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HAAB Backup 01/31/1996 Backup Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Meeting January 31, 1996 NOTICE OF MEETING HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1996 7:00 P.M. COLLIER COUNTY GOVERNMENT COMPLEX ADMINISTRATION BUILDING THIRD FLOOR, BCC BOARD ROOM 3301 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL NAPLES, FLORIDA * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 9, 1995 MEETING III. REPORT FROM HAAB LIAISON IV. NEW BUSINESS A. SUBCOMMITTEES & REPORTING V. OLD BUSINESS A. LOCATION OF 1996 MEETINGS B. REPORT FROM CHAIRMAN REGARDING LETTER FROM BLACK AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD CHAIRMAN VI. OPEN SESSION VII. MEETING ADJOURN HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF MEETING January 31, 1996 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S MEETING ROOM 3RD FLOOR, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING COLLIER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER NAPLES, FLORIDA PRESENT: Frank Rodriguez, HAAB Chairman Neil Morales, HAAB Vice-Chairman David Correa, HAAB Member Frank Loney, HAAB Member Pedro Vazquez, HAAB Member Eva Delashmet, HAAB Member The meeting of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board convened at approximately 7:07 PM. A quorum of six members were present and there were two visitors: Victor Valdez and Christina Salacar. Ramiro Manalich, Chief Assistant County Attorney and BCC liaison to HAAB, was not present, so Neil Morales volunteered to take the Minutes. The Minutes of the November 9, 1995 meeting were motioned for approval by David Correa, seconded by Pedro Vazquez, and were passed unanimously. Frank Rodriguez briefly explained why Ramiro Manalich could not attend the meeting. Frank Rodriguez introduced Eva Delashmet to the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board. Eva Delashmet then proceeded to introduce herself. Frank Rodriguez explained to Eva Delashmet what our role as the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board is, the history of the board, its dealings with the Human Rights Commission, and he stressed the parameters that the ordinance, which established the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, set on us. Frank Rodriguez led the discussion on our ability to obtain letterheads for our Hispanic Network Program. He began by reminding and informing the board members that even though the board members were not permitted to carry business cards with the name of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board printed on them, the method of using letterheads to reach the community would provide itselfto be a useful alternative. He then proceeded by stating that the information he received on obtaining letterheads was given to him by Ramiro Manalich Frank Rodriguez stated that in order to obtain letterheads for the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, we, the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, need to prepare an "executive summary" detailing our estimates of expenditure. The "executive summary" would then be given to the budget office which in turn would provide us with a "source for funds" Furthermore, we, the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, would need to provide an "explanation" on how we would perform our duties with such funds. Frank Rodriguez then made an oral note that he would like to see Ramiro Manalich's office handle the final documentation of both the "executive summary" and the "explanation" before it is presented to the budget office David Correa stated that he did not believe Rarniro Manalich's office has a clerk to handle Frank Rodriguez's suggestion. Frank Rodriguez suggested that Ramiro Manalich should handle the final writing instead. Neil Morales firmly stated that it is urgent for the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board to accomplish as much work as reasonably possible in each monthly meeting, since the board only meets 12 times in a single year. Neil Morales further urged that the board should begin the drafting of the "executive summary" and the "explanation" immediately, since the board has only to estimate the number ofletterheads it needs. Frank Rodriguez stated that he will create the first draft, then distribute it to each of the individual board members. The members would then make their corrections, then deliver their corrections to Ramiro Manalich's office. Furthermore, Frank Rodriguez stated that he was going to meet with each of the county commissioners seperatelyto discuss this matter in person. David Correa suggested that Frank Rodriguez should take another member along with him-- presumably the Vice-Chairman Neil Morales of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board. Frank Rodriguez strongly disagreed stating that it would violate the Sunshine Law, because he would be speaking about present HAAB business in each of these individual meetings. Frank Loney brought up the question on the prohibition of members