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175-2001 LTC CiTY OF MIAMI BEACH CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH. FLORIDA 33139 http:\\ci.miamiMbeach.f1.us L,T,C. No. 11S:-~ I LETTER TO COMMISSION July 25, 2001 TO: Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and Members of the City Commission FROM: Jorge M. Gonzalez City Manager '0'< SUBJECT: Lead Poisoning and Rebecca Towers Safety Issues On June 6, 2001, the City Commission received a Memorandum from Ruth E. Pasarell, at the time serving as the Chairperson of the Safety Committee of the Housing Authority ofthe City of Miami Beach (Housing Authority), regarding lead poisoning and Rebecca Towers safety issues. The Admi~. nistrati n requested that the Housing Authority provide the City with a status report regarding these issu . Attached is a copy of the plan of action report provided by the Housing Authority. JMG &-' Attachment c: Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager Max A. Sklar, Assistant to the Director, Neighborhood Services Department Miguell Del Campillo, Housing Division Director MBHASAFE.LTC . .. , T:::O:::E1i:::;E~["',~" ~ EXECUTIVE OFFICE C> i '1" '. , ,.~ 200 Alton Road MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139-6742: TELEPHONE: 305-532-6401 , FAX: 305-674-8001 ' " TOO 305-672-5501 JONATHAN D. BELOFF COMMISSIONER BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CHARLES W. BURKETT, IV CHAIRMAN MARIA BEATRIZ GUTIERREZ VICE CHAIRMAN STEVEN E. CHAVKIN COMMISSIONEA RUTH E. PASARELL COMMISSIONER LARRY P. SHOEMAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR July 25, 2001 Mr. Miguel del Campillo, Housing Division Director Community & Economic Development Department City of Miami Beach 1700 Convention Center Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139 RE: SAFETY COMMITTEE ISSUES HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH (HACOMB) Dear Mr. Del Campillo: Per our recent discussion, I am responding to your inquiry regarding the status of safety issues that were raised in a report circulated by Ms. Ruth Pasarell, past HACOMB tenant commissioner and Chairperson of the Housing Authority's Safety Committee, to the City of Miami Beach Commission at its June 6 meeting. As a matter of record, there have been no Committee meetings held since Ms. Pasarell's term of office ended. However, I will be meeting with the new tenant Commissioner, Ms. Barbara Fernandez, later today to discuss the potential of her accepting to chair the Committee. To summarize some of the major issues raised in Ms. Pasarell's report, HACOMB administration will be initiating the following safety-related activities: Item Proiected Timeline 1. Lead-Based Paint . Continue to include the waming certification and 'Protect Your Family from Lead In Your Home' pamphlet in all Section 8 program family briefing materials (copy attached.) Ongoing . Include a lead paint hazard educational session at the Fall Landlord Summit. Panelists to include State and County Health Department experts, as well as representatives from the legal profession to speak on landlord liability. September 2001 Letter - Mr. Miguel del Campillo July 25,2001 Page 2 . Draft and present to the City Commission for consideration a model ordinance on lead paint testing on pre-1978 housing. October 2001 2. Rebecca Towers Tenants and HACOMB Employees . Adopt a 'Premises Policy' to control visitor access to the Rebecca Towers facility (copy attached.) October 2001 . Provide photo ill to all Rebecca Towers residents. October 2001 . Use key access only to elevator doors located on ground floors to limit unauthorized access to living units on upper levels. October 2001 . Install automated parking gates in both RTS/RTN parking lot entrances to limit unauthorized vehicles access to facility. November 2001 I hope this information has been helpful to you. I would also like to take this opportunity to invite any member of your staff or City Commission to participate in our Safety Committee meetings. Our meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a. m. in the Rebecca Towers North Executive Office Conference Room. The next Committee Meeting is scheduled for August 16,2001. The primary topic for discussion at that meeting will be hurricane preparedness. If I can provide you with any further information, please feel free to contact me at (305) 532-6401, Ext. 3032. La . Shoeman Executive Director Attachments REBECCA TOWERS PREMISES POLICY In an effort to further promote the protection Rebecca Towers residents, it is required that all nOf:l-resident guests and visitors register their presence when entering the property. Persons who wish to address the resIdents in the Dinine: Room (150 Alton Road) or other common Iiteetine: space at Rebecca Towers must complete a Reauest to Speak form and submit it at least 24 hours orior to such soeakine: ene:ae:ement. Only persons authorized by management will be allowed to speak. Persons who do nol follow this policy will be requested to leave Ihe premises. Thank you in advance for your'cooperation. DRAFT // HACOMB Management i , ~/ (Tear along this line) Separate and return form to: Office of the Executive Direclor, Rebecca Towers North, 200 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 REOUEST TO SPEAK Name of Speake~: