HAAB Minutes 09/25/2008
September 25,2008
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
Naples, Florida, September 25, 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 (Excused)
Acting Chairman: Manuel Gonzalez
Luis Alejandro Bernal
Raymond Cabral
David Correa (Excused)
Renato F. Fernandez (Excused)
Valaree D. Maxwell
Cosme Perez
Ernesto Velasquez
ALSO PRESENT: Mike Sheffield, Assistant to the County Manager
Collier County Government
Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board
Meeting Agenda
September 25, 2008
6:00 P.M.
I. Introduction
A. Call to Order -Dr. James A. Van Fleet, Chairman
B. Approval of the June 26, 2008 HAAS Meeting minutes
II. Old Business
A. Education Report-Jim Van Fleet
B. Law Enforcement Report-Manny Gonzalez
III. New Business
A. Update from Jennifer Smith, Health & Wellness Educator with the Collier
County Health Department
IV. Comments/Announcements
See Mike Sheffield to obtain a DVD of the Sunshine Training
V. Public Comment
VI. Adiourn- (Next meeting date: October 23, 2008)
September 25, 2008
I. Introduction
A. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Acting Chairman Manuel Gonzalez at 6:13 PM
A quorum was established.
B. Approval of the June 26, 2008 HAAB Meeting Minutes
Ernesto Veldsquez moved to approve the Minutes as submitted. Second by Cosme
Perez. Carried unanimously, 6-0.
II. Old Business
A. Education Report - Dr. James A. Van Fleet
Due to Dr. Van Fleet's absence, presentation of the Report was postponed.
III. New Business
A. Update from Jennifer Smith, Health & Wellness Educator, Collier County Health
Department
Jennifer Smith stated Collier County's population of year-round residents is
approximately 355,300 and the Hispanic Community currently comprises
25% or 88,825 residents. By 2010, the population in the Hispanic Community is
estimated to increase to between 106,400 to 127,900.
The following are some of the services provided by the Health Department:
. WIC (Women and Infant Children) Program provides nutritional counseling and
medication for mothers and infant children
. Healthy Start Program provides child birth classes in Spanish for expecting mothers
. Teen Choices Program provides parenting courses for teen mothers with a goal of
preventing repeat pregnancies
. Tobacco Free Florida and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) programs
. A toll-free bilingual "Quit Line" was established in 2001 in partnership with the
American Cancer Society
. Works closely with Drug-Free Collier and the David Lawrence Center
. Flu shots are provided to all (legal status is not verified)
. Approximately 108 full time employees are bilingual to better assist the Spanish-
speaking community with all program brochures published in Spanish as well as
English
Areas of concern:
. Hispanic drivers are 2.2 times more likely to die in a traffic crash in Collier County
. Hispanic drivers experienced higher percentages of DUI-related crashes
. Young Hispanic drivers (ages 20 - 24) has the highest rate of motor vehicle
occupant fatalities and lower percentages of seat belt use
A suggestion was made to contact Dr. Delgado of Drug-Free Collier to obtain a list
of drug, mental health and alcohol treatment options available in Lee and Collier
Counties.
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September 25,2008
Jennifer Smith stated the Health Department is sponsoring a presentation of "Reality
Journey" on October 22,2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Unity Church on Davis
Blvd. The program focuses the end results of dangerous activities, i.e., riding with a
driver who is impaired.
Cosme Perez pointed out the Columbus Day Parade, October 11 th in Golden Gate City,
will provide an opportunity to disseminate information to the Hispanic community.
A suggestion was made to ask a representative from the David Lawrence Center to
make a presentation to the Committee concerning the services which are offered.
Mike Sheffield stated he would contact the Center to arrange a presentation.
IV. Comments/Announcements:
Mike Sheffield distributed DVDs of the Sunshine Law Training to the Committee.
III. New Business
B. Law Enforcement Report - Manuel Gonzalez
Mr. Gonzalez attended a presentation given by the Sheriffs Office Seniors Crime
Assistance Unit on "Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation."
Pacts:
. Over 19% of Florida residents are over age 65
. 1 in 4 residents in Collier County are 60+
. Abuse occurs in private facilities as well as in the home
. Victims are often reluctant to report abuse because they fear punishment
. From 1986 - 1994, domestic elder abuse increased by 106% and 32% of abusers
are adult children and/or spouses of adult children
He outlined the warning signs of abuse, including emotional manipulation and isolation
of the victim from family and other social contacts, as well as defining the different
types of abuse and symptoms of neglect.
He provided contact numbers for the Department of Children and Families (1-800-96-
ABUSE) and the Sheriffs Office Seniors Crimes Assistance Unit (239-793-9468).
IV . Comments/Announcements:
Manuel Gonzalez announced that Victor Valdez was elected as President of the League
of United Latin American Citizens ("LULAC") Civil Rights Council 7115. Mr. Valdez's
office is located in Naples.
He updated the Committee on the status of the Universal Identification card. He presented
a draft of the card (effective May, 2009) which will supplement the use of passports for
travel between the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and South America.
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September 25,2008
Mike Sheffield stated Commissioner Coletta was invited to attend the October 23rd meeting
and will give a presentation on the "State of the County."
V. Public Comment/Public Speaker
Angela Cisneros introduced herself as a native-born Floridian and resident of Collier
County who attends Florida Gulf Coast University. She stated her remarks were presented
in response to comments made during a previous meeting of the Committee.
She felt discouraging students from speaking another language (in particular, Spanish)
was restrictive. She was concerned about the movement to keep Florida as an "English
only" State. She stated to push for assimilation without recognizing the contribution and
uniqueness of various cultures will only lead to conflict.
Acting Chairman Gonzalez stated it was unfortunate that Renato Fernandez was not in
attendance to explain his remarks to her.
A discussion ensued. Members questioned Ms. Cisneros about her high school educational
experience and elicited her suggestions for changes to encourage students to remain in
school and involve students in community out-reach activities.
VI. Next Meetin2: October 23, 2008
There being no further business for the good ofthe County, the meeting was adjourned by
order of the Acting Chair at 7:35 P.M.
COLLIER COUNTY HISPANIC AFFAIRS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Manuel Gonzalez, Acting Chairman
These Minutes were approved by the Board/Committee on
as presented or as amended
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