carrying business cards that identified them as Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board members. Frank Rodriguez reiterated what he said earlier concerning the prohibition of carrying such cards. Frank Loney firmly protested against not having any form of identification as a board member. He stated that the public would want to see some identification to be sure we are who we say we are, and that lack of identification weakens our credibility in the public's eye. Unwarranted discussion took place and the meeting was diverted for a few brief moments. Neil Morales made a motion for the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board to immediately "take action" and draft a proposal for the letterhead expenditures. The motion was amended by Frank Rodriguez to allow him to be the author of the original proposal and to distribute the original proposal to each . of the members for their input and corrections. Then their corrections, if any, were to be sent to the office of Ramiro Manalich for final documentation. Pedro Vazquez seconded the amended motion. The motion was passed 5 in favor and I abstaination by Frank Loney. The question of having more members join the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board was brought up by Pedro Vazquez. Frank Rodriguez stated that he had one person in mind: AJisa Chavez. David Correa asked if it was the same AJisa Chavez who help take part in the tomato farmers strike in Immokalee just recently. Frank Rodriguez stated that it is her. Unwarranted discussion took place and meeting was diverted for few brief moments. The question of the ordinance was brought to light again. Frank Loney protested on the tight knit parameters of the HAAB ordinance. He further stated that the ordinance's tight parameters are keeping us from doing more for the hispanic community, because it did not give any "real authority" to the board. He then stated that he would like to see the by-laws. More unwarranted discussion took place and meeting was diverted for few brief moments. Meeting was then brought back on course and Frank Rodriguez went down the agenda. Frank Rodriguez asked where should we hold our next meeting, and he subrnitted Golden Gate as our first location. Neil Morales suggested that we should hold our next meeting in the present location and invite everyone who has a concern, a question, or an outright problem, that deals with the hispanic community in Collier County, to voice their concern at the next meeting. He further stated that this would allow the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board to get a "feel" for some of the issues before we venture off into the community. He also stated that it would allow us to do a test run before we face the community. F rank Rodriguez opposed the suggestion stating that we have been in this location for the longest time and little has been accomplished. Neil Morales stated that as long as he has been a member of this board he cannot remember a time that the board has tried this idea He further stated that we should look at the great accomplishment that the board had when it helped sponsor the "Cuban-American Platform" He stated that it drew at least sixty people, and that if those sixty people were asked to voice their concerns, we would have had some substance to be dealing with right at this time. Unwarranted discussion took place and meeting was diverted for few brief moments. Victor Valdez who was a member of the audience was given permission to voice his concern to the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board He first began by introducing himself and stating his role within the community. He stated that being a "speaker for equal rights" has landed him in trouble with the Sheriff's Office. He elaborated that men from the Sheriff's Office, under the elected-term of Sheriff Don Hunter, brutally "beat" him and threatened a family member. He also stated that he is the Chief Editor of "Las Naciones" newspaper, and that he has been battling the Sheriff's Office with his paper for some time. He further stated that he has brought a lot of these cases to the attention of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board in the past few years and that the board was told by the commissioners not to handle this type of issue. He also stated that the commissioners further told the board that they can present the case as an individual citizen but not as the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board. He then clearly stated that he won the same 30 cases that he presented to the HAAB and the Collier County Commissioners against the Sheriff's Office by taking those cases to a federal court He then proceeded to state that the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board had a meeting five-years ago with a large number of people in the audience. He stated that because of the ordinance's strict parameters, the board members were not able to accomplish anything. He further stated that because the lack of authority that the board