Address: TEL: FAX: Topic of Discussion: Names of others attending with the requestor: Requested Speaking Date: Time: Amount of Time Needed To use the Facility _ hrs/minutes Resident Sponsor: , Apartment # (Print Name) or Signature Management Sponsor: , Department (print Name) Signature ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: I acknowledge and agree thai the Rebecca Towers residential facility is not open to general public access and, if access is granted, due care shall be exercised by myself and accompanying attendee(s) during the course efmy visit to sustain security access to the facility at this event. Requestor's Signature Date and Time Submitted For Office Use Only Request to Speak: _ Approved _ Not Approved Approved by: Date: , , Are You Planning To Buy, Rent, or Renovate a Home Built Before 1978? Many houses and apartments built before 1978 have paint that contains lead (called lead-based paint). Lead from paint, chips, and dust can pose serious health hazards if not taken care of properly. Federal law requires that individuals receive certain information before renting, buying, or renovating pre-1978 housing: tf f-ltJi:\ f"'. !I:. .. ..... . 1 . ~ \\ .' u LANDLORDS have to disclose known infor- mation on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before leases take effect. Leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. SELLERS have to disclose known informa- tion on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before selling a house. Sales contractS must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards. RENOVATORS have to give you this pamphlet before starting work. (After June 1, 1999.) IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION on these requirements. call the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-aOO-424-LEAD. This document is in the public domain. It may be reproduced by an individualro organization without permission. Information provided in this booklet is bag, upon current scientific and technical understanding of the issues presented all is refiective of the jurisdictional boundaries established by the statutes governjJ1 the co-authoring agencies. Following the advice given will not necessarily po- vide complete protection in all situations or against all health hazards that oa be caused by lead exposure IMPORTANT! Lead From Paint, Dust, and Soil Can Be Dangerous If Not Managed Properly FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. FACT: People can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust. or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. FACT: People have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases. lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. If you think your home might have lead hazards. read this pamphlet to learn some simple steps to protect your family. 1 Lead Gets in the Body in Many Ways In the United States, about 900,000 children ages 1 to 5 have a blood-lead level above the level of concern. Even children who appear healthy can have danger- ous levels of lead ih their bodies. People can get lead in their body if they: . Put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths. . Eat paint chips or soil that contains lead. . Breathe in lead dust (especially during renovations that disturb painted sUrfaces) . Lead is even more dangerous to children than adults because: . Babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths. These objects can have lead dust on them. . Children's growing bodies absorb more lead.' . Children's brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. 2 Lead's Effects If not detected early. children with high levels of lead in their bodies can suffer from: . Damage to the brain and nervous system . Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity) . Slowed growth . Hearing problems . Headaches Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults can suffer from: . Difficulties during pregnancy . Other reproductive problems (in both men and women) . High blood pressure . Digestive problems . Nerve disorders . Memory and concentration problems . Muscle and joint pain or NoM:! IIDmiIgI IlIllI8Ii* I'IllIaM ~ - (MoIiol Lead affects the body in many ways. 3 Where Lead-Based Paint Is Found In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead- based paint. Many homes built before 1978 have lead- based paint. The federal govemment banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier. Lead can be found: . In homes in the city, country, or suburbs. . In apartments, single-family homes, and both private and public housing. . Inside and outside of the house. . In soil around a home. (Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars.) Checking Your Family for Lead Get your children and home tested if you think your home has high lev- els of lead. 4 To reduce your child's exposure to lead, get your child checked, have your home tested (especially if your home has paint in poor condition and was built before 1978), and fix any hazards you may have. Children's blood lead levels tend to increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age. and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months of age. Consult your doctor for advice on testing your children. A simple blood test can detect high levels of lead. Blood tests