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HAAB Minutes 06/24/1999 Minutes Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Meeting June 24, 1999 --., HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF MEETING of June 24, 1999 at the Golden Gate Community Center, Naples, Florida PRESENT: ABSENT: Frank Rodriguez, Chairman, HAAB David Correa, HAAB Member Frank Loney, HAAB Member Pete Cade, HAAB Member Faye Reddick, HAAB Member Leo Cardona, HAAB Member Ramiro Maftalich, Chief Assistant County Attorney and HAAB Staff Liaison Member Dora Vidaurri, HAAB Member Maria Grimaldo, HAAB Member Also Present: Chris Bent, Applicant Jay Fox, Applicant Victor Valdes, Editor, Las Naciones Newspaper The June 24, 1999 regular meeting of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board of Collier County (HAAB) commenced at approximately 7:17 P.M. A quorum of six (6) members was present. The HAAB reviewed and considered the approval of the April 29, 1999 meeting minutes. Mr. Victor Valdes, Editor, Las Naciones News, commented that the attached page for the April 29, 1999 minutes referencing his prior comments was fine. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Faye Reddick and seconded by Pete Cade. There was a unanimous vote to approve. The Board reviewed and considered the approval of the May 27, 1999 meeting minutes. Frank Loney made a motion to approve which was seconded by David Correa. There was a unanimous vote for approval. A discussion next ensued regarding whether Mr. Victor Valdes, Editor, Las Naciones News and Hispanic Rights Advocate, should have a separate place on the agenda regarding a report that Mr. Valdes wished to present to the Board regarding the Collier County Sheriffs office. Chairman _"_.,~______--<,___",~,,,",_,..'__."~o'_~'~_ Frank Rodriguez commented that he thought that the appropriate place for Mr. Valdes to comment was under the Public Comments section of the Agenda without separate reference to the topic in the Agenda. Staff Liaison Ramiro Maftalich reviewed the minutes of the last meeting with the Board regarding this topic and advised that the Chairman controls the agenda but that there can be a specific vote by the HAAB regarding the subject. Mr. Valdes commented that he wished to be specifically mentioned on the agenda so that the Sheriff s Office would find a need to be present and respond at the meeting. For the record, Mr. Valdes protested that the Chairman was trying to preclude him from speaking due to his allegations that the Chairman is involved in a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigation and is defending a civil rights violator (the Sheriff). Mr. Valdes stated that he specifically wished to be placed on the next agenda with specific reference to his topic. A motion was made by Frank Loney to place the matter on the next agenda with reference to the specific topic. The motion was seconded by Pete Cade. The motion passed by a 5-1 vote (Frank Rodriguez voting against). Frank Rodriguez requested that the record reflect that he was voting against the motion because he did not believe it was appropriate for him to comment on a future agenda when his term on the Board was ending as of this meeting. Chairman Rodriguez welcomed Leo Cardona as a member. He advised Mr. Cardona that there are limits on the conduct of the HAAB members imposed by Ordinance and the Sunshine Law. He stated that the HAAB is a link to the community for Hispanics. He mentioned that the HAAB is constrained to act within the framework of the enabling ordinance. He mentioned, as an example, a recent Resolution on diversity which, perhaps, could have been stronger but that it reflected the efforts of Mr. Rodriguez and the HAAB to effectuate positive change for the Hispanic community. Frank Rodriguez further mentioned that the Minority Task Force is working diligently within the Sheriffs office and the FDLE framework. Frank Rodriguez mentioned that there is a growing Hispanic population and much to be done in Collier County. He stressed the need for the commitment of all of the HAAB members to the Hispanic community. Frank stated that he would stay involved with the Hispanic community and the HAAB after the end of his term. Frank stated that he was confident that Leo Cardona would be an asset to the Board. Frank Rodriguez stated that the Resolution declaring English as the official language of Collier County government continues to be a problem. He stated that it would be up to future HAAB members to follow up on this subject. He reminded the members that the HAAB had sent a letter of opposition to this Resolution to the Board of County Commissioners. He mentioned that Commissioner Norris had responded to Frank regarding the HAAB letter. A copy of Commissioner Norris' letter is attached to these minutes. Frank stated the opinion that Commissioner Norris should have written to the HAAB and not to Frank regarding this subject. Frank Loney inquired whether any letter had ever been sent to the Board of County Commissioners as a result of the joint meeting of the HAAB and Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) of April 29, 1999, regarding the problems affecting minorities and the School Board. Frank Rodriguez commented that the BAAB had never sent the draft letter; however, Frank 2 --~<....~<~..__._~.",....,---=,.,--~-"..".. ~ reminded the members that the Board of County Commissioners had approved a Resolution promoting diversity. At this point, Ramiro Maftalich reminded the members that if they wanted the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) to provide a formal response (as a Board), then they may wish to request to be placed on the agenda for the BCC to obtain a formal vote of the BCC in regard to any HAAB position or request. Frank Rodriguez finished his comments regarding the BCC Resolution on diversity by stating that although it was passed with some word changes, there is now an important policy regarding diversity in place with the Board of County Commissioners. Frank said that this Resolution and its affects should be followed up with Collier County govemment. F aye Reddick commented that one-half of the members on the HAAB are new but they all have special talents which are needed by the Hispanic community. She said that recent events (such as the English as the official language Resolution) pose unique HAAB opportunities. She encouraged members of the HAAB with commitment and talents to apply for the position of chairman. Faye discussed the role of the chairman and the temperament which is needed for a successful chairman. She suggested that the election of a new chairman occur when all new members are present at the August meeting. She made a motion to this effect. The motion was seconded by Pete Cade. David Correa commented that the elections were supposed to have occurred in January. He discussed the history of