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HAAB Minutes 03/25/1999 Minutes Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Meeting March 25, 1999 - HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF MEETING of March 25, 1999 at the Golden Gate Community Center, Naples, Florida PRESENT: ABSENT: Frank Rodriguez, Chairman, HAAB Dora Vidaurri, HAAB Member Pete Cade, HAAB Member David Correa, HAAB Member Kate Warner, HAAB Member Frank Loney, HAAB Member Maria Grimaldo, HAAB Member (arrived at 7:45 P.M.) Faye Reddick, HAAB Member Ramiro Mafialich, Chief Assistant County Attorney and HAAB Staff Liaison Member The March 25, 1999 meeting of the Collier County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) commenced at approximately 7:07 P.M. A quorum of seven (7) were present with Maria Grimaldo arriving at 7:45 P.M. The minutes of the February 25, 1999 meeting were unanimously approved upon motion of David Correa and second by Frank Loney and Kate Warner. The HAAB welcomed Faye Reddick as a new member. David Correa emphasized the need to have new members keep an open mind as to Hispanic view points. Frank Loney stressed the multi-cultural aspects of Collier County. In response, Faye Reddick described her multi-cultural background in Texas and Arizona and said that she would keep that same perspective as a member of the HAAB. The members agreed to reserve until the next meeting a determination of whether Dora Vidaurri's absence would be excused. Kate Warner made a motion to amend the February 25, 1999 minutes to reflect the attendance policy which she has previously faxed to Liaison, Ramiro Mafialich. A second was provided by Frank Loney and the vote was unanimous to approve the amendment. - - Ramiro Mafialich provided advice regarding the Sunshine Law and the Diversity meeting sponsored by the American Association of University Women. Kate Warner suggested that the white population of the Collier County community should be made aware of this event and that the Board members should notify those who might be interested in attending. Frank Rodriguez reported that he had conferred with Chris Straton regarding the upcoming Diversity meeting. Frank stated that it was his belief that the problems of diversity should be discussed but that also specific efforts should be made to highlight the values and benefits to the community and the economy of diversity. Frank shared with Ms. Straton information from the private sector (specifically Wachovia Financial Corporation and Sarah Lee Corporation) regarding efforts to recruit diverse talents. Frank reported that the private sector is stating that diversity is the future. Frank suggested that the Board of County Commissioners should be exposed to these concepts. Kate Warner suggested also that the Board of County Commissioners should promote diversity through a policy just as the School Board has formulated a policy on the subject. Frank indicated that the Sheriff has established a minority task force and he wondered whether some of the reduction of the crime rate was in part due to the hiring of minority officers. David Correa thought that law enforcement efforts were certainly bolstered by the presence of minorities on the force. Maria Grimaldo arrived at this point in the meeting. Additional discussion regarding diversity included the following: Frank Loney stressed the need to promote and enforce diversity through action; Kate Warner and David Correa mentioned that the HAAB's action with Naples Community Hospital regarding an alleged rule precluding the use of foreign languages was a very positive step. Maria Grimaldo commented that there is a need for respect for all human backgrounds and that all people should work together instead of conflicting. Knowledge should be shared. Pete Cade observed that the flip side of the diversity issue is that Hispanics also do and should incorporate English and white culture into their way of life. Kate Warner suggested that the diversity topic should be shared with the Black Affairs Advisory Board. She suggested that perhaps a policy about diversity could be developed on a community wide basis and not just within the County structure. Ramiro Mai'ialich mentioned that Bob Fernandez, County Administrator, and Jennifer Edwards, Human Resources Director, are resources that the HAAB could use for information regarding diversity within Collier County and specifically Collier County Government. It was the consensus of the group that diversity is the next generation beyond affirmative action and can affect many aspects of the minority community in Collier County. A motion was made by Rate Warner and seconded by David Correa to invite the Human Resources Director and the County Administrator to appear at the April, 1999 HAAB meeting to discuss diversity in Collier County. A unanimous vote was had in favor of the motion. 2 _. -. David Correa made a motion to set the election for the Chairman for the May meeting. Frank Loney provided a second and the vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. Frank Rodriguez mentioned that he has been on the Board of the Micro Enterprise Program. He mentioned there is a need for a liaison from the Hispanic Board. The Program qualifies small business loans for low and moderate income people. The Program also trains individuals by providing them financial and business skills. It is a non-profit program. Kate Warner agreed to serve as a liaison to the Program. Kate Warner provided a report regarding the School Board Diversity Task Force. She mentioned that there had been three meetings and that they were looking at diversity policies from other jurisdictions. Kate observed that more Hispanic courses are needed in the educational curriculum. The next meeting of the Task Force is scheduled to address foreign language learning in the schools. Frank Rodriguez observed that there is a new proposed requirement regarding two other languages beyond English as part of the graduation courses. At this point David Correa and Maria Grimaldo expressed concern regarding the possible selection of Dr. Dan White as School Superintendent and whether his administration would pursue a foreign language curriculum. Frank Rodriguez commented that there is state and local support for foreign language teaching in the public schools but that he is not sure how that will be implemented. He thought that there are many qualified bilingual teachers around the nation available to teach such a curriculum. Kate Warner commented that Dr. Snow from the School District heads a committee that is heavily recruiting minority teachers. The problem appears to be that minorities find the environment to be hostile. The committee is trying to create community sources to be friends to those who are recruited if they move to the area. Frank Rodriguez thought that there was also a need for a change of approach and a more positive attitude toward foreign language instruction starting at the top of the school administrative structure. He thought that the Committee should seek public input and meet at different locations. David Correa requested that Kate Warner inquire about the fate of Dr. Cardona at the Committee's meetings. Frank Loney emphasized that he wanted it placed on the record that he is in support of Dr. Cardona and his situation with school administration. Maria Grimaldo observed that she thought that Dr. Cardona's plight was part of the diversity issues that the Hispanic Board should be concerned with. Kate Warner reminded the HAAB members that there had been a proposed letter to the Board in the past regarding the Cardona situation and that there possibly could still be some action on the matter in a way that comports with the governing ordinance. The members discussed items for the next HAAB agenda Frank Rodriguez stated that regarding the Cardona incident, there is a need to propose solutions to the situation. The meeting ofthe Hispanic Board adjourned at approximately 9:04 P.M. 3 ~ Prepared by: Ramiro Mafialich, Board Liaison rI Approved by the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board on;? _ Day of April, 1999. Frank Rodri e Hispanic Affairs r 4