are usually recommended for: . Children at ages 1 and 2. . Children or other family members who have been exposed to high levels of lead. . Children who should be tested under your state or local health screening plan. Your doctor can explain what the test results mean and if more testing will be needed. Where Lead Is Likely To Be a Hazard Lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard. Peeling, chipping, chalking, or cracking lead-based paint is a hazard and needs immediate attention. Lead-based paint may also be a hazard when found on surfaces that children can chew or that get a lot of wear -and-tear. These areas include: . Windows and window sills. . Doors and door frames. . Stairs, railings. and banisters. . Porches and fences. Lead dust can form when lead-based paint is dry scraped. dry sanded, or heated. Dust also forms when painted surfaces bump or rub together. Lead chips and dust can get on surfaces and objects that people touch. Settled lead dust can re-enter the air when people vac- uum, sweep. or walk through it. Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. Call your state agency (see page 11) to find out about test- ing soil for lead. Lead from paint chips, which you can see, and lead dust, which you can't always see, can both be serious hazards. 5 Checking Your Home for lead Hazards Just knowing that a home has lead- based paint may not tell you if there is a hazard. 6 You can get your home checked for lead haz- ards in one of two ways, or both: . A paint inspection tells you the lead content of every different type of painted surface in your home. It won't tell you whether the paint is a hazard or how you should deal with it. . A risk assessment tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure (such as peeling paint and lead dust). It also tells you what actions to take to address these hazards. Have qualified professionals do the work. There are standards in place for certifying lead-based paint professionals to ensure the work is done safely, reliably, and effectively. Contact your state lead poisoning prevention program"for more information. Call 1-800- 424-LEAD for a list of contacts in your area. Trained professionals use a range of methods when checking your home, including: . Visual inspection of paint condition and location. . A portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine. . Lab tests of paint samples. . Surface dust tests. Home test kits for lead are available, but studies suggest that they are not always accurate. Consumers should not rely on these tests before doing renovations or to assure safety. What You Can Do Now To Protect Your Family If you suspect that your house has lead hazards, you can take some immediate steps to reduce your family's risk: . If you rent, notify your landlord of peeling or chipping paint. . Clean pp paint chips immediately. . Clean floors, window frames, window sills, and other surfaces weekly. Use a mop or sponge with warm water and a general all-purpose cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for lead. REMEMBER: NEVER MIX AMMONIA AND BLEACH PRODUCTS TOGETHER SINCE THEY CAN FORM A DANGEROUS GAS. . Thoroughly rinse sponges and mop heads after cleaning dirty or dusty areas. . Wash children's hands often, especial- ly before they eat and before nap time and bed time, . Keep play areas clean. Wash bottles. pacifiers. toys. and stuffed animals regularly. . Keep children from chewing window sills or other painted surfaces. . Clean or remove shoes before entering your home to avoid tracking in lead from soil. . Make sure children eat nutritious, low-fat meals high in iron and calcium, such as spinach and dairy products. Children with good diets absorb less lead. .' ...1: . . ~>:,W:~. ~.{,"z,~,~, ".-~~ ~f)i.. 1/ , . . ir:f:-...s . , .~.:b~F' 7 How To Significantly Reduce Lead Hazards Removing lead improperly can increase the hazard to your family by spreading even more lead dust around the house. Always use a professional who is trained to remove lead hazards safely. 8 In addition to day-to-day cleaning and good nutrition: . You can temporarily reduce lead hazards by taking actions such as repairing dam- aged painted surfaces and planting grass to cover soil with high lead levels. These actions (called "interim controls") are not permanent solutions and will need ongo- ing attention. . To permanently remove lead hazards. you must hire a certified lead "abate- ment" contractor. Abatement (or perma- nent hazard elimination) methods include removing. sealing. or enclosing lead-based paint with special materials. Just painting over the hazard with regular paint is not enough. Always hire a person with special training for correcting lead problems-someone who knows how to do this work safely and has the proper equipment to clean up thoroughly. Certified contractors will.employ qualified workers and follow strict safety rules as set by their state or by the federal government. Call your state agency (see page 11) for help with locating certified contractors in your area and to see if financial assistance is available. Remodeling or Renovating a Home With Lead-Based Paint Take precautions before your contractor or you begin remodeling or renovations that disturb painted surfaces (such as scraping off paint or tearing out walls): . Have the