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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-2018 VAB MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2018, 3:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN ST., SEBASTIAN FL 1. Chairman John Haskins called the Veterans Advisory Committee meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. 3. Present John Haskins, Commander of the VFW John Whitford, Alternate Member of the American Legion Barney Giordan, Member of the American Legion Russ Pacowski, Commander of the American Legion Andrea Coy, Member of Auxiliary VFW Post 10210 Neil Baumgartner, Member of the VFW Butch Dawson, Alternate Member of the VFW Also Present Randy Moyer, Procurement Manager Margarita Hernandez, Parks Administrator Janet Graham, Technical Writer MOTION by Ms. Coy and a SECOND by Mr. Giordan to approve the April 2, 2018. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. 5. OLD BUSINESS Mr. Moyer stated he put this matter on the agenda again to hear from this Committee any additional input as to what they saw the City's obligation is to the Committee a. Nominations for the Grand Marshal/Marshals VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2 Meeting of June 4, 2018 Chairman Haskins nominated Robert Stuart, who is a WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veteran, and a member of the VFW in good standing, but there was no SECOND. b. Choice of Grand Marshal for the Fourth of July Parade, Veterans Advisory Board's Decision Ms. Coy asked Mr. Moyer if the Committee's request at the last meeting to have the authority to make the decision as to who are the Grand Marshals was granted. Mr. Moyer said yes. Chairman Haskins mentioned that there might be another person who would ride, so as to have dual Grand Marshals. Mr. Moyer stated that would be with the American Legion. Mr. Giordan nominated Harry Ashdown, a veteran of the African, Mediterranean, and Italy Campaigns during WWII. Ms. Coy suggested all the WWII veterans who are members ride in the parade. Mr. Moyer stated that is up to the Committee, and that once he knows how many golf carts are needed, he will be sure that they are supplied. Ms. Coy stated she would arrange for convertibles instead of golf carts. Mr. Stuart volunteered to follow up in contacting as many vets as he can find. MOTION was made by Ms. Coy and SECONDED by Mr. Pacowski that all WWII veterans who are members of the Sebastian American Legion and the VFW be given the status Grand Marshal. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote. Ms. Coy volunteered to coordinate with Mr. Moyer. Mr. Moyer will get the magnetic signs for the cars. Mr. Giordan stated that there has been approval by the West Palm Beach Veterans Administration to have a bus carrying veterans during the July Fourth parade. It will be behind the American Legion and VFW. Mr. Pacowski asked for clarification as to who will be running the Fourth of July parade. Mr. Moyer stated that this year only the City will be responsible for the order of the first part of the parade. After that, the Lions will still be assisting with the back end of the parade. Ms. Hernandez stated that the parade organization will be handled mainly by staff, and staff made the determination that the Veterans Advisory Board could assist with the organization aspect of the first order of the parade. Staff is also going to be in charge of the second order of the parade. This year only, however, the Lions Club will continue to take the forms by the general participants, which are considered the second order of the parade. They will also make certain that these forms contain hold -harmless agreements. She stated that during the parade itself it is going to be the City with the Veterans Advisory Board helping with the first order of the parade and some other VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3 Meeting of June 4, 2018 volunteers who will help with the organization of the second order of the parade. Ms. Coy is to get the hold -harmless forms. Mr. Pacowski will sign the forms for all the Legion veterans. Mr. Moyer addressed the Indian River County first responders. The fire truck can go wherever the organizers decide, but the ambulance is asking to possibly go before the parade where, in case of an emergency, they will be able to get free to respond. Mr. Pacowski suggested the ambulance be stationed at Riverview Park. The Committee agreed. Mr. Moyer said he will contact the County and will change the address where the ambulance will be. He said the City has taken all the precautions they can, and Walmart has been contacted to again provide water. C. Input on the relationship between VFW, American Legion, and the City