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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-2021 VAB MinutesVETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2021, 3:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1225 MAIN ST., SEBASTIAN FL Acting Chairman Randy Moyer called the Veterans Advisory Committee meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. 3. Present Randy Moyer, American Legion Member Neil Baumgartner, VFW Member Kim Paskiewicz, VFW Auxiliary Member Jerry Liuccl, American Legion Member Gary Spiecher, American Legion Member Not Present John Kinlen — Excused Also Present Brian Benton, Leisure Services Director Barbara Brooke -Reese, MIS Manager Janet Graham, Technical Writer Dan Acosta, Police Chief, City of Sebastian 4. Meelino Chair Makes Announcements -- None 5. Aoenda Modifications Acting Chairman Moyer announced agenda modifications as follows: Under Unfinished Business, Item A will be "Wreaths Across America — Discussion" 6. Aooroval of Minutes -- October 5, 2020 Hearing no corrections/additions from the Committee members, Acting Chairman Moyer made a Motion to approve the Minutes as presented. The Motion to approve the Minutes VETERANS DAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 2 MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 4, 2021 was seconded by Mr. Baumgartner, and the Motion was approved unanimously via voice vote. Unfinished Business A. Wreaths Across America — Discussion Mr. Liucci reviewed the event which was held on December 19, 2020. He is a member of the Sebastian Area Veterans' Honor Guard. He related on the day of the event he made a courtesy call to the Sebastian Police Department, alerting them that there would bea21-gun salute followed by Taps during the event. Later at the event, he was informed by Sebastian Police that the City of Sebastian does not permit guns to be fired within the City limits. Mr. Benton stated that the Sebastian Chief of Police, Dan Acosta, is present at this meeting and will speak on the matter that Mr. Liucci had brought up. Chief Dan Acosta identified himself, and he apologized for the miscommunication on the day In question between the Police Department and Mr. Liucci regarding the 21-gun salute. He explained that it was a newly promoted supervisor who was. told by a Sebastian Code Enforcement officer that no one can fire a firearm in the City. The supervisor informed the veterans representative of this. Chief Acosta clarified that the 21-gun salute is permitted for veterans' ceremonies, and the Police Department deeply respects the veterans and their activities and Is sorry for this mistake. Mr. Liucci staled he would still like to make courtesy calls to the police any time the veterans plan to perform a 21-gun salute. Chief Acosta stated that would be fine. Mr. Liucci stated he appreciated the apology from Chief Acosta, and that the veterans have great respect and a good relationship with the Sebastian Police. He emphasized how much he appreciates the support and help of the police in Sebastian. Mr. Moyer stated his thanks to the Police Department for all their support regarding the veterans' activities. B. Veterans' Day Event Review Mr. Moyer asked for any comments or remarks from the Committee members regarding VETERANS DAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 3 MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 4, 2021 this event. Hearing none, he moved to the next item on the agenda. C. Pearl Harbor Day Event Review Ms. Paskiewicz said it was a very nice event. 8. Public Input Ms. Andrea Coy via Zoom offered a very special thank -you to the Police Department and Chief Acosta for taking the time to come in and explain the issue that happened during the Veterans' Day event. She appreciated Chief Acosta's explanation and recognizing that it was a mistake by the Police Department. Mr. Benton advised Ms. Coy that he will make sure her comments are passed along to Chief Acosta. 9. New Business A. 2021 Schedule of Veterans' Events and Board Meeting Dates Mr. Benton asked which organization is going to handle the Memorial Day event, which is on May 3ls1. Mr. Moyer called on anyone from the public who wished to speak on this matter. Gary Shaw, Senior Vice -Commander for the VFW. He explained that he is not sure whose turn it is for Memorial Day. Mr. Moyer stated this will be followed up and worked out by the two organizations. Mr. Benton then moved on to the Fourth of July, where there will be a parade and also an event. The next event is for 9/11, which is now operated by the Sebastian Police Department. Regarding Veterans Day, he asked for information, and Mr. Moyer stated the organizations will work that out. For Pearl Harbor Day and Wreaths Across America, he will communicate with someone from the two organizations as to how those two events are going to be handled. Regarding the Four Chaplains, Mr. Benton had spoken to Mr. Larry Wapnick today, and they will meet on Thursday. Mr. Wapnick had mentioned pushing the event back to late in February because of the COVID-19 situation. Mr. Moyer offered to attend the meeting on Thursday if necessary. VETERANS DAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE PAGE 4 MINUTES OF MEETING OF JANUARY 4, 2021 Mr. Benton reviewed the meeting dales for 2021. He suggested April 5, August 2, and October 4. No one voiced any issues with those dates. 10. Staff Matters Mr. Benton thanked the City's MIS Department for their work during the Veterans Day event and the Pearl Harbor Day event. They did live stream both of those events on Facebook and on the TV channel. The public can still go back to the City's YouTube page to view those events. He said the plan is to continue to record those events and live stream them in the future. Mr. Moyer added that the MIS Department always goes above and beyond to help the veterans with their events. 11. Board or Committee Member Matters -- None 12. Items for the Next Aaenda and Date: April 5. 2021 at 3:00 o.m. Mr. Moyer stated this will be plenty of time to discuss the Memorial Day event. 13. Adiourn There being no further business, Acting Chairman Moyer adjourned the meeting at 3:24 p.m. By: `// / /� Dale: jg