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HAAB Minutes 08/26/1999 Minutes Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Meeting August 26, 1999 -- HISPANIC AFFAIRS ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES OF MEETING of August 26, 1999 at the Golden Gate Community Center, Naples, Florida PRESENT: ABSENT: David Correa, HAAB Member Frank Loney, HAAB Member Dora Vidaurri, HAAB Member Faye Reddick, HAAB Member Andrew r Fox, HAAB Member Christopher Bent, HAAB Member Ramiro Maiialich, Chief Assistant County Attorney and HAAB Staff Liaison Member Pete Cade, HAAB Member Maria Grimaldo, HAAB Member Leo Cardona, HAAB Member Also Present: Frank Rodriguez, Citizen Victor Valdes, Editor, Las Naciones Newspaper Melinda P. Riddle, Attorney The meeting of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board of Collier County (HAAB) for August 26, 1999 commenced at approximately 7:05 P.M. A quorum of six (6) members was present. A motion was made by Frank Loney to approve the minutes of the July 22, 1999 meeting. Christopher Bent seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous in favor of approval of said minutes. The new members were welcomed by Chairman David Correa. Introduction of Members: Mrs. Riddle speaking on regards to inmate death. Liaison Ramiro Maiialich attempted to get a Collier County Sheriff's Office representative. Facts are still being gathered. Sheriff doesn't make medical decision. The Collier County Sheriff's Office is willing to associate with the HAAB. Investigation is still progressing. Family members referred by someone unknown, possible someone from the hospital or the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Mexican Consultant advised them to get an attorney. Family wanted funds for arrangements for funeral services. Mrs. Riddle was horrified by the story Mr. Figueorora and referred him to counsel. Felt that story was consistent with the history of the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Mrs. Riddle explains she has a lot of knowledge and history of Collier County. Felt Mr. Figueroa became ill on the 24th, taken to the hospital on the 29th. At the request of his consulate he would not disconnect life support. He died on life support. All Mexican complains something is wrong. Autopsy released to media before attorneys getting it. Several other inmates attempted to get help for Mr. Figueroa, therefore bilingual staff was probably not available. Mrs. Riddle talks about a ride along in Immokalee, how she had to translate with 2 incident with 2 Guatemalan. She questioned the officer if they had anyone to translate. He said not on this shift. She questioned how they would handle this. The deputy stated they would give it to CID (Criminal Investigation Division) so they could investigate. People coming forward making claims. Chairman asked what the number of bilingual workers available at the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Not available. Dora Vidaurri input regarding her interview process and was turned down. Wants to get information of the minorities available and how many people made it to what phases. Mrs. Riddle felt the Commission for the Citizen's Academy was used as a polish tool to make the Sheriff look good. She attempted to get a volunteer group to translate/interpret. She was turned down due to liabilities. Frank Loney explains that in 1990, he attempted to apply as an interpreter, that was not available, the department told him they didn't need an interpreter. Feels there is no protection for the minorities. Suggested that Dora Vidaurri implement her suggestion as a sub-committee. Mrs. Riddle states that this issue (getting bilinguals) goes back 12 years. Mr. Valdes, Editor, Las Naciones News, a Mr. Watson died on August 12 under custody of the Collier County Sheriff's Office. In 1997, a Guatemalan died of 2 shotguns under the custody of the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Michael Yumet was bit inside the jail. Mr. Valdes explains he has a roll of names and violations of the Collier County Sheriff's Office on humans. Mr. Valdes gives a copy of the Las Naciones bulletin with an article pertaining to Victor Figueroa's death. Mr. Valdes expresses that he has been alone in the battle against the Collier County Sheriff's Office and how people are now coming forward regarding issues that he has brought to the attention of the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Mr. Frank Rodriguez 2 Plan Of Action Mrs. Faye Reddick talks about an Action Plan to assist the Board since the number of Hispanics are rising. States that ifthere was no discrimination, this Board would not have been made. (See attached). Chairman feels the Plan of Action is a good approach. Christopher Bent Speaks that subcommittees should have at least 1 Hispanic but not 2 board members. Frank Loney recommends that input to the Plan of Action should include setting meetings with the Commissioners. Christopher Bent states that we should all go out alone as to start our subcommittee and come back to the board with our input and then maybe an issue is valid to bring to the Commissioners. Open Discussion Mr. Reddick advises that we should contact absent members and ask if they are willing to serve as a sub-committee_ Christopher Bent motions that we accept the concept ofFayes for subcommittee. Mr. Fox amended that absent members be contacted for approval. Liaison Ramiro Maiialich clarifies the motion. Faye seconded Sunshine Law briefed in general by Liaison Ramiro Manalich. Monthly Meetings Frank Rodriguez states that a full board meeting means business. That this meeting is bringing all the information before going to the Commissioners. Board meetings could be used to see the information and if changes are needed we could go out and gather whats needed. Next Meeting on the 4th Monday of the month of September at Immokalee at 7:00 PM. 3 Agenda for September Faye Reddick suggests that item 4, powers, duties and responsibilities of the Board, be put on the next agenda. Mr. Valdes submits a copy of articles. Chairman motions that we accept both articles and investigate misconduct by the Collier County Sheriff's office. Faye seconds_ Mr. Reddick suggests we meet with Commissioners and introduce ourselves and our plans. Roberts Rules will be put for October or November agendas. Frank Rodriguez suggests someone be designated for the Micro Enterprise Program. Faye Reddick volunteers as the person_ Frank Loney Motions that Ramiro Maiialich stay as Liaison for the HAAB, that we sent a letter out as recommendation. Christopher Bent seconds. The meeting adjourns at 9:20 PM. Prepared by: Dora Vidaurri, Secretary and Approved by the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board on the 29th day of September 1999. <V~ C?~~ / David Correa, Chairman Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board 4