area tested for lead-based paint. . Do not use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper, or dry sandpaper to remove lead-based paint. These actions create large amounts of lead dust and fumes. Lead dust can remain in your home long after the work is done. . Temporarily move your family (espe- cially children and pregnant women) out of the apartment or house until the work is done and the area is prop- erly cleaned. If you can't move your family. at least completely seal off the work area. . Follow other safety measures to reduce lead hazards. You can find out about other safety measures by calling '-800-424-LEAD. Ask for the brochure "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home." This brochure explains what to do before, during, and after renovations. If you have already completed renova- tions or remodeling that could have released lead-based paint or dust. get your young children tested and follow the steps outlined on page 7 of this brochure. If not conducted properly,. certain types of renova- tions can release lead from paint and dust into the air. 9 Other Sources of Lead .~ s-"" \t~' While paint, dust, and soil are the most common lead hazards, other lead sources also exist. 10 . Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead. If you think your plumbing might have lead in it: . Use only cold water for drinking and cooking. . Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours. . The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family's clothes. . Old painted toys and furniture. . Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain. . Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air. . Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing fumiture. . rolk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used to treat an upset stomach. For More Information The National Lead Information Center Call1-8oo-424-LEAO to learn how to protect children from lead poisoning and for other information on lead hazards. (Internet: www.epa.gov/lead and www.hud.gov/lea). For the hearing impaired, call the Federal Information Relay Service at 1-800-877- 8339 and ask for the National Lead Information Center at 1-8oo-424-LEAO. EPA's Safe Drinking W:lter Hotline Call 1-800-426-4791 for information about lead in drinking water. Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline To request information on lead in consumer products, or to report an unsafe consumer product or a prod- uct-related injury call 1-800-638- 2772. (Internet: www@cpsc.gov). For the hearing impaired. call TOO 1- 800-638-8270. II c===-' -::: State Health and Environmental Agencies Some cities and states have their own rules for lead-based paint activities. Check with your state agency to see if state or local laws apply to you. Most state agencies can also pro- vide information on finding a lead abatement firm in your area, and on possible sources of financial aid for reducing lead hazards. Receive up-to-date address and phone infor- mation for state and local contacts on the Internet at www,epa.gov/lead or contact the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAO. 11 EPA Regional Offices Your Regional EPA Office can provide further information regard- ing regulations and lead protection programs. EPA Regional Offices Region 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts Maine. New Hampshire. Rhode Island Vermont) Regional Lead ContaC1 U.s. EPA Region 1 Suite 1100 (CPT) One Congress Strell: Boston, MA 02114-2023 1 (888) 372-7341 Region 2 (New Jersey, New Yorl<. Puerto Rico, Virgin Island!! RegionaLLead ContaC1 u.s. EPA Region 2 2890 'I\tlodbridge Avenue Building 209, Mail Stop 225 Edison, NJ 08837.3679 (732) 321-6671 Region 3 (Delaware, Washington DC Maryland. Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) Regional Lead ContaC1 U.S. EPA Region 3 (3WC3;t 1650 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19100 (215) 814-5000 Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia Kenwcky. Mississippi, North Carolina South Carolina, Tennessee) Regional Lead ContaC1 U.S. EPA Region 4 61 Forsyth Street. 9N Atlanta, GA 30303 (404) 562-8998 Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana. Michigan Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsirj Regional Lead ContaC1 U.S. EPA Region 5 (DT-BJ 77 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604-3666 (312) 886.6003 12 Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, NaN Mexico, Oklahoma, Texa!j Regional Lead ContaC1 U.S. EPA Region 6 1445 Ross Avenue, 12th Floo Dallas. TX 75202-2733 (214) 665-7577 Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri Nebraska) Regional Lead ContaC1 U.S. EPA Region 7 (ARTD-RALO 901 N. 5th StreEt Kansas City, KS 66101 (913) 551-7020 Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, NOI1h Dakota, South Dakota. Utah, Wyoming Regional lead ContaC1 U.S. EPA Region 8 999 18th Street. Suite 500 Denver, CO 80202-24ffi (303) 312-6021 Region 9 (Arizona, California, HawaiL Nevada) Regional lead Contact U.S. Region 9 75 Hawthorne StreEt San Francisco, CA 941 (!j (415) 744.1124 Region 10 (Idaho, Oregon, Washington Alaska) Regional Lead ContaC1 U.S. EPA Region "Kl Toxics Section WCM-1 <8 1200 Sixth Avenue Seattle, WA 98101-11<8 (206) 553-1985 CPSC Regional Offices Your Regional CPSC Office can provide further information regard- ing regulations and consumer product safety. Eastern Regional Cents" 6 World Trade CentB" vesey Street. Room 350 New York. NY 10048 (212) 466-1612 IMlstern Regional CentS' 600 Harrison Street. Room 245 San Francisco, CA 94107 (415) 744.2966 Central Regional CentS' 230 South Dearborn StreEl: Room 2944 Chicago. IL 60604-1601 (312) 353-8260 HUD Lead Office Please contact HUO's Office of Lead Hazard Control for informa- tion on lead regulations. outreach efforts. and lead hazard control and research grant programs. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developme. Office of Lead Hazard Contrd 451 Seventh Street. SN. P-3206 Washington, DC 20410 (202) 705.1785 13 If you think your home has high levels of lead: + Get your young children tested for lead, even if they seem healthy. + Wash children's hands. bottles. pacifiers, and toys often. + Make sure children eat healthy, low-fat foods. + Get your home checked for lead hazards. + Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces. + Wipe soil off shoes before entering house. + Talk to your landlord about fixing surfaces with peeling or chipping PQint. +,Take precautions to avoid exposure to lead dust when remodeling or renovating (call 1-800-424- LEAD for guidelines). + Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, heat gun, dry scraper. or dry sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead. +Don't try to remove lead-based paint yourself. m CITY OF MIAMI BEACH OFFICE OF THE MA YOR & COMMISSION I\IEMORAi'iDUM 0\ JUL \1 l'i'i \:24 ~,.;\~~~ -' TO: JORGE M. GONZALEZ CITY MANAGER /-1 MATTI BOWER 'iJJ1.;.." COMMISSIONER 11/[-/ June 25, 2001 FROM: DATE: RE: Lead Poisoning & Rebecca Towers Safety Issues Attached I am enclosing for your information copy of a memorandum from Ruth E. Pasarell, describing lead poisoning issues (included also is a brochure on same) and safety issues at the Rebecca Towers. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact my office at extension 7107. MHB/mcs Memorandrnn To: City of Miami Beach Board of Commissioners From: Ruth E. Pasarell. HACO'vIB Safety Comminee Chairperson IV ......:..-/ Date: 6/6/01 Re: SAFETY COMMITTEE AttJched is a letter for your re....iew. showing my desire to address safety issues:lt the Rebecca Towe~ and at the rvliami Beach Housing Authority. Please let me lmow if I c:m provide you with further infonnation. Attachment . , ~.fay 23, 200 I Dear Board of Commissioners. I tirst want to take the oppommity to thank this board or commissioners ror their ongoing etlort in preserving the health and sarety or our residents. The Sarety Comminee Board orthe HousinQ Authoritv of the eitv or Miami Beach held its tirst meetinQ on Fridav - ~ ~ - . May II, 2001. I am very happy to acknowledge the helpful participation or its members: :Vir. Steve Kearns-Compliance Officer, Ron Bereman-Maintenance Depamnent, Martha Collado-Section 8 and Larry Shoeman-ED who not only serves as a member but also as secretary orthe comminee. l'vlr. Shoeman will keep you inform on what happens at our meetings and what changes if any need to be made to maintain our goal of "providing sare and sanitary housing". !vir. Kearns and I recently anended a LEAD BASE CONFERENCE in New Orleans and I am extremely sad to tell you that the news we are bringing back is very disturbing. \Vhile some of the children from poor neighborhood are been labeled as "slow learners" or even worst "children with behavior Droblems". now the Health Department is finding out that most of this those children have overwhelming amounts or lead on their blood. An average of 40% of all Hispanic children tested, have come in positive for lead paint and over 50% of our black children. This is mainly due to the fact that old houses in less expensive areas are still covered with lead paint, and even the water lines in those houses where installed so long ago, the seals are full ofIead also. TIlis should be a great concern. of us and the City of Miami Beach since all buildings and houses made before 1970 are considered potential hazard zones. Most of Miami Beach residences and building where build before that time. The change on the population composition should be also taken into consideration. Some years ago, most of the people in our city where here for the season and mostly retired. Now young families with young children and even starting families are becoming permanent re~idents of this city year round. Since the rents in the City of Miami Beach are increasing and some of our tenants are b<::en forced to move out to "more affordable" neighborhoods is it very likely that we are going to be finding our tenants with portable vouchers living in this kind of environment even after leaving the beach. In Miami-Dade County the area ofOpaloca was recently declared as one of the most critical areas and it has been targeted for relocation and emergency assistance. I spoke to the Chief of Staff of Congresswoman Carrie Meek, !vir. John Scheibe and made sure that they knew we are all working together to improve the lives of our residento and to offer our support if needed since we already have some of our residents Ii'li!:!; in her district. Facts: Researchers stated that for every microgr:un of lead found on the blood of a child 5 to 7 points ofIQ has