carried, the board was discredited in front of all those present that day. Victor Valdez stated that major issues such as police brutality, discrimination, etc.. were "shot down" by the county commissioners. He stated that the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board will end up in the same predicament if it does not take measures to strengthen its authority within the ordinance. Pedro Vazquez stated that he lived here roughly 4 years, and not once in those 4 years did he ever hear about all of Mr. Victor Valdez's cases. Victor Valdez cited an example of a cuban-american male who was fired because of discrimination. He stated that this case was brought to the attention of the HAAB. He also stated that when the HAAB brought this case to the attention of the county commissioners, the commissioners said that the HAAB cannot make a "suggestion" dealing with this case but individuals of the board can as private citizens. Frank Rodriguez stated that the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board is aware of the weaknesses of the ordinance and cannot change it. He further stated that as long as the ordinance stays as it is, we can do nothing about it. He stated that we cannot force this issue because the commissioners do not want to be told what to do. Victor Valdez also spoke on the change in his paper: Las Naciones. He stated the Sheriff's Office has pulled some kind oflegal trick on his paper that dealt with him advertising for company's while being a nonprofit newspaper. He stated what the new name of his paper is and passed a sheet of paper that contained the new name of his paper: Under The First Amendment (Bajo La Primera Enmienda) Frank Loney asked Mr. Victor Valdez for dates of the cases that are public record. Victor Valdez stated that he does not have them with him now, but he will give it to him later. Frank Rodriguez reiterated to have the next meeting in Golden Gate and then the second meeting in Immokalee. David Correa wanted to know if we get reimbursed for the trip. Frank Rodriguez stated that this is all volunteer. David Correa stated concern about planning the second trip so suddenly without first seeing how Golden Gate would turnout. He stated that we should go "easy at first." Frank Rodriguez and Eva Delashmet both stated that Golden Gate and Immokalee are two totally different areas and to base the response that we will get from the citizens of Golden Gate to the amount we would get in lmmokalee is irrelevant. Everyone was in accordance with Frank Rodriguez's plan to go to Golden Gate first, tllen to Immokalee Frank Rodriguez set the following dates: February 29, 1996 - next meeting in Golden Gate, March 28, 1996 - second meeting in Immokalee, April 25, 1996 - third meeting back to present location to organize collected information. Frank Rodriguez moved on to explain the letter of the Black Affairs Advisory Board. He stated that he spoke to Mr. Henry Tribble, the Chairman of the BAAB, and all that Mr. Tribble wanted was just to inform us on what was taking place with the BAAB and that no action was to take place. Frank Rodriguez then asked for an open forum around 8:57 PM. David Correa asked Frank ifhe was going to handle the writing of the "executive summary" and "explanation" proposals and the meeting with the commissioners. F rank Rodriguez reiterated what he stated earlier. Neil Morales stated that if the HAAB wants more turnout at the meetings, we should do some more advertising and speak out in locations that have a large number of people there in order to inform them about our meetings. He stated that one good place to start would be in the churches. Frank Rodriguez agreed with Neil Morales and stated that the advertising for our community outreach meetings will be done by Rarniro Manalich's office. Frank Rodriguez stated that he would volunteer to send a press release to Mr. Ramiro Manalich's office in order for Mr. Manalich to review and revise the release for the purposes of publication in the Naples Daily News. This publication would alert the community of Naples, and its surrounding areas, that we will be holding a meeting in the Golden Gate Community Center off of Golden Gate Parkway. The press release is to further give notice that the meeting's location was purposely picked with the intention of attracting those in the Golden Gate area who wish to voice their concerns about the hispanic community. He also stated that a group we should speak to or invite to our next meeting should be the Golden Gate Chamber of Commerce. No one brought any more motions or emotions further, and the group adjourned for the evening at 9:00 PM. MEMORANDUM TO: Mr. Ramiro Manalich FM: Mr. Neil Morales DT: March 10, 1996 RE: Revision Of January 31, 1996 Minutes As pursuant to our last Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board meeting on February 29, 1996, I have revised the Minutes for the January 31, 1996 meeting as the board has asked. Unfortunately, I have received no word from Mr. Victor Valdez on his corrections for these Minutes. If