HAAB Minutes 05/28/2009 R
May 28, 2009
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY
HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
Naples, Florida, May 28, 2009
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: Valaree D. Maxwell
Vice Chairman: Raymond Cabral
David Correa
Renato F. F emcindez
Manuel Gonzalez (Excused)
Cosme Perez (Excused)
Emesto Velasquez (Absent)
Zetty Rivera
ALSO PRESENT: Mike Sheffield, County Manager's Office
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May 28, 2009
I. Call to Order-Chairman Valaree Maxwell
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Valaree Maxwell at 6:00 P.M.
A Quorum was established.
II. Welcome new member Zetty Rivera (appointed by the BCC on 5/12/09)
Valaree Maxwell welcomed Zetty Rivera to the Hispanic Affairs Advisory
Committee.
III. Approval of Minutes from the 4/23/09 Meeting
David Correa moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Second by Renato F.
Fernandez. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
IV. Acceptance of the Minutes from the 4/21/09 Hispanic Heritage
Subcommittee Meeting
Renato F. Fernandez moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Second by
Raymond Cabral. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
V. Old Business
A. 2010 United States Census-Mrs. Marcela Rice, US Census Bureau
Marcela Rice-Partnership Specialist stated to attain an accurate assessment
of the national population a census is conducted each decade. She gave a US
Census presentation on the following:
· 2000 Census count was very low in the area
· Her territory consists of Collier, Lee, Hendry, Glades, and Charlotte
Counties
· Requested HAAB assistance in the distribution of information to the
Hispanic Communities
· Address canvassing is complete
· Census consists of 10 questions and will take 10 minutes to complete
· A stamped return envelope is included
· If the questionnaire is not mailed a representative will visit those homes
· Annually more than "three hundred billion dollars" are awarded to States
and Communities based on Census data
· A 3 minutes film was shown on the Census Packet (See attachment)
· Partnership consist of
o Distribution of Flyers-Census Bureau will provide the materials
o Count Committees
Discussions ensued and the following was clarified:
o The Census count is comprised of US Citizens and non Citizens-Includes
undocumented residents
o Census is mandated by Law
o Census Bureau will hire over 2000 people
o Individuals may work in their gated Community as a Census taker
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May 28, 2009
Mike Sheffield suggested one HAAB Advisory Board Member be designated
to participate on the Census Committee due to the Sunshine Law.
Chairman Maxwell volunteered.
B. Education Report- V alaree Maxwell
Chairman Maxwell stated only 10% of individuals who come out of rehab
make it. Announced she is introducing a "Recovery High School" Program
available in the United States and reviewed the following:
~ Program will be available to Adults
~ A Contract is signed by the individual to consent-
Relinquish past friendships
- Avoid drug houses
- Random Drug testing
~ Participants will receive Counseling 4 times per week
~ Objective-Recovery and Graduate High School
~ Seeking volunteers in the Community
~ Currently over 400 individuals in Collier County on Probation-Majority
are drug related
~ Program will go live Fall 2009
Raymond Cabral questioned if random drug testing is currently being
conducted in Collier County Schools.
Chairman Maxwell responded affirmatively. Formerly a Grant was received
to test athletes and cheerleaders. Additionally a Grant request will be
submitted to randomly test Drivers (teens driving to school.)
(6:32 PM - Zetty Rivera left and quorum was lost.)
Mike Sheffield requested an update on the "Recovery High School" Program.
Chairman Maxwell will provide an update in August 2009.
C. Discussion Regarding the Hispanic Heritage Month Project
Mike Sheffield reiterated the HAAB Committees preference (April 23, 2009
meeting) to refer the Event to a Non-Governmental Agency.
(6:34 PM - Zetty Rivera returned and a quorum was reestablished.)
Chairman Maxwell noted County Funds are not available for the Project.
Valaree Maxwell moved to disband the Subcommittee for the Hispanic Heritage
Month Project. Second by Renato F. Fernandez. Motion carried unanimously
5-0.
VI. New Business
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May 28, 2009
A. Introduction of HAAB applicant F. William Forbes and recommendation
(to the BCC) for appointment of Mr. Forbes and reappointment of
Valaree Maxwell
F. William Forbes gave a summary of his qualifications:
· Retired in 2006
Involved in Greater Naples Leadership Program (Class 12)
Mentored 2 students at Immokalee High School "Take Stock in Children
Program"
Involved in Boys and Girls Clubs
Member on the Collier County Library Board
Chairman Maxwell reviewed the role of an HAAB Advisory Board Member.
Raymond Cabral moved to recommend Bill Forbes to the HAAB, he has a
wealth of knowledge and will be a great asset to the HAAB (For BCC
approval.) Second by Renato F. Fernandez. Motion carried unanimously
5-0.
Mike Sheffield announced the June 24, 2009 expiration of Committee terms
and noted Valaree Maxwell reapplied:
o Ernesto Velasquez
o Raymond Cabral
o Valaree Maxwell
o Cosme Perez
David Correa moved to recommend Valaree Maxwell to the BCC for approval
(as the HAAB Committee) is very much in favor of keeping her. Second by
Raymond Cabral. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
IV. Member and Staff Comments
Discussion Regarding Summer Recess for the HAAB (June, July, and
August)
It was suggested to recess during June, July, and August.
Renato F. Fernandez movedfor the next meeting to be held in September.
Second by Valaree Maxwell. Motion carried unanimously 5-0.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2009.
VII. Public Comments
None
VIII. Action Item(s) to Board of County Commissioners (if any)
Renato F. Fernandez suggested a meeting be conducted in Immokalee for Public
participation.
After much discussion it was concluded to determine the issues are via
Community Leaders prior to a Public Meeting.
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May 28, 2009
Mike Sheffield received Committee approval to poll Immokalee Leaders to
determine issues and extend an invitation to attend the September meeting.
Being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by
order of the Chairman at 7:01 P.M.
COLLIER COUNTY HISPANIC AFFAIRS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Valaree D. Maxwell, Chairman
These Minutes approved by the Board/Committee on
as presented or as amended
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