been taken out (burned) by this contamination (out of 100). Althouzh there is some good news. most of the news is disturbing. The good news is that children over 5 year of age are not at such a high risk of gening POISO~ED to the same levels an infant is. From the time the child is on the mothers wound to the time of 2 vears of aGe - " are where the children are at higher risk. From 2 to 5 the d:unages to the brain might be less.). The worst news of all is that the damage done to the brain until the time when a child is diagnosed with lead poisoning can not be reversed. They can stop the deterioration of the brain from progressing, but they can never recuperate what was lost. What means that THE BKUN THA. T IS GONE. IS GONE FOR GOOD. Lead poison of only 2.5 on a scale of 10, has shown to have slow down the reading process of a child in an average of 15% compared to a non intoxicated child. In many juvenile facilities they started testing young people for their level of lead, and they where very alarmed to see that most of the juveniles that keep coming back to this facilities had enormous amount of lead on their blood. What the Department of Health used to consider "SAFE" was a .09 and even they changed it now to a .06. One out of every 3 children in Rochester NY under the age of 5 have been found to have higher levels and 50 % of the children under 2 have alarming levels. Please be aware that when we talk about alarming we are talking about .41 - .54. The biggest challenge we are facing now, is to find out, how many of our children are in fact victims of LEAD BASE POISONING. As I stated before, the highest percentage of children affected are blacks and Hispanics and due to the culture of this population it has become a challenge to get the parents of this children to bring them in for testing. Since the LEAD POISON is a ~ilent killer, I"OSt parent are not aware of it until it is too late. It is our responsibility as HOUSING PROVIDERS to maintain our goal of providing SAFE Al'iD SANITARY housing for the people that needs it the most, our children. For this, we first have to know how big are the problem we are facing in our own community and the people we serve. The Safety Committee will bring you at our neXt commission meeting our suggestions of how we could motivate our diems to bring their children in, for a blood test to their public health center for testing. The Mi=i-Oade Health department is doing this test for free even to children without insurance of any kind. \\'e just have to find a way to create awareness and partnerships in our community to provide "incentives" to come do the testing, to those individuals that other wise would not do so. It has been suzzested to me that we could have Corporations such as PUBLIX Supermarkets md others of its kind to donate gift certific::ttes md things of this naMe EO use as tools of motivation. We will be exploring these alternatives. On the issue of SAFETY for our tenants and employees safety at the Rebecca T'lwers: It was clear to us at our Safety Cornminee Meeting that some drastic changes are needed to insure the sarety of those \ve serve and the ones who serve us as employees of the H.A.COtvffi. .A.s it is right now, we have no security system to monitor the entrance or exits of visitors coming in or out the Rebecca Towers. We all have hear about the increasing violent activities happening all around the nation not only in public housing but also in all types of environments. As we look at this issue we concluded that: I) We need to install a check in procedure for visitors coming in and out of the building at any given time of the day. After speaking to some resident we have found out their concern about "VISITORS" been able to enter the facility and been able knock in their doors.without anyone having records of who this individual is. To assure the safety of our residents without demanding extra expenses from the part of this authority, the HACOMB will start a program that will enable volunteer to eam some STIPENDS as credit towards their rents for the services provided. These tenants would be charge with the responsibility of registering the visitors to the building, requesting some kind of ID that would be kept at the monitoring station while the visitors are at the premises. Not only would this help some of our elderly residents to make some extra income, but by doing it this way their income eligibility for social security benefits would not be affected since this is not an income but an stipend that would not be consider as income for those purposes. 2) All residents of Rebecca Towers should have an ID card that would enable any employee or resident to ID any estrangers they might fii,d en t.he prvpertji. 3) An elevator access key: This system using the apartment keys as access to the elevators would enable tenants to access their apartment floor and avoid estrangers from been able to access such floors without such a key. This ",ill also'enable the H.A.COtvIB to keep track of who went where, at what time, if necessary be able to look at those records to see who got access to the floors in question. It is important to know that this are only some of the ideas been taken under consideration at this time. More ideas and or alternatives might be taken under consideration at a later time.