HAAB Minutes 10/04/1991
Minutes
Hispanic Affairs
Advisory Board
Meeting
October 4, 1991
COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes of Meeting
October 4, 1991
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Zac Lucio
Alex Castro
Gloria Dominguez
Jorge Perez Avila
Jaime Gutierrez
Nelson Mufioz
Antonio Perez-Benitoa
MEMBER ABSENT:
Bernardo Garcia
STAFF PRESENT:
Ramiro Mafialich:
Staff Liaison to Hispanic Affairs Advisory
Board
Margret B. Bowles:
Staff Liaison to Black Affairs Advisory
Board
STAFF ABSENT:
Jennifer pike:
Assistant To The County Manager
The meeting of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board was held in
the Board of County Commissioners' Meeting Room, Building F,
Third Floor, of the Collier County Government Complex on
October 4, 1991 at 9:00 a.m.
Zac Lucio, Chairman of the Hispanic Board, called the meeting to
order. The Board members approved the minutes of August 29, 1991
meeting with an amendment by Mr. Mafialich to the second part
which should read as follows:
"In keeping with Ordinance 91-37" it has been recommended that
the grievances of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board will be
presented to the Board of County Commissioners when Commissioner
Burt Saunders is present.
On discussion of adoption of Rules of Procedure, a motion was
made to use rules when needed and to use common sense with a
parliamentary procedure basis. It seconded and passed.
STAFF REPORT:
Mr. Ramiro Mafialich, Assistant County Attorney informed the
Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board of the following:
In reference to our last meetings regarding Mr. Manuel Rodriguez,
Jr., it has been decided by the Board of county Commissioners
that Mr. ROdriguez's problems will not be heard by the Hispanic
Affairs Advisory Board. However, individual cases can be heard
providing they are not in a conflict of interest with the County
government. Mr. Mafialich reported that the procedure of minutes
typing and distribution will be made by his office.
The Board of County Commissioners asked Mr. Mafialich to confirm
the resignation of two of the members of the Hispanic Affairs
Advisory Board.
Mr. Jaime Gutierrez has rejoined the group. Dr. Frank Beltran
cannot because of health reasons.
OTHER JURISDICTION:
Mr. Mafialich informed the H.A.A.B that the Board of Education
matter and other agencies cannot be addressed. However, any
problems arising can be presented to the Board of County
Commissioners. He restated that the Board of County
Commissioners operates under certain limitations. Mr. Alex
Castro commented that at a public meeting the Hispanic Affairs
Advisory Board has limited control, he recognized that we cannot
involve ourselves in County matters. However, his concerns were
whether recommendations can be made to the public or to
individuals as to where to go for the solution to their problems.
Mr. Mafialich stated that he believes that Mr. Castro's
recommendations were appropriate.
Mr. Alex Castro thanked Mr. Manalich for his endeavor to assist
Ms. Dominguez on the minutes. He also welcomed and thanked Mr.
Gutierrez for returning to the H.A.A.B.
Mr. victor Valdes, Editor of Las Naciones newspaper asked for
clarification of the H.A.A.B responsibilities. He understood
that Federal, County and government issue cannot be addressed by
the Board. Mr. Valdes' concern is to know the reason and
existence of the H.A.A.B when problems and issues of the Hispanic
Community cannot be addressed by the Board.
*Mr. Zac Lucio stated that he disagrees with the Board of County
Commissioners about not being able to present issue to the Board,
but rather listen to the community problems through other
Hispanic organization such as Lulac, The Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, etc.
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*Mr. Valdes emphasized to the H.A.A.B that the main existence of
the H.A.A.B is to listen to the Hispanic People's Problems and to
present them to the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Manalich
stated that personal grievances against the County cannot be
heard by this Board. However, some individual cases can be heard
on a one-to-one basis.
Mr. Zac Lucio commented that the Collier County Board
Commissioners has not voted on this issue. Therefore, it
appeared to be a personal opinion of Commissioner B. Saunders.
Mr. Mafialich presented the H.A.A.B members with a Collier County
organizational chart and stated that it will be helpful in the
creation of the committee.
The H.A.A.B created seven committees to serve the Hispanic
Community - they are:
Name of Committees
Person in charqe
1.
2.
Housing Committee
Education
Mr. Jaime Gutierrez
Mr. B. Garcia (subject to his
approval
Mr. Jorge Avila and
Mr. Antonio Perez Benitoa
Ms. G. Dominguez
Mr. Mufioz
Mr. Z. Lucio
Mr. A. Castro
3.
Law-Enforcement
4.
5.
6.
7.
Health
Economic Development
Gov. Affair
Employment Opportunity
Mr. Nelson A. Mufioz stated the need to set goals and objectives
to (of) the newly formed subcommittees. Mr. Mafialich suggested
that each committee will present their recommendation of goals
and objectives at our next meeting.
Mr. Antonio Perez Benitoa was of the opinion that the goals and
objectives of the Committee should be decided by the Hispanic
Affairs Advisory Board.
A motion was made to create and accept the seven subcommittees of
the H.A.A.B. It seconded and passed.
A motion was made to accept the eight members as chairman of the
newly formed subcommittees of the H.A.A.B. It seconded and
passed.
A motion was made to present issues that have been identified by
the Committee at next meeting. It seconded and passed.
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The Chairman of the Black Affairs Advisory Board suggested to the
H.A.A.B that each subcommittee chairman should (could) gather
(obtain) the information needed about their specific areas. He
also recommended to the Chairman Mr. Zac Lucio to set up a time
table in order to monitor the priorities and goals of the
subcommittee.
A motion was made to exchange information with both Board for the
purpose of mutual benefit. It seconded and passed.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
At this meeting no old business was conducted.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Mafialich made the following recommendations:
A. That the grievances procedure of the Collier County Board of
commissioners be reviewed by the H.A.A.B.
B. The creation of a Press Release to emphasize, highlight and
accomplishment of each meeting. A motion was made to have a
press release. It seconded and passed.
Mr. Perez-Benitoa demonstrated great concern on how to handle
individual problems. He suggested (recommended) the need to
develop a format to submit grievances to the H.A.A.B. Mr. Perez-
Benitoa promised to present to the Board a format which will
cover the process on how the public will address the Board.
Mirna Perez, representing "EI Hispano" newspaper stated the need
to educate the public to address their problems properly. A
motion was made to establish a format for the public to address
the Board it seconded and passed.
Mr. victor Valdes, editor of "Las Naciones" newspaper asked the
Board if LULAC and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have
authorization to give information on the H.A.A.B. Mr. Valdes was
informed that both organization can release information on the
Board. A motion was made to have meeting at night (in the
evening). It seconded and passed.
By rules the meeting of the H.A.A.B will continue to be held in
English, however, the Board can listen to the public speaking in
Spanish providing the proper translation is made.
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VIII. Mr. Ramiro Mafialich, Assistant County Attorney
distributed and read victor Valdes proclamation. (See attached
photocopy) A motion was made to present victor Valdes
proclamation to the Board of county Commissioners to be placed on
their Agenda. It seconded and passed UNANIMOUSLY.
NEXT MEETING:
At 11:15 a.m. the Board voted to have the next meeting on October
18, 1991 at 7:00 p.m. at Building F, Collier County Government
Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Gloria E. Dominguez
Secretary
Approved by the Board on
, 1991
Zac Lucio, Chairman of the Board
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