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HAAB Minutes 10/23/2008 October 23,2008 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD Naples, Florida, October 23,2008 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: Vice Chairman: David Correa Raymond Cabral Renato F. Fernandez Manuel Gonzalez Valaree D. Maxwell Cosme Perez Ernesto Velasquez Luis Alejandro Bernal (Excused) ALSO PRESENT: Mike Sheffield, County Manager's Office Commissioner Jim Coletta Collier County Government Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Meeting Agenda October 23, 2008 6:00 ~.M. I. Introduction A. Call to Order-David Correa B. Approval of the September 25, 2008 HAAB Meeting minutes II. Old Business A. Law Enforcement Report-Manny Gonzalez III. New Business A. Address from Commissioner Jim Coletta B. Discussion/Nominations for HAAB Chairman IV. Comments/Announcements A. Applications for the current HAAB vacancy are due in the Board Office by 1 0/30/08 B. Because of Thanksgiving, the next HAAB Meeting will be held a week earlier on November 20, 2008 V. Public Comment VI. Adiourn- (Next meeting date: November 20, 2008) October 23,2008 I. Introduction A. Call to Order/Welcome - David Correa The meeting was called to order by acting Chairman David Correa at 6:00 P.M. A Quorum was established. The Committee paid tribute to Jim Van Fleet. It was stated that Jim Van Fleet was a friend of the Hispanic Community. It was noted that the Community has suffered a significant loss. Manuel Gonzalez arrived 6:02 P.M. Valaree Maxwell arrived 6:03 P.M. There was a moment of silence in honor of Jim Van Fleet. Commissioner Coletta affirmed Jim Van Fleet was a pillar of the Community. He noted the various Boards that Mr. Van Fleet served and was a recipient of the Outstanding Advisory Award. Moreover Mr. Van Fleet's professionalism will be truly missed. B. Approval of the September 25, 2008 HAAB Meeting Minutes Raymond Cabral moved to approve the Minutes of September 25, 2008 as submitted. Second by Ernesto Velasquez. Motion carried unanimously 7-0. II. Old Business A. Law Enforcement Report - Manny Gonzalez reported on the indicators of dangers to the sick and elderly as it pertained to Mr. Van Fleet. He stated that a Wellness Check was requested by the Sheriffs office: Trash cans Dogs barking . No response at the door . Hasn't been seen by Neighbors Mail in mailbox He reported on the down trending economy and crime in Collier County: . Increased in activity at pawn shops . He recommended investing in an automobile lock cap to prevent gasoline theft Additionally the suggestion was made to call 911 as a "Non Emergency" to request a Well Being Check for the sick or elderly. III. New Business A. Address from Commissioner Jim Coletta - stated the County shares the same concerns on issues as the HAAB and reported the following: 2 October 23, 2008 .,. To Economy - abandoned homes .,. Noted a decreasing crime rate .,. HUD Funds will be used to purchase foreclosed homes .,. Suggested uniting the Communities to maintain their neighborhoods .,. A task force has been formed to lend guidance to individuals going through foreclosure .,. 5 Food Banks are at all time low r Collier County Budget cut of $80,000,000 .,. Emergency Services will be effected .,. Volunteers are needed for Library and After School Programs The Committee thanked Commissioner Coletta for the information. Additionally they vision a new path to being an effective Board for the Community in memory of Jim Van Fleet. Discussions continued and the following was noted: o Golden Gate - Highest rate of foreclosures o Perceives that builders are hiring arsonists to eliminate debt o High percentage of thefts are committed by the employees of builders o Suggested using a local realtor to manage foreclosed homes o Suggested utilizing youth offenders on probation - in addition it would provide support to complete the community service requirement . Michael Sheffield reviewed IV: Comments IAnnouncements B. Discussion/Nominations for HAAB Chairman The floor was open for nominations for Chairman and Vice Chairman for the effective January 1, 2009. * Cosme Perez nominated Valaree Maxwell as Chairman Raymond Cabral as Vice Chairman Discussions ensued and it was agreed that David Correa will remain as acting Chairman for the remainder of2008. Raymond Cabral moved to keep David Correa as acting Chairman until the end of the year (2008.) Second by Renato F. Fernandez. Motion carried unanimously 7-0. * Renato F. Fernandez nominated Manuel Gonzalez as Chairman * Valaree Maxwell nominated Manuel Gonzalez as Vice Chairman * David Correa nominated Valaree Maxwell as Vice Chairman Nominations are now closed for Vice Chairman. All those in favor of Raymond Cabral please raise your hands. 7 for Raymond Cabral- Raymond Cabral is Vice Chairman. Nominations are now closed for Chairman. 3 October 23,2008 All those in favor of Valaree Maxwell please raise your hands. 5 for Valaree Maxwell and 2 for Manuel Gonzalez - Valaree Maxwell is Chairman. IV. Comments / Announcements - Reviewed under III. A. A. Applications for the current HAAB vacancy are due in the Board Office by 10/30/08 B. Because of Thanksgiving, the next HAAB meeting will be held a week earlier on November 20, 2008 III. Public Comments None ***** Being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Acting Chairman at 7:09 P.M. COLLIER COUNTY HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY COMMITTEE David Correa, Acting Chairman These Minutes approved by the Board/Committee on as presented or as amended 4