you have any questions, please call me: 774-4985 , ,) I,', -,,," "'.J"I ~ ',J .,' : "I'i <,j c) 04/24/1996 14:04 9414347%4 GUARAI n EE. III LE. PAI.3E 02 LAS NACIONES NEWS L^~~~gJ~~r..lro ~:r.1.w~N~g~~n:-eR Serl'llIg Sout" NorMa ..I'VID. 0... maPANIC COMMUNITY. Since 1984 Mailing Address: P.O. Bo" 10503 . Naples, FL 3394\ . Phone (941) 434-6021 . Fax: (941) 434-7964 . Message Line: 999.7754 OfficeAddress: 51\7 Castello Drive . Suite One . Naples, Florida 33940 April 23, 1996 HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Frank Rodriguez All Mewmbers of the H.A.A.a. Dear Sirs: During the H.A.A.B. public meeting of March 27, 1996 in Immokalee I was accused by Sheriff Deputy Tom Kastner. The Sheriff Deputy, while representing Collier County Sheriff Don Hunter in that public meeting, claims that I accused him of kidnapping me on November of 1993. I was called a liar by Mr. Tom Kostner because, according to him, I had accused him without reason or proof of being my abductor. I had made allegations in the H.A.A.B. meeting with regards to pOlice brutality charges found in his file.and I ~ant to present the evidences that I found during the Valdes Probe. I hereby request the a.A.A.B. to include in it's agenda to submit all the evidences available as to what I said in that March 27, 1996 Board meeting so. that I may have the opportunity to clear my name. This concerns me greatly as the accusations were made in a public meeting wherein over forty (40) people ~ere present. I also agreE! that Deputy Sheriff Tom Kostner be present at the next meeting so that he may have the right to refute these allegations as well as I. please make this letter part of the H.A.A.B. records ,)cfln (; V Ii~ VICTOR A. VALDEZ Writer, Journalist, Civil Rights Activist ~c: Ramiro Manalich, Esquire Members of Collier County Board of Commissioners 04/24/1995 14:04 9414347954 GUARANTEE TITLE PAGE 01 LAs NACIONES ~. NEWS ~~~gI8~ =,m=.fJig~.... Serving South Florida ........ - HISPANIC CO~ Since 1984 MaiJina Addreu: P.O, Box 10503.. Naples, FL 33941. Pbono: (941) 434..6021. Fax: (941) 434-7964. Messap Line: m-77S4 otrJeeAddnu: , 117 CasteUo Drill: ' SwIG Ono . Naples, Florida 33940 FAX TRANSMITTAL FROl": ;A.t4.Dh. (, c..k . TO: .. DATE: FAX II: PAGE 1 OF b 77Y-(J 2- 2..) L- MESSAGE' . f1w... ~ 4ft.. ;/I f<..l-( d ait tAM. J {;;:rhL (I ) /nAJ fi; AAitt LlUulf, (lndM-~h -'?' 04/23/1996 10:14 9414347964 GUARAIITEE TITLE PAGE 01 LAS NACION-ES NEWS VOICl! or THIl HISPANIC COMMUNITY \. Serving Soutlr Florida LAa NACIONBlt \a lb. HISPANIC NKW...-.PRR ........ _ HlSPAJollC coMll<lUN1TY. Since 1984 Mailing Addrc3,: P,O. Box 10503' Naples, FL 33941. Phone: (941) 434-6021' Fax: (941) 434.7964. Message Line: 999.7754 Olf'II:CAddreu: S 117 Cutello Drive . Suite One . Naples. Florida 33940 ~'" I- 17'1- 0"225 FAX TRANSMITTAL FR0!1 : fl;!11. fZA,u11to 14. VP Ire hr ~f ' ~&-b4 p. V,A Ick--s -:12 "Z-I 'i' 0 / 2- TO: DATE : FAX //: PAGE 1 OF /U.I. ~ll QJ ~ bl' i'U1../.2.u.J ~A.,$.. . (] , Ape 11 20, 1996 a,Zt;. : MIL (2{u4A (tU:J #.. /uJ..- fA_fA: d< I ~ ~ ~ "V COLLIER COUNTY HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD Hr. Frank Rodriguez, Chairman of the Board Dear Board Hembersl On the Minutes of the H.A.A.B. meeting of January 31, 1996, there appeared statements about my participation in same. Allow me first to say that, it is my opinion, that this misunderstanding was only due to my strong accent in the English language and not in any way, shape or form, a bad intention on behalf of anyone on the Board. Secondly, I want to bring forth a few mistakes in the minutes over the statement made. They are as followl The minutes readl "He clearly stated that he won the same thirty (30) cases that he presented to the H.A.A.B. and the Collier County Commissioners against the Sheriff's Office by taking those cases to Federal Court." Several cases were brought to the H.A,A.B. and to the Collier County's Board of Commissioners. No solutions or remedies wee ever found for the problems of the community. The case of H. Rodrigue= vs. Collier County Government was filed by Hr. Rodr Iguez himself and was settled before tr ial. I took an actIve roll in this case as activist, but I did not represent Hr. Rodriguez. I am not an attorney. Other cases, like the case of the Gomez brothers, and others, were brought to the H.A.A.B. and nothing was ever done. st ill oth..r ca..s, InclucHng over thirty (30) cases of evict ion with the stain of discrimination were brought to the attention of the Collier County Board of Commissioners and, at our request, the Commissioners gave them to the owners of Six L. I l:eprel5ented those people as community speaker, not as an attorney. I am not-an attol:ney. There are more examples, but they are too many for this letter. I want this letter, along with a newspaper Clipping of an article about one of the cases mentioned herein to be part of the H.A.A.B. record5. Thank you, ~~ v!~~(~ { 07 VICTOR A. VALDEZ Writer, Journalist, Civil Rights Activist cc: Ramiro Ha1alich, Esquire Members of the Board of Commissioners C.c,rB.C.