Mr. Moyer asked if the Advisory Committee had any other suggestions for the City regarding this matter, as he wants to have open communication between the City and the Committee. Chairman Haskins said the Committee will review what is set out in the packet and will get with staff if there are any changes or comments. Ms. Coy pointed out how much the City does for the veterans, and that is not always recognized. Mr. Moyer stated there is sometimes misinformation which circulates, and he will try to circulate the correct information. Ms. Coy stated that it needs to be kept in mind that neither the VFW nor the Legion is more important than the other, and both organizations need to work together in getting things done. 6. PUBLIC INPUT Gary Spiecker, Retired First Sergeant United States Marines. He takes care of the homeless, of whom there are approximately 120 in the area. There was recently a stand down. They traveled about 126 miles down the coast and were only able to get 35 homeless veterans. He asked that the word be passed among the homeless that these stand downs are for them. He goes into the woods and feeds and clothes them, and he believes it should be recognized that someone in the area is taking care of these homeless. He stated it is a good program, and everyone should know that there is someone in the area taking care of the vets. Chairman Haskins stated that last month the VFW also had a stand down. He thanked Mr. Spiecker for his work. Mr. Spiecker stated that the homeless folks have a choice of not living in the woods. He is in contact VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 4 Meeting of June 4, 2018 with the Melbourne Veterans Transitional Facility. The procedure is that the homeless have to want to get off the street. He will be taking three people to the Viera medical facility, and they in turn will notify the Transitional Facility so as to try to get these veterans off the street. The vets have six months to remain in Melbourne. They have to try to procure jobs. If they cannot find jobs in six months, they can be extended to nine, and they have to be sober and responsible. Ms. Coy asked Mr. Speaker if he would be willing to work with the Sebastian Police Department regarding the homeless vets. He stated he would. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Fourth of July parade update Mr. Moyer stated Ms. Hernandez has made a map of where everyone will be. There will be some T3s circulating. The fire truck will be placed behind the high school band. Coldwell Banker will be handing out the flags, and he will ask them to also hand out flag etiquette sheets, which he will provide. Flag etiquette has been posted on Channel 25, and Sebastian Daily is going to post an article regarding flag etiquette. He pointed out the sheet regarding flag etiquette that he had attached to the agenda packet. The Lions Club has had the plaques made up, and there will be judges there. It will be up to the Committee how this is handled next year. Ms. Coy stated it should be up to the City after this year as to whether they want to have judges and make awards. Mr. Moyer brought up the subject of the Honor Guard and those who are not able to walk the distance. There will be a veterans' bus provided which will be behind the Legion. Mr. Moyer stated if the Committee has any further questions/suggestions/comments in the meantime to please contact him. Chairman Haskins stated the order will be: the Grand Marshal, the VFW, the Legion, and then the veterans' bus. He stated the bus will be available to anyone who needs it. Ms. Coy questioned where the ROTC will go in the parade. Chairman Haskins stated the ROTC will go with any other legitimate organizations. Mr. Pacowski stated the ROTC, Sea Scouts, etc. can go behind all the other military units, and the bus could be put behind those groups. Mr. Moyer said the order has been set, and if those groups want to place themselves after the first wave, that would be acceptable, but he wants to stick to the order that has already been set. Ms. Coy suggested that the Sons of the American Legion would fall directly behind the Legion, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW would fall directly behind the VFW. Mr. Moyer stated he will update the list. Mr. Whitford suggested identifying the groups after the military as second, third, fourth order, etc. Ms. Coy suggested that instead of "Any VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 5 Meeting of June 4, 2018 other legitimate veterans' organization" as set forth in the agenda packet, it be described as "Any other future legitimate veterans' organization." Mr. Whitford suggested creating a database for the future which identifies the order of the