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SEBASTLAN
HOME OF PELICAN ISLAND
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2015,3:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN ST, SEBASTIAN, FL
Chairman Newland called the Veterans Advisory Committee to order at 3:00 p.m.
2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. ROLL CALL
Present:
Wayne Newland, Member of American Legion, Chairman
Jerry Peeler, Commander of American Legion
Barney Giordan, Alternate Member of American Legion
Michael Heashe, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Char Kinlen, Representing Ladies Auxiliary
Absent:
Frank Cutrone, Member of VFW
Alternate Member Representing VFW
Also Present:
Joe Griffin, City Manager
Jeanette, Recording Secretary
Barbara Brooke -Reese, E -Records & Information Manager
4. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS - None
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — February 2, 2015
MOTION by Mr. Giordan and SECOND by Ms. Kinlen to accept the minutes of the
February 2, 2015 meeting passed with a unanimous vote.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Improvements to Memorial Park — Expression of Appreciation to Parks
Superintendent Chris McCarthv and Public Works Staff
Chairman Newland reported that the improvements at Memorial Park are
spectacular.
The City Manager said gratitude was expressed to the Public Works Department
at the last City Council meeting. He also noted that during the Memorial Day
celebration, staff obtained a rough idea on how to provide for better connectivity
for disabled folks and more ground stability for sheet music stands.
Veterans Advisory Board Meeting
June 1, 2015
Page Two
Mr. Giordan thanked the Veterans Council of Indian River for providing bus
transportation for the honor guard veterans. He also thanked the Sebastian
Volunteer Police Officers for the traffic control.
Chairman Newland asked if street behind the ceremony could be opened for
parking. The City Manager said in the future he would like to see disabled
parking along the fence on the south side of the Four Chaplains Memorial. He
also said that the area to the east of the crosswalk of the Splash Pad might
become part of the Park. He noted the developer for Riverview Plaza put in the
nice paved parking lot and connectivity by Squidly Books and Italian Cousins
Restaurant.
In response to Mr. Peeler, the City Manager explained a bridge over the ditch by
the old Walmart might not be possible since it is in the County and the City has
lost the agreement to use the parking lot during events.
ii. VFW and American Legion Sewer Connection Update
Mr. Peeler reported that local engineer, Todd Smith is trying to determine how much
water was used last year so they can verify what size station to install.
7. PUBLIC INPUT
Chairman Newland announced there will be a Flag Retirement Ceremony at
Riverview Park on June 13th at 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Giordan said he understood the ceremony was to be only the retirement of the flags
and the flags would be burned at a later time.
8. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Giordan described the different sessions of the "Veterans in the Classroom" program
designed by the VFW, the American Legion and Veterans Council which has been given
to approximately 335 students so far. In an effort to promote the program County wide,
the Council has invited a County Commissioner and School Board Member to observe
the program with students then other posts could help disseminate the sessions.
Mr. Peeler asked the City Manager if he received a presentation from a man named Len
Dube from up North. The City Manager said he did, and after reviewing the presentation
did not feel there was room at the Indian River Historical Society Museum or City Hall to
display the artifacts offered in the presentation.
9. STAFF MATTERS
The City Manager reported that Council Member Bob McPartlan has requested a
Howitzer cannon and/or a Huey Cobra helicopter be placed in front of the
veterans' posts or in Riverview Park.
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Veterans Advisory Board Meeting
June 1, 2015
Page Three
Mr. Giordan said veteran Len Dube could assist him obtain the surplus
equipment; and, the Veterans Council of Indian River County could help with the
funding. The City Manager said such a display could be possible.
Chairman Newland offered to have the Board study what equipment is available,
the costs and permits that would be required to make this happen.
10. COMMITTEE MEMBER MATTERS
Mr. Giordan announced the Veterans Council of Indian River County has facilities and
funds available to assist Sebastian veterans if the City was aware of anyone in need.
The City Manager offered to obtain contact information from Mr. Giordan.
11. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA
Chairman Newland said they would carry forward the acquisition of surplus military
equipment for the August meeting.
12. Being no further business, Chairman Newland adjourned the Veterans Advisory Committee
meeting at 3:33 p.m.
By: W &e Newland, Chairman Date