletin boards, information on meetings and other helpful information.
Churches agreed to occasionally include in bulletins and housing complexes would allow
flyers or po stings if paid for by HAAB. May be in the works--a legal requirement to
have bulletin boards for posting information for emergencies, pest control, etc. in
apartment complexes. Requested BCC to fund printing. Can get out information to have
ways to express issues to Board and, in turn, to BCC.
Commissioner Fred Coyle suggested that if that is the committee's recommendation, it
be submitted BCC to put on agenda. Mentioned that permanently posted information is
preferable to flyers, which are often thrown away and needed phone numbers are lost.
Chairman Labrador announced that at meeting on November 10th, issues would be
discussed. If approved, he will personally deliver and discuss with individual
commissioners. Fact finding mission of Dr. James Van Fleet and his report on education
gap in schools has important considerations. HAAB would like to resubmit it to BCC for
review & reconsideration.
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November 7, 2005
Commissioner Fred Coyle responded that items to be considered can be requested by
committee Chairman to be scheduled with County Manager to put on regular agenda.
Invitations to be extended to School Board members to attend that meeting, when held.
Points of concern for HAAB to key in on and give guidance to BCC, in areas of concern
to BCC were discussed:
o How to accommodate needs for onslaught illegal and of new immigrants (education,
housing, jobs)
o How to relate rights, services, disseminate information
o Responsible employers & contractors (adequate housing, wages, abuses)
o Influx of cheap labor (pros and cons)
Raymond Cabral-HAAB has same concerns as BCC. First step and key issue is
education. Education leads to better jobs; that lead to better housing to breaks cycle of
poverty. Agenda today is to:
1. Present work plan
2. Address issues of the Ordinance
3. Which issues committee is going to tackle
4. Work out suggestions to present to BCC
5. Create & provide solutions to BCC to add support to BCC's efforts
Commissioner Fred Coyle - Commented that HAAB has exceptional backgrounds and
qualification specifically related to the problems that they're trying to solve. Asked they
give BCC specific solutions. Will never break cycle of poverty if influx of
undocumented continues uncontrolled. BCC is supportive of recommendation addressing
that issue. Will forward recommendations to State and Federal Government
Commissioner Frank Halas -BCC runs County. Can deal with housing and job codes;
can't legislate human rights and immigration issues. Can voice concerns and assist
Boards. Board can take to State and Federal agencies, civil rights issues. Owners of
companies have responsibility to their employees.
Commissioner Jim Coletta- Enforcing existing County Codes is something that County
can do. And, by removing substandard housing not up to code when migrants leave.
Squalor is underwritten when allowed to exist unchallenged. If an industry imports labor,
it is their responsibility to provide decent housing. Substandard housing should be
industry's problem. HAAB can see what it can do to correct substandard housing.
Raymond Cabral provided information on policies of California and New Mexico, who
document and identify immigrants, both legal and illegal. This is addressed at State level.
States know where they are and where they work. States collect money from them and
use this for health and human services and still net an equal amount to use for other
projects. New Mexico is working on issuing Driver Licenses for identification, and
checking accounts so money can be deposited, making less a target for robbery and
saving law enforcement costs. It is brought out into the open- knowing who they are,
where they are, what they contribute and how they benefit the State. Both agriculture and
government is to blame for problem. It's an issue Board could work on, to pattern and
model our State after California and New Mexico.
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November 7,2005
Anna Rodriguez Is involved in trafficking laws on Federal level. Problem areas:
Farmers hire crew leaders. Crew leaders hire undocumented, pay low wages, put them
in substandard housing, (charging $200 to $300 a week, forcing 10 to 14 in a unit) sell
them exorbitantly priced food. When trying to enforce trafficking law, the farmer is clean
and Agriculture Commission stops the investigation. The crew leader is not charged.
Migrants now live all over Collier County, in housing with no facilities, non-working
appliances and rents so high, that they can only live there if shared with 14 or 15 people.
Codes need to be enforced and owners need to pay. They must be responsible for their
workers. There needs to be a law to provide decent housing if you bring workers here.
Discussion followed regarding:
o Where to put people until brought up to code
o If removed, who pays for their accommodations
o Could County get sued
o Removing substandard units from inventory after migrants leave for season, disable
and destroy unit so it can't be returned to inventory
o Owners responsible for removal of debris
o Media expose of slum lords on continuing basis
o Need for State legislation
Commissioner Fred Coyle asked County Manager Jim Mudd to ask the County
Attorney revisit Ordinance and to come up with a legally defensible and appropriate
policy to tear down substandard housing and put it on agenda.
County Manager Jim Mud mentioned monies that had been set aside under current
Ordinance for inspection of substandard housing. He will check on remaining and
additional funds under that Ordinance.
Commissioner Donna Fiala suggested HAAB project could be to take pictures to
expose substandard conditions and bring to BCC to telecast; also send to Code
Enforcement. Also Code Enforcement could be made aware to seek these out.
Anna Rodriguez - noted, for safety sake, taking camera and pictures in these areas could
pose danger. Suggested enlisting Sheriffs officer to accompany. She also mentioned
that a local bank will give mortgages to undocumented workers if they have an IT tax ID
number. This might help in purchasing, rather than renting homes.
PUBLIC SPEAKER
Victor A. Valdes, President
LULAC of Naples
Council #7115
(HANDOUT)
Thanked the Commissioners for listening to him.
He requested the BCC listen and work with the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board. Due to
his extensive influence with the Hispanic community, through his Spanish newsletter, he
will help to distribute information to the Hispanic Community.
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Commissioner Fred Coyle - Summarized points of meeting:
o Agreed that HAAB give a work-plan with prioritized list of issues they wish to
address
o BCC to take action on substandard housing issue
o HAAB to agree and vote upon on items to go on agenda. Can come to individual
Board Member or to regular BCC meeting to brief on issues
o Those issues BCC agree with and can act on, will receive strong support from BCC
November 7, 2005
Chairman Labrador stated Advisory Board point- person (chairman) was appointed to
be spokesperson before Bee. They are pleased today's dialog with BCe and have
accomplished mutual goals.
Anna Rodriguez asked to be able to bring issues of meeting to the U.S Justice Dept.
meeting on human trafficking she was attending. Since no policy was reached on any
issue, the BCe agreed she could just summarize the issues and concerns discussed at the
meeting that HAAB are working on.
************
There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was
adjourned by the order of the Chair at 10:57 A.M.
JOINT BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS AND HISPANIC
AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD WORKSHOP
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Chairman" Commissioner re~oy e
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or as corrected
TRANSCRIPT PREPARED ON BEHALF OF GREGORY COURT REPORTING
SERVICES, INC
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