organizations. Ms. Hernandez said she will make extra copies of the order once the revisions are made and approved so that everyone will be aware of the protocol. She stated lineup is at 6:30 a.m., and she queried when the Committee will show up to help with the order of the parade. Ms. Coy stated she will be there at 7:30, and she will have extras of the hold -harmless agreement in case they are needed. Chairman Haskins asked Mr. Liucci to describe how the Honor Guard is made up. Mr. Liucci stated the Honor Guard is made up of the VFW and the American Legion. He then read a message he wrote to City Manager Paul Carlisle, Margarita Hernandez of the Parks Department, Randy Moyer, and the Commander of the VFW Post John Haskins thanking them for their support of the D-Day and Memorial Day celebrations. b. Veterans' D-Day Program Discussion Chairman Haskins stated Wednesday, June 6, 2018 would be the date for the D-Day Celebration. He described that, since the Memorial Day celebration was canceled because of the weather forecast, he is going to hold a belated Memorial Day program, combined with the D-Day program. He apologized to everyone because Memorial Day was not observed on the official holiday. He will try to make sure that in the future the ceremony be moved inside in case of inclement weather, etc., but that it is never canceled except for a hurricane or a state of emergency. The rain day celebration will be held at the VFW Post 10210 instead of the American Legion, as there is another function planned for the Legion on that date. Mr. Moyer stated he distributed the hand- outs on this change to as many public places in the City as he possibly could. Chairman Haskins added to Ms. Coy's statement about thanking the City for its support of the veterans. He stated that at the D-Day celebration the veterans are going to give the City another $1,000.00 and Sheriffs department $1,000.00 for their canine program, as they want to be as supportive of the City as possible. Mr. Whitford stated he wanted to clarify some misinformation that was given about the Memorial Day ceremony that was canceled. The decision was made on Sunday at noon because of the weather forecasts. So the misinformation that the ceremony was canceled days before is incorrect. He agreed that the ceremony should not have been canceled, that it should have been moved inside. He stated he was appointed to put VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 6 Meeting of June 4, 2018 together the ceremony by Commander Pacowski, and he disagrees with other people putting together something else without notifying him, other members of the American Legion, and members of the City. He supports the idea of having a replacement ceremony, but there should have been notification of that plan. He feels that there should be a "plan B" created for any problems such as this in the future. He agrees with what Ms. Coy said about there should be better communication among all the groups involved. Chairman Haskins stated that if someone had just communicated to him that they were going to cancel the ceremony, he would have directed them to move the ceremony inside, but not to cancel it altogether. He agrees that there must be better communication among the groups. Ms. Coy suggested that, at the meetings of either the VFW or the Legion, the other group should be represented by someone at every meeting. She also suggested that in the future, in the event of rain the ceremony will be held at a certain venue. A MOTION was made by Ms. Coy, SECONDED by Mr. Baumgartner that for all future veteran events there be a notice of a rain location posted with a deadline for notifying the public of any change in venue. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote. FN 154K 1115TWXX_ ■ Mr. Giordan recapped the school Veterans in the Class program so that the City will be aware of what the veterans do and what has occurred. There was a very good veterans presentation with all the schools throughout the County. For Memorial Day there were notices sent out to the School Board as well as each individual school. He personally visited all the schools in the north county. Other members visited some of the schools in the south county. He described the Americanism program and how important it is. He also mentioned he was invited to the Exchange Club of Vero Beach and was presented with a plaque of recognition for that program. 