HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2018 VAB MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2018, 3:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1225 MAIN STREET, 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
Andrea Coy, Member of the Auxiliary VFW Post 10210
Neil Baumgartner, Member of the VFW
Absent
Barney Giordan, Member of the American Legion
Butch Dawson, Alternate Member of the VFW
Also Present
Randy Moyer, Procurement Manager
Margarita Hernandez, Parks and Recreation Administration Manager
Jerry Liucci, Commander of the Honor Guard
Janet Graham, Technical Writer
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION was made by Ms. Coy and SECONDED by Mr. Pacowski to approve the June
4, 2018 Minutes. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
5. OLD BUSINESS
a. Input on the relationship between VFW, American Legion and the City of
Sebastian (followup discussion).
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2
Meeting of August 6, 2018
Mr. Moyer stated he kept this item on the Agenda in case there is anything else that
needs to be discussed. If not, he will remove it. He did state that he wants this to be
more of an ongoing conversation in order to keep the lines of communication open to
all. Chairman Haskins stated that question has basically been resolved. The
Committee members agreed.
6. PUBLIC INPUT -- None.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. July 4, 2018 Parade post mortem discussion update -- the good and what
to improve on.
Mr. Moyer stated he has gotten some verbal as well as written feedback. He said there
were not too many complaints on the day of the Parade, and those complaints were
addressed by the Police Department as to where the groups were to fall in line, and that
the list that was signed off by the City Manager was a big help.
Chairman Haskins brought up the subject of the Honor Guard and the fact that some of
them are aging and may not be able to continue to march. He suggested involving the
Junior ROTC along with the Honor Guard. Ms. Coy opined that the members of the
Honor Guard who are able to march should be allowed to do so, and the Junior ROTC
should be included every year. She mentioned that the Honor Guard is involved in a lot
of events during the year, and they should be recognized for such. Mr. Jerry Liucci,
Commander of the Honor Guard, stated the Honor Guard was involved in a total of 71
events and funerals last year. Ms. Coy suggested an attempt be made to provide a
vehicle for the members of the Honor Guard to ride in who wish to do so. She
suggested that this vehicle be placed immediately behind the flags. Mr. Liucci
suggested some sort of float that they could ride on. He volunteered to work with the
Commander of the Junior ROTC in order to get them involved with carrying various
flags. A MOTION to include the Junior ROTC with the Honor Guard was made by
Chairman Haskins, SECONDED by Mr. Baumgartner, and carried unanimously by voice
vote. MOTION was then made by Ms. Coy and SECONDED by Mr. Baumgartner to
provide a space behind the marching Honor Guard for a float to cant' the members of
the Honor Guard who are not marching. Motion carried unanimously by voice vote.
Mr. Pacowski questioned where the Grand Marshal would be positioned in the lineup.
VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3
Meeting of August 6, 2018
Chairman Haskins suggested that subject be tabled until the next meeting.
b. Veterans' Day Program Discussion
Mr. Whitford is working on the program. He will set up meetings and will find out about
high school availability. He will also meet with the City to verify the date, since Veterans
Day this year falls on a Sunday. Mr. Moyer stated there have been occasions in the
past where Veterans Day fell on a Sunday, and the program was held on Sunday. Mr.
Whitford stated he will contact the person who was to be the keynote speaker on
Memorial Day and see if he will be available to speak at the Veterans Day program.
C. New Veterans Advisory Committee Matters
Chairman Haskins brought up the subject of appointment of new Committee members.
Discussion was had regarding the length that Committee members serve. Ms. Coy
read from the Ordinance creating the Committee, but it does not mention how long
Committee members serve. Mr. Moyer stated he would investigate in order to get the
answer to that question. Chairman Haskins suggested tabling this matter until the next
meeting in order to give Mr. Moyer time to investigate and get the correct information.
Mr. Pacowski stated he would like to appoint Mr. Whitford to speak on behalf of the
Legion when the Legion takes over.
8. MEMBERS' ROUNDTABLE
Mr. Moyer stated he put that item on the Agenda in order to facilitate discussion among
Committee members on ideas to present at upcoming meetings, etc.
9. TOPICS FOR OCTOBER 1, 2018 MEETING
Chairman Haskins suggested the length of Committee member appointments be
addressed.
10. ADJOURN
There being no further matters, Chairman Haskins adjourned the meeting at 3:24 p.m.
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