06172019 MBK MinsMY BROTHER'S KEEPER COMMITTEE MEETING
Sanford City Hall, Railroad Conference Room
Monday, June 17, 2019 at 4:OOPM 1300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
Should you require an alternate method to access the information on this agenda or any attachments
thereto, please contact ADA c,sanfordfl.gov or 407-688-5006 to request information be provided
to you in an alternative format.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities needing assistance to participate in
any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk at 407.688.5010 at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Advice to the public: if a person decides to appeal a decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above
meeting or hearing, he or she may need a verbatim record of the proceedings, including the testimony and evidence,
which record is not provided by the City of Sanford. (FS 286.0105)
MEETING MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER/ WELCOME
Meeting called to order by Andrew Thomas at 4:05 PM.
II. Introductions
Present:
Thelisha Thomas
— Committee Member
Lowman Oliver
— Committee Member
Sylvester Wynn
— Committee Member
Eddie Cochran
— Committee Member
Rose Washington
— Committee Member
Charles Wright
— Committee Member
Commissioner Kerry Wiggins Sr.
Brenden Johnson
Absent:
Fritz Voltaire — Committee Member
Staff:
Andrew Thomas
Sheena Britton
Lonnie Groot — City Attorney
III. Comments from the City Manager
The City Manager, Mr. Bonaparte, greeted the MBK Committee. He thanked the
committee for their participation and stated that "we need to do what we can to support
our young men of color".
IV. Role and Function of the MBK
The meeting was turned over to Mr. Lonnie Groot, Attorney for the City of Sanford.
Mr. Groot informed the Board the first order of business was to have the committee
select a chair person and co -chairperson.
Mr. Groot opened the floor for nominations for Chairperson. The position of chair and
vice chair is a one year tenure. Three of the committee members mentioned Charles
Wright and Eddie Cochran. The committee requested to hear from both gentleman.
Mr. Wright and Mr. Cochran gave a brief impromptu description of their background
including education, community service and community affiliations.
Mr. Groot did a coin toss to identify which nominee would be voted for first; head, Mr.
Cochran, tales, Mr. Wright. Mr. Cochran won the coin toss.
Mr. Groot called for a vote of all in favor of having Mr. Cochran as the Chairman, four
members raised their hands. Mr. Groot called for a vote of all in favor of having Mr.
Wright as the chairman, three members raised their hands. Mr. Groot stated Mr.
Cochran had been elected as Chairman of the MBK committee.
As the newly elected chairman of the committee, Mr. Cochran opened the discussion
to hear nominations for a co-chair person.
Ms. Washington moved to elect Mr. Charles Wright as co-chair of the MBK
Committee. Seconded by Pastor Oliver and carried unanimously by vote of the
committee.
V. Overview of the State of Florida Sunshine Law
Mr. Groot informed the members of the committee that they needed to attend the four
hour course on ethics law. He discussed the Sunshine Law regarding public meeting
procedures.
VI. Overview of the MBK Program
Mr. Thomas informed the committee that the mission of the MBK is to work to reduce
disparities related to young African American and Hispanic males within the Seminole
High School cluster area of Sanford, Florida. He explained that in February of 2014
President Obama launched the MBK initiative to address disparities in opportunities
facing young men of color. In March of 2014 Pastor Lowman Oliver contacted the
City Manager expressing the concern of local ministers about youth of color dropout
rate and their continued over representation in Sanford's criminal justice system. He
also shared the desire of the ministers to help black and brown youth.
In response to Pastor Oliver's request, Mr. Thomas stated he was appointed to develop
an exploratory committee. He met with Pastor Oliver and agreed to call a meeting of
concerned citizens and organizations to address the challenges facing young men of
color. The first call to action meeting was held on July 2, 2014, with 13 individuals in
attendance representing various youth organizations and faith -based organizations.
That committee, the Sanford Future Claimers, evolved into the official advisory
committee to the City of Sanford for the presidential My Brother's Keeper Initiative.
The City of Sanford Commission unanimously approved a resolution on March 23,
2015, for Sanford to become a My Brother's Keeper Community. The official launch
of My Brother's Keeper in Sanford, Florida was unveiled at a community Summit held
on April 18, 2015.
Mr. Thomas further discussed the outcomes and the action plan of the program via a
power point presentation. The committee had open conversation regarding the
identification of at risk youth, monitoring, support services and measurable outcomes.
VII. Questions and Answers
The Committee asked to be provided with a copy of the action plan so that they may
review it for discussion at the next meeting. Mr. Thomas stated he would have staff
send out an electronic copy of the plan. The committee discussed having real time data
at length.
VIII. Election of Chairperson(s)
Agenda item moved to the beginning of the meeting per request of staff.
IX. Discussion of Meeting Dates
It was a consensus of the committee present to hold the next MBK meeting August 7
at 4:OOPM in the Rail Road Depot Conference Room.
X. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned.
Minutes recorded by Sheena R Britton - Staff
Eddie Cochran - Chairman