9. OTHER MATTERS Mr. Moyer requested that for the meeting in August there be a review of the parade and what went well and what did not go well so that it can be improved upon for next year. Chairman Haskins agreed that a review of it would be a good idea. Mr. Moyer asked for ideas for the agenda for the August meeting. Ms. Coy suggested that there be a more in-depth discussion regarding the homeless veterans and the homeless population in general. She asked Mr. Speaker if he would be at the August meeting, and he said he VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Meeting of June 4, 2018 i.,=6IM-1 PAGE 7 Chairman Haskins thanked Mr. Moyer and Ms. Hernandez for all their hard work for the veterans. i�1�11A1�1:�►1 With no further matters, Chairman Haskins adjourned the meeting at 4:10 p.m. BY: 5- �. /__ hairman John Haskins Date jg FLAG ETIQUETTE AT PARAPEs When an American Flag passes: • Stand up. • Remove your hat. • Place your right hand over your heart. • Stop any conversation you are having. (Vote: It is not necessary to salute every American Flag that passes. • If it is carried by an honor guard or in a group with other flags, stand up and salute (veterans) or pay respect to the Flag. • Do not salute small hand-held flags carried by parade attendees and participants. Teach your children to respect our nation's Flag. If they are given a small Flag, please do not throw it on the ground or in the street. UNwAVeP[N , SUPPURI k M UNCOMMON Fi F ROI � www.vfwauxiliary.org 4`h of July Order of Parade 1. Military Honor Guard — Local Group The Honor Guard is the escort for the... 2. Grand Marshal All veterans groups fall -in behind the Grand Marshal 3. VFW Post 10210 — VFW federally chartered in 1899 4. American Legion Post 189 —American Legion federally chartered in 1919 5. Veteran's Council of Indian River County — incorporated 2011 6. Any other legitimate veteran's organization 7. Sebastian Police Department (if participating) 8. Sheriff's Department 9. City Council 10.Sharks HS Marching Band REMEMBER...THIS PARADE IS SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF SEBASTIAN If there is a conflict... Sebastian comes first. 189 of 189 Relationship between the VFW, American Legion and the City. 1. Provide a venue for open communication between veteran leadership, veteran citizens and the citizens of Sebastian to express any concerns, requests or needs. 2. The City should make reasonable accommodations to the veterans in our community balanced with the fiduciary responsibility to the citizens of Sebastian. 3. Support any reasonable request for city services for veteran events and memorials (i.e. facilities, employee overtime, etc). 4. Aid or assist with facility compliance to any CRA resolutions. Notes: This flyer was handed out and / or posted at The VFW, American Legion, Elks Club, Italian American Club, Moose Club, Orioles, Earl's, the Tiki and the Village Tavern. THE SEBASTIAN AREA VETERAN'S HONOR GUARD PRESENTS THE D-DAY & BELATED MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBERANCE JUNE 6, 2018 @ 11:00 A.M. RIVERVIEW PARK IN SEBASTIAN EVERYONE IS INVITED Rain Location is American Legion Post 189 807 Louisiana Ave. Sebastian From Memorial Day to Veterans Day we celebrate the birthdays of all five US Military Branches. As Americans we are very fortunate to have 57 million of our men and women serve in those branches protecting our freedom. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. Our Flag is the symbol of our freedom and deserves the respect from all those who enjoy that freedom. So for all who served defending our flag, please give the Stars and Stripes the proper respect. From Mav to June we have manv kev recognition dates: May is National Military Appreciation Month. May 8th VE (Victory in Europe) Day May 2011h Armed Forces Day May 28, 2018 Memorial Day June 6" D-Day June 14`h Flag Day & the US Army Birthday June 271h National PTSD Awareness Day July 271h Korean War Armistice Day August 41h The US Coast Guard Birthday August 71h Purple Heart Day August 81h VJ (Victory over Japan) Day September 111h Patriots Day (also the 9/11 tribute) September 181h the Air Force Birthday September 21" POW / MIA Recognition Day September 301h Gold Star Mothers and Family Day October 13`h Navy Birthday October 261h National Day of Deployed November 10`h Marine Corps Birthday November 11`h Veterans Day, Armistice Day (France) Randy Moyer From: Randy Moyer Sent: Monday, June 04, 2018 9:27 AM To: 'Mike Winikoff' Subject: RE: Veterans Advisory Board Agenda for 6-4-18 Attachments: From Memorial Day to Veterans Day we celebrate the birthdays of all US Military Branches.docx Mike, thank you so much for your help. Please edit this as you wish Thanks again. Randy Moyer Procurement / Contracts Manager City of Sebastain 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL 32958 (772) 388-8231 (office) (770) 315-1559 (cell) rmoyer@cityofsebastian.org From, Mike Winikoff [mailto:mwinikoff@hometownnewsol.com] Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 4:17 PM To: Randy Moyer Cc: Margarita Hernandez; socoy@bellsouth.net Subject: RE: Veterans Advisory Board Agenda for 6-4-18 Thanks Randy. Don't worry about writing it up in newspaper format, I'll take care of that. Just any info you'd like included in the article. And we can always include a "for more information' paragraph at the end, so feel free to include where we should direct people who want more info. Mike Mike Winikoff Hometown News Reporter, Indian River County mwin ikoffCa).hometownnewsol. com www.HometownNewsiRC.com From: Randy Moyer rmailto:RMover@CitvofSebastian.orgl Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 3:08 PM To: 'Mike Winikoff Cc: Margarita Hernandez; 'socoy@bellsouth.net' Subject: RE: Veterans Advisory Board Agenda for 6-4-18 Hi Mike, I am a Vietnam era veteran. I will get with the VFW and American Legion Commanders along with some of my fellow veterans and put something together. Thanks again. Thanks. Randy Moyer Procurement / Contracts Manager City of Sebastain 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL 32958 (772) 388-8231 (office) (770) 315-1559 (cell) rmover(@citvofsebastian.org From: Mike Winikoff rmailto:mwinikoffCalhometownnewsol.coml_ Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 2:13 PM To: Randy Moyer Cc: Cathy Testa; 'Andrea Coy ' Subject: RE: Veterans Advisory Board Agenda for 6-4-18 Thank you Randy. If it's possible to get some quotes from you (and/or someone else, maybe a veteran or two?), I can make it a bit more of an article. For example, quotes about why this is important, where the customs of flag etiquette come from, the history of flag etiquette customs, what proper etiquette means to veterans, that sort of thing. Anything related that you can provide and I can make this a longer article. By the way, what week would be ideal for this to run? Soon, or just before the parade? Mike Winikoff Hometown News Reporter, Indian River County mwinikoffna.hometown newsol.com www.HometownNewsiRC.com From: Randy Moyer rmailto:RMoverCalCitvofSebastian.orol Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 2:03 PM To: 'Mike Winikoff; Cathy Testa; 'Andrea Coy' Subject: RE: Veterans Advisory Board Agenda for 6-4-18 Hi Mike. I represent the City of Sebastian to The Veterans Advisory Board. Thank you for the offer. Attached is the information we are hoping to get in the Hometown News. If you have any questions please let me know. Thanks again. Randy Moyer Procurement / Contracts Manager City of Sebastain 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL 32958 (772) 388-8231 (office) (770) 315-1559 (cell) rmove rCeacitvofse bastia n.ore From: Mike Winikoff rmailto:mwinikoff(a hometownnewsol.comj Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 10:27 AM To: Cathy Testa; 'Andrea Coy' Cc, Randy Moyer Subject: RE: Veterans Advisory Board Agenda for 6-4-18 Hi. In the attached minutes from last meeting I see a mention of having an article in Hometown News, something about flag etiquette for parade watchers. I'm not sure exactly what that's about but I'm happy to do an article about whatever it is. Please have the appropriate person contact me a few weeks in advance of when you want the article and we'll get it done. Thanks, Mike Mike Winikoff Hometown News Reporter, Indian River County mwinikoff(c .hometownnewsol.com www.HometownNewslRC.com From: Cathy Testa rmailto:CTesta(a)CitvofSebastian.orciI Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 10:02 AM To: Andrea Coy ; Chuck Mechling ; Colleen Wixon; counciI(c CitvOfSebastian.ora; Damien Gilliams; Dan Duffell; Deb Carson; DeotHeads(c)citvofsebastian.ora; Don Wright; Dylan Reingold ; Ed Herlihy ; jamdway; James Clifton; Janet Begley; Jess Roland; Jessica Creagan ; Joe Scozzari ; Michael Gerrior ; Mike Goodfellow ; Mike Winikoff; Milt Thomas ; Samantha Baita; Seth Goldsmith ; Wesley; Will Collins Cc: Randy Moyer Subject: FW: Veterans Advisory Board Agenda for 6-4-18 httD://Dubl i c.ci tyofsebastion.o ra/i)dfs/ccaaenda/20180604VA S—Auenda.i)df or http://webI ink.citvofsebestion.oro/webIi nk/DocView.asox?id=150886 Cathy Testa Records Clerk City of Sebastian 1225 Main Street Sebastian, FL 32958 772-388-8209 CTesto@c i tvof se bos t ian.o ro Florida has a very broad Public Records Law (Florida Statute Title X, Chapter 119: Public Records). Most written communications to or from State and Local Officials and agencies regarding State or Local business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communications, including your email address, may therefore be subject to public disclosure. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone.or in writing. Think Green! Please do not print this e-mail unless necessary. 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