postponements of this subject and he stated that the new members are not as familiar with HAAB problems. He explained his reasons for making strong statements regarding School Board Superintendent Dr. White and Board of County Commissioners member James Carter. He stressed that minorities have to stand up for their rights in Collier County. Pete Cade inteJjected that Dora Vidaurri and Maria Grimaldo should be present to participate in the vote. Frank Rodriguez also agreed that the full membership should be present to vote. David Correa commented that he was disappointed with the motion. He stressed this is not a personal issue but that there was talent presently on the Board from which to make the Chairmanship selection. Frank Loney commented that he would vote against the motion. He said that there were too many mind games, postponements and procrastination. He stressed the need for action and not just talk. The motion failed by a 2-4 margin with Pete Cade and Faye Reddick voting in favor of the motion. David Correa nominated himself for the position of Chairman. Leo Cardona provided a second. The vote was 4-2 (Faye Reddick and Frank Rodriguez opposed) and the motion failed since an affirmative vote of 5 is necessary, pursuant to the Ordinance, for official action to be taken. For the record, Frank Rodriguez again stated that it was his philosophical position that since his term was ending with this meeting that he should not vote in favor of matters which would bind future Boards. 3 The HAAB next reviewed the application of member Andrew J. Fox. Mr. Fox described that he had moved to Naples in September of last year and that he speaks Spanish. He explained his international background and that he has lived extensively in Hispanic cultures throughout the world. He said he wanted to give back to the Hispanic culture. He is in the process of familiarizing himself with the City of Immokalee but he has previously farmed in Florida. It is his observation that Hispanics in Florida need representation by persons interested in their plight. He commented how people of his ancestry (Irish) also previously were discriminated against and that the Irish, like Hispanics, also built up the nation. He hopes that there will be more positive action on behalf of Hispanics resulting from HAAB dialogue. The Board discussed with Mr. Fox the history of the HAAB and its interaction with the BCC. Victor Valdes stated that, as a founder ofthe HAAB, he believed that it was important to feel the heart and problems of the Hispanic population. He stated that Ms. Reddick had shown such qualities. Such qualities do not necessarily require the ability to speak Spanish. He said that many problems remain for Hispanics in Collier County. David Correa made a motion to recommend Mr. Fox for appointment to the HAAB and the motion was seconded by Frank Loney. The vote was unanimous in favor of the motion. Faye Reddick presented a prepared a statement to the HAAB, a copy of which is attached. In her statement, Ms. Reddick commented that the Board of County Commissioners had recently hosted a town hall meeting in lmmokalee. Approximately 150 people had attended. A number of social economic and political problems in the Hispanic community were mentioned at the meeting. While only some County officials, including Commissioners, were present, they seemed to be receptive to the concerns and promised action and gave the impression of caring. She challenged the HAAB to get involved in these types of issues on behalf of Hispanics. She said that many people in the Hispanic community were bypassing the HAAB because it had developed a reputation of being an elitist think tank or a bunch of hotheads. In addition, many Hispanics were not even aware of the existence of the HAAB. She stated that it was necessary to make the HAAB more visible to the Hispanic community to be successful. She suggested the use of committee resources to improve Hispanic conditions. She recalled the "Harvest of Shame" film which was made in Immokalee. She thought that the HAAB could be in the forefront of progressive reform efforts but that those results could not be achieved solely through the monthly meetings in Naples. Faye mentioned that there are a number of activists in the Hispanic community who want to use the system to bring about significant positive change. She thought that the HAAB should be a co-leader in this grassroots effort. She thought it was necessary to inform the Board of County Commissioners on a regular basis and that the HAAB should assist Hispanics throughout the County. She thought that HAAB gatherings in lmmokalee were critical to the success of these types of efforts. 4 Faye reminded the members that they have the power to influence government leaders and that the best tool to do so would be timely and regular reports to the BCC so as to raise the consciousness of the BCC toward the Hispanic community. The HAAB can persuade with shame when reason does not work. She reminded the HAAB members that they represent dignified and long suffering people of the Hispanic community. At this point, Faye Reddick moved to adopt a Resolution regarding the goals and policies of the HAAB (copy attached). The Resolution would state specific goals and objectives for 1 year; would provide for meetings in Immokalee; rules of conduct; report from the Liaison as to the powers of the HAAB; and monthly reports of the HAAB to the BCC regarding issues of the Hispanic community. Frank Loney seconded the motion of Faye Reddick and stated that there had been a lack of communication by the HAAB with the BCC. He commented that the BCC were a bunch of hypocrites who only approach Hispanics when they need them. He recounted the English as the official language Resolution, the Dr. Cardona incident, and others which are just the start of Hispanics problems. He mentioned that the BCC often ask the HAAB for advice but don't include them in many of the decisions. David Correa stated that Faye Reddick's prepared statement should be attached to the minutes as an exhibit. He said he was proud to have Faye on the Board and was impressed with her intellect and grasp of Hispanic issues. A discussion ensued regarding the Resolution proposed by Faye Reddick. Frank Rodriguez suggested that points 2-5 of the Resolution should be subparts of a single point number 1. He also suggested stating that there mmc be meetings in lmmokalee. Faye Reddick amended her motion to include Frank Rodriguez' comments. David Correa seconded the amended motion. A unanimous vote was had in favor of the motion. The meeting of the Hispanic Board adjourned at approximately 9: 15 P.M. Prepared by: Ramiro Maftalich, Board Liaison Approve~ by the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board on the 22nd day of July, 1999. ~J '. Frank Loney, Vice Chairman Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board 5