HAAB Minutes 03/27/2008
March 27, 2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
Naples, Florida, March 27, 2008
LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Hispanic
Affairs Advisory Committee in and for the County of Collier, having
conducted business herein, met on this date at 6:00 PM in REGULAR
SESSION at Administrative Building "F", 3rd Floor, Collier County
Government Center, Naples, Florida with the following members
present:
Chairman: James Van Fleet
Vice Chairman: David Correa
Raymond Cabral
Manuel Gonzalez
Cosme Perez
Renato F. Fernandez (Excused)
Valaree D. Maxwell (Excused)
Ernesto Velasquez (Excused)
Luis Alejandro Bernal (Excused)
ALSO PRESENT:
Mike Sheffield, County Managers Office
Collier County Government
Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board
Meeting Agenda
March 27, 2008
6:00 P.M.
I. Introduction
A. Call to OrderIWelcome
B. Approval of Meeting Agenda
C. Approval of the January 24, 2008 HAAS Meeting minutes
D. Approval of the February 27, 2008 HAAS Meeting minutes (no quorum)
II. Old Business
III. New Business
A. Discussion Regarding HAAS Projects for 2008
(Each project should have specific goal and a target completion date)
IV. Comments/Announcements
V. Public Comment
VI. Adiourn- (Next meeting date: April 24, 2008)
March 27,2008
Introduction
A. Call to Order/Welcome - David Correa, Vice-Chairman
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 PM by Chairman James Van Fleet.
B. Approval of Meeting Agenda
No objections were noted
C. Approval of the January 24, 2008 HAAB Meeting minutes
David Correa moved to approve the Minutes of January 24, 2008 as
submitted. Second by Raymond Cabral. Motion carried unanimously
5-0.
D. Approval of the February 27, 2008 HAAB Meeting minutes (no quorum)
Cosme Perez moved to approve the Minutes of February 27, 2007 as
submitted. Second by Raymond Cabral. Motion carried unanimously
5.0.
I. Old Business - None
II. New Business
A. Discussion Regarding HAAB Projects for 2008
(Each project should have specific goal and a target completion date)
. Manuel Gonzalez proposed the development of a system to Monitor
"Goal Areas" in conjunction with the utilization of available resources
(Sheriffs Department, DCF, and Collier County Health Department) and
Non Governmental Organizations (LULAC). He stated that he would
continue to work with the Sheriffs Department and the Supervisor of
Elections. He noted "monthly" reporting for the Monitoring System
should be required
James Van Fleet questioned the low percentage of Hispanic voters in the
Community.
Manuel Gonzalez responded that the Supervisor of Elections is doing
everything possible to encourage voting. He reported all publicized documents
are Bilingual to encourage the Hispanic vote. He noted opportunities are
available for the Hispanic Community and it is their responsibility to utilize
them.
Discussions ensued concerning methods that the Committee could employ to
encourage the Hispanic vote
Raymond Cabral suggested the distribution of Pamphlets. He reported that
the Naples Area Board of Realtors produced and distributed informational
packets that include an application for registration.
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March 27, 2008
Discussions continued. The suggestion was made to conduct a Public meeting
prior to the Election and invite Representatives from both Parties to present
their platforms.
Mike Sheffield suggested the monthly Public Notice also be advertised in
Spanish and circulated to the Spanish Media.
David Correa recommended the assistance from Church Leaders for the
gathering of information to submit to the Board of County Commissions.
The recommendation was made to contact Jennifer Edwards to determine if
any events have been planned that would encourage voting.
Jim Van Fleet noted the Coalition for voting is of particular interest for the
Board to address.
Manuel Gonzalez volunteered to invite Jennifer Edwards to the April 24,
2008 meeting.
Manuel Gonzalez reported on the following from a March 20, 2008 meeting
with the Sheriffs Office at the Professional Development Center:
. Various Organizations are represented at the Center
. Vacant positions
i. 20 Law Enforcement
ii. 34 Civilian
iii. 16 Corrections Officers
. Youth Relations Bureau is working to guide Youths away from gangs and
in a more responsible direction
. The Working Dogs Program
Mike Sheffield requested a list of Assigrunents. The following was noted:
. Manuel Gonzalez -Law enforcement
. Raymond Cabral- Health
. Cosme Perez - Employment
. David Correa - Political
Raymond Cabral- Housing
It was recommended to invite the following to the Public meeting:
~ Republican
~ Democrat
~ Third Parties
~ League of Women Voters
~ Jennifer Edwards
III. Comments / Announcements - None
IV. Public Comments - None
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March 27, 2008
Being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by
order of the Chairman at 7:08 P.M.
COLLIER COUNTY HISPANIC
AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
James Van Fleet, Chairman
These Minutes approved by the Board/Committee on
as presented or as amended
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